INTERVIEW: Holly Lovelady releases new single “Sleep”

Holly Lovelady is a talented singer-songwriter from Liverpool who continues to delight audiences with her latest single, “Sleep.” Known for her unique blend of folk ballads and electronic pop, she’s been making waves in the music scene with her haunting melodies and meaningful lyricism. Drawing inspiration from iconic artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Kate Bush, Doris Day and Joan Baez, Holly Lovelady brings a refreshing touch of nostalgia to her music while infusing it with a modern twist.

Co-produced with Bob Mackenzie at the renowned Motor Museum Studios and mixed and mastered by Grammy award-winning engineer Cameron Craig, “Sleep” showcases Lovelady’s exceptional vocal and melodic prowess right from the start. The track builds gradually, with Lovelady’s enchanting voice intertwining with arrangement to create a dreamlike atmosphere. The addition of drum machines and subtly swirling synths adds an otherworldly touch to the song, transporting listeners to a captivating sonic landscape.

With its infectious and catchy pop-infused sound, “Sleep” is bound to resonate with fans of artists like Florence and the Machine and MARINA. The artist delves into the complexities of falling for someone you don’t fully know, exploring the uncertainty and fear that can arise in such situations. Through her empowering chorus and the poignant lyrics “dream of in my sleep,” Lovelady effortlessly captures the essence of power-pop, appealing to both the commercial space and her own unique sound world.

In “Sleep,” Lovelady’s vocals soar over glistening instrumental tones, drawing listeners into a world of sonic beauty. As the beat softly snaps, the song gradually builds in energy, immersing the audience in intricate sonic textures. The chorus bursts forth with delicate guitar tones and piano chords, perfectly complementing Lovelady’s layered vocals. It’s a moment that lingers in the mind, leaving a lasting impression and cementing “Sleep” as a standout track in Lovelady’s growing discography.

The track serves as a testament to her artistic evolution and showcases her ability to craft infectious and memorable pop songs. With each release, Lovelady demonstrates her talent for storytelling and her knack for creating music that resonates deeply with listeners. Holly Lovelady has come a long way in a short period of time, and “Sleep” serves as shining example of her talent and potential.

With its instantly catchy indie pop sound and timeless appeal, the track showcases Lovelady’s ability to create music which is both accessible and artistically rich. As Lovelady continues to evolve as an artist, it’s evident that she’s poised for an exceptional year ahead. “Sleep” is just a glimpse of what this talented singer-songwriter has in store, and we can’t wait to see where her musical journey takes her next.

We caught up with Holly to find out more about her musical journey so far, her new single “Sleep” and what she’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Holly Lovelady below.

Hey Holly, how’s things?

Things are fab thank you!

Which artist first made a lasting impression on you?

I think Fleetwood Mac and Kate Bush! I was hooked with Dreams and big love from Fleetwood mac from being about 6. Wuthering heights from Kate bush blew my mind.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

Probably singing my own versions of nursery rhymes hahaha!

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from today?

I honestly don’t know! I draw more inspiration from hearing stories.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

Talking to people! Talking to Friends, family, even people I don’t know that I’ve just bumped into. People are inspiring and the stories they tell sometimes spark something in me.

What do you love about the Liverpool music scene?

I love how bonkers it is! It’s class and so friendly! Everyone is so unique! That and the fact its music history is incredible.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

Just before you go to sleep bang on some Holly Lovelady and I promise you’ll sleep better! Haha….. so I’m told!

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

My voice has matured and I know the direction I want to take my sound. A good few years ago I didn’t know myself as an artist fully but now it’s very clear to me who I am and what my music is all about.

How did you find making your new single ‘Sleep’?

The writing process was quite easy mostly because I was inspired by an old friend. Recording is always a blast because you can just muck about with all kinds of sounds until you find something that hooks and sticks.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

Listen to your dreams. I think we sometimes have hidden messages from ourselves when we sleep but when we wake sometimes we forget.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

Lana Del Rey actually! I go through stages of listening to her music. Really loving “Cherry” right now!

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

I hope I’m stuck in their head all day hahaha! In a nice way of course! I’d just love to be someone’s favourite artist :joy:

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

My gig at Smock Alley in Dublin! It was my first official tour in Ireland and smock was my first location. It felt surreal! The Irish are fab!

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

The festival would be in my back garden and I’d have Frank Sinatra, Christine and the queens and the Abba. Imagine the scenes! Haha!

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

Believe in yourself, take everything one step at a time and avoid any negativity!

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2023?

It’s a busy year! I’m at the Edinburgh fringe festival this August performing in One Woman Musical TOPLESS set and performing on an actual open top double decker bus!

Then In September I start filming a feature film called “The Secret Folk Dancer” produced by Nick Barton. I play a cool skater girl called Luna.

Then a film I shot over a year ago called “The Freaks of Fancy” premieres later this summer / autumn. That’s a 1920s Gothic horror set in the LakeDistrict, directed by Elliot James Léon.

It’s all a bit mad but good haha!

Listen to Sleep below