Why Holly NuRock’s ‘Phantom Lights’ Belongs on Your 2 A.M. Playlist

Holly NuRock has arrived with a sound built for the after-hours. The Los Angeles-based artist, producer, and songwriter just dropped his new single “Phantom Lights," and it’s an intoxicating ride through electronic, dark R&B, and 80’s-inspired energy. More than just a track, it’s a mood, the kind of song that feels like a film score for neon-lit city streets at 2 a.m.

From the jump, “Phantom Lights” pulls you into its atmosphere. The production is heavy on vintage synths, dirty basslines, and a fusion of trap and ’80s drum patterns that hit like a heartbeat in the dark. It’s sleek, moody, and cinematic, yet still raw enough to keep your head nodding. The vibe recalls elements of The Weeknd’s brooding R&B, Mike Dean’s synth-driven landscapes, and Kavinsky’s retro-futuristic pulse, but Holly manages to push it somewhere fresh, somewhere unmistakably his.

This release is more than just a single; it’s a statement. For years, NuRock has been the force behind the boards, shaping sounds for artists like Lara Wilson, Kidd Conez & Stevie Stone, Sweatson Klank, and more. But “Phantom Lights” shows him stepping fully into his own artistry, taking center stage with a vision that refuses to be boxed in. With a visualizer and a vocal remix already on deck, it’s clear this is just the first glimpse of what’s coming.

What sets Holly apart is his ability to fuse worlds. He doesn’t just blend genres, he builds immersive spaces. “Phantom Lights” isn’t background noise; it’s the kind of track you put on when you want to escape, reflect, or simply lose yourself in sound. It’s moody enough to soundtrack heartbreak, but driving enough to fuel ambition. That duality, dark yet electrifying, heavy yet freeing, is what makes this release stand out.

As the founder of NuRock Entertainment, Holly has already proven he can shape culture from behind the scenes. But now, with “Phantom Lights,” he’s shifting the spotlight onto himself. And if this track is any indication, Holly NuRock isn’t just chasing a sound, he’s carving out a new lane in the electronic/R&B space.

"Phantom Lights" feels like it was written for those late-night, cinematic moments. What inspired the mood and atmosphere of the track, and what do you hope listeners feel when they hear it?

Phantom Lights came from those nights when the world feels quiet, but your mind is racing. I’ve always been inspired by the energy of driving late at night; it’s been one of my go-to escapes for as long as I can remember. I wanted to capture that feeling of being caught between reality and a dream. My hope is that when people listen, they feel transported, like they’re in their own movie, free to reflect, escape, or just vibe out in the moment.

You’ve worked behind the scenes for years as a producer and songwriter. What was the biggest challenge in stepping into the spotlight as an artist in your own right?

The biggest challenge was letting go of perfection. When you’re behind the scenes, you’re not front and center — you’re shaping other artists’ visions and helping them shine. But when you step forward as your own artist, it’s vulnerable. You’re no longer just producing or writing; you’re sharing your story and your energy directly. For me, it was about trusting that my unique sound and perspective were worth putting out there.

The track fuses dark R&B, electronic textures, and 80s-inspired synths. How do you approach blending genres without losing that signature NuRock identity?

I think it comes down to intention. I never go into a session thinking, ‘I’m going to make an R&B track’ or ‘this needs to feel 80s.’ I focus on channeling whatever emotion I’m feeling in that moment, and I spend a lot of time searching for sounds to create that emotion, and then I let the production follow that feeling. My signature comes through in the choices I make: the textures I love, a cinematic atmosphere, the way I layer melodies and rhythms. It’s like building a world where all these influences coexist but still feel authentically me and unique. As the founder of NuRock Entertainment, you’ve collaborated with a wide range of artists. How have those experiences shaped the way you crafted Phantom Lights?

Working with so many incredible artists and writers has taught me how to listen — not just to music, but to people’s stories and emotions. I’m always learning something new in a session, and I love working in a variety of genres because it really stretches me musically. When it came time to make Phantom Lights, I pulled from all of those experiences, but I also allowed myself to let go and break free from expectations. With a visualizer and remix on the way, what role do visuals and storytelling play in your vision for this single, and how do you see them elevating your sound? Visuals are a huge part of my creative process. When I make music, I see the notes as individual colors, it’s a phenomenon known as Synesthesia — and I’ve experienced this since I was a kid. With Phantom Lights, the visualizer plays into the colors I see. Expect it to be a trippy late-night ride with wild colors and vivid lights. It’s meant to be an immersive experience — where the listener isn’t just hearing the song, they’re seeing and feeling the world it exists in.”