Photos by Sharon Steele – Holly Humberstone has quickly established herself as one of the UK’s most compelling alternative pop artists, earning acclaim for her deeply personal songwriting and emotionally charged performances. Born in Grantham, Lincolnshire, England, Humberstone began writing songs at a young age while studying music at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Bon Iver, Damien Rice, and Phoebe Bridgers, she developed a distinctive sound that blends intimate piano melodies, atmospheric production, and honest lyricism. Her breakthrough came in 2020 with the release of her debut EP Falling Asleep at the Wheel, introducing listeners to her vulnerable storytelling and understated vocal style.
Momentum continued to build with the release of The Walls Are Way Too Thin in 2021, featuring fan-favorite tracks including “Scarlett” and “Haunted House.” The EP showcased Humberstone’s evolution into a confident songwriter capable of balancing infectious indie-pop hooks with raw emotional honesty. That same year, she signed with Polydor and Interscope Records, and her growing reputation was cemented when she won the prestigious BRIT Award for Rising Star in 2022. She soon found herself performing on major festival stages and touring alongside artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, girl in red, and Taylor Swift, introducing her music to audiences around the world.
In 2023, Humberstone released her highly anticipated debut full-length album, Paint My Bedroom Black, an introspective collection exploring anxiety, heartbreak, homesickness, and self-discovery. The record received widespread critical praise for its cinematic production and emotional depth, further establishing her as one of modern pop’s most authentic voices. Her ability to transform deeply personal experiences into universally relatable songs has earned her a devoted global fanbase while maintaining the intimacy that first defined her music.
Humberstone has continued to expand her artistic vision with her 2026 sophomore album, Cruel World, embracing a brighter sonic palette while retaining the vulnerability that has become her trademark. The album reflects themes of growth, love, and resilience, signaling a new creative chapter without losing the heartfelt storytelling that resonates with listeners. As she continues to evolve both musically and personally, Holly Humberstone remains one of the most exciting singer-songwriters of her generation, proving that emotional honesty and thoughtful songwriting remain at the heart of enduring pop music.
LEYLA EBRAHAMI
Leyla Ebrahimi is an emerging alt-pop singer-songwriter whose emotionally candid music has quickly earned attention for its genre-blending approach and deeply personal storytelling. Raised in Reston, Virginia, in a large Persian-American family and now based in Brooklyn, New York, Ebrahimi draws inspiration from her multicultural upbringing, weaving intimate lyrics with influences ranging from indie rock and dream pop to electronic and alternative music. She began releasing music independently before signing with Deerfield Records and Interscope Records, where her vulnerable songwriting and dynamic vocal performances helped establish her as one of alternative pop’s promising new voices.
Ebrahimi’s growing catalog includes standout singles such as “nobody matters but You,” “i don’t like being left behind,” “I’m Sorry Maria,” and “I Know You’re the Moon,” culminating in her debut EP, Planet You Forgot Me. Frequently collaborating with producer Alexander 23, she balances quiet, introspective moments with explosive, cathartic choruses that resonate with listeners navigating love, identity, and personal growth. As her audience continues to expand through streaming platforms and live performances, Leyla Ebrahimi is establishing herself as a fresh and fearless voice in today’s alternative pop landscape.
