Cut from the same cloth as legendary folk singer-songwriters like Joan Baez, Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell, evocative artist-writer Zandi Holup today releases sophomore song “Dirty Wings” and its official short film music video. A window into the distinct sonic identity of her forthcoming project, Holup collaborated with producer Ryan Hadlock (Zach Bryan, Brandi Carlile, The Lumineers, Wyatt Flores) on the song The Tennessean calls a “‘Love me where I’m (emotionally) at’ anthem.”
“‘Dirty Wings’ is a song I wrote about coming to terms with my mistakes,” shares Holup. “I let shame cover me for years. This song is asking another human to lift my cloak of shame. It is asking someone to love me for who I am despite the darker parts that lie beneath my surface.”
This song is about feeling seen rather than being judged. At its core, it is a yearning to feel worthy. I hope you can feel a wound slowly heal while listening,” she continues.
Holup wrote the song alongside Chris Drizen and recorded at Bear Creek Studios in northwest Washington during a sequestered creative stint. Like her debut “Gas Station Flowers,” Holup’s raw brand of original folk country flourishes through unfiltered storytelling and her signature emotive vocals – the kind of voice that instantly cuts to the heart’s deepest corners:
If you think I’m a saint, then you find out I ain’t, would you still take the sinner in this white cotton dress
My history’s a part of me
I’ve done some fucked up things
I could be your angel, if you could love these dirty wings
Providing a compelling visual narrative to accompany the song, the official music video for “Dirty Wings” tells the story of a sex worker paying her way through college. Holup co-directed and stars in the humanizing depiction that transcends traditional boundaries with short film aspirations.
Not only a prolific writer but also performer, the Pennsylvania-born, Nashville-based artist has shared the stage with Steve Earle, Amanda Shires, Jamey Johnson, Wyatt Flores, 49 Winchester, Midland and more. Holup has forthcoming dates touring with breakthrough artist Stephen Wilson Jr. before festival billings at Under the Big Sky Festival and WE Fest 2025. For more information visit zandiholupmusic.com.
