Taking over the world with a hashtag

What brought you to Bristol?

I’ve lived here since I was 8! We moved because of my Dad’s job but I’m so glad we did; Bristol is definitely up there as one of my favourite cities in the UK, I love how quirky it is! I feel lucky to be a part of the music scene here now.

How important has BBC Introducing been for you?

I’ve been working at my music career for 5 years now, and only in the last year have I been lucky enough to work with these guys. They’ve provided me with some really great opportunities, for example going on a songwriting residential weekend, as well as performing on BBC Points West! They do it purely for their love of music, and there isn’t a lot of that going round these days! Can’t wait to carry on working with them.

Where did you film your video for ‘Don’t Know Me’? 

I’ve never been asked this before! However I could chat about it for ages haha… I actually filmed it in Leeds! I’ve been at university there the past 3 years, and that video has really put a stamp on my time there for me. We used a few different locations inside and outside the city centre as well as my third year student house! This place was a bit of a dump, believe me! However it was quite an open planned house with very plain walls & furniture so it was almost like a blank canvas which worked really nicely in between all the busy shots! 

You’ve got some hashtag Holmey merch – what’s all that about then?

Well, I like to pretend I’m funny sometimes. I’d never had T-shirts printed before, so was looking for some inspiration on what design to get. A long time ago I was asking for ideas on a group name for people that follow my music, and someone suggested ‘Holmey’ which I thought was downright genius. Then, a year or two later, when hashtags are taking over the world, someone suggested a simple #HOLMEY for the T-shirts and I thought it would be hilarious… Hmmm.

Did you ever consider a stage name?

Never! I’ve always quite liked my name, which is lucky I guess, and I was always going for that personal feel with my music and the way I put myself out there. If I had a good think I could probably come up with some for a laugh but let’s not go there.

You’ve covered an Ellie Goulding song, is she an inspiration for you?

I’ve covered lots of her songs over the past five years since I started putting stuff on YouTube. The original Ellie stuff, like ‘Starry Eyed’, ‘Guns & Horses’ & ‘Your Biggest Mistake’. I think I’ve hidden all those old videos now, you know how awful it is watching yourself from that long ago! But yeah, back then she was a huge inspiration. More recently I haven’t been into her songs like I used to be, however I did a cover of her newer track ‘Goodness Gracious’ when I fancied giving it a crack on the electric guitar. Thought it would be a lot of fun, and it definitely was! 

Where to you hope to be this time next year?

2015 is my first fresh year as a full time musician and I plan on tackling it good ’n’ proper! I almost want 2016 to be a surprise and not think about where exactly I want to be. All I know is that I’ll be moving forwards as best I can, because no matter now long it takes I’m not giving up. As long as I’m playing my songs to people who wanna hear them I’m happy!

See Natalie Holmes play live at The Louisiana on February 6 as part of The Flux presents latest offering with Jack Cookson and Aaron Douglas. More information at: www.facebook.com/events/430106287140988/