Holly Humberstone Shares How She Endures ‘Stinky and Gross’ Dressing Rooms at Concert Venues (Exclusive)

Holly Humberstone, the rising British alt-pop artist, recently took to the main stage at New York City’s Governors Ball Music Festival, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career. In an exclusive conversation with PEOPLE just before her performance on Sunday, June 7, the 26-year-old reflected on her remarkable journey since starting professionally in 2020.

Over the past few years, Humberstone has transitioned from performing in intimate venues to headlining major festivals, a shift that carries both excitement and pressure. “I feel like the stakes are high,” she admitted, embracing the challenge of performing before such large crowds. “I feel very privileged to be here and to be part of such an insane lineup.” With a gig to follow by pop artist Slayyyter, Humberstone felt the need to elevate her game in preparation for the festival.

In addition to her live performance, Humberstone recently released a new EP titled *it’s a real Cruel World*, which features reimagined versions of tracks from her latest album, *Cruel World*, released in April. This new collection includes fan-favourite songs like “White Noise,” “To Love Somebody,” “Red Chevy,” and the title track “Cruel World.” Her current tour will see her performing across North America until the end of June, followed by a schedule across the UK, Europe, and Asia throughout July to September. Later this year, she is set to support fellow artist Gracie Abrams on her *Look at My Life Tour* in Los Angeles.

When asked about the differences between playing smaller venues and larger stages, Humberstone provided an insightful perspective. “A headline show is about having fun, as people have bought tickets just to see you,” she explained. However, she highlights the unique atmosphere of festivals, where the challenge lies in engaging with a broader audience. “It feels super rewarding to play festivals,” she said, acknowledging the celebratory environment where festival-goers are eager to enjoy and dance without taking the performance too seriously.

As her profile rises, so too has the complexity of her tour backstage needs. When discussing her rider, Humberstone noted how it has evolved during her career. “I’ve tailored mine now to being a bit more healthy,” she remarked, admitting the difficulties of maintaining a balanced diet on tour. “It’s unfortunately a lot of vegetables and yogurt,” she added in jest, reflecting on the necessity of taking care of her health while on the road.

On the subject of her latest EP, she expressed her enthusiasm for reinterpreting her music. “I love these songs so much,” she shared, indicating that her creative urges wanted to bring each track to new life. Humberstone’s goal was to move beyond basic acoustic renditions, favouring innovative approaches that invoke a brighter, summery feel. “It’s fun to try different versions of your own songs and see how you can make them sound,” she reflected, revealing an artistic desire to explore and experiment with her craft.

With her album *Cruel World* only recently released, Humberstone has experienced a whirlwind of emotions regarding fan reception. “There’s mixed feelings about releasing music,” she confessed, noting that transferring ownership of her work to the public is a bittersweet process. Despite any anxiety, she expressed immense pride in the album, stating, “I’ve had the best two years making it…I hope it can provide some kind of comfort or hope.”

Humberstone is particularly excited about her upcoming tour with Gracie Abrams. She shared a warm enthusiasm for their relationship, recalling her admiration for Abrams since the latter’s early days. “I think I was a day-one Gracie fan,” she confessed, crediting Abrams as a key inspiration for her own path into music. “I feel so lucky…Gracie’s an amazing songwriter,” she said, demonstrating her eagerness to connect with the cultures surrounding her peer’s fanbase.

Having opened for some of the biggest names in the industry, including Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift, Humberstone discussed the invaluable lessons she has learned from these experiences. “Confidence is really key,” she highlighted, emphasising the importance of authenticity in her performances. Reflecting on the advice she’s received from seasoned artists, she noted, “The main thing is to trust yourself and have boundaries,” reinforcing the idea that self-awareness is essential in navigating the demanding world of music.

As Holly Humberstone continues to rise, her commitment to her art and connection with her audience remains evident. The forthcoming months promise to be as exciting as they are challenging for the budding star, as she pushes herself to new heights while staying true to her musical roots.