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.

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Artist Spotlight

Empty Pinata turns heartbreak into a scorched riff in the recent single “Bonfire”

Have you ever found yourself navigating the chaotic aftermath of a devastating breakup, where your wardrobe and heart have suffered significant damage? The song “Bonfire,” Empty Pinata’s latest single, captures this tumultuous experience, exemplifying the art of transforming a personal calamity into an infectious auditory experience. It effectively juxtaposes a narrative of heartbreak with an upbeat sonic palette, empowering listeners to find joy amidst the emotional wreckage.

Musically, “Bonfire” is anchored in an authentic, albeit painful, narrative. It explores the remnants of a relationship as the protagonist’s former partner incinerates a collection of meaningful belongings. Instead of succumbing to melancholic introspection, the song propels listeners into an infectious groove. Co-produced with Gamal, the composition skillfully merges indie pop sensibilities with the heartfelt authenticity characteristic of bedroom pop while infusing a bit of soft rock grit. This fusion is complemented by engaging vocals and dynamic chord progressions, culminating in a vigorous rhythmic surge that evokes the volatile nature of fire.

The composition shifts from a somber recollection to an invigorating indie anthem, featuring nostalgic yet catchy lyrics that reflect on past experiences and reclaim them. It conjures the image of standing before a fire, prioritizing the warmth of roasted marshmallows instead of drowning in tears. The song’s conclusion is punctuated by Gamal’s incisive lead line, which emphasizes the outro and parallels the symbolic rise of a phoenix against the backdrop of twilight.

“Bonfire” is far from placid; it ignites a profoundly personal exploration rich with emotional complexity and stylistic flair. This track is poised to resonate powerfully with anyone who has witnessed love in its literal and metaphorical forms being systematically dismantled or has faced the loss of cherished possessions.

For more information about Empty Pinata, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Empty Pinata’s “Bonfire“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Empty Pinata | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Mainstage

Submit Your Music to Be Featured in Our “Artist of the Week” Series

If you are an emerging artist, submit your music to be featured in our “Artist of the Week” series. It’s time to step up in 2025. Built upon years of experience in the entertainment industry, Honk Magazine is excited to introduce a new way for independent musicians to shine in the light they deserve.

We’re re-introducing our “Artist of the Week” series, better than ever, in which artists of all types can reach tens of thousands of music fans, industry insiders, and music tastemakers. This is your time to shine for songwriters, rappers, producers, and bands alike.

Check out this article: Top Songs You Need To Watch Out For In 2024

Reasons to be Featured as “Artist of the Week”

At Honk Magazine, we have always wanted to highlight the up-and-coming voices of each genre. Our “Artist of the Week” is meant to provide you with:

Huge Exposure: Your profile will be prominently displayed on our homepage, social media channels, and weekly newsletter, which has a distribution reach of thousands of interested readers.
An SEO-Boosted Write-Up: We tell the story of your music in a way the Google gods will approve of. This creates long-term visibility far beyond social media.
From Exposure & Press Coverage: Being featured on a credible music website establishes you as a serious artist. It’s also a great inclusion in your press kit or EPK or pitching to playlists and labels.
Organic Fan Growth: Veritable music fans explore your talent through our platform – no bots, paid clicks, and genuine interaction.

What We Look for in 2025

In 2025, the music industry will change rapidly, and so will we. We’re especially interested in the following this year:

Real direct messaging with the lyrics and the sound.
Genre-fluid sounds: pop-laden trap, jazz-tinged hip hop, alt-R&B, electro-soul.
Production value: There should be Lots of professional or at least high production value, even if DIY should reflect passion and effort.
Your brand as an artist is unique: Your visuals, socials, and message.

So, if you’re building something, pushing boundaries, or just making undeniably great music, we want to hear from you.

How to Submit Your Music

Submitting is quick and easy. Here’s how it works:

Send your song via Email submit@honkmagazine.com. Be sure to include:
Email Subject: Artist of the Week – YourArtistName
Artist bio (100–150 words max)
Links to your music on streaming services (Spotify, Apple Music, SoundCloud, etc.)
Social media and website links
A high-quality press photo

Tell Us Your Story

What makes you different? Use the email to let us know what inspires your music, what you’re up to now, and why you think you deserve the spotlight.

Sit Tight for Our Team to Contact You

We personally review all submissions within 5 business days. If we choose your entry, we’ll contact you for a brief interview and to schedule your feature.

What You Get If Selected

If selected as our “Artist of the Week,” you will get:

Expert written SEO optimized article (700–900)
One week featured post on our home page.
Industry backlinks

Permanent archive in our “Artist of the Week” category. Your feature remains on our website indefinitely, ensuring ongoing traffic and validation of your brand.

Success Stories of Feature Articles

Many of the artists we’ve featured have since scored playlist placements, sync deals, label meetings, and media exposure because of their Honk Magazine feature. Now, we don’t promise you fame overnight, but we promise you real visibility that opens doors.

Bonus: Think About Distribution Via Our Partner Network

For artists interested in taking it even further, we are working closely with several platforms and blogs, including Landon Buford and others, on potential wider distribution, playlist pitching, and influencer coverage. “Artist of the Week” is often the first step in these extended opportunities.

From the Underground to the Unearthed, Honk Magazine → Your music needs to be heard, and Honk Magazine is here to help. The “Artist of the Week” series is a channel for recognition, growth, and connection. Let us help you stand out.

Submit Your Music Today

Ready to take the next step? Share your sounds now, and you may be Honk Magazine’s next “Artist of the Week.” We look forward to hearing what you’ve been working on.