Unapologetic, genre-defying, and rooted in raw emotion, HOLYMAMI is shaking up the alternative scene with a sound that feels both nostalgic and entirely new. With a sonic palette pulling from punk, nu-metal, rock, and a dash of hip-hop soul, she’s unafraid to scream, rage, and reflect through her music—all while staying fiercely authentic.
In this interview with Urbanista, HOLYMAMI opens up about her journey into music, the rock icons who shaped her artistic DNA, and how she balances chaos with clarity in the studio. As she carves her own lane in a world that often demands conformity, she’s building a movement grounded in vulnerability, power, and self-belief. From childhood memories of punk-playing siblings to the pressure of the modern release cycle, HOLYMAMI keeps it real.
Welcome to the world of TRAP THERESA—where emotion leads, rebellion echoes, and being loud is a form of liberation.
How did you first get into music, and what was the moment you realised you wanted to pursue it seriously?
My journey into music began when I got close to a friend who played the bass for a great rock band a few years ago. His passion to express himself sonically in rock has always been inspiring to me, and he truly gave me the confidence to navigate the alternative space and have confidence in it because he had been doing it for so long and encouraged me that it wasn’t as serious as I’m making it in my head. That gave me the confidence to move forward.
Which artists or bands have had the biggest influence on your sound and artistic identity?
My biggest musical influences are definitely Betty Davis, System of a Down, Rage Against the Machine, Limp Bizkit, Skin, Skunk Anansie, X Ray Spex and PJ Harvey. There’s much more, but I would say these are the people that made me go “huh, so you can sound like however you want to, and people that need to find you will find you.” I also just enjoy people who scream in a melodic way.
Your music blends rock, punk, alternative, and nu-metal—how do you decide what elements to include in your songs?
When I began trying to express myself sonically, I immediately started thinking it meant I had to be some type of soft singer. I quickly realised I wasn’t resonating with any of the R&B or Lofi beats, and I needed something with a little faster pace, so I started listening to rock beats. The rock beats inspired me the most to actually write something down. Once I started writing, I looked back at it and I was like Oh wow, this is punky and nu metal, then realised that energy was coming from being a kid and listening to rock music, and having an older sister who was punk in high school who put me on to many rock bands when I was little. So all the elements you hear are getting pulled from all the bands I’ve already loved and listen to, and I want to keep the punky rock spirit alive.
How do you approach songwriting — is it more personal storytelling, or do you start with sounds and vibes first?
I feel like I always start songwriting with What do I want to say? First, the idea of a story comes, and then I try and find a beat or sounds that match the story. Sometimes a friend will send me an incredible beat that also inspires words, but mainly the thought comes first.
What role does your background and personal experiences play in your music?
I feel like my background and personal experiences play a huge role in my music, but not necessarily where I’m from or my personality, like other artists. My background is also my interests through the years and experiences trying to learn more about my interests and desires, if that makes sense. Kind of like I’m living life, and this is the information I’ve gathered, so here it is in a music form.
Can you describe a typical day in the studio when you’re working on new material?
A typical day in the studio is me coming ready, so very much overestimating myself, and trying to do six songs in four hours. I feel like I have so many ideas, and I’m still learning how to time manage them so my studio days aren’t chaotic. Just let’s see how long it’s gonna take to get all the elements of this idea sounding somewhat decent before I leave here. I’m very focused in the Studio and prefer a one-on-one or three people at the most vibe.
How do you stay true to your artistic vision in an industry that often wants artists to fit certain molds?
I personally can’t live with myself if I don’t express the true form of what is inside me the best I can and I know a lot of other artists are better at biting the bullet and making their genre-pop/radio friendly but currently I’m not seeing fitting the mold for myself maybe that’ll change in the future but right now I have nothing to lose so staying true to what I will really wanna do can’t hurt me and just feels good.
Are there any artists or genres outside of rock and punk that inspire you?
I definitely love hip-hop and folk/indie music. I am a heavy Wu-Tang and Gravediggaz fan just cause the spirit and aggressiveness are there, and I love to feel that in music. From the folk indie side of things, I love Hozier, Daryl Hall & John Oates, and Alice Phoebe Lou, for the rawness of emotion and grounding feeling. Hip-hop, rock, indie, and 60s-’90s soul music is what I listen to the most.
What has been the most challenging part of your music career so far?
The most challenging part of the music-making for me has been pacing myself and marketing. Advertising myself feels so odd, and I had to get over it. I don’t have terrible time management skills, but the whole release schedule thing has been throwing me for a loop. It’s been a little bit of impatience and a little bit of thinking I am ready for something when I’m not, but that’s OK and having to understand that is important. I’ve just been trying to give myself grace through this whole thing and remembering that rushing is an illusion this generation created.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received as an artist, and how has it shaped your path?
Your essence is your brand, and you don’t need to copy anyone else’s blueprint if you’re being genuine and engaging.
