Tell us about:

The latest single you have released:

The latest single that I released was called SUN PLAYING TRICKS. It was picked up by Rolling Stone France which said, “delivers a performance of great beauty.” We were over the moon about that. 

I also just released my first original EP entitled CHEMICAL LOVE that has a new song on it called IT’S CHEMICAL which is an homage to 70s disco. 

Your first single and how you felt when it was released:

My first original single that I released is called NEW HIGH. It felt awesome to have it out there finally. I had worked on it for a long time before I started working with Grammy nominated producer Ethan Allen. When I met him everything started to click. Ethan redid the track from top to bottom and I got to sing on a wicked vintage vocal chain in his studio in Silverlake, California. Ethan has incredible vintage gear and knows how to use it! He is also just a truly gifted musician and producer. It is such a blessing and honor every time that I work with him in the studio.

Your favourite song that you have created that is an album track:

I really love the remix of NEW HIGH by Lux Mundi that is on my EP CHEMICAL LOVE. There is something truly special about collaborating with other producers on a finished song that you created and having them rework it to put on their creative stamp. I love listening to that track and the two producers who make up Lux Mundi, Derek de Lang and Keith Larsen did this Drum and Bass remix of NEW HIGH that is truly phenomenal. You have to check it out. I can’t wait to hear it live!

The song that was the longest to write and why?

PLAY TO LOSE was written many moons ago when I was approached by a couple of producer/songwriters to work with them on some material. We were pitching these songs to other artists to record. Unfortunately, PLAY TO LOSE didn’t get picked up at that time and now I am very grateful that it didn’t because I got to be the one to release it. 

When I started working with Ethan Allen, I played the demo for him and he felt like there was something to the song. We took the time to redo it and I just love how the track came out. I think it turned out to be a well-crafted piece and we are very proud of it. 

Your most emotional track:

I did a cover of MORE THAN THIS by Roxy Music that is on my EP- CHEMICAL LOVE. The song means a lot to me. Roxy Music (in particular the album AVALON) helped me get through a very difficult loss in my life when I was going through a lot of grief. Our version of that song is really a love letter to Roxy Music and Bryan Ferry. It’s to thank them for who they are as artists and what they do for all of us who are listening.

The best lyric you have ever written:

I am partial to this verse (below) in Sun Playing Tricks which was inspired by the writings of William Blake. Ethan has a book of Blake in his studio and I picked it up and the inspiration for the lyrics were in there.

Verse two from SUN PLAYING TRICKS- 

Wounds of love as arrows may pierce my side

But I will keep riding on until I heal my pride

Tears of the Angel King I see 

The devil’s trick possessing me

The Pink moon now will guide my sight

And no more will I pray for night

Like all things begin and end

The sun will set and souls will mend

Find the cure for my despair and   

Sing into the desert air 

One of the themes of the song is about finding your way out of a lost love. Embracing the knowing that as sure as the sun rises and sets, you will find a way to heal from your pain. 

Describe the feeling you get when you walk on stage to do a show:

I am usually nervous before I go on stage, especially if it’s a new work or something I haven’t done before. When I was doing the run of the Off-Broadway musical that I created and starred in  (FOREVER DUSTY – The Dusty Springfield Musical) I had played the part so much on stage that by the 100^th performance, it became almost automatic. I love that feeling! 

I don’t love getting that super nervous feeling in your stomach before going on stage with a new work. Since I am an experienced performer who has studied her craft, I know what to expect when you have those nerves. You just have to get out there and live in them on stage. About a minute or two later, they usually disappear. Until you go up on your line or forget a lyric, then your heart usually skips a beat. The only cure for when that happens is to be super prepared so you can continue on and the audience is none the wiser.

Honestly, I love being on stage and I feel at home there. I have studied my craft for many years and worked with some of the best teachers. Sometimes, it is just about showing up, getting out of your own way and having confidence in who you are and what you can do up there.

The hardest track to play live:

Honestly, since I haven’t played all these songs live in front of an audience yet, I don’t know. I have my suspicions on which will be the hardest to play live, only time will tell.

Essential items you always take on tour with you?

I haven’t been on a tour with my original music yet. I hope very soon! I have travelled as a performer and I always take way too much!

My essential items are:

A humidifier for my voice- it’s key. Incense. My kindle to read. My computer and guitar. A way to create and make music. Crystals, candles and a prayer book. I’m like that 

My contacts and glasses because I am legally blind. Ample clean underwear, comfortable shoes and clothes. Costume stage pieces that are versatile but rock. A good water bottle. 

My own little comfy neck pillow. Sunglasses, several hats and a good coat. 

Describe your fans in three words:

Loyal, loving and badass!

A song by another artist or band you wish you had written:

There are several:

MORE THAN THIS by Roxy Music, 

THE BEAUTIFUL ONES by Prince

SPELLBOUND by Siouxsie and The Banshees 

and GOLD DUST WOMAN by Stevie Nicks

What we can look forward to from your band in 2023:

My first full length album and lots more live shows! Sign up on my mailing list at www.kikiholli.com for all the updates. I am getting my Bandcamp together finally and you can support me there as well! Thank you!!