Hollie Smith

Hollie Smith

Hollie Smith is a New Zealand soul singer associated with jazz and Celtic-influenced music. She is born on 17 November 1982 and begins recording as a teenager after winning Best Female Vocalist at the National Jazz Festival of New Zealand.

Early recording work

In 1999, at the age of 16, she records Light From a Distant Shore, an album of Celtic music produced by her stepfather, who is a well-known musician in New Zealand.

Work with TrinityRoots

Smith moves to Wellington in 2003 and sings with TrinityRoots. With the band, she records Home, Land and Sea and tours.

Solo releases and breakthrough

Her 2005 Hollie Smith EP features her own compositions. In 2006, her version of Don McGlashan’s “Bathe in the River” becomes a New Zealand top 10 hit.

Record deal

In 2007, Smith signs a multi-album deal with Manhattan Records, part of the Blue Note Label Group.