Honess Jones

Honess Jones isn’t quite like anyone else.  To look at, you’d maybe assume he was the frontman of an alternative rock band or a post punk outfit.  He’s not. Whilst those may be there within his influences, Jones adopts a far more pop approach to what he does.

With a voice that has been described as ‘Michael Jackson with laryngitis’ and the swagger of a traditional frontman like Michael Hutchence or Jim Morrison, his influences are broad yet equally specific and always distinctive. Distinctive like Jones himself. 

Having been the frontman of more conventional rock bands as a teenager and well into his twenties, he harnessed his individuality and excessive nature, quickly becoming an energetic, dynamic and charismatic performer.  As his influences widened and his enthusiasm towards catchy yet well crafted pop music- particularly from the ‘80s and ‘90s- increased, as did his penchant to include this within his songwriting. When he left his band in early 2021 due to the band structure no longer feeding his expansive need for self-expression, he found himself at a place where he could combine his acquired showmanship and love of pop music as a solo artist. Whilst getting to grips with his new found solitary status, Jones not only began exploring his pop influences but also started experimenting with new ways of creating. He found that within darker and more metallic sounds of areas of New Jack Swing and Industrial, as well as artists like Janet Jackson, Madonna and The Weeknd, he could complement the rawness and edge of the rock music he grew up on, yet retain the immediacy of pop music that he was reaching for.  These largely specific influences not only reflected Jones’ distinctive self and distinctive intrigue, but also his distinctive nature as a performer and songwriter.

After releasing the single Sad Little Vice in the summer, Jones’ next release entitled Do You Lover Boy showcases an element to his sound that expands it further. Guitar driven and less nostalgic than previous releases, Do You Lover Boy is a song of observation, looking back on his early twenties and the impact of poor decisions and a careless way of living.  On first listen, you’ll spot an energy and dynamism of Jones’ sound that perfectly mirrors his own distinctive identity.  And yet, with all the hallmarks of familiarity, he still doesn’t quite fit where you might want to place him.  Which is exactly where he wants to be.