Formerly of the indie-pop duo Chillingworth, Brisbane artist Holly Maddison (you can call her H) has decided to venture down the solo path with the release of the new single 'Tattoo'.
Unashamedly influenced by the global world of pop music (Taylor Swift, LANY, Vera Blue), H is drawn to creating music rich in melody, marinating life feels to produce songs that reach deep into your soul.'Tattoo' is a prime example, it's dreamy, lush pop-electro landscape melding to H's ethereal vocals – it's a spirit song for anyone dealing with a romantic break-up to escape inside, to dismiss their former lover and embrace the next stage of their life.
"Tell me all your feels, show all your people, and let's celebrate this new chapter together!" beams H.
With a three-song EP to follow in December, H is taking the first steps in what promises to be a successful journey – here, she gives a few insights into her music making as well as a few fun questions that highlight her personality.
Who is Holly Maddison... I feel like we'll be discovering this together! Generally, I'm a happy-go-lucky little chai loving soul. I love my family, my friends, gluten-free donuts, and am a bit of a nerd.
Musically, I've been songwriting for as long as I can remember and love a good melody. I've previously been in the band Chillingworth with my husband Will, but have taken a little leap and am now going solo. Watch this space.
I sound like... Unashamedly, Taylor Swift has inspired a great deal of my music. I've also been heavily influenced by LANY, joan, Maisie Peters and Vera Blue.
My first gig was... A Chillingworth gig at Black Bear Lodge in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. I'll claim this as a Holly Maddison gig as I actually performed an acoustic version of 'Tattoo' there.
When did you settle on the artistic moniker, and was it a unanimous decision... I guess a few months ago?
I always knew that I wanted to use my name if I ever went solo, and as the previous endeavour was 'Chillingworth' (our last name) I wanted to keep this venture clearly separate, so went for my middle name which is Maddison.
In the studio I usually... Write and lay down vocals. I'm the kind of person that works well under pressure, so I get this buzz when writing in the studio as things are being recorded. Will is a killer producer, so I love working with him and bringing a track to life together in the studio.
If I could tour with anyone... LANY. Hands down. I vibe their music so much, and they look like they have the most fun on tour.
Social media is... One of the reasons why I've gone solo.
Will and I found it real hard to do social media as a duo – we were never in the same place when we were in the headspace to do photos or covers, and it felt a bit awkward and disjointed when looking at our socials through a fan's eyes. Going solo streamlines things a lot and I feel like I can have more control over aesthetic vision.
My favourite app at the moment is... My uni app, haha. We're deep in assessment season at the moment.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... I think life gets to a point where you just learn to embrace the embarrassment, haha.
Despite my love for people, I can be pretty socially awkward. So often I do the classic 'says something and instantly wish I hadn't but don't know how to fix it now so just awkwardly move on' bit.
Life on the road can be... I mean it seems exciting and fun and exhausting all at the same time. I'm here for it.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that the rider contains... I'm easy. Give me a bottle of water and some tea and we're good.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... I mean in hindsight I probably should have been scared. I was on an island off Vancouver and this random old guy offered to drive my friend and I to a beach, and I totally jumped at the chance.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be spokesperson of the band... Osher Gunsberg. He just knows how to hit you in the feels.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? New York. There's always been something about New York that gets me, and when I went there on a uni trip in 2019 I fell in love.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... My friends. Also my co-producer Jackson Barclay, because we still haven't met in person. We've been zooming it up this past year.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? A thai curry.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? Lover for sure.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Gluten-free donuts.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... Last week.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Washing. I literally forget to hang it out every single time.
Do you have any phobias... I mean I don't love swimming in open ocean. On a holiday a few years ago we went snorkelling around a shipwreck and the swim across the channel to the wreck was terrifying. I swam so fast, haha.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? I'd really rather not. Knowing my awkward disposition I'd for sure say something I'd regret.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? Our housemate is a next-level prank enthusiast. It'd be her (if you're reading this Alanna, watch out).
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? Charlie's Fruit Market. Open 24 hours and has food I can actually eat.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? Belle from 'Beauty And The Beast'? Loves a good sing, loves a good read and tries to see the best in others.
Last show you binge-watched? 'Gilmore Girls'. I believe this is my sixth time watching it through, and I doubt it will be the last.
