Holly Madge
Independent
Overview
At 10 years old, Holly discovered the unique power of drums to captivate and move people in a way that other instruments simply couldn't match. She began her drumming journey in a barn in Devon, England, supported by her family, dedicated teachers, and neighbors who, due to their deafness, were undisturbed by her practice sessions. This environment, coupled with Holly's openness to new experiences, led her to excel in her musical studies, eventually earning a first-class honors degree in music from the University of Southampton. She then moved to London, where she immersed herself in the diverse music scene.
Holly's drumming style is distinguished by its blend of influences from big band jazz, funk, fusion, and the rock and soul music of the '60s and '70s, all while maintaining clarity and purpose in her playing. The addition of Latin percussion to her repertoire in recent years has further deepened her rhythmic skills and understanding of musical interaction, marking her as a drummer with a unique sound characterized by its musicality, simplicity, and groove.
Holly's professional career is anything but ordinary. She effortlessly transitions between genres and settings, from electrifying progressive house sets in Ibiza alongside Idris Elba to performing intricate percussion parts in Hans Zimmer’s film scores in major arenas. Her versatility is also showcased through unique performances, such as collaborating with a contortionist at the Singapore Grand Prix or engaging with contemporary dancers for Nike promotions.
In her recent ventures into session work, Holly has recorded memorable tracks, including the iconic bongos for "Mission Impossible - Fallout" and the percussion for "The Lion King" soundtrack, besides working with folk-rock artist Frank Turner and producing material for ABRSM, the UK's leading music examination board. Her global collaborations have taken her to Kenya with the British Council & East Africa Arts for the Nairobi Jazz Festival and to Cuba on a personal journey to delve into the country's rich percussive history. Holly's story is one of continuous exploration and passion for the art of drumming, showcasing her as a dynamic and versatile musician.