After introducing herself with her dazzling initial offerings 'Creative Queen' and 'Over The Edge' earlier this year, Australian artist Holy Basil returns once again to deliver her immersive new single 'The Outside'.
Counting to explore more of that rich and shimmering alt-pop aesthetic she is quickly earning a reputation for, 'The Outside' makes for an incredibly bold and tantalising listen. With her sweeping vocals spread across a brooding production throughout, she is continuing her rise as one of the more captivating names emerging right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I first fell in love with the keyboard, I have a photo of me playing it when I was 4 years old with my Pop teaching me. I had lessons at 7 years old but fell out of love when my Nun of a teacher would smack my hands whenever I played the wrong notes. I didn’t start playing again until I was 20!
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I used to dance around the house to Baby Animals and Kate Bush (my parents had them on vinyl). Shania Twains ‘Man I feel like a woman’ was a song I’d request and sing all the time! I was OBSESSED with Avril Lavigne at 8 years old. I also really loved Britney Spears, Gwen Stefani and Black Eyed Peas.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Monkey Business - Black Eyed Peas. I still think it’s such a sick Album, it’s oddly humorous and fun but soo experimental and different from anything else trending at the time.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Hmm I think it’d have to be Life On Mars? By David Bowie. It’s a timeless classic. It’s like every line in the song is randomly thrown together yet carefully articulated. I EAT UP lyrics that are poetic and metaphorical. I think it’s so beautiful and clever to be able to tell a story in ways that spark the imagination instead of just telling it straight black and white.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I have songs and ideas that jump into my brain at the most random times. Usually I just gotta make sure I write it down when they initially land! I’ll usually give my self space to finish the songs by making myself a cup of tea and sitting down at my keyboard and the best time to write is between 11pm-3am. I’d say sharing my songs with other songwriters, is part of my ritual too. And one way or another having other peoples input helps to make the song as good as it can possibly be.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’m always revisiting David Bowie and Kate Bush they are BAE. Lately I’ve been listening to the latest Twenty One Pilots album CLANCY, a bunch of EUROVISION artists and Chappell Roan cause honestly, how could you not?
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
This is a great question.. and so hard to just choose one! I think it’d either have to be AURORA or Florence and the Machine. I’ve seen both of them live, and the crowds they draw in in just feel like my kind of people. Plus I know I’d just instantly vibe with them both.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Knowing that something that I’ve created or a certain way I’ve expressed myself has had a positive impact on someone else.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Right now, it’s definitely social media. Still trying to crack the code. But I’m sure as more songs get released and I build more momentum things will also pick up in this area.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Go with your gut. Everyone’s gonna tell you what you should and shouldn’t be doing as an artist but at the end of the day you have to do what feels right for you. I genuinely believe the best art that’s ever been created has come from people following their own instincts, rather than creating for the masses.
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Holy Basil's new single 'The Outside' is out now. Check it out in the player below.