“I want to be the UK's leading voice within this generation” enthuses a confident hidingthehurt when asked what his big ambition is as an artist. The musical moniker, (21-year-old Nottingham based law student) Ollie says, is a way for him to channel his feelings. Citing MGMT, College & The Smiths as key influences has shaped his sound into what he describes as emo pop, and what perhaps makes hidingthehurt stand out most from the crowd is his soul-bearing lyricism. He’s not afraid to talk about the things that he’s dealing with in life, even if they are tough. “This isn’t a facade or a fad, it’s all real,” he asserts, describing his artistic aim: “If people can relate to my songs and I can heal their pain or help them in any way, then I am going to consider my ambitions fulfilled.” With tonnes of new music ready to drop, hidingthehurt is on track to fulfil his potential of becoming one of the UK’s biggest new age voices. - Ben Jolley