Toronto, ON-based indie-folk singer-songwriter, Holly Clausius released her debut album, Rose Garden back in October. The album delivers elements of folk, pop, rock, and Americana with honest lyrics and soulful vocals throughout.
“Rose Garden” was written entirely during isolation in early 2021.
Clausius explains
“I think the main thing people should take away from this album is that they’re not alone. Whatever trauma/emotions you’re going through there are others who have walked that path and are here for you. I want my music to sort of be that safety blanket for anyone struggling. It’s actually quite ironic that it was made while isolated, because I’ve never felt more connected to myself and others while making it.”
While “Rose Garden” is easy to listen to on a long road trip or a walk through fall foliage, the subject matter of the songs range from issues involving mental health, toxic relationships, advocacy for the LGBTQ community, and commentary on an industry that needs to be reformed.
Check out Rose Garden below, and find out more about Holly via our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
My name is Holly Clausius, I’m a queer musician based in Toronto, Canada. I make music that bends genres from pop/rock to folk and soul. I have been making music for as long as I can remember and this year I’ve been able to play stages like El Mocambo in Toronto to The Viper Room and Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles. I’m a believer in working hard and making your dreams come true.
Tell us a bit about your music and writing style.
My music crosses many different genres, I’ve released a folk-driven EP ‘Sunflower’ last summer, and most recently put out an album called ‘Rose Garden’ that plays with rock, country, soul, and folk elements. My writing is from my heart, utterly honest and sprinkled with wit/humour. I love co-writing but writing for my myself and my life is also my therapy
How have you been keeping creative during the Pandemic?
I’ve been writing lots since the pandemic started, doing a song a day challenge for 2 months as well as creating an online festival last summer where I played from different rooms each night like my bathroom, bedroom, kitchen, living room, etc. lastly, just connecting with others online and applying for different programs like HoneyJam, Artists for Social Change, RBC music, has given me a lot of opportunities and friendships.
If you were asked to suggest only one of your songs for someone to hear, which would it be?
Probably A Little Piece of Me because it was the first song I released and I still think it rings true. It’s about online dating and it carries my emotional honesty alongside lines that make you giggle to yourself.
Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, so who are your current favourite Canadian bands/ artists?
I love love love Alanis Morisette, she’ll always be a great inspiration. Jessie Reyez is also a huge icon and Feist will always be my favourite songwriter- she put on an amazing show recently called Multitudes at Merdian Hall. Also, more locally, my friend Päter is making some amazing stuff that I think pairs really well with my style.