Holly Lerski
Encyclopedia
Holly Lerski is an English singer and songwriter known both for her work with Angelou and for her solo career.
this Norfolk
based singer-songwriter has earned comparisons to Jeff Buckley
and Beth Orton
. Her music has also been featured in the American TV show Close to Home and the indie film Fish Without a Bicycle, starring Jenna Mattison
and Brian Austin Green
.
Lerski was born in London, daughter of a sound engineer and ex-St Martins School of Art student, the younger of two children. She grew up around music with both grandmothers as pianists and English Music Hall star Marie Lloyd
in the family, and began playing guitar at the age of 6.
When she was 9 her family relocated to Norfolk. It was in this transitional period, with toys in storage and left with just her guitar and 'Beatles Complete' book, Lerski first began to pen her own songs. Her parents soon divorced and Holly and her sister were brought up by their mother. Lerski played bass and guitar in various bands throughout her teens and whilst studying at Art School. Upon graduation she joined a folk rock band and began songwriting and performing again.
song 'Hallelujah'. Inspired by Jeff Buckley's version, Lerski had been a fan of Buckley's and had corresponded with the artist. Local Norwich label Haven Records heard the demo and signed Angelou in the beginning of 1997, scheduling the release of the Hallelujah EP to coincide with a UK summer tour supporting Eddi Reader
and Boo Hewerdine
. 'Hallelujah' sadly came out a week after Jeff Buckley's untimely death, ending the year on novelist Nick Hornby
's 'Best of 97' compilation.
In 1998 Angelou released their first album 'Automiracles'. Now including drummer Phil Di Palma, the album was written by Lerski, and recorded in 10 days by producer Calum MacColl. The album featured guest vocals from Eddi Reader and Boo Hewerdine and received comparisons to The Sundays
' debut 'Reading, Writing and Arithmetic'.
Their second album 'While You Were Sleeping', released in 2000, received further acclaim and established Lerski as one of the new crop of up and coming female folk artists. Written and produced by Lerski, and recorded in studio down-time by Lerski and Baker, the album finished with a moving tribute to Jeff Buckley. Lerski went on to contribute this to the Buckley documentary 'Amazing Grace'.
In 2001 Spanish label El Diablo released an Angelou compilation called Midnight Witcheries. Now joined by new drummer Cath Evans and bassist Anne Richardson, this record allowed the band to be heard for the first time throughout Europe. They completed 2 extensive tours of Spain, appearing on national TV and radio. They also went on to release a further EP and 2 videos.
On hearing of their success abroad, UK music independent giant Sanctuary Records
offered Lerski a recording and publishing agreement and at the end of 2001 Lerski finally signed a major deal. Angelou were soon off on the road again, this time as a duo touring Scandinavia and Europe with blues legend John Hiatt
& The Goners.
On their return from Europe the band went into rehearsals for the third album, staying in a wooden hunting lodge in Derbyshire. Recorded both in Denmark and Manchester throughout 2002, 'Life Is Beautiful' was a much poppier record. It was finally released in 2003 under Lerski's own name. With the launch of the album came lives dates with The Cranberries
, Jason Mraz
and Josh Rouse
, and support from BBC Radio 2
and most notably Wake Up To Wogan
producer Paul Walters
. There was also news that Lerski's song 'My Love' would be featured in a Hollywood film. It looked like the bands hard work had finally paid off, however it was not to be. In 2004 after disagreements with Sanctuary over lack of promotion for the record, Lerski was forced to leave the label and her songs behind.
In the summer of 2004, tired of the music industry and following a break up, Lerski relocated to Manchester where she began to write new material with the intention of releasing on her own imprint Laundry Label
. 'Greetings From N.Y.' was Laundry's first release. Featuring on the cover a hand written postcard to Lerski from Jeff Buckley, 'Greetings' was a 'best of' CD showcasing Lerski and the band's music to date. BBC Radio 2's Wake Up To Wogan
once again championed the record and 'More Than A Storm' featured weekly on his show. Starbucks
at the time was also featuring tracks from 'Life Is Beautiful' on their in-store compilation.
