Exploring Rave Utopia: HOLLY’s Angel In The Rave EP and Behind-the-Scenes Insights

Portuguese producer/DJ HOLLY dropped his highly anticipated Angel In The Rave EP on June 28 via the Bass music favorite label, HypnoVizion. Blending genres from hip-hop, trap, bass to experimental, this release marks a significant milestone for HOLLY, highlighting his dynamic approach to electronic music. HOLLY’s EP is the perfect example of the new generations creative contribution to the world of music.

Since his breakthrough in 2017, Miguel Oliveira aka HOLLY, has built an impressive portfolio, collaborating with artists like CL, Danny Brown, Machinedrum, Zeds Dead, and the Harlem Shake innovator himself, Baauer, earning a Grammy nomination for his work on Planet Mad. In 2023, he released the first two installments of his EP trilogy, Minha Vida: Love, Hope, and Sadness, and the collaborative 天の川 (River of Heaven) EP with Machinedrum on Vision Recordings.

While prepping for his tour, HOLLY, who was in New York at the time, gave FRANK an exclusive look into the making of Angel In The Rave, revealing the creative journey behind the EP. The four-track EP includes the previously released single “IF YOU JUST A PUNK” and his collaboration with the Bass music queen, Rezz, “DYSPHORIA.” Additionally, the EP features two new tracks: “MUSIKAL TOUCH” and “IPANEMA,” which further explore HOLLY’s unique sound. Each track melds experimental bass with thrilling transitions, showcasing his relentless creativity spirit.

HOLLY shared that his musical process is deeply intuitive, with his creations often reflecting his mood of the day. When asked the question we always asked artists about his top three dead or alive artists for his own festival, he selected Led Zeppelin, Tupac, and Mozart—an eclectic mix that highlights his diverse taste in music. His love of different styles of music is evident in his work and collaborations with artists across different styles and genres.

Regarding his Portuguese roots, HOLLY shared that while his background hasn’t directly shaped his music, he feels blessed to have grown up in a supportive environment. He expressed a desire to further explore and incorporate elements of his cultural heritage into his future work. Asked if he has any advice for young artists, HOLLY offers sage advice: “To just enjoy the journey and process, because music is spiritual right?,” and he adds that sometimes not receiving suggestions can be a valuable part of the creative process.

The Angel In The Rave EP is an ambitious release that channels underground energy through an experimental bass lens. It reflects his vision of a rave utopia where peace and love prevail, offering a soundtrack to this idealized world.

As HOLLY concludes his European tour, supporting the sampling maestro DJ Shadow, fans can look forward to experiencing his adventurous sound and captivating performances. The Angel In The Rave EP is available for streaming on all platforms.

With two dates left on their tour; and one of the dates is in Portugal, his home country, be sure to check out their live shows when they come to a city near you. Hopefully soon!

Tracklist

1. IF YOU JUST A PUNK

2. MUSIKAL TOUCH

3. IPANEMA

4. DYSPHORIA (w/ Rezz)

Upcoming Tour Dates

August 31 – Mission Ballroom – Denver, CO

Connect with HOLLY

Written by Eric B Thornton | @ericbthornton

Edit by Bernadette | @berntree