Holly's Breakthrough!
I have been singing for as long as I can remember. Since the age of 8, I have also been writing songs. Music has always been a part of my life in one way or another, whether through performing with various choirs and acappella groups, performing in musicals, learning different musical instruments, vocal competitions, gigs, and so forth. It has always been my dream to share the music I create with the world. Yet, for many years that was a dream I'd given up on, for no reason other than that I didn't have the confidence and belief in myself to pursue it.
However, about a year and a half ago, things started turning around. I began performing at more events, gaining more confidence in myself as a singer. About six months ago, I decided to try singing lessons with Anna Leigh. I realised I had been singing for many years with no instruction or technique, and didn't want to damage my vocal chords (not to mention I wanted to become a better singer, of course!). I was very happy when Anna decided to work with me, not only because she is a great teacher and singer, but because a couple of other vocal teachers I had approached in the past had refused to work with me, saying that they thought I already had a "good" voice, so they didn't feel I would benefit from lessons. But singing is about so much more than how your voice sounds. It's about using proper technique, breath control, and developing the right habits to preserve and enhance your vocals. I can honestly say that in the few months I have been working with Anna Leigh, I have learned and improved so much! I started working with her just in time, too, as only a week or two after I began lessons, I unexpectedly received an email asking me to audition for the producers of The Voice UK! I thought Anna did a great job in helping me prepare for the audition. Even though I didn't quite make it to the live televised rounds, it was still a wonderful experience and opportunity.
Around that same time, I began working with producer Paul Worthington on a track that would become my debut single, 'Breakthrough'. I couldn't think of a more appropriate name for my first single. Not only is it the first song I've written to be released, a breakthrough for me as an artist, but a breakthrough in the sense that I have finally broken through my doubts and fears of pursuing a music career. I am immensely thankful and grateful to all of the people I have met these past couple of years who have given me so much encouragement and support, as well as opportunities to showcase my singing and songwriting. It's hard to say for certain what the future holds, but with my debut single coming out 3 November, and more music planned for release, I can't help but feel optimistic.