By 2006, following the news that Sanctuary had been bought out by Universal Music Group
, Holly returned to Norwich to begin a new chapter.
' was featured in the finale episode of CBS TV drama 'Close To Home'.
In September 2009 Lerski announced the launch of her new download store for Laundry Label
. She continues to write and record songs for her 4th album.
Biography
Coming to public attention in the late 1990s with folk rock band AngelouAngelou (band)
Angelou was an English folk rock band formed in 1996 by singer-songwriter Holly Lerski with guitarist Jo Baker, the duo taking the band's name from the author Maya Angelou....
this Norfolk
Norfolk
Norfolk is a low-lying county in the East of England. It has borders with Lincolnshire to the west, Cambridgeshire to the west and southwest and Suffolk to the south. Its northern and eastern boundaries are the North Sea coast and to the north-west the county is bordered by The Wash. The county...
based singer-songwriter has earned comparisons to Jeff Buckley
Jeff Buckley
Jeffrey Scott "Jeff" Buckley , raised as Scotty Moorhead, was an American singer-songwriter and guitarist. He was the son of Tim Buckley, also a musician...
and Beth Orton
Beth Orton
Beth Orton is a BRIT Award–winning English singer-songwriter, known for her 'folktronica' sound, which mixes elements of folk and electronica. She was initially recognised for her collaborations with William Orbit and the Chemical Brothers in the mid 1990s. However, these were not Orton's first...
. Her music has also been featured in the American TV show Close to Home and the indie film Fish Without a Bicycle, starring Jenna Mattison
Jenna Mattison
Jenna Mattison is an American actress, screenwriter and producer. She has appeared in many television programs including Party of Five and Melrose Place. She wrote the screenplay for and played the lead in the romantic comedy Fish Without a Bicycle.-Actress:-Producer:For The Love of...
and Brian Austin Green
Brian Austin Green
Brian Austin Green is an American actor, best known for his portrayal of David Silver on the television series Beverly Hills, 90210, a role he played from 1990 to 2000. Green also starred in the sitcom Freddie and Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Since 2009, he has appeared in a recurring...
.
Lerski was born in London, daughter of a sound engineer and ex-St Martins School of Art student, the younger of two children. She grew up around music with both grandmothers as pianists and English Music Hall star Marie Lloyd
Marie Lloyd
Matilda Alice Victoria Wood was an English music hall singer, best known as Marie Lloyd. Her ability to add lewdness to the most innocent of lyrics led to frequent clashes with the guardians of morality...
in the family, and began playing guitar at the age of 6.
When she was 9 her family relocated to Norfolk. It was in this transitional period, with toys in storage and left with just her guitar and 'Beatles Complete' book, Lerski first began to pen her own songs. Her parents soon divorced and Holly and her sister were brought up by their mother. Lerski played bass and guitar in various bands throughout her teens and whilst studying at Art School. Upon graduation she joined a folk rock band and began songwriting and performing again.
Music career
Lerski formed Angelou in 1996 with Wymondham High School friend Jo Baker. They recorded their first demo in the winter of that year, including a cover of the Leonard CohenLeonard Cohen
Leonard Norman Cohen, is a Canadian singer-songwriter, musician, poet and novelist. Cohen published his first book of poetry in Montreal in 1956 and his first novel in 1963. His work often explores religion, isolation, sexuality and interpersonal relationships...
song 'Hallelujah'. Inspired by Jeff Buckley's version, Lerski had been a fan of Buckley's and had corresponded with the artist. Local Norwich label Haven Records heard the demo and signed Angelou in the beginning of 1997, scheduling the release of the Hallelujah EP to coincide with a UK summer tour supporting Eddi Reader
Eddi Reader
Eddi Reader MBE is a Scottish singer-songwriter, known both for her work with Fairground Attraction and for an enduring solo career. She is the recipient of three BRIT Awards and has topped both the album and singles charts...
and Boo Hewerdine
Boo Hewerdine
Boo Hewerdine is an English singer-songwriter. His work includes lead singer and creative force behind The Bible, formed in the 1980s, and reformed in 1994, as well as solo recordings and work for film. He lives in Ely....
