We had a chat with HOL about her thoughtful, shoegazy new single ‘Lipstick Muse’ and journey as an artist
Over the last few years, HOL and her thoughtful sound have grown up together, with the artist gaining an increasing level of maturity and nuance within her sound and style that has made for increasingly rousing and memorable moments as she has continued to release new music.
The latest release from the artist is ‘Lipstick Muse’, a shoegazy, 80s-esque single that has a carefree edge sonically while continuing to showcase the immersive appeal and charm of the artist’s engrossing songwriting and relatability. The track explores the feeling of not being able to get someone out of your head, and the emotive nature of her delivery and thoughtful nature of the sound makes for a listening experience that feels cathartic and rousing, highlighting her ever-increasing strength as an artist. We love the new release, and had a chat with HOL to find out some more about it and her journey so far.
Who TF is HOL?
I’m a singer, songwriter and producer making music mainly from my bedroom. I’m studying at BIMM college Brighton in my final year of a songwriting degree. I was born in Greece and grew up on the island of Kefalonia before moving to the UK aged 16.
How long have you been making music?
I’ve been singing since as long as I can remember, but wrote my first song at 14, at first I’d just write about films and books as I hadn’t yet experienced heartbreak or love myself.
Why do you make music?
I make music because it’s an emotional outlet for me. I always feel better putting out my emotions into my songs.
What are your biggest influences?
Lyrically, Taylor Swift has to be my biggest idol. The way she writes music is second to none, and that’s reflected with how successful she’s become too.
What would you say has been your best moment so far?
A gig I played headlining ‘Night & Day’ in Manchester. The venue was packed, and it was the last opportunity I’d have to perform properly before I moved to Brighton so it felt special in that aspect too.
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
I’d describe it as a ‘wall of sound’. A lot of my influences come from shoegaze bands like Cocteau Twins. Gritty guitars and plenty of layers.
What’s your dream “I’ve made it” moment?
Playing alongside an artist who’s inspired me since I was young. To be able to get a chance to perform with one of my childhood fave artists would mean more to me than anything
We love your new single ‘Lipstick Muse’, what more can you tell us about it?
‘Lipstick Muse’ has been a song that I’ve had in the works for a while. I first wrote it as I was coming to a lot of realisations in my life about a relationship that had ended and left me feeling quite upset. In the lyrics I sort of come to terms with the fact that some relationships just aren’t meant to be, and that’s okay.
What else do you have planned for the near future?
In the near future I plan on working on my sound and who I want to be as an artist. I’ve been getting into more mellow music recently, and want to incorporate a lot of different musical aspects to my songs that I haven’t previously.
