INTERVIEW: Hollins discuss origins and influences alongside new single ‘What We Wish For’

Lancashire alt-rock outfit Hollins are closing out 2025 with purpose. Fresh from reimagining Jorja Smith’s ‘Blue Lights’ with indie-rock swagger earlier this summer, the Darwen-based five-piece are back in original territory, this time with their most poignant release yet. New single ‘What We Wish For’ is a shimmering, heart-on-sleeve anthem that wrestles with the slow ache of disconnection, self-growth, and the bittersweet process of letting go.

Known for fusing indie-pop hooks with alt-rock grit, and sprinkling in hints of funk and rap for good measure, Hollins have become a rising name on the UK scene, backed by BBC Introducing and This Feeling alike. With ‘What We Wish For’, they shift gears emotionally, delivering a track that feels both euphoric and reflective, rooted in jangly guitars and Britpop flair but anchored in personal truth.

So we caught up with them to talk origins and influences alongside their newest single.

–

What was the first rock song or artist that made an impact on you?

I wanna be adored – Stone Roses 

Who are some of your biggest musical influences within the rock genre?

Oasis / The Verve  

Are there any non-rock musicians or genres that have also influenced your music?

Shotty Horror / Cypress Hill / Biggie Smalls 

What is your main inspiration when looking to write new music?

Life events, pretty much all our songs are about experiences. Whether they are positive, negative, or hilarious. As soon as something happens worth writing about, it writes itself.

What do you enjoy most about performing live and do you have any memorable live performance experiences you’d like to share?

Love it when there’s a big crowd going mad, we played Manchester Academy last year, which was probably our favourite gig. We once supported Bez from the Happy Mondays a few years ago and went to a party with him that was pretty wild.

We once played in London and didn’t want to pay parking fees, so we took our own clamp and parked where we wanted and clamped the van with our own clamp and avoided any tickets!

What has been a particularly rewarding moment in your musical journey so far?

Our debut single ‘Razz’ music video featured two young lads (Max and Harry) who mimed the song and acted out a few scenes busking in town, etc., and it got in the local papers and was showcased across all the schools in our hometown. Inspired a few kids to pick up the guitar and start a band. We might be responsible for the next Oasis.

How would you define success as a musician?

I think as long as you have people feeling your music and enjoying it how you intended, that’s enough these days. Obviously, to make a living and have a million pounds in the bank would be nice, but it’s who you know, not what you know, these days.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out?

Stay tight and keep the friendship you started out with. Half the battle is the dimensions of the band; never lose it, and protect it.

–

Listen to Hollins’ new single ‘What We Wish For’ below.