Artist

Hollie Cook

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“Oh here I go again, more love songs!” Hollie Cook laughs. For the London-based reggae vocalist and songwriter, love in all its forms remains her ultimate inspiration. On her fifth album, Shy Girl, Cook returns to her roots—tight grooves, beautiful vocals, and catchy melodies—more self-assured and open to vulnerability than ever before. The daughter of Sex Pistols’ drummer Paul Cook, Hollie’s musical journey began with a love for '60s girl groups, Motown, and powerhouse female artists. Marrying these influences with her love for West London's soundsystem culture, she accidentally coined her own genre on MySpace: “tropical pop.” It stuck.

Her career accelerated at age 19 when Ari Up invited her to join feminist post-punk icons The Slits. Four years of worldwide touring served as an industry crash course. "Ari helped nurture my individualism," Cook says. "She made me feel so powerful." Ready to step out solo, Cook teamed with producer Prince Fatty for her acclaimed 2011 self-titled debut on Mr Bongo, followed by 2014’s Twice.

Seeking new sonic directions, she later partnered with legendary producer Youth, lacing her dub-wise productions with experimental sensibilities. This collaboration birthed the ambitious Vessels of Love (2018) and Happy Hour (2022) on Merge Records. Through it all, Cook’s signature remains unchanged. “My approach has always come from the world of harmony and melody,” she explains. “That's how I always find my expression.”

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