Holly Hebe Chats Influences, SXSW Austin and latest single ‘Don’t Come Crying’
Rising Aussie singer, songwriter and producer Holly Hebe chats with The Note about her love of Nikki Webster, being inspired by Netflix’s One Day and the importance of having a strong supporter base.
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Emerging singer, songwriter and bedroom producer Holly Hebe is having some start to 2025. The Mornington Peninsula artist has performed at this year’s Australian Open, was named triple j Unearthed Feature Artist of the Week in January and has received rave reviews for her two most recent singles, ‘Bitterness’ and ‘Don’t Come Crying’.
Taking inspiration from contemporaries Maggie Rogers, Phoebe Bridgers and Clairo, Hebe has been crafting vibrant indie pop tunes since she was a teen, with her first official single, ‘Sink’, arriving in 2020. Since then Hebe has gone on to release a stack of well received singles and two EPs, party mix (2022) and Ruby (2024).
Currently writing new material, Hebe took some time out from her busy schedule to answer a few questions about her influences, songwriting approach and the importance of having a solid support network.
Going back to the very beginning, who introduced you to music and what type of artists did you first listen to growing up?
The very beginning of my love for music started when I was four and my older sister was learning the recorder at school. When she would practice at home, I’d love to play along with her on the piano and try to be like her. My Nanna would also play piano when she would visit and would teach me little tunes to play, and we’d make them into a duet.
The first artist I can remember being completely obsessed with was Nikki Webster. I had her ‘Strawberry Kisses’ CD and DVD, and I’d get out my karaoke machine to sing along with her songs. I also loved Kasey Chambers and a bit of Aussie rock.
When did you decide to pursue music as a career, or has it always been something you’ve wanted to do?
It has definitely been something I’ve always wanted to do, but within this space, my pathways and focus have changed over time. I was really into writing cinematic, orchestral stuff when I was younger and all throughout high school – I thought I was going to end up being a film scorer. I still really love this side of music, but it has since morphed into the singer/songwriter/ artist route, which I am loving at the moment.
As a young artist who began making music in their teens, your parents must have been extremely supportive of your musical dreams. How big a part have they played in your early success, and how important is it to surround yourself with the right people as a young artist?
I am so lucky that my parents have always been a massive support. They knew right from when I started loving the piano that it was what I would end up doing and have never doubted or questioned my pathway into being an artist.
My dad played a huge role in growing my confidence with singing, as it was something that came much later than playing the piano and composing. He would always encourage me to join the school choir and eventually got me into singing lessons, which I was terrified to do at the time. They also bought me my first microphone and interface when I was 14 so I could start recording.
It is so important to have people like this in your pocket when you’re being so vulnerable as an emerging artist. My parents are pretty hands off with my project, but they’re my biggest cheerleaders, and I think that makes them the perfect support when I need it. Surrounding yourself with the right people means that you know you’ll always have someone to give you honest and outside feedback too, which can be so helpful when you’re trying to build your brand.
Along with having a strong support base, what other advice would you give to young artists looking to break into the music industry?
Touching back on personal brand - I would say lean into the thing that feels most you. If you have a niche interest or love, search for ways you can tie this into your artist project and image to make it stand out. It can be really fun and freeing to let go of structure and formality and just be your most raw self.
Let’s talk about your ripping new single, ‘Don’t Come Crying’. The track is about being caught in the cycle of an on-again, off-again relationship. Is it inspired by a personal experience or a general comment on the negative feelings these types of relationships often conjure up?
This one is a combination of personal experience and friends’ experiences that I’ve watched them go through. I also love using TV shows as inspo for song writing, and I had recently finished watching One Day on Netflix, which fuelled some lyric ideas.
You worked with Ethan Reginato on the track. How did this come about and what did he bring to the table?
