10 Questions: HOLLY
Introducing Portuguese powerhouse-producer HOLLY. Yesterday he dropped Dark Skies & Holy Grails an outstanding genre-bending mixtape featuring an eclectic mix of artists, including: Uno The Activist and OG Maco, trap icon Baauer, South Korean rapper Ugly Duck, emerging Las Vegas singer Sebastian Reynoso, and newcomer RahRah. We caught with him for a select few questions…
1. Contestant, what’s your name, chosen craft and where are you based?
Hey! Thanks for having me. My name is Miguel Oliveira aka HOLLY. I make music and I’m based in my hometown, Caldas Da Rainha, in Portugal.
2. How would you describe your sound?
I would describe my sound as the feeling of running happily in a field and jumping over straw bales.
3. Who/what do you consider to be the biggest influence on your music?
So many people have influenced my music, but my biggest influences are The Prodigy, Hudson Mohawke, Quincy Jones, DJ Ride and Soundcloud.
4. What’s the proudest moment to date for you as an artist?
The moment I made my first beat.
5. Do you have any advice for our readers who maybe trying to play the mad game of music?
Focus on yourself, learn what’s different between you and the world and explore that. Do what you feel and don’t get into projects that won’t make you happy. Happiness will always let you know when you are on the right path. Ahhh and work everyday!
6. Name 3 people you would love to work with and why?
I’d love to work with Bjork because I think she would understand my weird side, Kanye West because that would make my 17 year old happy and Banksy because he’s the king.
7. What have you got planned for the not so distant future?
My plans are to release my new mixtape ‘Dark Skies & Holy Grail’ and expand it to the world as much as I can, make new music, keep being happy and working hard everyday!
8. What’s the album you’ve played more than any other?
Hmmm probably ‘The Fat of the Land’ by The Prodigy, ‘Pratica(mente)’ by Sam The Kid and ‘LIVE.LOVE.ASAP’ by ASAP Rocky.
9. What’s the best concert you’ve been to and where was it?
I got to go to so many good ones, but one of my favorites was the whole 2015 Sonar Festival in Barcelona. Watching Autechre, Arca, Evian Christ, ASAP Rocky and Flying Lotus on the same weekend was mind blowing to me back then.
10. Name three things you can’t live without?
Water, sleep and peace.
Be sure to follow HOLLY & Hard Recs for the latest releases and Dark Skies & Holy Grail is available to stream everywhere now.
Photos: Pedro Leote
