Singer-Songwriter returns to Folktale for KRML Presents Live in the Vines.

Over the past few years, U.K. native Greg Holden’s music has been played on hit television shows, including Private Practice, Sons of Anarchy and One Tree Hill. Additionally, TIME, NPR,Paste and a slew of reputable media outlets have praised Holden’s ability as a singer-songwriter.

Holden’s “Home” first gained traction as the debut single for American Idol winner Phillip Phillips, selling over five million downloads in the U.S. alone. The tune is a celebratory slice of Mumford & Sons-esque acoustic Americana pop cradled by Dawes’ nuvo Laurel Canyon folk rock.

For Holden, all the accolades and sales pale in comparison to getting the seal of approval from one of his biggest influences, Tom Petty. The late, great singer-songwriter caught Holden’s performance from the front row at the ASCAP Pop Awards, where he snagged an award for co-writing “Home.”

“[Petty] congratulated me on my performance,” Holden says. “He told me ‘Home’ was a great song. No better compliment if you ask me. I could’ve died that night and died a happy man.”

Then there’s Holden’s Irish folk-tinged “The Lost Boy,” which is inspired by Dave Eggers’ novelWhat is the What and its protagonist, Sudanese refugee Valentina Achak Deng.

“It’s strange what songs can do, and where they can take you,” Holden explains. “I have written multiple songs after reading books or articles.”

“The Lost Boy” reached No. 1 on Dutch iTunes and subsequently raised more than $75,000 for the Red Cross. Meanwhile, in the U.S., the tune picked up over 30,000 downloads after appearing in an episode of Sons of Anarchy. It also debuted at No. 36 on Billboard’s Rock chart.

In addition to culling inspiration from reading material, Holden says, whether he likes it or not, sadness perpetually breeds new songs.

“It’s actually really difficult for me to write about anything unless it devastates me a little bit,” he says. “It explains a lot, that’s for sure.”

Holden is preparing for his fourth record, World War Me, which hits the streets March 29. “It’s been a lot of work, but I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel,” he says.

Talented local singer-songwriter Johan Sotelo opens.

GREG HOLDEN 7pm (6pm doors) Thursday, Feb. 28. The Barrel Room at Folktale Winery & Vineyards, 8940 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel. $30; $40/VIP. eventbrite.com