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.
Essie’s most recent singles ‘Magnetise’ (March 2018) and ‘Better For You’ (August 2018) were both added to spot rotation on triple j, received international and national playlist support from both Spotify and Apple Music along with some of the highest acclaim from media outlets Purple Sneakers, Pilerats, Life Without Andy, Beat Magazine and many more.
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 takes to the road as main support for global pop powerhouse Nina Nesbitt (UK) around the country in her biggest run to date.
Over the summer, Essie has been writing and producing her most exciting releases to date, with brand new single ‘Give Me The Night’ becoming the spearhead to the profound and confident indie pop sound Essie Holt has in store moving forward. Explosive subtlety and heart wrenching hooks are just the start.
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
It's 3am, I'm on the DF with my bestie who's recovering from a broken heart. But it's cool, cos we've got this night and the perfect soundtrack for it.
It's 3am, I'm on the DF with my bestie who's recovering from a broken heart. But it's cool, cos we've got this night and the perfect soundtrack for it.
Review
Don't judge me but sometimes when I listen to electo songs I like to try to imagine what the project file would look like. This one is filled with layers in unexpected areas... what a great time for my imagination.
Don't judge me but sometimes when I listen to electo songs I like to try to imagine what the project file would look like. This one is filled with layers in unexpected areas... what a great time for my imagination.
Review
That build and tension in the chorus is giving me Robyn 'Body Talk Pt. 1'-era vibes. Propelling, atmospheric pop.
That build and tension in the chorus is giving me Robyn 'Body Talk Pt. 1'-era vibes. Propelling, atmospheric pop.
