Hollie Smith is a celebrated New Zealand soul singer-songwriter whose remarkable career has established her as one of the most successful female artists in the country. She first gained recognition in 1999 at the National Jazz Festival of New Zealand, where she won Best Female Vocalist and released her debut album, “Light From a Distant Shore.” This early work showcased her talent in Celtic music and set the stage for her future endeavors in the music industry.

In 2003, Smith moved to Wellington and joined the band TrinityRoots, contributing to their album “Home, Land and Sea.” Her collaborations with renowned artists such as Fat Freddy’s Drop and Concord Dawn further solidified her reputation as a versatile vocalist. In 2005, she released the Hollie Smith EP and achieved significant success with the single “Bathe in the River,” which won the APRA Silver Scroll and spent 22 weeks in the NZ Top 10.

Smith’s solo career took off with the release of her debut album, “Long Player,” in 2006, which debuted at number one and was certified Gold. Following a brief hiatus, she returned with her second album, “Humour and the Misfortune of Others,” in 2010, which also debuted at number one. Her subsequent albums, including “Water or Gold” and “Coming In From The Dark,” continued this trend, showcasing her ability to evolve while maintaining her soulful sound.

Throughout her career, Smith has not only released critically acclaimed music but has also collaborated with top musicians and orchestras, enhancing her artistic repertoire. Her participation in significant events, such as the Montreal Jazz Festival and her win on the Masked Singer NZ, highlights her broad appeal and enduring impact on the New Zealand music scene.