Set to embark on a 15-date national headline tour next month, today Holy Holy release their third studio album My Own Pool of Lightvia Wonderlick Recordings. To celebrate, the band has shared the spellbinding live video for new single Maybe You Know. Next week, the pair will also appear at Red Eye Records Sydney (Monday 5 August) and Rockinghorse Brisbane (Tuesday 6 August) to sign copies of the new LP and perform a selection of songs in duo-mode.
Album opener Maybe You Know is a song about the effects of depression;
“…maybe you know, but you’re loved by everyone. Or maybe you don’t and you feel like you’re alone…”
Wrapped in an uptempo bass-driven groove, the song speaks to the power of isolation, but also to the enduring power of our connection with loved ones. Directed by Josh Dawson at Bakehouse Studios in Melbourne, the live video features guest vocalist Ali Barter and consummately captures the magnetic synergy Holy Holy are lauded for.
Featuring lead singles Teach Me About Dying and Faces, My Own Pool of Light is an undiluted representation of Holy Holy’s vision, from the songwriting to the recording process and, ultimately, their decision to self-produce. It’s an album that finds guitarist Oscar Dawson and vocalist Timothy Carroll incorporating new sounds and fresh ideas. In the process they redefine exactly what kind of band they are without sacrificing the key elements – soaring melodies, lush instrumental textures, the beguiling mix of jubilance and melancholy, Carroll’s affecting lyrics – that have made them one of Australia’s most popular acts.
“We always want to make music that’s exciting and interesting, and that makes you feel something, and takes risks,” says Carroll. “This is the album we wanted to make.”
We caught up with Tim Carrol from Holy Holy to chat all things music.
Where in the world are you based?
I live in Tasmania now. I have been living down here for the past five years and I really like it. It's a strange and interesting place and I love it here. I was born and raised in Brisbane so its a big change.
How long have you been playing music?
I started playing guitar and writing songs in high school. I was about 15 so it's been 20 years. I have released 4 albums and 2 eps in that time and played countless shows. I never thought it would become such a big part of my life though. I'm glad it has.
Did you study?
I completed a bachelor of Social Work after high school. I worked in Homelessness support and refugees settlement few years before I moved into working exclusively in music.
Would you say you have a particular style or genre of music that defines you?
I guess Holy Holy is now an alternative rock band? Although that's such a boring term. We try and write pop songs but we tend to end up with these weird melancholic epics.
Who are are your biggest musical influences?
For this album, it was artists like Future Islands, Phoenix with moments of things like Justin Timpberlake and Solange. There's always a bit of Radiohead lurking around too, we all love them, but if anything we often are trying to not sound too much like Radiohead.
What are you listening to at the moment?
I've been enjoying the new Aldous Harding record - Designer. Genesis Owusu is a great new artist from Australia. The new The National Record and the accompanying short film is amazing.
Best gig you you've been to lately?
I saw Nick Cave in Hobart a while back. Just him and a grand piano. Half the time talking and taking questions from the audience, telling stories and giving his thoughts on various topics and half playing songs form his catalogue solo on the piano. It was really powerful and memorable.
Who are some other people in music you think are killing it at the moment?
Alice Ivy is great and writes some bangers. I think Sam from the Jungle Giants has really found his vibe on the last two records and he's making some amazing songs at the moment.
What's your favourite venue to play?
It's hard to top the Sydney Opera House. It's an absolutely magical space and it feels amazing being in that building.
Where do you go out to party?
I mainly party at Holy Holy gigs or festivals where we're playing. I got fairly loose on the Groovin' the Moo run. Definitely a few panadol and sunglasses mornings.
Thursday 12 September | Villa Noosa, Noosaville QLD Friday 13 September | Kingscliff Beach Hotel, Kingscliff NSW Saturday 14 September | The Tivoli, Brisbane QLD Thursday 19 September | Mt Pleasant Tavern, Mackay QLD Friday 20 September | Magnums, Airlie Beach QLD Saturday 21 September | Dalrymple Hotel, Townsville QLD Sunday 22 September | Edge Hill Tavern, Cairns, QLD Friday 27 September | The Gov, Adelaide, SA Saturday 28 September | Astor Theatre, Perth WA Sunday 29 September | The River, Margaret River WA Thursday 17 October | Uni Bar, Wollongong NSW Friday 18 October | Roundhouse, Sydney NSW Saturday 19 October | The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle NSW Friday 1 November | Torquay Hotel, Torquay VIC Saturday 2 November | Forum, Melbourne VIC
