Words Ain't Enough for Holly Rolfe
Mustard had the pleasure of speaking with Midlands-based Holly Rolfe who recently released her newest single "Words Ain't Enough" which is out now on all streaming platforms!
Mustard had the pleasure of speaking with Midlands-based Holly Rolfe who recently released her newest single "Words Ain't Enough" which is out now on all streaming platforms! Additionally we talked about musical theatre, their dream bathroom, latest single, and so much more!
1. Mustard is grateful and appreciative to have you join them at On The Shelf. How are you doing today?
I am good thank you for asking, very busy but still going haha!
2. Mustard wonders what your relationship with music was growing up?
My mother has always been very musical, ever since she was a young girl, and when I was born/growing up she also became a music teacher. It's something I've been surrounded by my whole life.
3. They have observed that you began to develop your writing during the first lockdown. What type of songs did you write during this time?
I wrote a couple types of songs, some about love and some about feeling quite lonely during the pandemic. I didn't properly release any of these apart from two but I'm very glad I wrote them as I think I learnt a lot from them!
4. Mustard is curious how your writing has grown over time? Could you share more about your creative process?
I started writing my own songs for my music GCSE course before lockdown, they were very much tailored towards getting the grades and not necessarily because I enjoyed it. Then during lockdown I had so much time to sit and play music that I truly started writing for myself/fun. A huge part of how I write is creating an image/storyline that I want to talk about then I'll play some chords and improvise from there.
5. Who (or what) influences you?
I am greatly influenced by artists such as Mimi Webb, Belleh Mae, Lauren Spencer Smith, Lexi Jayde, Cian Durcrot
6. Mustard wonders if you are still impressed by the Premier Inn's lighting?
I don't really stay at the premier inn so I can't answer that one for you haha!
7. On November 5th, 2023 you found your dream bathroom. What set this bathroom apart from others?
Definitely built in speakers to play music!
8. In addition to being a musician you are also a student at Leeds Conservatoire. How do you balance both? Would you say they compliment each other?
I study Musical Theatre at Leeds Conservatoire, and that includes me being in every week day 9am-6-7pm sometimes later. Alongside that, tons of work too! It is an incredible course but it requires huge commitment so I don't have a lot of free time. I definitely think they compliment each other as I've met lots of students on the pop courses that I work with but I don't have as much time as I wished to work on my music.
9. The theatre department at Leeds wants to adapt your EP "Lost in the Dark" into a musical. Do you accept this offer? What changes would you make to adapt your EP for the stage?
This is a tricky question! I would accept the offer as I am always wanting to try something new but only if they would let me change some elements. For example, changing some keys,tempos and production elements to make them more updated to the sounds I am working on now.
10. As a condiment Mustard wonders: what is busking? Could you share more about your experience busking?
Busking to me is sharing your art in a public space to brighten people's days and just have some fun! I started busking when I was 14 so I've been doing it for nearly 6 years - the time has absolutely flown by! I think it's such a lovely way to create a vibrant atmosphere in the streets.
11. 2020 saw the release of your debut single "Alive." Mustard wonders if this was one of the songs you wrote during the first lockdown in 2020? How did it feel to release this song?
Yes I wrote that during the lockdown. I wrote it to express the idea that there's no way we are all going to live forever so you might as well just keep doing the things that make you happy despite what people say. During secondary school in particular, I had a lot of people make fun of me and at the time I hated it but now I wish I just ignored them and carried on as their opinions really don't matter. I am so grateful I carried on and didn't stop because they said so. It was very intimidating to release it however, I had a lot of support from new friends (as it came out just when I was moving to a different sixth form) so that was lovely.
12. Two years later you released your debut EP "Lost in The Dark." What was it like to put this project together?
I had been working on those songs for years before and I didn't even plan to release them as an EP together. It was only when I finished them all that I realised they all sound very similar and fit a specific time of my life so I was very much like yolo let's just release an EP. I don't regret that but looking back I could have planned this a lot better haha!
13. Mustard wonders if you still want to get lost in the dark?
Yes and no. That period of my life has passed, it was lovely but I've grown up from that. The metaphorical meaning of Lost In The Dark is let's just enjoy not knowing where life will take us which is why I said yes, I think it's still a way I live my life.
14. You can do this. You can do that. Mustard is curious what are some things you like to do?
I love going to the gym. I get to completely switch off, listen to some incredible music and be in my own space.
15. Mustard would like to wish you congratulations on your newest single "Words Ain't Enough." Could you share more about your latest single?
Thank you so much! I started writing it in March 2023, it was originally called 'Give Me a Reason' and sounded very different but as time went on, I got more of my friends to give me feedback - developing into Words Ain't Enough. When I started writing it, I kept on hitting a block on the lyrics as I didn't want to be too honest in case people asked too many questions about what it was about. Although, as soon as I let that go, the lyrics flowed and it really became my project.
16. If words ain't enough Mustard wonders what is?
Not just saying you'll do things and following up your words with actions...
17. A human invites their friend to see Holly Rolfe perform. What five words best describe your live performances?
Vibrant
Sweet
Heartfelt
Honest
Refreshing
18. Do you have any upcoming shows?
I do indeed. I'm playing at Headrow House in Leeds on the 25th Feb which I am very excited for!
19. Mustard is curious what Holly Rolfe has planned for 2024?
Lots and lots of new releases...
20. Where can readers listen to your music?
Pretty much everywhere: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Deezer etc.