Popcast 2hollis + His Drummer Dad, Interviewed Together! On Fame, Family & Quitting the Internet
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Jan 9, 2026 In a heartwarming exchange, Tu Hollis, a 22-year-old rage-pop sensation, shares the spotlight with his father, John Herndon, drummer for the iconic band Tortoise. They dive into the complexities of family life and the vibrant musical upbringing that shaped Tu’s career. The duo explores the impacts of fame, discussing Tu's retreat from the internet for mental clarity and their experiences with viral moments. They also tackle the topic of nepotism, emphasizing Tu's independent journey while cherishing their organic fan culture.
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Early Musical Seeded Play
- John Herndon recalls swaddling Hollis and putting drumsticks in his hands as a baby, imagining him at a drum kit.
- He treated Hollis's musical upbringing as playful early exposure that seeded a future career.
Cross-Genre Roots Of Post-Rock
- John Herndon connects Tortoise’s post‑rock experiments to sample-based hip-hop, dub, and drum-and-bass influences.
- He framed the band's work as an attempt to incorporate disparate techniques into a rock ensemble.
From Joke Track To Real Commitment
- Tu Hollis describes making beats in middle school and jokingly releasing a song called “Girl Scout” that got positive feedback.
- That early validation pushed him from hobbyist beatmaker to taking vocals and pursuing music more seriously.
