Hollie Smith

Hollie Smith is one of New Zealand's most popular female musicians. Hollie is a songwriter, singer, arranger, and producer. She has toured internationally with her music and has worked with other artists including Fat Freddy's Drop, Trinity Roots, and Recloose. Hollie has won many awards for her music including several number 1 hits.

Where do you come from?

I grew up in Auckland and moved to Wellington when I was 20 for 5-6 years. I have one of 'those' families... you know the ones with Mum, Dad, step mum, step dad, sister, half brother, step brother and two step sisters.... yep.

Who are some of the people who influenced you?

All sorts really - political figures, musicians, friends, and family. Billie Holiday, Bob Dylan, Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, the list can go on....

What are some of your major achievements to date?

Being able to overcome the battles that have presented themselves in my life... some of which were very hard ones. But I feel happy that I have been able to be sucessful in a way that has allowed me to travel to some awesome places.

What do you like to do when you're not singing?

I love fishing... swimming... beach! I play hockey and I paint. I spend a lot of time seeing friends.

What are your goals in the short term and long term and what are your dreams?

Short term at the moment, to keep my head above water! Long term... I plan to move overseas next year.

What key things helped you succeed in singing?

I never had a 'plan B' and I didn't listen to anyone who said I needed one 'to fall back on'

What sorts of things do you do on a typical day?

Get up, go for a run followed by a swim in the ocean, then do about 5 hours or so business in the office, then swivel my chair round to my keyboards and guitars, where it becomes my studio and try to attempt some music. I may or may not fit a painting in. If its summer and I'm lucky I may sway a friend to take me fishing.

What kind of training do you do to improve your singing?

Not enough!!!! I am very lazy, gigs keep me going but I need to do A LOT more.

What are some of the major challenges you have faced and overcome?

Music even with its positives still has its negatives and they can affect you in personal and professional ways... these lines are often blurred too so there has been all sorts of issues and you have to find a way to deal with it, im doing ok so far but have a long way to go!

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