The Songs Behind: Holly Rolfe
Discover the songs that shaped the one of the most exciting upcomers in pop, Holly Rolfe, on the release date of her newest single 'Still Breathing'
Photo Credit: Elodie Hadfield
Today (February 14th) sees pop superstar Holly Rolfe put out her newest single 'Still Breathing', an empowering tale about moving past the bad times of a toxic relationship and embracing being free from them. Holly has becoming an increasingly prevelant name in the UK pop scene, writing insanely catchy songs that are relatable so many, as well as putting on highly regarded live performances. 2024 epitomised this for Holly with 4 incredible releases acorss the year, as well as a host of live showsi including one performance at iconic venue The Piece Hall. With 'Still Breathing' Holly has shown no signs of slowing down, and 2025 seems like it will be an even bigger year
To celebrate the Still Breathing's release, I am joined by Holly Rolfe to discover more about the single, before discovering the songs that shaped her through my 'Songs Behind' feature
Tell the Songs Behind the Music audience about your new song 'Still Breathing'.
"Still breathing focuses on taking all the negative parts of a past relationship with a pinch of salt and knowing you are so over them. Toxic relationships can feel suffocating but to leave them feels liberating. Still Breathing teases you with relationship clichés to shed light on your past partner’s immaturity; empty promises which untimely led to endless disappointment. The song is a full stop, the death sentence to our relationship."
You have managed to capture this anti-love song in an upbeat and empowering way. How was the experience of writing it for you?
"I wrote ‘Still Breathing’ over the space of about 8 months. The hook came quite naturally to me but the bits in between took a while to write. I was worried about it sounding too ‘immature’ or strange as it is quite upbeat but as soon as I let that go I was able to have so much fun with it. I wanted to play around with some clichés and my flatmates insisted they join in and help me finish it. We sat together, had such a laugh and tweaked a couple bits here and there, and that’s Still Breathing. I think overall it was just so much fun and really opened up a couple doors for me in terms of writing!"
The lyrics to the song feel quite personal, yet will be relatable to so many. Is this something you try to channel whilst crafting your songs?
"Yes absolutely! I very much write from personal experiences or things I see other people going through which is definitely really helpful when it comes to inspiration."
Favourite Song to Play Live:
'Words Ain't Enough - Holly Rolfe'
"I absolutely LOVE playing Words Ain't Enough live because it's the song everyone knows best. I tend to get a lot of people singing along and there's nothing that can really beat that feeling!"
Song That Reminds You of Your Childhood:
'Grace Kelly - MIKA'
"Grace Kelly by Mika comes to mind! We used to listen to that album every time I went on holiday with my family in the car, it brings me back every time."
First Album You Brought:
'Midnight Memories - One Direction'
"I believe it was One Direction Midnight Memories, I was absolutely obsessed with them!"
Song That Made You Want to Be a Musician:
'Cups - Anna Kendrick'
"Ever since I can remember, I have always wanted to be a musician! However, the first song I can remember performing was The Cup Song by Anna Kendrick so possibly that one!"
Song That Gets You Through Hard Times:
'Anything - Griff'
"Anything by Griff. Her songs are absolutely phenomenal but this one still feels uplifting despite the themes and topic it plays on."
A Song You Would Have Loved to Write:
"I wish that I had written any songs from Short & Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter. It is such a clever album and really pushes so many boundaries!"
Song You'd Put On at a Party:
'Juno - Sabrina Carpenter'
"Juno by Sabrina Carpenter...no explanation needed!"
Favourite Song of all Time:
'Jealous - Nick Jonas'
Jealous by Nick Jonas...a forever Jonas Brother fan here.
Song You are Most Proud Of:
'Still Breathing - Holly Rolfe'
"I am most proud of Still Breathing, mostly because it is exactly the sound I am aiming for as a pop artist but also because it is the most fun I have ever had writing a song!"
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