A song about chasing dreams while remembering home - that about sums up the career arc of local country fold singer Molly Harrison.

Her debut single “From the Hillside” has hit over 8000 streams on Spotify since release in late August.

The 16 year old is still in disbelief about becoming a published artist.

“It was kind of crazy, like, ‘this is my song’.

“It’s also kind of crazy that people are actually listening to my song.”

From the Hillside has been a year in the making, having first come together at an Australian music camp last year.

“I co-wrote the song with Ashley Dallas.

“We had about two or three hours to co-write, but she was just amazing, we bounced off each other.

“We had the concept of having a dream and chasing it, stepping beyond the comforts of home, but keeping grounded in your roots.”

From there, Harrison and “mumager” Jo were hard at work networking and getting the song produced.

Fellow local singer Liam Kennedy-Clark produced the song, and a number of musicians were brought in to record for the project.

“It was pretty full on; we worked remotely, so just a lot of emailing.”

Harrison decided to release the song while in Australia at another event, the Gympie Music Muster.

“We were just sitting around the campsite, and mum and dad went, ‘I can hear Molly’s song’.”

Her friends had found the song and were blaring it across the campgrounds.

The support from both her Australian industry friends and Ashburton community was overwhelming, she said.

“I’ve had some really nice comments; My work posted it.

“Everyone just got behind me and I’m really grateful for that.”

Mum Jo was equally grateful for those who’d backed her daughter.

“I think she’s got great talent and we’re very proud of what she’s doing.”

Harrison intends to pursue music as a full time career. She’s spending her holidays writing new songs and getting the ball rolling.

She’ll be taking up gigs as they appear, but both her and Jo are looking to Australia to help further Molly’s career.

“You don’t know what opportunities are out there,” Jo said. “And gone are the days where you get talent spotted, so you’ve got to do a lot of graft yourself.

“New Zealand country music has a great network, and a lot of support, but she’s wanting to do more festivals.”

When she’s not songwriting, Molly works at the Millhouse Kitchen, Somerset Grocer, and tutors guitar and singing students in the cities. 

A lot of work, but worth it.

“I’ve been singing since I was eight, it was a hobby to start.

“Now it’s something that I want to make my whole life.”

Molly’s song, “From the Hillside” is available on all streaming platforms.