INTERVIEW: THE HOLY SMOKE SHED A 'LITTLE LIGHT' ON THEIR LATEST SINGLE

Photography - ​Bridget Julie-Anne

The Holy Smoke (Delilah Rose, Rose Parker and Karlee Rae) release their highly anticipated single 'Little Light'. A beautifully written and produced track about navigating through the chaos of life. We had a chat about their writing and recording process and found a wonderful abundance of light from this femme trio.

Written after a period of drought and a struggle to write songs, this song is about re-entering back into that creative space and allowing the flame of creativity to continue to burn again. Karlee explains “this is for anyone who feels they have lost themselves in the chaos of life and an encouragement to take the brave step ‘out of the darkness and into the light’.”


What do you hope fans will take away from 'Little Light' and your music in general?
We hope the songs make people feel lighter in a world that is heavy. A cocktail of sonic goodness with a base of country gospel harmony, a twist of folk pop served with a garnish of female sass and sliver of smirk. Shaken not stirred. 

Can you give us an insight into how you approach creativity as a group?
We’ve all got something to say and bring to the table so we give each other equal space to create and share however that may look for each song. Usually someone brings a fairly formed idea, (chords/melody/lyrics) then in a live rehearsal space, we Holy Smoke it. Which includes adding instrumentation, harmony structures and tweaks to arrangement and song structure as our live performance shapes it. 


'Little Light' was recorded with Matt Gio (Abbe May, San Cisco) at RADA Studios and mixed by Em Burrows. The stunning arrangement was put together and performed by The Holy Smoke with the final master being the work of Jeff McCormack.


What was the recording process like working at RADA with Matt Gio?
Delilah: Recording at RADA was the best time!!! Going into the studio is one of my favourite things. Everyone does it differently and it was great to work with both Matt Gio and the awesome Em Burrows. We sang, we ate, we joojed, and it didn’t feel like work. And it was fabulous. 


The Trio have performed at an array of impressive events including Nanga Folk Festival in 2016, Harvey Dicksons Rodeo, Nannup Music Festival and even supported Eskimo Joe.


You have performed at a variety of festivals and events, are there any in particular that stands out?
Nannup and Nanga. So. Good. Mainly because of the audience, the venue and the festival organisers. 

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and how would you use it in your music?
Karlee: No requirement of sleep therefore I could spend 12 hours a day creating and the other 12 hours doing all the other things that are expected of us as women. 
Rose: I would read people’s hearts and minds so I could crafts songs like arrows and shoot them into peoples hearts so they become kind and everyone loves everyone!!!
Dee: I would fly. 
​So we would fly around the world together on Delilah’s wings, shoot song arrows into peoples hearts and mind eradicating intolerance and hate and mean people foreverrrrrr!!!


'Little Light' is now available on all streaming platforms!