. 'Hallelujah' sadly came out a week after Jeff Buckley's untimely death, ending the year on novelist Nick Hornby
Nick Hornby
Nick Hornby is an English novelist, essayist and screenwriter. He is best known for the novels High Fidelity, About a Boy, and for the football memoir Fever Pitch. His work frequently touches upon music, sport, and the aimless and obsessive natures of his protagonists.-Life and career:Hornby was...
's 'Best of 97' compilation.
In 1998 Angelou released their first album 'Automiracles'. Now including drummer Phil Di Palma, the album was written by Lerski, and recorded in 10 days by producer Calum MacColl. The album featured guest vocals from Eddi Reader and Boo Hewerdine and received comparisons to The Sundays
The Sundays
The Sundays were an English alternative rock band. The band formed in the late 1980s and released three albums in the 1990s.-Career:The band's beginnings came with the meeting of Harriet Wheeler and guitarist David Gavurin at university. Wheeler had played gigs with 'Cruel Shoes' an early...
' debut 'Reading, Writing and Arithmetic'.
Their second album 'While You Were Sleeping', released in 2000, received further acclaim and established Lerski as one of the new crop of up and coming female folk artists. Written and produced by Lerski, and recorded in studio down-time by Lerski and Baker, the album finished with a moving tribute to Jeff Buckley. Lerski went on to contribute this to the Buckley documentary 'Amazing Grace'.
In 2001 Spanish label El Diablo released an Angelou compilation called Midnight Witcheries. Now joined by new drummer Cath Evans and bassist Anne Richardson, this record allowed the band to be heard for the first time throughout Europe. They completed 2 extensive tours of Spain, appearing on national TV and radio. They also went on to release a further EP and 2 videos.
On hearing of their success abroad, UK music independent giant Sanctuary Records
Sanctuary Records
Sanctuary Records Group Limited was a record label based in the United Kingdom and a subsidiary of Universal Music Group. Until June 2007, it was the largest independent record label in the UK and the largest independent music management company in the world...
offered Lerski a recording and publishing agreement and at the end of 2001 Lerski finally signed a major deal. Angelou were soon off on the road again, this time as a duo touring Scandinavia and Europe with blues legend John Hiatt
John Hiatt
John Hiatt is an American rock guitarist, pianist, singer, and songwriter. He has played a variety of musical styles on his albums, including New Wave, blues and country. Hiatt has been nominated for several Grammy Awards - although he has never won- and has been awarded a variety of other...
& The Goners.
On their return from Europe the band went into rehearsals for the third album, staying in a wooden hunting lodge in Derbyshire. Recorded both in Denmark and Manchester throughout 2002, 'Life Is Beautiful' was a much poppier record. It was finally released in 2003 under Lerski's own name. With the launch of the album came lives dates with The Cranberries
The Cranberries
The Cranberries are an Irish rock band formed in Limerick in 1989 under the name The Cranberry Saw Us, later changed by vocalist Dolores O'Riordan. The band currently consists of O'Riordan, guitarist Noel Hogan, bassist Mike Hogan and drummer Fergal Lawler...
, Jason Mraz
Jason Mraz
Jason Thomas Mraz , also known as Mr. AZ and Mr. Raz, is an American singer-songwriter. Mraz released his debut album, Waiting for My Rocket to Come, which contained the hit single "The Remedy ", in 2002, but it was not until the release of his second album, "Mr. A-Z", in 2005, that Mraz achieved...
and Josh Rouse
Josh Rouse
Josh Rouse is an American folk/roots pop singer-songwriter.-Biography:Born in the small town of Paxton, Nebraska, he moved to various places in the Midwest during his childhood due to his father's military career...
