Holly Hunta has just put out her debut single 'Used to'. Having previously featured on Queensland electronic producer Clovr's hypnotic single 'Skin', Holly is now flying solo putting the music together in her home studio with more singles to come soon. Tomatrax caught up with Holly to talk about her music.
What inspired you to become a musician?
I've always had a musical ear and have been writing songs for as long as I can remember so I knew I wanted to pursue music. However, a key moment for me was when I saw Ed Sheeran live in concert - it was the first time I'd ever seen a loop pedal in use, and I instantly went out and bought my own. I decided that combining technology with musical composition and performance was the direction I wanted to head in.
When did you write your first song?
Well, the first song I ever wrote was in my backyard on my recorder when I was 6 years old, much to my neighbours' delight I'm sure. But I really got into writing songs at 15 when I developed my piano skills and was able to accompany my vocals. It was amazing to be able to finally harness the creative energy I couldn't express properly prior.
You've just put out your debut single, how does it feel to have it out?
It's been both a relieving and exciting time! I worked really hard but there was still a lot of uncertainty in the build up to releasing the single, as there always is in the music industry. Overall I'm really happy with how everything has turned out, and I'm so glad I can finally show my community what I've been working on.
What made you pick 'Used to' as your first single?
As I mentioned, I'd previously written lots of songs by accompanying myself with piano, but 'Used To' is the first track I ever wrote and produced using Ableton. I valued and chose the track because I see it as the result of how hard I worked to develop the skill of producing within the last year, and it's pretty cool to listen back to something that I ended up being able to make by myself.
You recorded the track in your home studio, what inspired you to use a home studio?
As I'm sure a lot of musicians in the industry know, music technology is expensive, and I wanted to be able to be self-reliant in every way possible. Setting up a home studio meant I'd have a work-space that was free for me to use whenever I wanted, for now and for future endeavours. Plus I ended up really liking the quality of sound it gave!
You previously sang on Clovr's single 'Skin', how does putting out your own single compare with being a guest vocalist?
It's a completely different process actually! Being a vocalist on Clovr's track was awesome and such a cool opportunity. However, releasing something I've made in its entirety is kind of scary - it definitely feels like you're wearing your heart on your sleeve and bearing your creative soul for everyone to see!
When writing what comes first the words or the music?
The music comes first for me, so I usually produce the song and then mumble a melody over the top, then turn that melody into lyrics. However, before I start the song I always have a particular subject matter I aim to portray.
Do you ever listen to your own music?
Hardly ever, only when I have to! I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so I listen to the track too much before its release, and then once it's out I don't really listen to it again because I end up just picking at things I could've done differently.
What music do you listen to?
I like a good mix of pop, electronica, and funk, and love artists like Broods and the Kite String Tangle. At the moment I'm really inspired by US electronic artist Banks and how she communicates strong emotional messages through darker, synth-filled music.
What do you have planned in 2018?
I have more singles to release next year, as well as some exciting live shows! And the new year will of course bring lots and lots of song writing and recording.
