The London singer mixes reggae, pop and classical references in her new release and prepares a new global stage.
From London, Holly Cook She has developed a style that she herself defines as tropical pop, a sound universe that fuses reggae, dub, soul and pop-retro. In this conversation with Indie Rocks! He talks about his eclectic inspirations, the new single and album that are coming, his creative process as a band, the challenge of putting together a repertoire with so many years of experience and the desire to get closer to the Latin American public, specifically Mexico.
Indie Rocks!: I want to start by talking about your inspirations. What do you listen to on a daily basis? What inspires you when composing?
Hollie Cook: It changes a lot, today for example I have been listening to dub this afternoon; in the morning, some rock, like Wolf Alice. They're not necessarily my direct sources of inspiration, they're just music that interests me. I also listen a lot to Mariah Careyand that plays. But as for real inspiration, it varies: reggae-artists like Marcia Griffiths, Carol Thompson, Louisa Marks; other things like Minnie Riperton, Sade, Portishead, Diana Ross, The Supremes, The Crystals…a lot of things.
Indie Rocks!: When I listen to your music I perceive that mix of genres—reggae, rock, pop—and it seems very contemporary to me. How do you see it?
Hollie Cook: Yes, I try. Because my music is essentially reggae, and it's very easy to stay within that genre, those parameters. But yeah, I always try to push the limits a little bit.
Indie Rocks!: In your career you have had the opportunity to collaborate with important artists. What have those experiences meant to you?
Hollie Cook: It's crazy, really. It's hard for me not to be too amazed by other artists, they intimidate me sometimes. But at the same time I remember that we are all on the same level, it is a matter of mutual support. Work with Ian Brown It was amazing. And I'm surprised that people I admire want to work with me.
Indie Rocks!: Let's talk about your new music: you are releasing a single, a video, and soon an album. What has the context of creating this material been like?
Hollie Cook: It was a very introspective experience with my band — we have been playing with the British band for 10 years General Roots. For the last five years we have been writing together and it has become like a family, a safe space for me. It was the first time we recorded while we were writing: the band played, I started singing ideas… Melodies that later became “Night Night” either “Shy Girl”. So yes, it has been something very natural, instinctive. I think it's the most honest music I've created so far.
Indie Rocks!: And how will you translate it live? Do you already have the band ready for these new songs?
Hollie Cook: Yes, we rehearse for the first time next week, I have a show in London. I love playing new songs live. The idea is to do it as we did in the studio. We hope everything works perfectly.
Indie Rocks!: With so many records and songs accumulated, how do you put together a setlist that includes the new and the classic?
Hollie Cook: It is a luxury to have so much material to choose from. Honestly, I didn't think about it too much: I decided on a set of songs, I wished I could play more, but at this stage I'd rather not complicate it. I feel proud of the work, of having this amount of material.
Indie Rocks!: Do you have plans to come to America or Mexico with the new album?
Hollie Cook: Yes — plans are underway. I would like to come to Mexico at the end of this year, but it didn't happen. As soon as possible will be my plan. Mexican fans could write to the promoters, haha. The full album comes out on October 10. I'm very excited!
Indie Rocks!: For someone who doesn't know you yet, what song do you recommend to start with?
Hollie Cook: The new single “Shy Girl”. It's track one on the album and it's my favorite so far.
Indie Rocks!: And finally, how would you describe your project in just three words?
Hollie Cook: Calm – gentle – happy
Indie Rocks!: Thank you very much for your time.
Hollie Cook: Thanks to you, and I hope to see you soon in Mexico!
