Hollis (singer)

Mark Hollis (1955 – 2019) was an English musician, singer, and songwriter. He was best known as the lead singer and principal songwriter of the band Talk Talk.

Hollis formed Talk Talk in 1981 with Paul Webb, Lee Harris and Simon Brenner. The band initially emerged from the New Romantic scene with synth-pop hits such as "Talk Talk" and "It's My Life." However, they gradually moved towards a more experimental and art rock-influenced sound, culminating in the critically acclaimed albums Spirit of Eden (1988) and Laughing Stock (1991). These albums are considered highly influential works of post-rock.

After the release of Laughing Stock, Talk Talk disbanded. Hollis released a self-titled solo album in 1998, which was a continuation of the experimental style of his later Talk Talk work. Following the release of his solo album, Hollis largely retired from the music industry, preferring to focus on family life.

Hollis's distinctive vocal style, characterized by its emotional intensity and subtle phrasing, was a key element of Talk Talk's sound. He was known for his meticulous approach to songwriting and recording, often prioritizing atmosphere and texture over conventional song structures. His work has been cited as an influence by numerous musicians across various genres. He passed away in February 2019.