The past few years have been nothing short of a whirlwind for Holly Humberstone. On the strength of her breakout EP, 2021’s The Walls Are Way Too Thin, the singer-songwriter was named the Rising Star of 2022 at the Brit Awards—an honor previously bestowed on the likes of Adele and Florence Welch. In a matter of months, Humberstone went from writing songs in her childhood bedroom in rural England to opening for Olivia Rodrigo and Girl in Red on their respective tours.
“I’ve spent a lot of the past few years supporting other artists and getting inspired by other people’s shows,” says the 24-year-old, who recently capped off her own summer headlining tour, The Holly Humberstone Show, to support her debut album, 2023’s Paint My Bedroom Black. “It feels pretty full-circle, seeing my name on venues in cities so far away from home and getting to play shows to rooms full of strangers that connect with me and my experiences.”
While on tour, she kept a diary to make sure she wouldn’t forget all the little moments that made the experience so special: curating tour looks with her stylist Lauren Anne Groves, painting her bandmates’ nails on the bus, celebrating a crew member’s birthday with pizza and beer in Manhattan, even watching a couple get engaged during the tour’s final stop in Vancouver. “Being on the road is just super inspiring, and I want to be able to remember everything when I’m old,” Humberstone says. “I’ve been so excited to get home and get to work on album two so that I can keep doing all this fun stuff.”
To commemorate the end of The Holly Humberstone Show, the rising English talent shared some exclusive snaps from her life on the road with Vogue.
Photo: Charlotte Alex1/12First show of the North America tour, in Charlotte. It was a festival called Lovin’ Life and I was definitely loving my life. I remember being really nervous but full of excitement for the tour ahead.
Photo: Charlotte Alex2/12Before going onstage in Atlanta at Shaky Knees Music Festival. It was the second show of tour and I’d had a whole new wardrobe to choose from. Looking back I think this was my favourite fit from the tour wardrobe!
Photo: Charlotte Alex3/12This pic was taken outside the venue in Portland. I remember that show as there was no air conditioning in the venue and it was just a sweat box, but I think that made it one of the best and funnest shows!
Photo: Charlotte Alex4/12Being onstage in Charlotte, North Carolina. I was seriously jet-lagged as it was the day after we had landed, but the adrenaline always kicks in to get me through the shows. Such a fun start to the tour!
Photo: Charlotte Alex5/12Here I am backstage in Salt Lake City before the show. I loved this dress and I’m also wearing my favourite piece of jewellery, made by my little sister Lulu.
Photo: Charlotte Alex6/12My photographer Charlotte and I took a bunch of pictures before one of the shows because we thought the scenery looked pretty. This is how they came out!
Photo: Charlotte Alex7/12My gorgeous band: Jack, Seth, Lauren, and I before a show. I love them so dearly and it’s always the biggest pleasure sharing the stage with such amazing musicians and people. This pic makes my heart so happy!
Photo: Charlotte Alex8/12This was night one of the Brooklyn Steel shows. I remember it feeling particularly crazy as I’d supported Girl in Red two years ago at the same venue and had dreamed of coming back and playing my own show there. I felt extra cool too, because Chanel had lent me some amazing jewellery to wear. One of the best nights of tour!
Photo: Charlotte Alex9/12Another pic of Brooklyn night one. Being onstage is always going to be my favourite feeling! My album Paint My Bedroom Black came out in October and I actually wrote a bunch of the songs in New York, so this really felt like a full-circle moment for me. New York is one of my favourite places on earth and I always leave feeling super inspired by the energy of the place.
Photo: Charlotte Alex10/12Brooklyn Steel night two. I’d been lent an amazing Miu Miu two-piece and felt so cool in it! I’m guessing this picture was taken during the last song of the set, “Scarlett.” It’s the best moment of the show, getting to shred my guitar with Jack and Seth.
Photo: Charlotte Alex11/12Getting ready for a show in Toronto with my drummer Lauren. I don’t really have many pre-show rituals, but spending time getting ready and doing my makeup always gives me space to think and makes me feel peaceful before going on stage.
Photo: Charlotte Alex12/12Performing one of my favorite songs of the show, “Lauren,” which is really energetic and uptempo and fun. Finding my confidence onstage and performing took some time, but I honestly just love it now—I feel so empowered!
