Growing up everywhere, finding beauty in the everyday, and chasing life on the road.
Hollis Howard has been making music for as long as she can remember. Inspired by her parents' record collection before finding her own voice through artists like Indigo De Souza and Wednesday, she eventually discovered a place where her emotions could live in song. We first discovered Howard through the striking video for "Proxy," and when the equally captivating "Corkscrew" arrived, we knew we had to learn more. Today, that same honesty defines everything she writes. Whether she's reflecting on growing up across the country, her love of East Coast DIY culture, or finding beauty in everyday life, Howard's perspective feels refreshingly grounded. Fresh off her first tour—including a stop at Nashville's legendary Third Man Records—we caught up to talk about the experiences that shaped her, the thrill of life on the road, and why making music that helps people feel understood is what matters most.
Hello, thanks for doing this! To start, where did you grow up, and how did that shape the person and artist you are today?
Hiiiiiiii-
I wouldn’t say I grew up anywhere. I moved basically every 5 years. I was born in Petaluma, CA, then moved to LA, then when I was 10 I moved to Connecticut, and after seventh grade I moved to Massachusetts. I’m not sure I identify with any of these places specifically but rather all, just in different ways. Most of my extended family is from North Carolina, and that to me feels the most like home if I had to pick somewhere.
Why did you move around so much?
I moved because my dad is a go-getter and a creative director in advertising, so he would go wherever the job was, and we'd follow him. He's a comedic and creative genius, which made for a pretty cool dad.
Was there a specific artist, album, or moment that made you realize you wanted to make music?
I was highly influenced by my parents' taste, which luckily is pretty spectacular. That being said, I think I knew I was gonna do music since I gained consciousness. Late high school me was very upset with being in a small, very non-creative town. Artists like Indigo De Souza and Wednesday were the first to really get me into rock and make me realize there was a place I could really put my anger into song within that genre.
What was the process that led you to writing your first song?
I was in North Carolina visiting my grandparents, and I planned to record at the guitar shop near their house. They had a tiny setup in the back of the shop, and I wrote something stupid, but it was fun for 13-year-old me.
Do you remember the first time you shared your music online? What did that moment mean to you?
I think I shared my first music on SoundCloud straight from some GarageBand beat I made. I think I DM'd every person I knew and made them repost it lol. I still use this method today.
SoundCloud was the best app in the world and honestly still maintains its epicness!!
It was extremely freeing and cool to receive feedback from people that connected with it. It was helpful to express myself in a time when I felt very alienated by my surroundings.
The video for "Corkscrew" is incredible. How did the concept come together, and what was it like working with your family on it?
TOM MULL TOM MULL TOM MULL. He is the genius. He is the one. He is how it happened. My family just happened to be in town and are my biggest supporters, so it was just natural to get them in some shots for fun. It was really special having my dad and sister see the behind the scenes of what I do and have him be proud of that.
We also love the artwork for "Corkscrew." Who created it, and what made it the right visual companion for the song?
I created it! I tried over and over drawing a corkscrew and failed. Then my neighbor drew one and I edited it to shit on my phone. I <3 Picsart.
You've worked with Tom Dull on a few videos now. Is that a creative partnership that's developed over time? We also loved "ILMF"!
It was pretty instantaneous with us. We think a lot of the same things are cool, and both grew up on the East Coast in the skate culture, which I think really, really breeds great artists.
We saw you played Third Man in Nashville recently. What was that show like, and how has touring been treating you in general?
That was my first tour, and I hope it's the first of many. Third Man was wild. Crazy looking, crazy legendary, amazing crew of people working there, sound was perfect. I owe it all to Grace, who brought me on this amazing tour. She’s a star. I’m addicted to touring and playing live with people I love. It’s so fun to be living out of a minivan with your two friends, hotel hopping, and I’m so fucking serious—it's the way I'd like to live if possible.
Is there an album on the way?
THERE IS A PROJECT ON THE WAY. I am fine-tuning my fave songs so far. Medieval and loud.
Have you had a "happened for a reason" moment recently—something that felt like a setback at the time but ultimately worked out for the best?
It seems too cliché to say a breakup, but I feel like as I get older, the more I appreciate the gifts of a relationship that wasn’t meant to be finally ending. It’s no hard feelings. I haven’t spoken to this person since, and I think that tactic is what works best for me. I think it’s best to let things end and cut them off then and there. It saves a lot of time and a lot of tears. xx
Outside of music, what's been inspiring you most lately?
Maybe beauty in mundanity, like details in everyday things. Like dahlias are so fucking mathematically perfect. I can’t believe it, and that alone is really touching to me as a life form.
"I'm addicted to touring... it's the way I'd like to live if possible."
Are there any non-music artists you'd love to collaborate with—whether in film, visual art, or another medium?
MARK BORCHARDT—director of Coven and the subject of American Movie, one of my favorite films of all time. I want him to make a music vid with me so badly. I have DM'd him countless times but still waiting on a response. IF YOU KNOW MARK PLEASE TELL HIM I'M A BIG FAN.
What's the biggest goal you have for your music at this moment?
To get through to people. I want to be an artist people feel understood by.
What's something you've seen, read, or heard recently that's stayed with you?
"You're killing God." — a coworker
In a world where so much of life happens online, what's been feeling real to you lately?
The hustle, the hustle is too real. I work at a fucking butcher. I’m tired.
How did you wind up at the butcher?
Genuinely, I just needed a job. I've been a studio manager, a stylist, a personal assistant, a nanny, a dog walker, and a grocery worker. I will do anything someone will hire me for. I love food, though, and I have no money—those two things don't go together. So my solution is to work in food so I can get a discount lol.
What's the biggest challenge you're navigating with your music right now—and what's helping you push through it?
Comparison and money. It never feels like enough. Everyone’s doing music, and it’s all fucking good. Luckily, I’m so busy trying to stay afloat, it’s hard for me to dwell on things for long. When I’m in a session I’m there and nowhere else. My time is everything to me because it’s so scarce, so weirdly that helps me focus on my music and getting things done.
Can you share one of your lyrics that sums up your state of mind right now or feels representative of who you are?
Yeah, here’s a lyric from a song that’s not out yet: "running towards the sun with your raincoat on."
I like that lyric a lot.
Bars!!
Lastly, what's your current Good Call? A musician, artist, book, film, place, or experience you'd recommend everyone check out.
Artist: BAT FOR LASHES.
Book: A VERY EASY DEATH — SIMONE DE BEAUVOIR.
Film: TITANE.
Place: MONTREAT, NORTH CAROLINA.
Experience: TRIVIA NIGHT.
Photos by Tom Mull
Follow Hollis Howard on IG at @h0llish0ward
