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Photo: Sophia Perras

The vibes generated by Montreal-based artist dee holt are deliberately visual, an immersive set of musical pictograms buoying and balancing sonic emojis into your ear canals. It's wondrous and obvious, especially for an artist studying animation that can equal paint with both chords and oils. With "make a move," her latest single, we noticed a cheerful playfulness that made us even more curious about this rising talent, so we reached out to find out about: people as courage, songs as colors and where to find the best poutine in Montreal.

OnesToWatch: Who is dee holt?

dee holt: 20-year-old Canadian singer-songwriter and visual artist.

What is "make a move" all about?

My new track, "make a move" is about going out of your comfort zone, and trying new things... in the context of the lyrics, it's about someone who's building up the courage to talk to someone they're interested in. However, I wanted the lyrics to speak to more than just that. That "someone" that you might be building up the courage for might be a new job, hobby, a new adventure or experience that you're about to embark on. This song is about breaking down those walls, even if it may make you uncomfortable and feel a little out of place. In the end, you've got nothing to lose... so make a move.

What comes first in your mind, visuals or music? 

That's a hard one. I think that the music comes first, however, the visuals are a strong second. I love seeing the music come to life, especially through animation. After every session, I listen to the demo on a loop in the car on my way home and visualize a music video. The vibe, the “color” that the song feels like, the storyline... I think that they really go hand in hand.

 Love the new track, full-on bop, who produced it?

Thank youuuu!! My amazing producer, Benjamin Nadeau.

We love the uptempo beats and baseline. How's your sound changed since your first single? 

I think that my sound has “matured” in the sense that the songs are less “candy pop.” They’re a little less predictable. I feel that sonically, I'm now in a darker and bolder space. I love to experiment with new sounds and “vibes”. When you compare my earlier singles “hardest part” or even “picture” to my latest “make a move,” you can hear what I mean ahahahaha.

Can we expect more of this style in the future?

Yesssss!!! Can’t wait to share what’s next

Besides this excellent track, what else should we be on the lookout for?

New singles are coming your way!!! And then a third EP... but I think what I'm most excited about is the live shows coming uppppp. You can catch me at Sound of Music in June, FEQ in July, and Sommo Festival in September! More to come! 

What's inspiring you right now outside of music?

I've really been into reading. And being outside, going for walks, moving around.

Settle it for us, best poutine in Montreal?

“La Banquise”!!!! Hands down.

Who are your OnesToWatch?

I’ve been really into Griff. I love her sound, and clever lyrics and her loooookkk!! Her style, her outfits, her makeup! She's so cool. I've also really like Sekou. Such an amazing and powerful voice. Definitely on my watch list.