Following her ‘Invaluable Vol. 1’ EP this July, North London’s homegrown DIY icon Delilah Holliday will release ‘Invaluable Vol. 2’ on November 3^rd via One Little Independent Records. The former received support from the likes of BBC 6 Music including Jamz Supernova’s ‘New Music Fix’, NTS, Crack, DIY, The Line Of Best Fit, Clash Magazine, The Independent, Loud & Quiet, Hunger Magazine, So Young, Brooklyn Vegan and more. The two EPs combine to create the ‘Invaluable’ mixtape, released on limited edition 12” transparent violet vinyl.

Immediately a more beat-driven and anthemic piece that also harbours a darkness, new single ‘Liquid Pearl’ references the fossil fuel crisis and climate change, using the concept of Mother Nature reclaiming what’s hers. It’s released alongside a video by Akinola Davies. The award-winning filmmaker has recently shot for Burberry, Kenzo, BBC & Bianca Saunders as well as music videos for Tirzah.

Delilah says she “met Akin in 2015 whilst performing and writing in the punk band Skinny Girl Diet. I’ve always loved and respected Akinola’s work, especially his short film Lizard, so it’s been a dream come true to work with him on this project. This is the first time in my solo project I’ve worked on a music video of this scale, and it’s been a joy to level-up. For this music video I had an intensive course of combat and self-defence training with stunt coordinator Kenny Knight for the fight scenes which was very insightful and is something I’m now hooked on exploring in my personal life. The whole stunt team were so supportive and educational so big up to them. Also, everyone on set was incredible, despite the atmosphere of the music video it was a really smooth supportive day all around. This video is essentially a modern take on Joan of Arc. There’s just something so powerful about chain mail and the beauty of this music video is it really goes with the sonic sound of this Mixtape which Akin has captured superbly in this music video”.

Akinola responded; “I’ve wanted to work with Delilah since the days of Skinny Girl Diet. It’s been a long time coming. I love the sound that she is working on for these couple of videos and the full record. I’m really excited for exploring ideas and trying new things. This is where I am at. Yeah, it was really fun to make on a really rainy day in August”.

‘Invaluable Vol. 2’ works as a heady tale of caution, and the search for clarity in creativity outside of the intoxicating noise that surrounds us all. It’s about being true to oneself despite what doubts or distractions we may face. It’s also about the confidence and support that comes from the acceptance of this. Seven tracks map something of a journey, that can be viewed in the context of a single night out, but recall thematic elements that are universal. Delilah tells us that “the first part of the EP is very downtempo. It’s got a couple of little uppers in it, but it’s sort of introducing you to the quest you’re gonna go on. The second part is like the wild ride, and then you start going downhill. And it screeches to a stop when you remember who you are again”.

Like ‘Vol. 1’, ‘Vol. 2’ was co-written and co-produced with composer Raphael Ninot. Musically the collection ranges from industrial club anthems and delirious beats to atmospherically produced moments of euphoria. Glitchy electronics blend with Delilah’s trademark art pop and crisp trip hop rhythms. Delilah’s authenticity is distinct in her delivery and lyrics, which continue to probe class and societal issues as she guides the listener through her realm of realisations. A key theme that follows from ‘Vol. 1’ is that of identity and roots. Growing up on Holloway Road and beginning her creative endeavours with family members continues this sense of community and groundedness.

Skinny Girl Diet, which she founded at the age of 14 with her sister Ursula and their cousin Amelia, were a staple of the 2010’s UK indie-punk landscape. She then successfully transitioned to her current solo moniker with the release of her debut single ‘Babylon’ in 2018. Shortly after, she would appear on the Baxter Dury album ‘B.E.D’ alongside Étienne de Crécy.

In a short time, she’s worked with some of the best across both the music and fashion world including Neneh Cherry, Vivienne Westwood, Ghost Poet and more. In 2021 alone she hosted a ‘Goddess Energy Experience’ show at The Old Blue Last with Tyson and Grove, headlined St Pancras Old Church, partnered with Marshall Amps, and she performed an exclusive A/V live session with FACT Magazine. She’s also presented her own monthly NTS Radio show since 2016.

Tracklist

1. Hesitate
2. Liquid Pearl
3. 1000 Transformations
4. Drugs Again
5. Travelled
6. Long Time Coming
7. On My Own Wave

Live dates

9^th Nov – London – Hackney Social

Supporting Georgia;

22^nd Nov – Glasgow – Room 2

24^th Nov – Liverpool – District

25^th Nov – Manchester – Canvas

26^th Nov – Leeds – Brudenell Social Club

28^th Nov – Cardiff – Clwb Ifor Bach

29^th Nov – Bristol – Thekla

30^th Nov – London – Colour Factory

2^nd Dec – Paris – La Boule Noire

3^rd Dec – Brussels – AB Club

4^th Dec – Amsterdam – Paradiso Noord

6^th Dec – Berlin – Franzz Club