Naarm/Melbourne's Holly Hebe brings a little darkness to celestial pop on latest single, 'Bitterness'

Naarm/Melbourne has been harbouring a secret, but word’s out that Holly Hebe is one to watch, rapidly cementing her spot in the Australian music scene. The singer/songwriter and budding producer has a knack for crafting dreamy, celestial pop, and has delivered her latest single, ‘Bitterness’ - a lighthearted yet introspective take on self-loathing, grudges, and the endless doom-scrolling cycle.

Inspired by the likes of Maggie Rogers, Phoebe Bridgers, and Clairo, Holly combines her love of piano and poetry with organic sampling and unique processing. Her sound is deeply rooted in her rural seaside upbringing, blending nostalgia and modernity to create a sonic identity uniquely her own.

The track delves into the chasm of negativity that social media often fosters, filled with angry keyboard warriors and unnecessary drama, while reminding us that most things aren’t as deep as they seem. Holly’s poignant lyrics and celestial production encourage listeners to let go of the past before bitterness takes root and festers into something uglier.

‘Bitterness’ is the kind of track that sneaks up on you—sugar-coated in shimmering synths and playful pop grooves, but with a lyrical bite that lingers. Underneath the bubbly beats and dreamy vocal layers, there’s a sharp critique of the social media vortex, where validation is currency and self-worth is under siege. The contrast is intoxicating: a track that sparkles on the surface but carries the weight of modern anxieties underneath. Holly Hebe wraps it all in a sound so effortlessly charming, you almost don’t notice the warning signs—until you do.

Holly Hebe’s star power continues to rise, with ‘Bitterness’ following an impressive string of successes that have cemented her as a standout artist. Her music has garnered widespread radio and media support, with airplay on triple j for tracks like ‘Hat Hair’, ‘Bottle Blonde’, and ‘Ultra Love (feat. Ella Rosa)’. ‘Ultra Love’ landed a full triple j rotation, and she's been a triple j Unearthed feature artist.

Holly has graced stages across the country, including a 14-show tour with The Rions, performances at NYE on the Hill, Beyond the Valley, and the Australian Open, and is set to showcase her talent internationally at We Found New Music in Los Angeles. Her tracks have been featured on playlists, including Spotify’s New Music Friday AU & NZ, sad girl sh*t and softly, as well as Apple Music’s Mellow Days and Pop Chill. Beyond her music, Holly has collaborated with brands like Levi’s, Wrangler, Dr. Martens, and LUSH, further establishing her cultural impact.

The release of ‘Bitterness’ marks the start of a monumental year for Holly Hebe. On January 22, she performed at the Australian Open, which will be followed by a headline set at Franjafest 2 with FELIVAND and Lotte Gallagher on March 1st. March will also see her showcasing at We Found New Music in Los Angeles, writing trips across Austin and Los Angeles. Holly is headlining all-ages shows at The Loft (NSW) and The Leadbeater (VIC) for Great Southern Nights. With her packed schedule of international writing trips, festival appearances, and new music, 2025 is shaping up to be Holly Hebe’s breakthrough year.

‘Bitterness’ is out now on all streaming platforms.