Hollie Col Forgot to Love You Interview

Sydney-based multi-disciplinary artist Hollie Col has unveiled the latest clip for her brand-new single, 'Forgot To Love You' out now via Believe; an infectious hybrid of charming melody and anthemic guitar-infused pop. Produced by Xavier Dunn (Jack River, CXLOE, Gretta Ray), 'Forgot To Love You' is the first instalment from her forthcoming EP which is set for release early 2022.

The track explores the romanticism of being single in your 20's, failure to fully commit, and the Gen-Z dread that hits hard when you realise you've ruined a relationship.

Hollie explains the inspiration behind the track, "I remember I went into the studio with the phrase 'I forgot to love you' in my notes, I knew I wanted to write about that. Being in a relationship when you're young and entering your twenties can be extremely difficult because you are presented with this glamorous narrative of flings and one-night stands, and you have to reckon with 'missing out' on that. This song is about struggling with that idea."

The clip, which was directed, produced, and edited by Hollie, is a visual feast for the eyes, set in front of a vibrant picnic backdrop and featuring all the fun and games ofa70's-inspired "eat your heart out" break-up party. Known for her emotive, narrative-based, and slickly produced film clips, Hollie has amassed 93k+ followers and over 10 million views on Youtube.

Col says of the clip: "I knew from the start that I wanted this video to be set in the 1970's. I think there is a really sunshiney, playful feel to the song and to our recollection of 'summer in the seventies' and so stylistically, I was sold on pairing them together. I wanted to create this backyard, summer party that looked like so much fun you just wanted to be a part of it. I love how when you watch people laughing, it makes you laugh, and I wanted to do that with this video. It was particularly exciting and special to film because every person in the video is my friend. I didn't want actors, I wanted people who I've known for most of my life genuinely hanging out and having fun. I'm so grateful for them and I think it's really cool that we have this moment in our twenties bookmarked forever. I can't wait for people to see this video, because it is subtly easing them into a project that is absolutely the most ambitious, I've taken on."

Her previous singles 'She Knows' & 'Let Yourself Down' have garnered praise from triple j, unearthed, Pilerats and The Music, whilst collecting over 6 million streams on Spotify.

Hollie's boldness to keep pushing her art forward, and ambition to create makes her one of the most exciting artists coming out of Australia. 'Forgot to Love You' is the exciting first offering of what is set to be Col's most ambitious year to date.

Interview with Hollie Col

Question: How would you describe your music?

Hollie Col: I would describe it as a kind of guitar infused-pop, but always built from a singer-songwriter perspective. I love memorable lyrics and catchy counter-melodies!


Question: What inspired Forgot To Love You?

Hollie Col: Forgot To Love you was inspired by ruining a relationship in my early twenties and realising in hindsight it wasn't the greatest idea. It's about being one foot in and one foot out of a relationship and getting caught up in the narrative of being single and reckless.


Question: Can you tell us about the music video?

Hollie Col: The music video was super fun to film. Everyone you see at that 70's summer party is my friend in real life. I really felt like to capture the right feel, I needed everyone to ACTUALLY know each other, and be comfortable and having a great time. We won't talk about the ridiculous heat though, that's something I'd rather forget (hello heatstroke).


Question: Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music?

Hollie Col: From my music in general, I hope they can find themselves in the lyrics. I hope it's something they can put on and feel seen and heard and celebrated.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Hollie Col: Performing live is definitely more of a rush, so I would have to say that. The studio can be super fun in those moments when you feel like you're chasing a great idea, but in other moments it can be draining and tedious!


Question: Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

Hollie Col: The exciting thing is I'm yet to perform my new songs, and I'm so excited about that first run of shows with the new set. But at the moment I would have to say 'Unholy' because it's a super fun sing-a-long with the audience or 'Passenger Seat' because we break down the bridge and really go wild instrumentally.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?
Hollie Col: Currently, I'm loving folklore, evermore, and SOUR (to give you the most generic yt girl answers you could give lol).


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Hollie Col: I don't think I was really inspired to go into the industry, I think music has always just been a huge part of who I am since I was really young, so it felt like something that I was always going to do. In terms of songwriting though, Taylor Swift was definitely who I looked up to in my early teens!


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Hollie Col: I would have to say Taylor Swift or Arctic Monkeys.


Question: Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the music industry?

Hollie Col: I don't think I had any idea what I was getting into when I was first entering the music industry. It's definitely different to what I anticipated, I think I had a really naive perspective. There's a lot of noise and a lot of people will have differing opinions, which is why I think it's important to just put your head down, TRY not to get caught up in it, and be proud of the work you're putting out.


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist

Hollie Col: My favourite part has been seeing how universal music is. I am so humbled and grateful every time someone messages me about a song that has helped them get through something, or made them feel comfortable with who they are, or has just made them dance. There's something beautiful about connection through music and that would have to be my favourite part.

Question: What's a typical day like?

Hollie Col: A typical day right now is quite boring for me. I'm currently in lockdown, so I can't get up to too much. So my days are spent editing music videos, and writing the next ones. I'm definitely grateful I have more time to do that. But I would love to be touring right now for sure.


Question: What's next, for you?

Hollie Col: Lots of new music!! I've got so many exciting things happening this year, and I cannot wait to show you. Definitely lots of music and lots of music videos!


Question: Can you share your socials?

Hollie Col: Instagram 
YouTube 
Twitter 


Interview by Gwen van Montfort