After spending the last few years releasing beautifully bright lo-fi offerings, Blackpool-based singer and songwriter Hollie Findlay aka HOL has now returned with her brilliant debut album 'The Chapters'.
Originally written right at the start of 2020, 'The Chapters' aims to capture the raw emotion that she felt throughout the last twelve months. Produced, written and performed by the artist herself, her initial collection sets a bold precedent and showcases her as one of the more inventive names emerging right now.
So with the new record available now, we sat down with her to find out more about her background and what has been inspiring her recently.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Definitely the guitar, I remember watching people who could play and wishing I’d be able to do the same.
What kind of music did you love as a teenager?
I’m still a teenager, but over the span of time since i was 13 my music preferences have changed a lot from pop to indie and post-punk.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I owned was actually last Christmas when i got the Clairo ‘Immunity’ vinyl.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Heroin Song by Jadu Heart. Every time the chorus comes in for that song it hits different.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
As far as habits go, I do like it to be dark and to be alone when writing and producing music.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Wallows, and more recently Kali Uchis.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
It would have to be girl in red, Wallows or Clairo, though i’d be more excited to perform than the crowd could even be to watch the main show.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Hearing people’s reactions to your music. Seeing people you know support something that matters to you.
And what is the most frustrating part?
It’s always difficult to know if you’re going to be able to stand out amongst so many other artists in the industry, and the uncertainty can be frustrating at times.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
I think most people will tell you this when you’re a musician but it’s to ‘enjoy the performance’. It might seem simple and obvious but sometimes I can get caught up in the planning and the wanting of it to look perfect that I’ll forget what the most important part is, and the reason I want to be a musician in the first place.
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HOL's debut album 'The Chapters' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it via the player below.