Brief Bio:

Folk / Americana – Maui, HI

Named after the geographical and artistic influences of the traveling duo, Desert Hollow blends the spirit of the California desert and West Virginia countryside. Their debut EP, Thirsty, garnered attention being described as “a refreshing blend of old-timey folk, blood harmonies, and knee-slapping hoedowns,” quickly landing themselves a feature on NPR Music’s Live Sessions, as well as opportunities to collaborate in out and out of the studio with the likes of Gregory Alan Isakov, Lukas Nelson, John Craigie, and Lily Meola. The duo is finishing up their first full-length record, and is expecting to release fall 2025!

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Extended Bio:

Desert Hollow embodies the blend of geographical and artistic influences that shape this traveling duo, consisting of Xander Hitzig and Nicole Olney. Their musical journey began in Los Angeles, as castmates in a jukebox country musical, their unexpected connection and shared passion for songcraft has since taken them all over the world. 

Xander hails from the rolling hills of West Virginia, while Nicole’s roots lie in the vast deserts of California. Currently calling Maui, Hawaii, home, they create 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.

The release of their debut EP Thirsty garnered attention being described as “a refreshing blend of old-timey folk, blood harmonies, and knee-slapping hoedowns,” quickly landing themselves a feature on NPR Music’s Live Sessions, as well as opportunities to collaborate in out and out of the studio with the likes of Gregory Alan Isakov, Lukas Nelson, John Craigie, and Lily Meola. 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 this year. This long-awaited album promises to showcase their musical evolution, with songs that reflect their unique journey and growth as artists.