“…A potent cross-section of pop vitality” – Clash
“Delicate bubble of funk” – Fader
“Smooth-pop loving saucy warblers” – DIY
“Cool robot soul” – The Observer (4/5 by Kitty Empire)
“Sophisticated pop&B” – The Guardian
“These guys do alternative pop to the absolute extreme, they are absolute connoisseurs in it” –  Jack Saunders, BBC R1
London soulful art-pop duo Andy Clutterbuck and James Hatcher – better known as HONNE – today share their first new music of 2024 with the bright, uplifting and deeply personal “Imaginary”. The single marks the start of an exciting new era for the duo as their first release as an independent artist releasing via AWAL.
Single artwork | dl hi-res HERE

 

LISTEN TO “IMAGINARY” NOW

 

Speaking about the track, vocalist/producer Andy explains, “‘Imaginary’ is about beginnings. It tells the story of when I first met my wife all those years ago back in college and how my imagination ran wild thinking about kids and our future lives together. Luckily for me it all came true and now we’re happily married with two babies”

In this new era of HONNE, Andy and James are throwing themselves into every part of the process, musically and visually. The song was written, produced and mixed by the pair, with every instrument – including guitar, glockenspiel, cornet, violin and Rhodes to name a few – played by them. The music video for ‘Imaginary’ continues this theme. “We came up with an idea and developed the story with director William Coutts (who happens to be my wife’s brother). From the locations, to catering, to the props and more – we did everything ourselves with the help of our families and friends. It was FULL ON but amazing when we pulled it off. We even went back to our old college where I met my wife all those years ago, so it’s just about as true to the story as it gets.  My dad and James’ mum even have (very obvious!) cameos in the video, making this an all star family production.”

 

HONNE – Imaginary (Official Video)

 

HONNE’s trajectory since they emerged in 2016 with their critically-acclaimed debut LP Warm on a Cold Night has been nothing short of extraordinary. They have performed over 200 sold-out shows worldwide, collaborated with everyone from BTS and Tom Misch to GriffSG Lewis, Niki and Khalid, and amassed over 3 billion global streams, and reached gold and platinum status in multiple countries around the world. HONNE’s distinctive brand of forward-pushing, yet deeply human, soul-laden alt-pop has resonated on a massive scale, captivating audiences at festivals across the globe including Coachella (US), Lollapalooza (US), Glastonbury (UK), Austin City Limits (US), Corona Capital (MX), Summer Sonic (JP), Seoul Jazz Festival (Headliner – RoK), our own Splendour in the Grass and more. Previously touring Australia in 2022, HONNE are currently on a headline run of dates in China, and will be announcing further dates later this year.

 

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