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Photo by Juliet Parker

Asia Holiday may be in the early stages of introducing her art, but she has already fully arrived as herself. Sharp in her creative identity, the Mississippi-bred singer-songwriter pulls from the sounds and values that shaped her: soul, family, faith, and Southern hospitality. Holiday filters her music through the perspective of a young artist building a life and career in the City of Angels while staying true to her foundation. Her music carries the warmth of home, juxtaposed with grandiose star power and the emotional honesty of someone who shows up as her unapologetic self.

As a rising artist, Holiday is hands-on with every part of building her world; from songwriting to directing visuals, Holliday is in full control of the story she wants to tell. That dedication comes through across her debut album, girl, i told him this…, where she blends cinematic songwriting, vulnerable reflection and a deep sense of purpose. For Holiday, music is not just about making something that sounds good. It is about growth, obedience and self-discovery, while creating work that helps people feel seen as she continues to find solace in her craft.

Ones to Watch: What makes up Asia Holiday’s creative DNA? What was being played in your home?

Asia Holiday: I grew up in Mississippi, and funny enough, I didn’t like country music at first. But I was surrounded by the culture — the way people spoke, the dialect, all of it. It became embedded in me. When I moved to L.A., I realized I had a little twang. I also trained in contemporary pop, so that’s where the pop element comes from. And I’m a Black woman, so I love soul. I grew up listening to Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Boyz II Men. All those elements — country, pop, and R&B — fused together naturally.

What were some of the first records you remember loving? What was the song that made you feel like, “I want to do this”?

It was probably “The Greatest Love of All” by Whitney Houston. My mom wouldn’t let me sing Whitney until I was good enough. I remember being 16, and she finally said, “OK, you can sing Whitney Houston now.” 

I read that you come from a stage or musical theater background. How did that play into your early artistry before you stepped fully into your own sound?

Honestly, it was a blessing and a curse. It was a blessing because it taught me to be tenacious and gave me the mindset that the show must go on. This is show business. But it also caused me to be overly dramatic and think everything had to be a big show. Artistry is really about being stripped down and authentic. Now, my mindset is: Show up always, but be authentic when you do. That’s real show business.

One thing that stood out to me about this project is the cinematic — even theatrical — nature of it. The skits and lyrics are woven together so seamlessly. Does your theater background play into how you create concepts and write lyrics?

For sure. Theater, very similar to cinema, is so focused on storytelling. Growing up in theater and doing small movies back in Mississippi naturally made me dramatic. For this project, it ended up working.

The immediate standout track for me was “SN2U.” The first thing that stood out to me — and I hope I’m hearing this right — was what sounded like Janet Jackson’s “Escapade.”

I literally just got asked that this week. It’s not. I swear. Someone sent me the reference, and I was like, “Oh my gosh, it does kind of sound like it.” But that wasn’t the intention. I hadn’t heard that song until the reference was sent to me. It made me even more comfortable in my artistry, knowing I’m subconsciously leaning into those kinds of influences.

Another standout for me was actually a skit: “I Have to Make a Choice.” I immediately noticed you leaning into your faith on that one. What role does your faith play in your everyday life, your artistry, and the way you approach life?

Thank you for asking. My faith is everything. I don’t think I would have the privilege of sitting here with you if I didn’t have faith in God to get me here. When it comes to how you think, eat, and treat people, if you don’t have faith in God, it’s nothing. Even with something as simple as dating in L.A., the message I’m trying to send is to involve God in everything. He’s the one person who won’t run his mouth, won’t judge you, and will love you through every phase.

Is that something that was instilled in you through your family? I know you’re Nigerian.

How do you know that!?!

 Just a bit of research, [laughs]. I’m Panamanian, and my family is Caribbean, so I understand what it’s like to grow up in that kind of household. A lot of my best friends are Nigerian, too, and I know God and faith are often centerpieces in the home.

I think it’s important to incorporate Him into every part of your life through excellence. If you’re excellent as an individual, there’s an opportunity to show God’s excellence through that execution.

The album follows you at a wall in a relationship. But, I interpreted the themes and lyrics to not only represent a romantic relationship, but also your relationship with living in L.A. while navigating the music industry. Am I getting this right, or digging too deep, haha? 

It’s both. The craziness of dating and the whole culture of L.A. didn’t fully compute until I was engulfed in this lifestyle. It’s such a different culture in every way. You really have to know who you are out here. It’s like choosing between the L.A. way or your hometown route — in dating, in music, and in everything.

The last track, “Mississippi,” feels like a big coming-home moment. It shows what you’re here to represent. You’ve arrived in L.A. and stepped into show business, but you’re still rooted in home. When you’re missing home and running around in this L.A. rat race, how do you come home, even when you’re away from home?

I call my mom. She grounds me like no one else. It’s not even just her encouragement. In this city, you can be told no so many times. You can be told you’re not good enough so much in this city. Having a good core around you matters. For me, my core is my mom, some of my close friends, and God, of course. They relentlessly believe in me, no matter what. That has been my consistent sense of home.

I’ve seen in a previous interview that you said that whenever you need a sign from God, you ask him to show you a ladybug. Where does this originate? And have you seen any ladybugs ahead of the release of this album?

I have one tattoo, and it’s of a ladybug. I named my fan base the Ladybugs.

As this project is about to come out, have you seen a ladybug? Have you asked God for that sign?

Funny enough, as I was walking in the door today, Live Nation had ladybugs on the desk. I went to get a matcha and started taking videos.

What do you hope your fans take away from the album? 

I want them to believe in evolution and growth — not only when everything is tidy, put together and perfect, but when you’re still in the thick of it. When you still have to pray and say, “I guess I have to make a choice. What’s going on?” I want people to feel encouraged in the middle and feel seen. I want them to feel like they’re listening to someone who is also like them.

What has Mississippi instilled in you that you’ve brought to L.A. and still hold close?

Hospitality and respect. We’re big on that. Nobody’s perfect, but we’re really big on being as good to people as we know how to be in the moment. And if we mess up, we’re the first to say, “You know what? My bad. How can I fix this?”

Can we expect any visuals soon? 

Yes. “SN2U,” the one you like, we just filmed the music visualizer. That’s why I have two things of caffeine right now. I only got two hours of sleep last night because I’m editing it myself. I’m an independent artist, and I won’t allow my work ethic to stop me from succeeding.

What song on this album do you feel best captures the essence of the project?

That’s hard. It’s between “SN2U” and “Mississippi.” I’ll say “Mississippi” because I feel like it’s something people haven’t really heard from me yet.