Over a dozen albums on, her message is emerging
English singer-songwriter Holly Golightly – yes, that’s her real name, minus a Smith, which she knocked off the end – began her musical career in the early 90s as a member of the all-girl group the Headcoatees, a garage-rock act. She released her first solo album in 1995 and has put out a further 12 in 11 years. Golightly’s been referred to as England’s Nancy Sinatra, while more recently the admirable film director Jim Jarmusch chose two of her songs for the soundtrack of his 2005 film «Broken Flowers.» Following a well-received first performance last May, Golightly is set to return for two nights at the Greek capital’s recently launched Planet Music venue (44 Ardittou, Mets) on Friday and Saturday. Kathimerini managed to track down Golightly, currently touring, for a brief chat ahead of her next visit to Greece. The inclusion of your songs on the «Broken Flowers» soundtrack must have been particularly satisfying for you? I adored the film and think that the tracks combined well with its mood and atmosphere. The important thing – as far as I know – is that Jarmusch selected the songs himself. According to critics, your influences stem from the 1950s and 60s. Who were the artists that influenced you? There are so many of them that it would be difficult to recall them all right now. I really like the Muscle Shoals scene [recording mecca in Alabama for rhythm and blues, rock and pop artists in the 1960s and 70s] where lots of big hits were recorded by the likes of Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Michael Jackson, as well as preceding acts from Detroit [Motown’s home base]. I gradually started to get interested in older songs. I also discovered lots of old 60s songs through their punk-rock covers and then went looking for what I thought were the originals, but they, too, were cover versions of even older songs. So it’s a continuous search. You’re known for having quite a music collection. How big is it? I sold a lot of my records about 15 years ago because I really needed the money to repair my boat, so my collection’s shrunk a lot. I often regret having done that, but I suppose it was more important for my boat to keep floating. I managed to hold on to rare soul and rhythm-and-blues hits. You also played in Athens last May. What’s your opinion of local fans and what are we going to get this time around at Planet Music? The audience was fabulous and we had a very good time together. I’m excited to be returning. The group will be a full lineup this time – five musicians on stage – so our sound’s going to have another dimension and will be very different compared to last time.
