HOLLY WILSON
When we first heard Holly Wilson, we knew there was something special. That's why we're itching to hear her play at our upcoming Christmas Evo event on 16th December at Glasgow's Roxy 171. We thought we'd ask Holly what makes her tick, and here's what she had to say...
So Holly, in the immortal lines of Cilla Black, what's your name and where do you come from!
My name is Holly Wilson and I am a singer-songwriter from Scotland. I started playing Cornet in Primary school and have played a variety of instruments since. Flute, Guitar, Marimba and Piano. I've always written songs but it wasn't until my first year at University until i started playing live. My first gig was at The Bay Horse in Manchester. I enjoy playing music live but I much prefer playing with my band. Being able to bounce musical ideas off each other and sharing our inspirations.
I grew up with my two brothers and have them to thank for my music taste. I think girls are tempted by pop music a lot easier than boys are. On family holidays to Arran my dad would play Van Morrison and the Good Morning Vietnam soundtrack. It was this kind of music that inspired me to write. I also am a huge fan of Aretha Franklin, Etta James, Charlie Parker, The White Stripes, Paolo Nutini, Eddi Reader, Queen, Michael Jackson, Foo Fighters, The Twang, Daughter and so many others. It's important for me as an artist to listen to a variety of music genres. By exposing yourself to many different styles I think you can get a real sense of what music you want to play.
You mention different styles of music, is there anything in particular that you've been into in the past or grabs you right now?
I was part of my school choirs and was often treated to the Ballet by mother when I was younger. I love Tchaikovsky, Mozart and Beethoven. The youngest of my two brothers was very much into rap music so I'm partial to a bit of 50 cent and Kendrick Lamar also. Since being at University I've been heavily exposed to the dance music scene spending many a Tuesday night at Glasgow's Subclub.
So what's your thoughts about fame, fortune and all that jazz?
I've had the opportunity to play at venues such as St Giles Cathedral, The Tinderbox Project and Electric Circus in Edinburgh. I'm not really concerned with 'making it big', if it happens it happens but at the moment I'm just enjoying the ride. Music will be a part of my life regardless.
Given you have all these influences, how would you describe the music you write?
My music can be described as acoustic, I find picking a genre very difficult so for the moment thats what I'm sticking with. I've recently been on a study abroad trip to Kentucky and have enjoyed taking some time to work on my writing. I think that writing is as much of an art as creating the melody itself. Music comes naturally to me but creating insightful worthwhile lyrics is something that is challenging for me. I'm definitely no Robert Burns but you've got to start somewhere.
And just jumping back slightly, you mentioned that you had a band?
The band is made up of my friend Louis Cuthbert who I lived with in 1st year at University. Jake Gillespie, a friend I met through our subclub outings and his friend Hamish Gordon. We got together early 2013 and have only played a few gigs together under my name. However that mightbe changing relatively soon. I can't say too much at the moment but we will be playing together again in 2014. Finding our feet at the moment!
Thanks again to Holly for taking the time to talk to us. If you're in Glasgow on 16th December, catch her live at the Christmas Evo event at Roxy 171. If you can't make it along, check out her tracks on Soundcloud and remember to follow her on Facebook.
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