Meet the Designer Part 3: Hollie Smith
On a discipline that’s moved me forward with music….
I'm not particularly well disciplined but it is a similar thing, I guess, to going to the gym, [in that] it's really difficult when you haven't been for ages and you're trying to get back into it and you're not quite as good as you were. It's very much the same with music. You need to try and get in there every day and engage with an instrument or engage with something that stimulates that side of you. After a few days, you kind of get your focus back and your ideas come easier and you're sparking off different things. That's generally what I try and do - try and engage in something every day so at least it keeps it sharpish.
On pushing through boundaries…
Inspiration, to be fair, has been pretty hard to come by in the last little while. The energy levels have been really different in general. So it can be quite hard to find energy and inspiration. Motivation is a big thing as well. I think inspiration, I mean, it definitely does come from listening to music, but just engaging on a daily level with an instrument or with a thought can make a really big difference as well. [As does] getting out and about and going for a run and a walk and energising my body.
On the next normal – life after the pandemic…
It's been a bit of a roller coaster – a push and pull of emotions and feelings, trying to understand what's best for yourself and everyone. And it's a complicated time. I think all of us can empathise with everybody else, hopefully. I would hope after the last couple of years that we can find a better way to try and look after each other and be grateful for the things we have.
On a love of living in New Zealand….
Even in winter I love our beaches. We go down to Whangamata quite a lot with our two dogs. And sometimes you're just on this amazing, beautiful beach, pristine, and there’s absolutely no-one around. You're just in your own little world where you can wander.
On shopping local…
Over the past few years I’ve become a lot more conscious of supporting Aotearoa businesses, and try as much as possible to shop local, and purchase used items. I try [to] take sustainability into account – making sure I'm lowering my footprint where I can with upcyling and recycling.
On being hopeful for the future…
I'm very much looking forward to performing again, to getting on the road and touring.