Bio
Essie Holt is the dynamic pop savant exploding out of Melbourne, making waves with her ever growing sense of depth and authenticity, bringing a new light and sometimes darkness to the genre.
In May 2019, Essie’s single ‘Give Me The Night’ exploded out of the gates, perfectly combining indie and alternative pop to make listeners feel like they are soaring and sinking at the same time. She was named triple j unearthed Feature Artist and added to spot rotation after receiving overwhelming support on Spotify and Apple, reaching over 500,000 streams in just a few weeks from release.
Since April 2018, Essie has worked tirelessly making waves along the East Coast and sharing stages with the likes of GLADES, Northeast Party House, LANKS and Elderbrook (UK). In May 2019, she took to the road as main support for global pop powerhouse Nina Nesbitt (UK) around the country in her biggest run to date. This Summer she takes on some of the country’s hottest festival spots.
Between tours Essie Holt has been writing and producing her most exciting releases to date, with her effortless crossover hooks becoming the spearhead to her confident indie pop sound. Essie Holt’s new single ‘Last One’ digs even deeper into the unique groove in the pop landscape that Essie has built. A melancholy yet upbeat indie pop anthem.
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!
View Profile Hide InterviewUnearthed in 2018
Review
loving the approach to production we've been hearing over Essie's last coupla releases. great songwriting and execution.
loving the approach to production we've been hearing over Essie's last coupla releases. great songwriting and execution.
Review
it's got poise but also yearns deeply. i love hearing essie tread lightly around the heart.
it's got poise but also yearns deeply. i love hearing essie tread lightly around the heart.
Review
Essie capturing sparkly captivating gold once again. Lots to love in this. Those clever vocal cuts and that piano is a true highlight for me. You've found your sound and it sound so gooooooood.
Essie capturing sparkly captivating gold once again. Lots to love in this. Those clever vocal cuts and that piano is a true highlight for me. You've found your sound and it sound so gooooooood.
