

Music
Honeyflux – Hourglass
Newcastle’s emerging alternative rock outfit Honeyflux recently released their new single ‘Hourglass’. Hourglass is effectively all about change but presented in a very indirect way. Using fictitious examples in the verse lyrics, we harness imagery that portrays both the passing of time and arising situations that command a level headed thought process to make it through.
“When I (Joe) first moved to Newcastle, I found myself in a situation in which I didn’t know many people; my career had not yet started to gather any speed and my family all lived hundreds of miles away. What I did have, however, was my partner (now wife) who consistently kept me grounded through a very unstable time. I wrote ‘Hourglass’ within this period as a way of relieving myself of the stresses of uncertainty. I was conveying my feelings of standing on a cliff edge, staring into the unknown whilst I waited for my life up north to start. Wording it (and most of my lyrics) abstractly with lots of imagery helps me convey my thoughts in a way that’s cohesive to me. I’m dyslexic and ultimately have more thoughts in images as opposed to words, so painting a strong image in our listeners’ imaginations helps me feel connected to the people who have been kind enough to listen to us.”
“North-East alt-rock supergroup Honeyflux release their latest single, Tear Us Apart a groovy, beautifully crafted, genre blurring number complete with soulful and melodious vocals and soaring chorus.” – NARC Magazine
Composed of members from Backyard Rhythm Orchestra, The Baghdaddies, Prudent Primate and Shields UK, Honeyflux write and perform with the utmost technical ability. Blurring the lines of alternative rock, Honeyflux’s sound is influenced by bands such as Steely Dan, Soundgarden and The War On Drugs, placing them amidst a magnetic blend of genres. Forming in Newcastle, Honeyflux all live and operate creatively in the North East; growing up, playing music and building ties within all areas of the region.
Contributing to the regional arts sector, being involved with Arts Council funded projects, developing music based projects with circus and theatre companies, all the members of Honeyflux have been involved with furthering music as an important part of the arts in Newcastle. Honeyflux are currently preparing for the recording sessions that will be released as their debut EP, featuring tracks composed since lockdown began in March 2020. The EP is scheduled to be released in 2021.
Indie
Mona Lissa Chanda breaks free with a soulful song of self liberation ‘Professional Victim’

Mona Lissa Chanda is making waves with her new single, “Professional Victim.” This is a powerful reminder of self worth wrapped in a catchy rhythm that will get you moving. The music has a classic Motown feel, featuring engaging guitar work from Montreal artist Paul Cargnello.
Chanda’s strong and straightforward singing brings a sense of urgency, expressing the feelings that come when breaking away from toxic relationships. The lyrics draw from her experiences and the stories of others who have faced emotional hardships, reflecting struggles many can relate to. However, instead of dwelling on the negative, “Professional Victim” celebrates the bravery it takes to set boundaries and regain control.
The song radiates an energetic vibe that mixes timeless soul music with a modern twist. The guitar adds an exciting touch that makes the song even more enjoyable, turning Chanda’s message about self empowerment into a danceable track. “Professional Victim” captures a unique blend of honesty and strength, providing a refreshing perspective on vulnerability. Mona Lissa Chanda is sending a powerful message with catchy music, and her words are sure to resonate with many.
Artist Spotlight
Leonie Sherif evokes a sensory escape into a seductive symphony with her new single, “TWILIGHT”

Leonie Sherif meticulously sculpts an auditory experience with her latest single, “TWILIGHT.” The East London/Essex-based singer-songwriter demonstrates her refined approach to musicianship, inviting listeners into an intimate, ethereal soundscape where passion converges with poetic nuance. This aromatic track serves as a sonic escape, further enhancing Leonie’s innovative fusion of olfactory and auditory sensibilities. It aligns seamlessly with her second fragrance under her perfume house label, Sense’N’By Sherif. Trust us, it’s a sonic experience that tantalizes the senses of smell and hearing.
From the onset of “TWILIGHT,” the audience is enveloped in a hypnotic soundscape, where sultry lyricism synergizes with lush production and intertwines like lovers in the night. Written and produced in collaboration with Nigerian maestro St Oasis, “TWILIGHT” lays the sophisticated foundation with a mesmerizing blend of smooth percussion and ambient synthesizers, setting the stage for Leonie’s ethereal yet commanding vocal performance. Her evocative voice glides over the rich echoes of ’90s R&B icons like Toni Braxton and Janet Jackson, harmonizing expertly with an atmospheric instrumental that exudes warmth and longing, effortlessly amplifying the seductive energy within the musical fabric.
Lyrically, Leonie exhibits a masterful spellbinding narrative, artfully employing metaphorical wordplay centered on edible pleasures to capture the sensuality of romantic desire. Each lyrical verse functions as a descriptive brushstroke, vividly illustrating themes of culinary indulgence that intricately weaves together concepts of intimacy, firmly rooting the intoxicating notion of love within a multi-sensory experience that can be tasted, savored, and craved.
What makes “TWILIGHT” truly enchanting is its capacity to transcend traditional musical engagement. It leaves a lingering aura reminiscent of a tactile glow on the skin, effectively blurring the dichotomy between reality and fantasy, scent and sound. This irresistible piece does not merely recede into the background ambiance; instead, it stays with you, fostering introspection and inviting listeners to wallow and bask in its golden haze.
Beyond just a song, “TWILIGHT” is a luxurious amber fragrance designed to solidify Leonie Sherif’s role as a multi-dimensional creator, not merely a songwriter but an architect of emotional landscapes. In “TWILIGHT,” love emerges as the sole universal language that is impossible to forget. Prepare to be entranced.
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Leonie Sherif’s “TWILIGHT“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Leonie Sherif | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook |