It’s been a while between drinks for Adelaide (Kaurna Country) singer Hollie “Cookie” Baker. Her 2019 LP, This Is Not A Love Song, was a perfect introduction to her wide range of folk-pop influences. The release featured her 2017 duet with Tim Rogers, “The Summer”, which perfectly encapsulates long simmer days on the farm, related to her upbringing.
Over the last few years the evocative singer has toured with an impressive list of artists; the likes of Mick Thomas (Weddings Parties Anything), Neko Case, Augie March, Kate Miller-Heidke, Ben Lee, Jen Cloher, Vikki Thorn (The Waifs) and Angie Hart (Frente!).
After an extensive break from writing and touring, Cookie returned to the studio and has written and refined her latest single, “The Winter”. It’s a bookend track to “The Summer”, a reflective yet hopeful ballad about the journey of self-realisation, heartbreak, and renewal. The track beautifully pairs lush strings from South Australian composer Thea Martin with Cookie’s poetic storytelling. It was produced by Mario Spate at Danger Deer Studios in Adelaide. The track showcases Spate’s mastery of atmospheric sonic textures. This time the duet voice comes from Ollie English, giving the song depth and feeling.
Cookie shares her thoughts on the track:
“It’s a song about navigating the complex layers of dissatisfaction in a relationship—acknowledging the sadness, confronting the resignation, and yet still reaching for hope.”
Singer Ollie English relates that what drew him to the song on first listen was the range and dynamics of Cookie’s voice – from subtle whispers to roaring crescendos. “My introduction to “The Winter” was on this beautiful old piano at Cookie’s house; she played the song back to front and I instantly connected with it,” he explains.
Capturing the raw beauty of vulnerability and emotional resilience, “The Winter” invites audiences to find solace and strength in their own journeys of renewal.
2025 marks the release of new music for Holly ‘Cookie’ Baker, accompanied by touring throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Tour Dates:
5 October – Naarm / Melbourne – The Merri Creek Tavern with Ollie English – Tickets HERE.
10 October – Tarntanya / Adelaide – Salt Tree Australia Tour – Tickets HERE
Further 2025 tour dates to be announced soon.
“The Winter” is now available on all major streaming platforms.
Hollie Cookie Baker photo by Caroline Wall
