Crissy Holme has a way of turning complicated emotions into simple, beautiful moments. Her new single, “Disappearing”, is another example of why her voice matters.
Johannesburg, South Africa (04 January 2026) – If you’ve ever felt like your emotions sit just below the surface, waiting for the right words or melody to make sense of them, then Crissy Holme’s music will feel like a deep exhale. It’s gentle, brave and deeply human.
And with the release of her new single, “Disappearing”, the Joburg-based singer-songwriter is once again reminding us that vulnerability can be a powerful place to create from.
Crissy is no stranger to South African ears. Over the last two years, she has quietly been building a catalogue of songs that linger long after the final note. Her debut single, produced by Daniel Baron, “Right Now”, topped the Jacaranda 94.2 Top 40 Chart and quickly became one of the biggest songs in the country. No small feat for an artist still finding her feet and learning to trust her voice.
We sat down with Crissy to speak about her journey, and it quickly became clear that music isn’t something she does on the side. It’s how she survives, processes and makes sense of the world.
“I’m a very sensitive person, and writing has always been an important tool for me to process my feelings,” she says.
“In a way, songwriting helps me separate the very emotional part of myself from who I am in my everyday life. I try to release everything I feel, no matter how dark or ugly it may sound, so it doesn’t just simmer inside of me.”
There’s something quietly comforting in the way she talks about writing as release and even more so when she speaks about what happens after the song leaves her hands.
“It also feels therapeutic to write a very specific lyric and then realise how many people have felt the same way. I love when someone tells me that a lyric cuts deep or says, ‘this is exactly how I feel,’ because it gives me a sense of fulfilment knowing my songs can create a cathartic experience for someone else.”
Despite the self-doubt that so often shadows creative people, Crissy keeps coming back to music. Not because it’s easy, but because it feels true.
“The main thing that pulls me back to music is the fact that I truly subscribe to the idea that if you love your work then you’ll never work a day in your life,” she explains. “If there is a possibility that every day I can do something that feels like ‘play’ then I think that’s worth pursuing.”
She also speaks about the quiet encouragement that matters most. The kind that comes from people who stop you after a live performance and look you in the eye.
“Oftentimes, after watching me sing in a live performance, people approach me to tell me that they really think that I should pursue a career in music, and I can tell that they really mean it.”
One of those moments of connection came with her song “to love her”, a track that surprised Crissy with how deeply it resonated.
“I was quite surprised when people would tell me that this song in particular made them feel seen,” she says.
“It seemed to have genuinely touched quite a few people, and when someone has that kind of reaction to a song you were being very vulnerable and honest in, it makes you feel less alone.”
As for what lies ahead, the idea of finally releasing her first album feels both exciting and grounding. Less about pressure, more about purpose.
“I feel excited to release my first album because I can finally have a body of work that showcases what I have to offer to the music industry,” she shares.
“In essence, the album tells a story of coming of age and growing pains. I think growing up from a teenager into your early twenties is a confusing and sometimes terrifying time for many people and if I can make even one person feel understood, that would be a great achievement for me.”
And when fear creeps in, as it inevitably does, Crissy leans into the dream she’s carried for as long as she can remember.
“I have had a dream to become a singer-songwriter for as long as I can remember and I feel like it is my little niche thing that I am really good at,” she says.
“The sense of excitement of the possibility of being able to pursue a creative career overrides the fear and I think with resilience, hard work and a bit of delusion anything is possible.”
Her message for South Africa as we step into a new year feels just as grounded and thoughtful as her music.
“I have a good feeling about 2026. I have the sense that people are beginning to realise the importance of human connection because of phone addictions negatively impacting our mental health. I think this year is about touching grass and I hope that people are inspired to get out and connect with the community. We should keep an eye out for any opportunities to support local talent and appreciate all that South Africa has to offer within itself.”
Crissy Holme is still early in her journey, but her music already carries weight, warmth and purpose. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need… a voice that doesn’t try to fix us but reminds us that feeling deeply is not a weakness. It’s a gift.
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