Bio
Essie Holt is a Sydney based singer/songwriter/producer, making waves in the indie pop world with her ever growing sense of depth and authenticity.
Essie's singles ‘Magnetise’, ‘Better For You’ and 'Give Me The Night', were all added to spot rotation on triple j, as well as seeing her named Unearthed Feature Artist in 2019.
‘Wanna Stay Up With You’ is the newest offering from Essie Holt and follows her debut EP ‘Silent Wars’ which she released earlier this year. The record which explores Essie’s queer identity was well received with strong media and streaming support.
Essie has played festival slots at THIS THAT and Ice Cream Factory, and supported the likes of Tkay Maizda, Northeast Partyhouse, LEON (SWE) and Nina Nesbitt (UK).
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed feature star, Essie Holt.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I make indie/pop music that kinda feels like you’re sinking and soaring at the same time. My sound has developed pretty naturally over the last couple of years through writing A LOT and learning about production. I’ve also loved collaborating and right now I’m loving writing to a beat!
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
It’s generally from those around me! Sometimes a friend can tell me a cool story, or I’ve been through something myself. I’m jotting down lyrics constantly because my brain never switches off from that stuff.
What can punters expect from an Essie Holt live show?
Lots of light and shade. I like to bring people up and then take them straight back down! My set up is the moment is myself on vocals, and my friends Hayden and Tim on keys/guitar/drums.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
To not overthink things and just run with how I feel. This was from my wonderful producer Stef.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Ooooh! I think it would be 'Chameleon' by Pnau.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Begin Again' by Megan Washington.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Two Bodies Ft. Emma Louise' by Flight Facilities.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
I saw CXLOE at Howler. She was so great!
Tell us about the bands or people in the Melbourne music community that inspire you.
I love the Melbourne scene! Over the years I’ve really looked up to women like Courtney Barnett, Jen Cloher and Clare Bowditch. They’re super inspiring to me as humans.
What are your plans for 2019?
I’m working on a body of work which I hope to have out before the end of the year! I’ve got another single coming soon and lots of fun shows on the horizon!
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Stunning. ESSIE paints a real Schmood, all the echoes of longing, beautiful brooding, being lost in the moment. Wanting to reverse time and relive the same sweet moment on loop is a deep relatable human desire, and such a joy to listen to when executed seamlessly as it is here. "Wanna Stay Up With You" is a mastered sonic dream that lifts you up and places you in this revolving door w...
Stunning. ESSIE paints a real Schmood, all the echoes of longing, beautiful brooding, being lost in the moment. Wanting to reverse time and relive the same sweet moment on loop is a deep relatable human desire, and such a joy to listen to when executed seamlessly as it is here. "Wanna Stay Up With You" is a mastered sonic dream that lifts you up and places you in this revolving door world of transient happiness.
Review
Essie's stringing together a canon of great lowkey pop records and this is one of the sweetest yet
Essie's stringing together a canon of great lowkey pop records and this is one of the sweetest yet
Review
This sweet, simple pop is just so easy on the ears. Another great offering from Essie!
This sweet, simple pop is just so easy on the ears. Another great offering from Essie!