Get to know Essie Holt, who once again shines on dreamy new single Better For You

Melbourne-based artist Essie Holt is someone we've covered a couple of times in the past, but figured we were well overdue to get to know her properly now she's released another stellar single in Better For You. Glistening with shimmery synths, a soaring vocal and gentle percussion, it continues a string of sophisticated indie-pop sounds for the exciting young act.

She's in the midst of working on her debut EP due early next year, but until then you'll get plenty of chances to see her live supporting LANKS on his current national tour, before a couple of her own launch shows next month - check it all out below:

Tell us about yourself?

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Hi! I’m Jess and I make music under the name Essie Holt. I’ve lived in Melbourne my whole life and really love it here. I’ve been making music for around eight years now, but this project is fairly new and combines my love of pop music and feelings. I’ve got a dog named Leonardo and he’s my favourite thing in the whole world.

What kinda tunes we talkin’?

I guess at the core they’re pretty poppy, and sometimes dabble ever so slightly into dance music. I love storytelling, so there’s definitely still that singer/songwriter element in there, with loads of fun synths and lush swirly sounds.

What are your production and writing processes like?

I write mostly on guitar and piano by myself. However since meeting my producer Mark (Zitto AKA Fractures), I absolutely love collaborating and letting a production bed drive the writing. It’s amazing the difference in my writing style when my ears are opened to new and fresh sounds. It’s been a really fun process for me!

Can you tell us about your new single, Better For You?

I wrote it after a fairly heavy time where I had hurt someone pretty badly. I started writing it around a year ago and Mark and I went through quite a few production ideas before reaching how it is today. So glad we persisted cos I love every single layer that has gone into it (and there’s a lot)!

Any shows coming up?

I’m touring with LANKS in August! We’re playing 10 shows up the East Coast and I’m super excited for it. I’m also doing two of my own headline shows in Melbourne and Sydney in September to launch Better For You. I absolutely can’t wait.

What’s the rest of the year have in store for you?

After the shows, I’m gonna take some time towards the end of the year to finish the EP. It’s getting pretty close, but I want to really make sure every song is the absolute best it can be.

Where can we find more of your music?

Spotify and Apple Music are where it’s at! You’ll find my three singles on both platforms.

TOUR DATES:

Fri 10 Aug - Kingscliff Tavern, Kingscliff w/ LANKS

Sat 11 - Sol Bar, Maroochydore w/ LANKS

Thu 16 Aug - Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle w/ LANKS

Fri 17 Aug - The Landsdowne, Sydney w/ LANKS (SOLD OUT)

Sat 18 Aug - Uni Bar, Wollongong w/ LANKS

Sun 19 Aug - Transit Bar, Canberra w/ LANKS

Thu 23 Aug - Sooki Lounge, Belgrave w/ LANKS

Sat 25 Aug - Northcote Social Club, Melbourne w/ LANKS (SOLD OUT)

Sun 26 Aug - Northcote Social Club, Melbourne w/ LANKS