She’s toured with Scottish superstar Lewis Capaldi, clocked up praise from international media like NY Times, Clash Magazine, NME and Billboard, and she’s amassed over 5 million streams with just two singles. The world is watching Holly Humberstone.
The singer-songwriter from Grantham in the UK is putting the final touches on her debut EP, which she’s been working on at the rustic country house that she grew up in with producer Rob Milton (Easy Life). Taking a break to help you get to know her a little better, Holly Humberstone tells us how she’d describe her music t her granny, the heart-wrenching stories behind her two singles, the best advice she’s ever received, and much, much more.
How did your artist name come about?
My artist name is Holly Humberstone which is just my normal name!
How would you describe your music to your grandma?
I’d describe it as dark, wonky pop!
Tell us about a few of your tracks; their titles and what they’re about?
My debut track ‘Deep End’ was written about one of my sisters who was going through a bit of a tricky time and struggling a bit with mental health. The opening line ‘throw me in the Deep End, I’m ready now to swim’ kind of says to her that I want to help even if it might be a bit of a struggle.
The song is my way of telling her I’m always going to be there for her even if i may not always understand what she’s going through.
‘Falling Asleep At The Wheel’ was written about a relationship kind of losing momentum but not being ready to or wanting to give up on someone. The funny thing is I’ve actually failed my driving test twice and can’t even drive but the image is cool!
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Check out the clip for ‘Falling Asleep At The Wheel’ below:
What do you love about your hometown?
I think my hometown Grantham was actually voted the most boring town in the UK one year, but I still love it because I’ve grown up here and I think it’s quite characterful.
I actually live just out of town in the countryside in a really old house that’s kind of falling apart. I have a big family so it’s a pretty large house but it’s getting quite unmanageable and needs some serious work or it’ll probably fall apart pretty soon!
I love it because I’ve lived here all my life and although it’s a bit weird it’s definitely shaped me!
Career highlight so far?
I think my career highlight so far was touring with Lewis Capaldi around Europe in February of this year. We were on a low budget so my manager and I inter railed the whole thing and were able to see loads of Europe and have a bit of an adventure. Obviously performing to huge crowds was pretty cool too and a huge learning curve for me.
Fave non-music hobby?
I’m not sure if it’s a proper hobby but spending time with friends and family is so so important for me and is my all time favourite thing to do. I think going out and gathering experiences with them really benefit my writing and keeps me happy and focused!
What’s on your dream rider?
A few packets of Percy Pigs from M&S, some veggie sushi, some packets of quavers and some Pepsi Max.
Check out the clip for ‘Deep End’ below:
Dream music collaboration?
Probably Bon Iver or Frank Ocean.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully in 10 years I’ll still be making music I love and releasing it. Other than that I really have no idea where I’ll be or what I’ll be doing!
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Brush your teeth twice a day.
What’s one obsession you have that no one would guess after listening to your music?
I’m obsessed with cartoons ! If I’m trying to relax then I love stuff that transports me somewhere else and that I don’t have to concentrate very hard on. At the moment my fave our ‘Bob’s Burgers’ and Avatar: The Last Airbender.
