There is an age-old saying that life imitates art, but in the case of singer-songwriter Holly Lovelady, art imitates life. This talented artist from Liverpool finds the creative fodder for her music not in audacious fantasies but in the stirring stories and experiences of her life.
Holly’s journey into music began in the heart of her grandparent’s home. Their lyrical voices, filled with melodies of Doris Day, Frank Sinatra, and sometimes Mario Lanza, shaped Holly’s childhood. Like a privileged apprentice, Holly grew up mimicking these old crooners, her tiny voice echoing around the house. However, it wasn’t until the primary school talent show that Holly first sang for an audience other than her grandmother and grandfather. With her voice resembling Alvin from The Chipmunks, she won the show – and a large tin of sweets. From that whimsical talent show victory, Holly’s passion for music ignited.
The turning point in Holly’s musical journey was a leap of faith that led her to a small independent recording studio in Liverpool. She asked to record her spin on Chris De Burgh’s classic Christmas song “A spaceman came traveling.” The audacious move paid off, earning her accolades from Chris De Burgh himself and fostering a budding following on YouTube. It was the self-assurance derived from this experience that motivated Holly to start writing her distinctive compositions.
Fueling her creative journey was a piano secured from a local village hall for £50. It stood as an ally in her journey, with its ivories bearing witness to her highs, her lows, and her heartbreaks, all of which contributed to many of her songs. Making music with her faithful piano, Holly discovered that heartbreak had a peculiar way of enhancing her songwriting.
Holly’s mother, a steady pillar of support in her life, was instrumental in helping Holly navigate through life’s many adversities. The last five years have been a rollercoaster of emotions. Personal loss has been a painful constant. Her uncle’s sudden demise, her grandfather’s passing, and her grandmother’s battle with dementia in 2022 have certainly marked her journey, often seeping into her music.
Holly’s music assimilates elements from different genres. She weaves modern ballad songs, merging electro-pop and folk melodies to construct a haunting mix that tells a story. Notwithstanding the obstacles and the skeptics who wanted to modify her image, Holly remained true to herself. After all, authenticity is a pillar of her brand that she refuses to compromise.
Over the years, Holly has tried her hand at various artistic ventures. A standout amongst her varied endeavors was her stint at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she transformed an old play into a musical titled “TOPLESS.” It is a unique story of a tour guide with a broken heart set on a “Topless” bus. She adapted her songs, tweaking them to fit the narrative, a process that showcased her versatility and creativity.
Echoing her love for her hometown, Holly’s next song, slated for release in February 2024, is “Helvellyn,” named after a famous and yet challenging mountain in the Lake District. The mountain symbolizes the trials and tribulations that Holly has faced and overcome, reinforcing the fact that the trek to the top, albeit perilous, is ultimately rewarding.
Holly leads her life and shapes her brand on the principle of kindness. As an artist and a young woman, she understands the importance of this virtue and strives to permeate her music and life with it. Her journey emphasizes the invaluable lesson that no matter the circumstances, one should always show kindness, for we all need a little kindness from time to time.
Discover more about Holly Lovelady’s poignant music and her journey through her social media platforms on Instagram or Spotify. Find comfort in her melodies; find inspiration in her journey.
Follow Holly below;
https://www.instagram.com/hollyloveladyofficial
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7DyGXT4iVsVarMIZSXdrwX?si=1sWZqBRNTWKte1wIlh01Og
Published by: Aly Cinco
