#holidaymountain

Coined as “Best Dressed” at this year’s SXSW, lead singer Laura Patiño of dance pop trio Holiday Mountain, chats on her addicting, eclectic style and music influences. Their newest EP “Get Really Freaky” releases today where you can listen to some of that ear candy on iTunes.

Where are you from originally & what was the path to where you live now?

I spent the first 17 years of my life in Lakewood, Colorado-a suburb of Denver. It was a blessing to be able to grow up in a place where I could easily go for a hike and serenade deer on the mountain closest to my family’s house. I went to college in Boston and met my band because we were all part of the underground house show scene. When I graduated, the three of us decided to put all our stuff in a van and move to Austin-I’m really grateful that we trusted each other enough to take that leap of faith together.

We know you went to the prestigious Berklee School of Music – have you always wanted to be a musician?

My mom got me started with classical piano lessons from 5 years old on, but I had some pivotal experiences around the age of 14 seeing artists like Andrew Bird and Man Man that really left me feeling like that was the only thing I wanted to do.

For someone who has never heard Holiday Mountain – how would you describe your sound?

Sub bass like Snoop Dogg, beats like every EDM and hip hop song you love, punk attitude, M.I.A meets Billie Holiday vocals, crazy phat synths, air horns always.

We posted about you at SXSW and your awesome street style – where do you get your inspiration?

Omg!! I was so pumped to have connected with you guys, definitely one of my favorite moments this SXSW! As far as my style inspiration goes,  I usually try to reference some pop culture thing that is nostalgic to my childhood like Lisa Frank, the Spice Girls, or Zenon Girl of the 21st Century. My sister got me onto Gwen Stefani/No Doubt and Sex and the City in my teens, all of which bring their own over-the-top, unapologetic style. I just associate all these things with feeling good, so something about sparkle spandex is just soothing to me.

We love your hair! How long has it been pink? Any new colors on the horizon?

Yaayyyy thank you! I have been living the pink life for about 9 months now with Manic Panic. They have a new shade called ‘Lie Locks’ that’s like a neon lilac color and I’m really looking forward to including such a peaceful tone with the endless energy of hot pink soon!

What music, other artists, or books are most influential to you right now? What’s on your playlist?

Musically, I always knew Missy Elliot was badass, but recently I’ve been having this new level of respect for her. Artist wise, I like to go into an Instagram wormhole and find all these people around the world who are just making their own crazy clothes in their rooms or wherever. The newest addition to my Spotify playlist is Maluca - a tropical punk queen on one of my favorite record labels Mad Decent.

Whom did you text last and what was it about?

The last person I texted was my bandmate because I was informed that a song we wrote several years ago ended up in a McDonald’s Hello Kitty commercial- what a world!

At the end of the day, what makes you happy?

Confronting challenging situations with a chill attitude, being honest with people, making the most out of what I’m given, killing a show, getting real with someone I love, and of course-wearing my So So Happy rainbow romper!!

Find more about Holiday Mountain on their site or follow them on instagram!