Holly Humberstone Critiques Pop's Beauty Standards in Candid Interview
In a revealing conversation, Holly Humberstone, the 2022 Brits Rising Star winner, opens up about her latest album 'Cruel World', the challenges of social media, and the double standards women face in the music industry. The 26-year-old singer-songwriter highlights how being attractive is often treated as a currency for female artists, a pressure she says doesn't equally apply to men.
From Haunted House to London Life
Humberstone grew up in a gothic cottage in Grantham, Lincolnshire, which she fondly calls the Haunted House. With parents who were NHS medics, creativity was encouraged in her childhood home. She recalls it as her "ultimate comfort, sacred space." After her parents retired to Wales and her sisters moved away, Humberstone relocated to London, an experience she describes as "overwhelming." This sense of dislocation inspired her second EP, 'The Walls Are Way Too Thin'.
Now settled in southeast London with her sisters and a best friend, Humberstone has found stability. She recently purchased a house and painted her bedroom pink, symbolizing a move away from childhood fears. "I realised the ghosts weren't scary any more," she says, reflecting on boxing up mementos like ballet shoes and Tim Burton films.
Navigating the Music Industry
Entering the music industry at 17, Humberstone initially struggled with the demand for strong opinions. "Suddenly being in a situation where you're required to have strong opinions – I was like, 'Oh s***'," she admits. She also faced discouragement from a music teacher who doubted her prospects, a moment that still resonates. Today, with 3.6 million monthly Spotify listeners and a Coachella performance under her belt, she emphasizes the importance of artistic control. "No is a complete sentence," she asserts, working closely with trusted collaborators like her sister Eleri and producer Rob Milton.
Love, Songs, and Social Media Pressures
Humberstone's music often draws from personal relationships, with tracks dedicated to friends and family. Songs like "To Love Somebody" address heartbreak, while "Red Chevy" and "Die Happy" explore romantic themes. She jokes about the embarrassment of writing love songs but acknowledges their necessity. "Having a boyfriend is embarrassing. Being in love is a bit embarrassing. Writing soppy love songs is truly embarrassing," she says with a laugh.
However, the demands of modern promotion weigh heavily on her. She expresses frustration with expectations to engage on platforms like TikTok, preferring the mystique of artists from her youth. "I've been told I need to get on TikTok and film selfie lip-sync videos to my songs," she notes, adding that it detracts from the music itself.
Confronting Beauty Standards and Online Validation
In her song "Beauty Pageant", Humberstone tackles the mental health impacts of social media validation. She describes herself as chronically online, where "one terrible comment can completely ruin my day." She criticizes the industry's focus on appearance for women, stating, "being pretty and showing up is seen as currency." Reflecting on her all-girls grammar school, she notes how competition over looks and followers is ingrained, something she continues to unlearn.
Despite her success, Humberstone remains self-critical, questioning what she offers beyond her music. "I'm not the cleverest or the sharpest tool in the drawer. But I know how to write a song," she concludes, highlighting her dedication to her craft. Her album 'Cruel World', released recently, blends influences from Taylor Swift to The Smiths, marking her most accomplished work to date.
