Sligo-born, London-based Irish singer-songwriter Honas (Hugh O'Neill) has released his debut single, Everyday Life. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
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Speaking about the track, he says: "I had this idea to write something from the perspective of someone else.
"It felt almost intrusive to get into someone’s head like that, but it was one of those moments where my heart rate sped up as I realised I was writing something that felt really special.
"I had seen the relationship between these two people up close, so I really hoped I could capture the essence of it, the love, the differences, the frustration, the admiration and the empathic well-wishing."
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I've been to every continent except Antarctica. My confirmation name was Tegan. I could eat pasta every day for the rest of my life, no problem whatsoever.
How would you describe your music?
I think the music I’ll be releasing over the next while all shares a feeling of nostalgia and warmth. It does have the odd modern production frill, but there was a focus on making these songs feel real and personal, to match the honesty of the lyrics. People have been really connecting with them live, so I’m hoping people will connect with the recordings too.
Who are your musical inspirations?
I feel like I soaked up a lot of what was being played throughout the 2000s. David Gray, early Coldplay, Snow Patrol, Paolo Nutini. I feel like that’s all quite embedded in what I do. In recent times I’ve been really inspired by people like Bon Iver, Novo Amor, Flyte and Andy Shauf.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
My first gig was Green Day in The Point on 31 January 2005. My 11th birthday. My parents surprised me with tickets that day. Cue four years of playing and singing their songs every single day.
What was the first record you ever bought?
I think the first CD I owned was the soundtrack to the Pokemon Movie. I still go back and check it out sometimes for a hit of nostalgia, it’s full of cheesy bangers. But with my own money, I think my first album was a download of Factory by Band of Horses.
What's your favourite song right now?
Novo Amor - Halloween.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Either Carly Simon’s "You’re so vain, you probably think this song is about you", which is undeniably, frustratingly good. Or the other one I always liked was from If by Bread, "If a man could be two places at one time I’d be with you, tomorrow and today".
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Wichita Lineman by Glen Campbell. I never want those chorus repeats to end.
Where can people find your music/more information?
I’m most active on Instagram and TikTok. And then Spotify for my music, along with a playlist of some of my favourite songs. There’s also a lovely bio to tell you some extra wee bits about me.
Alan Corr
