Blending the spirit of the California desert and West Virginia countryside, Xander Hitzig and Nicole Olney’s musical journey began in Los Angeles, as castmates in a jukebox country musical. 

Currently calling Maui, Hawaii, home, Desert Hollow creates genre-bending roots music that skips pleasantries and goes straight for the heart. As Xander often describes it: "it’s folk music-music for the folks." Xander is a profound multi-instrumentalist, seamlessly playing a variety of stringed bluegrass instruments including fiddle, tenor banjo, and a mean lead guitar. While Nicole’s own instrumentation on guitar and five-string banjo provide a gentle, spacious rhythm. Her powerful lyricism and ethereal voice weaves seamlessly into the rich, diverse soundscapes of their songs, while Xander’s voice carries the weight and clarity of traditional bluegrass music, raw and unadorned. When they harmonize, it feels as though their bond transcends time, as if they’ve been singing together forever—not just musically, but as life partners, intertwined in both love and melody.

Desert Hollow’s performances vary from lively, full-band shows that invite audiences to dance, to more intimate, duet-style sets perfect for quiet reflection. Their music is largely original—captivating songs that feel both timeless and timely. Their live shows leave audiences feeling uplifted, grounded, and inspired long after the music fades.

Since the release of their debut EP Thirsty, spending the last few years touring the U.S. and crafting their sound, Xander and Nicole are excited to announce that their first full-length record is set for release fall of 2025. This long-awaited album promises to showcase their musical evolution, with songs that reflect their unique journey and growth as artists.