From rural Lincolnshire to the Brit Awards: a self-exposing musical rise

Cultures · Published 10 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Growing up in a small town with no local music scene, Holly Humberstone had to build her own world. From classical violin to atmospheric synth-pop, she has crafted a career defined by 'oversharing' and intimate storytelling that resonated quickly with global audiences.

Born in Nottingham in 1999 and raised in Grantham, Humberstone’s musical foundation was rooted in classical training as a violinist for the Lincolnshire Youth Symphony Orchestra. Despite her parents being doctors and her upbringing in rural Lincolnshire—an area she noted lacked a vibrant music scene—she began writing songs at a young age. This isolation led her to develop an independent creative path before she was first discovered by a manager during a local BBC Music Introducing radio show.

Her rapid ascent followed a series of high-profile milestones between 2017 and 2022. After performing on BBC Radio Lincolnshire, she reached the Glastonbury Festival stage in 2019. By late 2021, she had secured major recording contracts with Polydor and Darkroom Records, leading to her winning the Brit Award for Rising Star in 2022. This recognition came during a surprise moment while she was recording an acoustic duet with Sam Fender.

Humberstone’s artistry is characterized by what she calls 'self-exposing' music, often drawing comparisons to Lorde and Bon Iver due to its atmospheric nature. She cites Damien Rice's 2002 album O as her first favorite record and identifies with female writers who overshare. Her discography includes the debut album Paint My Bedroom Black (2023) and Cruel World (2026), alongside diverse projects like a soundtrack contribution for The Buccaneers and an original song for the video game Life Is Strange: Reunion.

Her career trajectory highlights a transition from independent 'doing my own thing' to major global platforms, including opening slots for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour and Olivia Rodrigo. Despite her commercial success, she maintains a focus on raw vulnerability, even releasing a 'Work In Progress' EP in 2024 composed of forgotten demos rather than polished studio tracks.

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