INTERVIEW: HOLT drops new single “The Storm”

HOLT is a London-based artist and sonic architect, stitching intricate melodies and electronic beats into her unique compositions. With a musical journey that began at a young age, mastering an array of instruments and drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences, HOLT has crafted a distinct sound that’s entirely her own.

First making an entrance as HOLT in 2017, she released the debut single “Man of Glass” and has since shared an impressive catalogue of music including multiple well-received singles and records that showcase her unique blend of layered vocals, cinematic soundscapes and infectious beats. Now with a new album on the horizon, she shares the lead single from the upcoming LP with “The Storm.”

“The Storm” covers themes of chaos and catharsis, exploring the turbulent journey of navigating unwelcome feelings and thoughts that threaten to overwhelm. From the delicate piano tones that open the track to the pulsing beat that drives the rhythm forward, HOLT crafts a sonic landscape that mirrors the internal turmoil of the storm within.

With her smooth vocal leads gliding effortlessly over the danceable groove, HOLT invites listeners to join her on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. The infectious energy of the music is matched by the captivating visuals of the accompanying music video, which offers a kaleidoscopic blend of abstract imagery and playful dance shots.

Throughout “The Storm,” HOLT showcases her skill as both a songwriter and a performer, blending elements of electronic pop with her own unique artistic vision. The result is a stunning dance pop listening experience that glows long after the music has ended.

With “The Storm” serving as a superb preview of her upcoming album, listeners can expect to be swept away by the hypnotic sounds of HOLT for years to come. We caught up with HOLT to find out more about her musical journey so far, her new single “The Storm” and what she’s got lined u for the future. Check out our interview with HOLT below.

Hey HOLT, how’s things?

I’m very good thanks! Particularly now that some new music is making its way out after a good few years of work.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

When I was about 7, I thought I’d made up a very special song on the piano. Excitedly, I played it to my dad, who nodded and then diplomatically put on a Stevie Wonder record – I’d subconsciously and accidentally plagiarised ‘As’. I was gutted. Remembering that feeling of wonderment that music could be created (by me!), made me carry on playing though – and then my own music started to reveal itself. My favourite feeling in the world is “oh I have something here”….nothing quite like it.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

It’s difficult to narrow it down to 3 – my inspiration net is cast pretty wide from obscure artists to film scores to classical to contemporary.

Choosing a few, I would say that Bjork’s constant evolution, both musically and visually, over such a long period is staggering She is so clever with sound palettes and song structures – – an artist in every possible sense. Similarly, Thom Yorke has made some of the most incredible music in his various guises spanning such a long period of time – always inventing, always evolving. He’s done some very special collaborations some of my other favourite artists (PJ Harvey, Unkle, Burial, Mark Pritchard).

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

Creating some space and some silence is really important for me to allow musical ideas to seed and bloom. Some days I’ll be teasing out an idea just in my head, tuning out of all other music and sounds – in time it will resolve and the idea will reveal itself, fully formed. There’s a space between wake and sleep called Hypnagogia where creative ideas – musically and visually – just flow in. I love tapping into that.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

I’ve always had a strong sense of my musical identity and what my sound is. The new album is a deviation from my norm, going down a much more dance, banger route. A firm step outside of my comfort zone, I initially had a few wobbles – before realising that the discomfort was a sign that I was onto a good thing – those wobbles needed embracing! The new album feels like a very natural, but exciting evolution in my sound and musical identity.

Has your writing and production process changed much over the years?

Looking back, it’s changed loads actually. I have learned to be patient and gentle with the writing and creative process. Even if no ideas are presenting themselves, I continue sitting at the piano/Ableton just plugging away – under the surface, ideas will be forming. It is often in the last 5 minutes of a writing session that something special will appear, which likely wouldn’t have happened without the hours put in beforehand.

I use Ableton for production and find it so intuitive in supporting a creative flow, rather than impeding it. I have also spent many, many hours experimenting with the extraordinary sounds in Omnisphere (I sent inventor Eric Persing a thank you message a while ago and staggeringly he sent a reply of thanks back).

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Kieran Hebden has creativity oozing out of his every pore. He’s a brilliant producer and a brilliant artist – combined, he’s dynamite. Watching footage of his collaborations with Steve Reid, it’s striking how experimental and playful he is – the chemistry between those two is infectious (Steve’s laugh!). But Kieran has also collaborated with so many artists (William Tyler, Thom Yorke Burial, Fred Again) – I bet he fosters the most fun and fertile creative environment – yep, that would be a dream to experience.

How did you find making your new single “The Storm”? What message did you want to get across with this release?

I loved the whole process. I initially wrote the song quite a bit slower with just me and the piano. It had a melancholy and a pleading to it – upping the pace, adding a gutsy bass and some solid 90s inspired beats transformed it into such a confident romper of a track.

Lyrically, the track plays with the idea of unwelcome feelings and thoughts overshadowing the day before it’s had a chance to get going, creating this inescapable internal storm. There’s a vulnerability there, but the vocals have a directness and confidence to them which makes the track feel defiant rather than defeated. So I guess that’s the message – to confidently defy!

This is the lead single from your upcoming album – is there anything you can tell us about this at this stage?

The album has been two years in the making, it’s a massive step up for me in every possible sense and I’m very very chuffed with how it’s turned out. The album explores themes of transition and personal evolution – from emotional upheaval to my own profound journey into motherhood. The project has been a bit of a sanctuary for me, and I’m hoping it will be the same for others. Also – more bangers.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

To stop, to be transported, to tune out of everything else – even if just for a moment.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

When I was waaaaay too young to be going (seriously way too young!), me and my little mates somehow convinced our parents that it would be absolutely fine and risk-free for us to go to Knebworth – primarily to see Oasis but there were so many other great artists playing that day. 125,000 people! It’s no exaggeration to say that seeing Prodigy live was life altering – the sheer energetic force and ghoulish charisma of Keith Flint…..my goodness me what an experience. I also don’t think my internal organs recovered from the bass of Chemical Brothers (in a good way).

At the other end of the spectrum, Nils Frahm at the Barbican in 2018 – the audience was so utterly mesmerised you could have heard a pin drop. Magical.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Excellent question….. I think it would have to be Ibiza, in a glorious secret cave near the sea.

Headliners – Queen (with Freddie), Prodigy (with Keith) – and then maybe a mashup of Kate Bush and Radiohead.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

On the one hand, you’ve got to put the work in. Keep writing, keep learning – just keep going! But on the other hand, be patient, let the ideas and your sound evolve organically and unfold at its own pace. Maintaining that balance is tricky but critical. This sounds trite, but also try to enjoy every stage of the process rather than focussing on just the end result or goal.

Finally, album aside, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2024?

Ahhhhh 2024, the year all this new music comes out! I have a big bunch of singles that I’ll be releasing over the course of the year followed by the album, so I’ll be doing a full immersion into music, artwork, press etc. 2024 is going to be a good one.

Watch the music video for The Storm below