Myths, wizards and legend: Gigwise meets Holly Miranda

Holly Miranda’s music is one of the most gentle and serene things you will hear all year, her back story though is anything but tranquil. Born in Detroit, Michigan before moving to Tennessee as a toddler Holly spent much of her youth raised in a strictly religious household, “I grew up in a very religious atmosphere. It wasn't right for me. It is for some people though, so I don't want to say anything negative about it. It was a huge part of my upbringing and I’m happy for it but I had to leave to find my own path.” she says now with the benefit of hindsight.

That path took her to Brooklyn where Holly began to play solo shows. She quickly attracted the interest of major record labels and began recording a solo album for a subsidiary of Sony BMG. It was a move Holly soon began to regret though, “I walked away from it, because I was being forced to compromise everything and it wasn't how I wanted to do it. I learned a lot from that, about what I didn't want.” Hanging around Brooklyn Holly did the natural thing and joined a band, The Jealous Girlfriends where she says she learnt how “It is about the outcome and not the journey.”

With that band on hiatus Holly has branched out alone and this week releases her debut album 'The Magician's Private Library' through XL. Mysteriously describing the album title as being to do with, “Merlin the magician's secret stash of endless symbolism.” Holly worked with TV On The Radio member and producer Dave Sitek whilst recording the album. Together they have crafted an album that is as delicate as it is strong, waif like and ethereal but with an assured sense of itself and what it wants to say. Songs like 'Waves' and 'Forest Green Oh Forest Green' show Holly's talent for combining emotion with melody combining some of the best parts of Joanna Newsome, Laura Marling and Beach House's barely there beauty.

Planning to spend the rest of the year on the road Holly has previouslyy toured with The xx and The Antlers and is heading to the UK for a headline tour in April after travelling across America with the delightful Tegan and Sara. To end the interview we asked Holly to describe her music to a first time listener. Her reply?  “Psychedelic fairy-tales with a sharp edge”. We don't think Merlin and his infinite supply of symbols could put it any better if he tried.

Holly Miranda @ Myspace