Musician and paranormal researcher Jay Hollis talks with ghostly islands about bringing ghost stories to life The companion of the SpiritA frightening atmospheric album inspired by classical supernatural stories
Music and the supernatural have always shared a mysterious band, and for musician, writer and paranormal researcher Jay Hollis, that connection has had a life of his own.
His debut album, The Ghost’s Companion, performed under the name Millionth Chance, is a spooky tribute to a youth book that was his love for ghost stories.
In a recent interview with Spooky Isles PodcastJay delves into the creepy origin of his album, his experiences as a paranormal researcher and his deep fascination for the unknown.
Jay Hollis and the companion of the Spirit
Every ghost story lover has that one book that lingers in mind long after childhood, and for Jay it was the companion of the Spirit, an anthology of horrifying stories edited by Peter Hains. The collection was first published in the 1970s via the Puffin Book Club and introduced young readers in Classic Ghost Stories by MR James, Algernon Blackwood, O. Henry and others.
“It had such a profound effect on me,” Jay recalled. “I started reading it when I was about ten, and it made me a lifelong fan of ghost stories.”
Inspired by the book, Jay originally went looking for just one song, The Boy Who Drew Cats, based on a story in the collection. But one song soon changed to four, and before he knew it, he had a whole album of spectral stories.
Like many artists, Jay found Troost in music during the COVID-19 Lockdown. “I would just record at the weekend. I was visiting old songs again and writing new ones,” he explained. What started as an EP quickly grew into an album with a full length when he continued to put together songs, inspired by the ghost stories that had fascinated him for decades.
One of the striking tracks, made of smoke, was loosely based on the smoke ghost of Fritz Leiber. Instead of a direct retelling, however, Jay again devised the story as a commentary on climate change. This ability to combine classic horror themes with contemporary issues adds a unique depth to the album.
Given his background in paranormal research, one might wonder if Jay came across something supernatural while creating the companion of the Spirit. Surprisingly, he said no – at least not while writing or recording. His experience as a researcher, however, has given him a deep respect for the unknown.
“The reality of ghost hunt is very different from what you see on TV,” he noticed. “Usually it’s just in a dark room, waiting for something that happens.”
His skeptical but open-minded approach to the paranormal reflects his approach to Music-Hij is looking for authenticity, either in spooky encounters or in writing songs. He is especially wary of modern ghost hunt gadgets such as Spirit Boxes and, instead, prefers traditional research methods, depending on observation and careful notes.
Jay has also written beyond the album Haunted EnfieldAn exploration of the supernatural history of his hometown. He continues to investigate and write about chases, including an upcoming book about paranormal activity in London Borough or Barnet.
His dedication to the paranormal and his passion for music have combined to create a really unique listening experience with the companion of the Spirit. Whether you are a fan of creepy folklore, spooky ballads or just enjoy music with a dark twist, the album by Jay Hollis offers a beautiful spooky journey.
Where to listen to the companion of the Spirit
The Ghost’s Companion is available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Tidal and Amazon Music. For those who prefer something tangible, Jay also offers CDs via his Bandcamp page. Although vinyl is not yet available, it is something that he hopes to produce in the future.
So if you are looking for music that sends a shiver over your back, search no further than the companion of the Spirit – an album where folklore, spooky legends and melody connect to each other to create something real alien.
You can listen Spooky Isles’ Podcast Interview with Jay Hollis here or below on YouTube!
View the interview with Jay Hollis on Spooky Isles
So what do you think? Have you experienced something strange? Let us know in the comments below!
