Artist Spotlight: HONNE

HONNE, the British electronic-soul duo, has been serenading the globe with their polished blend of sultry vocals, lush synths, and intimate lyrics since their inception in 2014. Formed by long-time friends James Hatcher and Andy Clutterbuck, HONNE derived their name from a Japanese word meaning “true intention,” which perfectly encapsulates their deeply personal and emotive songwriting. Hatcher and Clutterbuck met at university and bonded over a mutual love for contemporary R&B and timeless soul, influences that are palpably woven into their atmospheric soundscapes. They burst onto the scene with their debut EP Warm on a Cold Night in 2014, setting the stage for a promising career soaked in neon lights and midnight confessions. Their evolution has been marked by a steady stream of critically acclaimed releases, including their introspective debut album Warm on a Cold Night (2016) and the more expansive, boundary-pushing double album Love Me / Love Me Not (2018). HONNE’s sonic journey has seen them collaborate with a diverse array of artists, from Tom Misch to Anna of the North, further cementing their status as versatile and adaptive creators in the modern music landscape. One of their standout tracks, “Backseat Driver”, is a quintessential HONNE song. Featuring celestial synths, Clutterbuck’s velvety vocals, and lyrics that dig deep into themes of love and self-discovery, it’s a slow-burner that gradually reveals layers of emotion and musical intricacies. The track exemplifies their prowess in crafting songs that are both sonically rich and emotionally resonant, offering listeners a backseat ride through the labyrinth of intimate human connections. In the often cluttered and frenetic world of electronic music, HONNE stands out by remaining true to their “true intention”—creating authentic, heart-on-sleeve music that speaks directly to the soul.