Kevin Bronson on July 12th, 2022

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Kirsten Holly Smith has a background on stage and in film, having worked in myriad productions, notably as the star (and co-writer) of the musical “Forever Dusty,” a musical based on the life of Dusty Springfield.

It is from there she enters the pop arena under the name Kiki Holli. Working with producer Ethan Allen (a member of ASHRR, former member of Gram Rabbit and producer for the likes of Ben Harper, Mavis Staples and Throwing Muses), Holli debuted last year with a cover of Roxy Music’s “More Than This.”

Now comes her first original, “New High,” a day-brightener in which her crystalline vocals ooze optimism with every note. The tune was penned with Jonathan Vankin (her co-writer on “Forever Dusty” and composer Patrick Avalon Tully.

“The music was inspired by long trips down the PCH, a trip I take often with my husband,” Holli says. “It helps me find my center again to see and sit by the ocean. It’s my happy place. I think that ‘New High’ is a good song for all of us, transitioning out of our houses and from looking at each other through screens. That separation really does a number on your brain. ‘New High’ is saying that we’re going to be all right, we’re making it through and coming out stronger.”

||| Stream: “New High”