Holly Macve: Momentum
Activity: The Momentum funding will allow Holly to put the finishing touches on her debut album by providing remuneration for guest musicians, plus additional instrumentation such as violins, double bass and lap steel recorded with additional studio time. This will go towards the studio time, engineering, production and mixing. In addition, the award will be apportioned for building a live band (plus tour manager / sound) for her upcoming high profile UK festival dates this summer, and much needed supplementation of instruments used in live performances.
Being granted the Momentum Music Fund will enable me to do so much: starting with getting to finish my album! Then to be able to go out and tour with musicians and really put together an exciting live performance is wonderful. I have always wanted to have a flexible band rather than just being a lone voice on stage, as the music I write can often suit wider instrumentation and the venues I play keep getting bigger. I have an excellent team of people in place, and this will allow me to move forward to the best of my abilities. I am grateful for the award and want to make sure I do everything to justify the faith shown in me. Thanks, Holly x
Biog:
Holly Macve is a 20 year old singer songwriter based in Brighton, where Bella Union label boss Simon Raymonde came across her at an open mic show in 2015. He states, “I had a tip-off to go to a basement bar where she was playing. In a room full of beery boys chatting across all the music beforehand, the minute Holly opened her mouth the room fell silent. Hers is a rare gift.”
Artists ranging from John Grant to Benjamin Clementine have invited her on tour within moments of hearing a single bedroom demo, with Holly playing London’s Eventim Apollo and the L’Olympia Paris as a result. As for the inevitable musical influences question, Holly shares, “I was brought up listening to a lot of old blues, country and Jazz music such as Big Bill Broonzy, Elvis, Johnny Cash and Billie Holiday. Also a lot of Irish folk (my mum plays Irish fiddle music and that sound always makes me feel at home)… Bob Dylan has always been seen as a God in our household too. I discovered Leonard Cohen when I was in my teens and fell in love with the poetry and melancholic feel to his music. He is definitely a big influence. Another influence would be Gillian Welch, in particular her album Time (The Revelator).” She is putting the finishing touches to her debut album set for release on Bella Union in 2016.
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