Born in New York and raised in Montreal, COMMON HOLLY (AKA Brigitte Naggar) puts unpredictable compositional elements into a singer-songwriter/folk framework, packaged in textured, eclectic electro-acoustic production. Her forthcoming album, Playing House, contemplates the notion that it is conscious thought and deliberate action that defines and cements maturation from child to adult.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SONG?
"All for you" by Janet Jackson.
WHEN DID YOU WRITE YOUR FIRST SONG?
When I was 14 or 15. It was called “Shakey Egg” and it was about playing a shaker egg (percussion), and it was kind of cute.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE YOUR FIRST SONG?
On a walk or a bike ride. I find that when I’m moving, my ideas come out faster. My song “Nothing” was written in 10 minutes on a bike ride in the wood – I stopped to record it on my phone and then that was it.
WHAT WAS THE FIRST TIME YOU RECOGNIZED YOURSELF AS A SONGWRITER?
Maybe last year?
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SONGWRITING TOOL?
Probably my acoustic or classical guitar, or else GarageBand ft. Swanky MacBook built-in microphone™️ so I can just layer like ten harmonies, hit some stuff, and call it a day.
DO YOU HAVE A TRICK WHEN YOU FACE WRITER'S BLOCK OR GET STUMPED WHEN YOU'RE WRITING?
Distance and perspective are paramount. You can never tell if your song is good or awful unless you take some time away from it. Sometimes the songs that I think are the worst end up being my favorite ones after some time away.
HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT SONGTRUST?
Lorenzo, from Songtrust, found Common Holly on NPR and reached out via email.
WHAT'S AHEAD FOR YOU? TOURING, MORE WRITING, LOCAL GIGS?
Yes. Europe and more North American tours are coming soon!
IS THIS YOUR FIRST TIME AT SXSW? WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT OR HOPING TO GET OUT OF THIS EXPERIENCE?
This is my first time. I am hoping to play so many showcases that everyone says “Jesus get this common Holly chick away from me” and also I wish to become one with the taco.
WHAT'S A RECENT SONG YOU'RE MOST EXCITED ABOUT THAT WE CAN SHARE?
"Baby Only You & I" by Anemone is super swell. We are touring with them down to SXSW.
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