Artist Interview: Hollie Gautiér
Hollie Gautiér is an artist making waves with her unique blend of pop and electronic music. From a background of classical piano and songwriting to her emergence in the vibrant London electronic scene, Hollie has created a sound that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Her lyrical depth and undeniable hooks have captivated audiences, and with a new single, "Need Your Love," and an upcoming EP and headline show, she's ready to share her most confident work yet. Today, we'll dive into her creative process, her journey from the countryside to the city, and what's next for this rising star.
Tori: Your music is a fascinating blend of electronic genres with modern pop. Can you elaborate on how you navigate this unique sonic space and what draws you to these seemingly different styles?
Hollie: I trust my intuition when making music and try not to box myself in. I’ve been writing songs for over 20 years, mostly on piano, and I’ve always listened to a wide mix of genres so blending different styles feels really natural to me. The electronic world gives me space to be experimental while staying connected to that emotional core.
Tori: You cite a diverse range of artists as inspiration, from Jorja Smith and Amy Winehouse to SHY FX and Chase & Status. How do these artists individually influence your songwriting and production?
Hollie: Jorja’s honesty and versatility really resonates with me, and she also comes from a quiet town so I feel like I can really relate to her. I have a plaque of ‘Back To Black’ in my flat and I am obsessed with how undeniably herself Amy was and continues to be through her music. Her rawness and authenticity taught me not to be afraid of being vulnerable. I saw SHY FX live when I first moved to London and he opened my ears to how emotional and powerful electronic music could be. He was my first introduction to drum and bass music. I got into Chase & Status at a similar time and their stage presence is insane! They are proof that you can stay true to your sound and still evolve. I'd love to work with them one day.
Tori: Your lyrics are described as meaningful, and your hooks as catchy. What is your songwriting process like, and how do you strike that balance between depth and accessibility?
Hollie: It usually starts with a melody or a feeling. I hum whatever’s on my mind and shape the lyrics from there. I always think about the listener—what do I want them to feel when they listen to the song? That helps me find the balance between depth and something the audience can connect with easily.
Tori: You recently performed at Vibe Chemistry's album launch to a crowd of 800 people. How was that experience, and how does performing your music live shape your connection with your audience?
Hollie: It was incredible! I absolutely love performing and it’s something I want to focus way more on next year. Seeing how people react in real time brings the songs to life in a new way and it’s so nice meeting people in the crowd after.
Tori: You mentioned that your love for electronic music blossomed after moving to London from the countryside. Can you tell us more about that transition and how the London electronic music scene impacted your sound?
Hollie: It was a big shift! Suddenly I was surrounded by so much new energy and music. I started going to small electronic nights and hearing sounds that felt emotional in a completely different way and that started blending into how I write and make music now.
Tori: Your quote highlights a desire to combine the nostalgic feeling of playing piano and songwriting from a young age with your current passion for electronic dance music. How do you weave these two seemingly different musical worlds together in your tracks?
Hollie: It’s pretty subconscious at this point honestly. I’ve been writing songs for about 20 years now, so starting with a piano or humming a raw idea has always been how I start creating. Once that’s there, I bring in electronic textures with producers to give it a new kind of energy. It’s still the same songwriting, just dressed up in a different way.
Tori: Congratulations on the upcoming EP and headline show! What can fans expect from this new project in terms of sound and themes?
Hollie: Thank you! I’m still making the EP so I’m still figuring it out but so far this project feels like my most confident body of work—it’s emotional at the core but sonically bolder, with heavier production. The themes explore connection, distance, and wanting to be understood. It’s personal but built for the live space too.
Tori: Your new single, "Need Your Love," is described as a powerful introduction to this next chapter. What inspired this particular track, and what message do you hope listeners take away from it?
Hollie: I wrote it during a time I felt lost and overwhelmed. I just wanted someone to sit with me in that, rather than trying to fix it. The song’s about accepting those moments and finding strength in them.
Tori: You mentioned that the lyrics of "Need Your Love" are universal and open to interpretation. Could you share a bit more about the personal experiences or feelings that fueled the songwriting process for this track?
Hollie: It came from a need to feel seen and understood. I was frustrated that even those closest to me didn’t quite get how I felt. That emotional disconnect really fuelled the song.
Tori: You used the ocean as a metaphor in the music video for "Need Your Love." Can you explain the connection you see between the vastness and complexity of the ocean and the feelings you explore in the song?
Hollie: The ocean makes me emotional, it’s so vast. It feels like anything is possible, but also completely overwhelming. That duality mirrors how I felt when I wrote the song: hopeful and unsure all at once.
Tori: With a "stack of unreleased tracks ready to be put out," what are your aspirations for the near future? What milestones are you aiming for as an artist in the dance music scene?
Hollie: I’d love to support a tour, sell out my headline show with the EP, and play Glastonbury’s Lonely Hearts stage. An international show would be amazing too. Right now, I’m focused on releasing more music and growing my fanbase going into 2026.
Tori: The announcement mentions building excitement ahead of summer 2026. What can fans expect in the lead-up to the EP release in terms of singles and other content?
Hollie: I’m keeping a few surprises up my sleeve, but every release is a step deeper into the world I’m building. It’s all tied to self-discovery, and that’s the heart of the project.
Tori: The electronic dance/rave scene is known for its energy and community. What aspects of this scene resonate most with you as an artist and a fan?
Hollie: It’s such a collaborative and welcoming space. If you’re a nice person and serious about your craft, good things come. And as a fan, nothing beats the feeling of being totally lost in music at a rave, that energy is infectious and it’s what makes me want to keep performing.
Tori: Who are some other up-and-coming artists in the electronic music scene that you are currently excited about?
Hollie: Cameron Hayes, Frey, JAZZA, INDI, and vi0let are all doing really exciting things right now.
Tori: Looking ahead, how do you envision your sound evolving, and what are your long-term goals as a musician?
Hollie: I see it getting more refined but still rooted in honesty. Long-term, I want to be a globally recognised artist who brings people together. I want to make music that feels real, continues to push genre boundaries and leaves a mark on popular music culture.
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