The Irish-born, Yorkshire-raised songwriter speaks to Dazed about her latest EP, collaborating with Lana Del Rey, and her obsession with Elvis Presley
After an almost three-year absence, musician Holly Macve made a spectacular return in February with her EP, Time Is Forever. Through her ethereal vocals, Macve invites listeners to wander through her most personal and intimate thoughts.
Known as one of the rising stars of the folk-country music scene since 2017, Macve’s latest release signifies a musical rebirth for the Irish-born, Yorkshire-raised songwriter with an almost alt-pop sound. Speaking on the EP, Macve remarks that Time is Forever is the start of a new era for her. “During the making of it, I spent a lot of days and nights alone in strange cigarette-stained motels, dreaming big and overcoming certain inhibitions. I put a lot of my soul into these tunes.”
With two critically acclaimed albums already under her belt, Macve’s Time Is Forever delves even deeper into the complexities of love and loss. We spoke to the singer about the inspirations behind the EP, collaborating with Lana Del Rey, and her earliest musical memories.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind crafting this EP?
Holly Macve: I was in between living situations and ended up temporarily living in this old house on the outskirts of West London. It hadn’t been renovated since the 1970s and was like a time capsule. I wrote and recorded a lot of the record there. It had a magical piano, red carpets and no central heating. I made a little universe for myself whilst I was there, which definitely went into the overall sound of the EP.
Were there any particular themes, experiences or specific artists that influenced the songs on Time Is Forever?
Holly Macve: I watched many films while making the EP and didn’t listen to specific artists for inspiration, but the soundtrack from True Romance (1993) inspired the intro to “Dreamer”. I wanted it to sound romantic and magical. Most of my songs are like diary entries, so the words are usually very personal.
The first song I ever heard from you was ‘Suburban House’, and I loved it. Can you tell us about the process of creating that song and working with Lana Del Rey?
Holly Macve: I was in LA following a difficult breakup, and Lana put me up for a while while I was trying to escape and figure out my life. She’s kind of been a guardian angel to me for some years now, and I’m so grateful for that. I played “Suburban House” live to her at her home, and a few weeks later, we were in the studio recording it. It was all quite spontaneous, but when I heard her singing it for the first time, it felt like it was meant for her to sing. She’s incredibly inspiring to witness and work in the studio with.
How do you feel your growth as an artist is reflected in the music on Time Is Forever?
Holly Macve: To me, it’s just a snapshot in time; I think we are all growing and changing constantly, and this is just a version of me in the year 2024. It feels like my best work currently, but maybe I’ll look back in a few years and feel differently. My newest song is almost always my favourite one. It’s hard to have a perspective on your work sometimes.
What was the most challenging aspect of bringing this EP to life?
Holly Macve: Bringing it to life visually. I worked by myself to create the visuals; the EP cover is a self-portrait I took on film in the graveyard near the house I grew up in, and I designed all the artwork myself. As I released this on my own label, I didn’t have much of a budget to work with, so I did many things very DIY. It’s been a lot of work, but it’s rewarding.
What is your earliest music memory?
Holly Macve: One of my earliest musical obsessions was Elvis. I remember being about five, and I decided to stand on a table and pull my pants down and declare to the room that I was showing my ass to the king of rock and roll. My family will never let me forget this.
What song could you not stop playing growing up?
Holly Macve: “Slave 4 U” by Britney Spears or “Who’s Loving You” by The Jackson 5.
Please share the most recent note from your notes App!
‘Holly Macve: He took all the light from me; it will take a lot for me to light myself up from within, but I will die trying.’ – This is a random comment someone posted on an Instagram video, and I wrote it into my notes App because I thought it was poetry.
The most recent picture/screenshot on your camera roll?
Holly Macve: It’s actually of my set list for my upcoming London show.
And the last meme you saved?
Holly Macve: ‘Sorry, I didn’t respond to your text. I was trying to figure out how a normal person would respond, and then I gave up.’
Any recurring dreams?
Holly Macve: I’ve had a few recurring dreams where I am myself as a child. That puts me in a weird place the next day.
Time Is Forever is out now via Loving Memory Records / Believe