I was lucky enough to work with Ethan on my first release of 2025, ‘Bitterness’, and we gelled so well, which is why I wanted to bring him on board for ‘Don't Come Crying’. Ethan has a great way of seeing my vision and amplifying it. He adds the perfect amount of sparkle whilst still letting me be a part of the production process, which I love.
Your music is quite vulnerable and honest. Is it hard to share what you’re thinking and feeling with the world through your music, or do you find it to be a cathartic experience?
As cliche and possibly a little cringe as it sounds, I definitely find putting my feelings into lyrics and songs way easier than sharing them candidly in conversation. Some things feel like they can only exist in song form, and it feels easier to bury deep emotional responses in metaphor and rhyming. It’s definitely very cathartic.
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Your music is in the same vein as storytellers such as Maggie Rogers, Julia Jacklin and Gracie Abrams. Do these and similar artists continue to inspire you?
I love all these artists so much! Maggie Rogers was one of my earliest inspirations when I started songwriting and producing. I am in love with her story and how she has such a strong sense of who she is as an artist. Julia Jacklin too – I'm obsessed with her lyricism and storytelling. I’ve also been listening to Gracie Abrams for years and years, and she has played a huge role in helping me develop my writing style.
When it comes to songwriting, what is your process? I read you use an old piano to help craft your songs. Is this still the case?
When I lived at home, I would write all my songs on an old pianola that my dad got my mum for her birthday when I was super young. It’s over 100 years old now and still has such a beautiful, warm sound. Now that I live out of home, I mostly write on an upright that I bought off Facebook Marketplace for $2. Seriously, one of the best bargains I’ve ever found! I play the piano a lot and one of my favourite pastimes is scrolling on Pinterest while I play to find imagery and poems that might spark a song idea.
You recently participated in a writing trip in LA. What was this experience like, and has it changed your approach to writing?
This was such a new experience for me as I haven't done many sessions before. I connected really well with everyone and feel so lucky that I got to work with them. It definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me train up my ability to switch in and out of songwriting mode. I would feel most inspired right after a session, and I'd find myself writing songs in the Uber on the way home. Everyone I worked with created such a great space for experimentation, which I feel really grateful for.
Along with your writing trip, you also performed at SXSW Austin. That must have been another incredible bucket list moment. Tell us more about the showcases, and did you get to see any of your favourite artists perform while there?
The showcases were so great. The first one I did was the Sounds Australia BBQ, so I felt very at home. It was great to be around all the other Aussie acts. It was also cool to see some of the artists that I really look up to, like Rowena Wise and Joan and the Giants. The second showcase I did was probably my favourite – everything felt like it was going wrong beforehand, so it was a relief to start the set and we just had so much fun with it. We ordered margaritas and had street tacos afterwards to celebrate.
2025 has started with a bang. You performed at the Australian Open and just played sold-out headline gigs in Sydney and Melbourne. It must be a humbling and satisfying experience to perform in front of huge crowds that love your music.
The first few months of this year have given me so much fuel and inspiration. I feel like it has been the first time I have really felt that fan connection, especially in the live space. It’s so rewarding and also just so so so much fun.
You’ve already played some incredible gigs across the country. Do you have a favourite?
I think the recent Sydney and Melbourne gigs have to be at the top of my list. The audience was so nice and I got to have some of my musician friends jump up on stage with me. We did trinket trading, a little meet and greet, and my sister surprised me at the Sydney gig, which was so special! I would also have to say the Torquay Hotel show last year, a part of The Rions tour. It was my birthday, and Noah from The Rions the following day, so we all stayed up for it to switch over at midnight. It was so fun.
Finally, what does the rest of the year have in store for Holly Hebe?
We have some more tracks on the way. I’ve been absolutely loving just sitting in my room, closing the door and spending hours in there making whatever. It’s been a real experimental period for me, and I’m excited to show everyone what we’ve made!
Holly Hebe’s ‘Don’t Come Crying’ is available to stream here. Keep up to date with everything Hebe related by following her Instagram here.
