Review: "Monster" - Lila Holler
- Deanna Moody
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
If you're in the market for a song that makes you feel like foggy forest, look no further than Lila Holler's new single, Monster. In a comparison between herself and other women, Holler shares the complexity and exhaustion she feels towards the experience of being sexualized as a woman. “This song came to me at a point in my life where I felt very shamefully reliant on male validation to dictate my self-worth,” she shares. “I felt as though I was stuck using sexuality as a way to perform— to emulate someone that I am not in an attempt to feel desirable or sexy as a woman. That performance bred jealousy,” she continues, “and it brought me to a dark headspace for quite some time.” Despite this darkness, Holler recognized that this experience was more than just her own—it was common among young women worldwide. Through giving a voice to the simultaneously isolating yet universal experience of feeling like a “Monster” within your own body and actions, Lila leans into her vulnerability in a powerful and emotionally resonant way.
Delivering lines like “Trying on my mother's heels, I'm stuffing them with old socks,” she further touches on the aspect of performance she observes in women like herself. She notes that the imagery of stuffing her mother's shoes with old socks encapsulates the feeling she's had her whole life— that she is a girl constantly striving to fit the mold of what makes a woman “sexy,” even if it doesn’t always feel authentic. The songwriting process for “Monster” was both challenging and thrilling. Leaning into a heavier alternative pop-rock sound was an exciting turning point for Lila, allowing her to break out of her traditional indie-pop mold without losing a shred of her brutal honesty. The identity she’s found in creating this piece feels like her most authentic yet, and she looks forward to continuing to develop it further.
Lila Holler is an indie-pop musician and songwriter who finds inspiration in her nomadic upbringing across the United States. Influenced by artists like The Marias and Phoebe Bridgers, Holler's sound blends folk-pop intimacy with alternative edge. Her music is a journey through the landscapes of love, growth, and self-discovery, inviting listeners into a world where every song feels like the soundtrack to their own story. A 2023 Interlochen Arts Academy graduate and Fine Arts Award recipient, Holler's talent is evident in her numerous accolades. Whether on stage or in the studio, Holler creates a musical experience that resonates with raw emotion and lived experience. "Monster" is out now on all streaming platforms. Make sure to follow Lila Holler on social media for new release updates!
Written By Deanna Moody
FOLLOW LILA HOLLER:
