Holly The Riot has been singing since she was a mini-Riot. She’d pluck out melodies on her family’s upright piano where her sister achieved mastery, but ultimately chose voice as her main instrument. She sang in the choirs in her public middle school and church in Missouri. In her 20s she would develop a confidence and colorful stage presence around Seattle’s vibrant karaoke scene. For six years she sang in Seattle Women’s Chorus as a playful first soprano. She enjoyed a few solos she carried, realizing she had a passion for the stage. Following an inkling to learn improvisational skills and how to sing with a band, she sought out jazz lessons with Ex Stern. For two years, she met with an ensemble once a week and tipped her toe into the jazz jam scene around the city. She fronted The Mood Swings, an all women big band for a season and had a residency with a jazz trio at OutWest Bar in West Seattle. In 2015 she joined rap project The Brodcast, embodying the muse in sonic form by adding a soft atmospheric quality to his recordings and live shows. They performed as a duo and with a full band at classic venues like Central Saloon and West Seattle Street Fair. 

Over the next years, she would leave the chorus in favor of writing and recording on The Brodast’s projects and developing her own part in the live experience. This gave way to her own song writing, leading her to where she is today. She’s organized and sold out multiple shows where she performed original music, including her new one woman show “Songs for the Brave and Brokenhearted.” Holly’s voice and style has continued to be enriched by playing with musicians in her world travels. Whether busking at a market of a European city,  playing with a band to a packed theatre or serenading friends in a backyard, her lilting yet powerful vocals tear straight to the gut.