Leah Holm
I’m so happy to share this new interview with Norwegian artist Leah Holm.
After the release of her debut EP SORRY I DUMPED YOUR SON, Holm is now dropping a brand new single titled “Blacklisted”. With the help of Lars Mattis Molstad and Bård Berg, the r&b single is about the aftermath of a breakup. Holm is a brilliant vocalist who delivers soulful & jazzy melodies along with amazing harmonies. Inspired by the likes of Ariana Grande, Jorja Smith, Doja Cat and Amy Winehouse, the Oslo-based artist is paving her own way in the r&b world.
“Blacklisted” is now available worldwide :)
Photo credit: SUIE
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
Hi! My name is Leah Holm and I am an singer, song writer and dancer from Norway. I have been doing music all my life, doing little gigs in my hometown, before moving to Oslo in 2019. That’s when I started to release music and getting to know the industry. My biggest influences in music are Amy Winehouse, Ariana Grande, Doja Cat and Jorja Smith. Amongst other female artists.
You recently released your debut EP SORRY I DUMPED YOUR SON - what did you learn about yourself after releasing this EP? How did people respond to this EP?
This was the first project I released. 6 songs and all of them about a specific person. The first thing I learned about myself making this EP was how much I let another person control my life and my emotions. I know it sounds cliché, but it truly made me heal and motivated me to let go. Not only let go of this boy who had been holding me back for years, but let go of who I was as a teenager.
Not to mention, I learned so much about my voice and my song writing. And after hours studying Ariana’s vocal harmonies, trying this out for myself in the studio, thought me so much about vocal production and music theory. AND I had my first gig in London – SO SCARY!!! But so fun and it went amazing.
"Blacklisted" is your new single - what's the story/inspiration behind this song?
So, I was in a relationship with this popular guy in the music scene in Oslo. It was a rough breakup… to say the least. After we broke up, I found myself blacklisted from all the parties – because he would be there. At first it started out as a sad break-up anthem. But after spending some time in London, meeting new people, making music and starting to appreciate myself again, I didn’t really care about those parties and those “cool” people. The song ended up being a “I don’t give a fuck”-break-up-song instead (laugh).
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this song? Who helped you create it?
I usually have a specific theme, when I write a song. The idea of “Blacklisted” was the start. Then I wrote the hook in the studio session. We bounced out a 3-minute loop of the hook with open verses and I played it on repeat all the way home – a 3.5-hour drive. I wrote the verses a few months later, in London. After living in Camden and listening to Amy Winehouse a lot, I got inspired to write something more jazzy for the verses.
The production on this song is definently more organic than what I have done before! I started it with my producer Lars Mattis Molstad – an amazing man who is like a brother to me. And then Bård Berg added the perfect set of drums and other elements to fill out the space.
What did you feel when writing this song?
I was pretty down after the breakup. It was sudden and I felt isolated in the weeks after. Writing it was fun though. I feel empowered when I can put emotions and real stories into a song like that. I like to picture the look on his face when he hears it, you know?
What made you want to release "Blacklisted" as a single?
I wanted this to introduce a new sound for me. More organic, more RnB. I can show my vocals in a different way than before. I knew when I put down the hook that this was a single. You just know. I would love to include it in a project though, in the future. Maybe another EP.
What can you tell us about the artwork?
I AM ALWAYS SO STRESSED ABOUT ARTWORK. My problem is that I never know what I want, only what I don’t want. I talked to so many people to get ideas for the cover and I didn’t like any of the ideas. So, what I ended up doing was I sowed a dress, bought a disposable camera and me and my friend went outside one night and took the pictures. Then I bought black paper and scribbled broken hearts and the title – edited that onto the picture and – voilà. It’s casual and cool, but I don’t think I will ever be 100% with artwork.
What's your goal for this new single?
I want to get some more recognition. One big goal for me is to get more live gig opportunities. I am trying to market towards Europe and I want to expand my little, amazing, loyal fanbase – my friends.
As an artist, what is the hardest part? And what is the best part?
Great question. The hardest part is feeling people don’t believe in you, maybe? I feel like I spend so much time proving people wrong. When it comes to my vocal performance, my songwriting, my production, my knowledge, my dedication, my talent and my work ethic. I always have to prove myself, defend myself or just take the shit given my way. That part can suck sometimes.
The best part is the music, creating, releasing. Talking to the people that love my work and want to follow the journey. And playing live!!!!! I absolutely love it. I am a dancer too and I am so excited to be making the most incredible shows.
How's it like to be a woman in the music industry? What message would you like to give to women out there?
It is hard. As I mentioned, I feel like I always have to prove myself. I think a lot of this is because I am a young woman. This is a male dominated industry and young women are often taken advantage of. “Rappers” will approach me asking to do a collab, but before we even had a session be talking about what sexy outfit I should wear in the music video.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
I love the fact that people anywhere can produce and release music now, without a record deal or expensive equipment. However, we still have a long way to go. No more horrible contracts with record deals and let the artist have more control. If I could change one thing it would be this.
How's the music scene in Norway? Any artist(s) you'd like to recommend?
Norway has a lot of great artists. A lot sing/rap in Norwegian. You guys should check out Karpe and Arif. They are rappers. And for the girlies – (Amanda) Delara and Torine sing in English and they are dope!
Besides music, what are you passionate about?
I love working out. I am a dancer, I love the Kardashians and Pop Culture, I just got a bachelors in Media Science! Social media is a passion of mine. Marketing.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
Bigger conditioner bottles. It’s always empty before the shampoo, so why do they make the conditioners smaller when it should be the other way around?
What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
The world is wide, go experience stuff. Gain some perspective.
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