HONNE is an awesome London based duo who specializes in electronic and R&B sounds. They’ve just released their debut record, Warm On A Cold Night, on July 22nd. Their music is seductive, vibey, and has even been referred to as “baby making” music. We had the chance to ask the band a couple questions.
Tell me about yourselves.
We’re two slightly above average-height guys, one with above average quality facial hair (sadly that’s not me), who like playing early morning tennis and eating nice food, but when the sun goes down, and with the lights down low, we’re an electronic soul duo in East London, writing steamy love anthems, amongst other things.
Has your upbringing in London shaped your music? If so, how?
We were both brought up in the West Country actually. Which basically means in the middle of nowhere. I think that shaped us in the sense that friends were all spread around different villages, so we played different instruments for hours to keep ourselves entertained. But yep, 5 or 6 years ago we moved to London and it has definitely influenced us. The biggest thing is the musicians and the scene we’re surrounded with. I live with all musicians and pretty much our whole friendship group comprises of musicians, and we all share ideas, production tips, samples, new music. We go to gigs and meet people. Like with anything you’re learning, the best way is to fully immerse yourself in it.
How would you describe your music?
There’s a few options here. We often like to describe it as the kind of music you’d listen to on a late night drive, summers evening, windows down, with no destination in mind. Others might say ‘baby making music’. Someone once said its like ‘Bill Withers, if he had a laptop’, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
What do you want people to feel when they hear your music?
Something! In general, it’s a pretty positive album. We love the thought of it comforting people, making them feel romantic or loved. Or making them want to dance. Or reflective. All good things. So far it seems to be working – people get in touch pretty much every day telling us about how our music has played a part in their life, and we absolutely love that.
What was the most fun part of creating your EP, “Warm On A Cold Night”?
I think probably putting it all together at the end. That’s the most exciting and the most nerve racking too. We had about 30 songs to choose from for the album, so it felt great to finally be making that decision and get them on this one body of work.
What are you most excited for, after the EP comes out?
The US/Canada tour for sure. We’re heading there for a 2 or 3 weeks a week after the album is out. It’ll be our first tour bus experience too, so that should be interesting. Andy already has his full Nike Tracksuit ready to go. He modeled it for me the other day. He looked very impressive.
Do you have any unique pre-show rituals that you guys do?
Surprisingly few actually. Andy sort of paces around a bit and does some vocal warm ups. I’m normally too busy checking that my keyboards are actually going to make sound at the start of the set!
Do you prefer superheroes or super villains? Why?
Well you need both to make either of them worthwhile really don’t you. But based on the fact that, if I’m honest with myself, I always want the good guy to win when I watch films, I must be the superhero type. Or maybe I’m just too easily influenced by those pesky Hollywood film producers.
What’s up next for HONNE?
Half a year of touring basically! We’re touring North America (twice), the UK and Europe. We’re also heading to Japan and Korea for a few shows. And in the gaps we’re playing a load of festivals. So it’s all go for us. We’ve already started writing and experimenting for our next album too.
TOUR DATES:
8/2 – Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge
