Things are already off to a great start for Holly Henderson. The alternative singer-songwriter and guitarist released the brilliant Britpop-inspired “Loneliness” last week, with her debut album “Monday Green” set for release on 7th June.
With Holly also set to release her new single, “Pride Can Wait”, very soon, we at CelebMix got the chance to talk to her about the meaning of “Loneliness”, as well as her upcoming album.
What inspired you to write “Loneliness”?
Not to oversimplify, but I’d been pretty lonely at the time. To clarify, I don’t resent social media, but I wanted to make the connection between our increasing need to fabricate happiness/success online, yet in light of doing this, the people around me seemed no less alone and dissatisfied with their lives, in fact sometimes, they were more so than usual. Wonderful things can come from the internet, but sheer isolation is an understated side effect. I wanted in a way that wasn’t too heavy, to make my own statement in reflection of these feelings.
Do you think that people who use social media a lot to connect with others can relate to the song’s message?
How did you come up with the concept for the “Loneliness” music video?
It was hard to try and articulate the point without being too obvious, or too serious. I wanted it to be a bit tongue in cheek. We decided more to reflect the ‘all dressed up with nowhere to go’ angle. Especially from my perspective as a woman with social media being a big part of my life, I’ve found myself doing my makeup in my room with pyjamas on, trying on different clothes but never leaving the house, working in a bun with no makeup and a shirt I’ve worn for a week, but posting a far more savoury photo online to keep up appearances. I don’t think there’s any shame in admitting when you’re lonely, bored, and totally lying to yourself, it’s part and parcel of being a human. So much of social media is about stifling that reality. I realised how ridiculous it all was and really wanted to get that across in the video.
Is “Loneliness” an indication of what your upcoming album “Monday Green” is going to sound like, or is it a mixture of different styles and sounds?
It’s definitely a mix, I was 19/20 when I wrote most of the songs on the album, so my brain was on fire with ideas but I hadn’t refined my ability to arrange them in a typically cohesive ‘album’ way. But I think that’s what makes it interesting. Listening back, I can hear my own brain working and changing as the album progresses.
What was it like working with Pete Thorn for “Monday Green”?
A learning curve, and really fun. He has a great mix of being a mentor and helped me channel ideas without snuffing them out, but also of being a friend, and pushed me further when I wasn’t sure, that sort of thing. I am quite stubborn, and I was excited about learning from someone like him, but I also thought I knew better a lot of the time, like when it came to my own limitations. He isn’t afraid to tell me something could be better, I could play that solo better, push my voice harder here, it was a good balance of being challenged, and being supported, and I really needed both.
How different does your next single sound from “Loneliness”?
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?