, and support from BBC Radio 2
BBC Radio 2
BBC Radio 2 is one of the BBC's national radio stations and the most popular station in the United Kingdom. Much of its daytime playlist-based programming is best described as Adult Contemporary or AOR, although the station is also noted for its specialist broadcasting of other musical genres...
and most notably Wake Up To Wogan
Wake Up to Wogan
Wake Up to Wogan was the most listened to radio show in the United Kingdom and the flagship breakfast programme broadcast on BBC Radio 2. The show was presented by Sir Terry Wogan who fronted WUTW from 4 January 1993; he had previously presented the breakfast show between 1972 and 1984, but the...
producer Paul Walters
Paul Walters
Paul Walters was a BBC radio and TV producer, most noted for his work and appearances on Sir Terry Wogan's BBC Radio 2 breakfast show Wake Up to Wogan, where he was known to millions as "Dr Wally Poultry"...
. There was also news that Lerski's song 'My Love' would be featured in a Hollywood film. It looked like the bands hard work had finally paid off, however it was not to be. In 2004 after disagreements with Sanctuary over lack of promotion for the record, Lerski was forced to leave the label and her songs behind.
In the summer of 2004, tired of the music industry and following a break up, Lerski relocated to Manchester where she began to write new material with the intention of releasing on her own imprint Laundry Label
Laundry Label
Laundry Label is the record label for singer songwriter Holly Lerski....
. 'Greetings From N.Y.' was Laundry's first release. Featuring on the cover a hand written postcard to Lerski from Jeff Buckley, 'Greetings' was a 'best of' CD showcasing Lerski and the band's music to date. BBC Radio 2's Wake Up To Wogan
Wake Up to Wogan
Wake Up to Wogan was the most listened to radio show in the United Kingdom and the flagship breakfast programme broadcast on BBC Radio 2. The show was presented by Sir Terry Wogan who fronted WUTW from 4 January 1993; he had previously presented the breakfast show between 1972 and 1984, but the...
once again championed the record and 'More Than A Storm' featured weekly on his show. Starbucks
Starbucks
Starbucks Corporation is an international coffee and coffeehouse chain based in Seattle, Washington. Starbucks is the largest coffeehouse company in the world, with 17,009 stores in 55 countries, including over 11,000 in the United States, over 1,000 in Canada, over 700 in the United Kingdom, and...
at the time was also featuring tracks from 'Life Is Beautiful' on their in-store compilation.
By 2006, following the news that Sanctuary had been bought out by Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group is an American music group, the largest of the "big four" record companies by its commanding market share and its multitude of global operations...
, Holly returned to Norwich to begin a new chapter.
Solo career
Going it alone now, Lerski played her first solo date in New York's famous 'Living Room' in 2007. That same week 'HallelujahHallelujah
Hallelujah, Halleluyah, and the Latin form Alleluia are transliterations of the Hebrew word meaning "Praise Yah". The last syllable is from the first two letters of the name of God, YHWH, written JHVH in Latin). Hallelujah is found primarily in the book of Psalms...
' was featured in the finale episode of CBS TV drama 'Close To Home'.
In September 2009 Lerski announced the launch of her new download store for Laundry Label
Laundry Label
Laundry Label is the record label for singer songwriter Holly Lerski....
. She continues to write and record songs for her 4th album.
Albums
- Greetings From N.Y.: Holly Lerski & Angelou 1997 - 2004 (2004)
- Life Is Beautiful (2003)
- Sweet Dreams Tonight (Best of Angelou) (2001)
- Midnight Witcheries (2001)
- While You Were Sleeping (2000)
- Automiracles (1998)
Singles & EPs
- My Love (2003)
- Everyone's Lonely (2003)
- Summertime (2001)
- Hallelujah (1997)
Videos
- My Love (2003)
- Everyone's Lonely (2003)
- Summer Homecoming (2001)
- This Is Not A Love Song (2001)