Artist Spotlight

Honk Magazine’s Artist of the Week Spotlight on Rising Talent

At Honk Magazine, we take pride in finding and backing the next wave of the hottest artists that will shape the music industry. Our Artist of the Week spotlight is on five artists with one-of-a-kind sounds, lives, and grinds that set them apart in the music world. From emotional rap to genre-defying Afro-fusion and gritty indie rock, the following songs are a vibrant reflection of the future of music.

Tuknight – “Campagne”

Starting off our feature is a Canadian Rapper based out of Sarnia, Ontario, Tuknight. Spelled “tuknight,” the name is great for boys with a deeper, human story. He started making music at 14, taking to it as an outlet for coping with the pain of losing his older brother to an overdose. That visceral feeling he translates into his music, and it really shines through in his most recent song, “Campagne,” a stripped-back and reflective number that delves into the heart of affliction and adversity.

Performing live for his second year, Tuknight shows no sign of slowing down. He’s opened for big names such as Roney, Mar Mar Oso, MLNY, and Kryple, slowly but surely carving out a spot for himself in Canada’s underground rap landscape. His centered energy and earnest lyrics establish him as one of the genre’s most promising new voices.

M For The Movement – “I’m Alive”

Up next is an enlightening act, M For The Movement, a deep-thinking emerging artist with old-school influences and too much fire. Their recent single I’m Alive is a sonorous cry of resilience, of being and of being present. With this album, M’s been waiting for the come-up, with collaborations with Juno award-winning Choclair and the iconic Snoop Dogg being teased.

M For The Movement has already commanded opening duty for some of music’s big names, including Sean Paul, Sean Kingston, and Nelly. By no means do they fit into that small talk; it’s big league stuff. A veteran in Performance, M is crafting a legacy rooted in Art and Activism with lyrical storytelling that captures both personal evolution and cultural momentum.

Huss Nem – “Lemme Tune In”

Raw energy, street-wise wisdom & versatility are what you can expect from Chicago’s own Huss Nem. The music industry is not new to Huss, who has been writing songs for over a decade. And on his latest offering, Lemme Tune In, one can see that KOK’s grimy delivery and larger-than-life stage presence prove that the street rap purveyor has street rap in his blood.

Aside from music, Huss Nem is a seasoned actor with a couple of movies, ” Chi-town Down for Life and 8 Dayz: Part 2.” He is also shooting for his second season of Decatur, Where It’s Greater, to show his multitalented side. A real hustler, he manages two streetwear brands, Rip Clown and Chitalo, bringing that entrepreneurial swagger to his impressive resume. Huss Nem is building a cultural empire.

Drela – EP “RAIN”

Up-and-coming Afro-Fusion talent Drela is changing the concept of what it means to be genre-fluid. With a new “RAIN” EP this May, Drela combines smooth vocals, AfroBeats, alternative R&B, and pop for a heady concoction. Her songs are incredibly personal, grounded in self-examination, change, and emotional pain.

Drela has cultivated a dedicated following with its live shows and frequent single drops on topics ranging from love to perseverance. She’s bridged the gap between sonic identities and still been true to herself in one of the toughest meccas of hip-hop. RAIN is shaping up to be a refreshingly different project that takes risks and pushes the art while helping to transcend its listeners.

Inland Years – Album “Keep Your Eyes On The Road”

Lo-fi indie rock fans will want to remember the name Inland Years. About Inland Years is the solo project of Brooklyn’s Ryan Daniels, who crafts warm, nostalgic tunes strung with tape warble and fuzzed-out emotion. Titled after the recently released album “Keep Your Eyes On The Road,” Elements breathe is a reflective voyage through pensive songwriting and analogue tones.

And, influenced by Lou Barlow and the ’90s four-track phenomenon, Inland Years has earned praise in underground circles. WFMU spins, playlist love, yay-di-over from DIY tastemakers. The music is close. It hums softly, imperfectly in just the right way, dripping with the simple honesty from which great music arises. Daniels’ method for making music seems like a love letter to anyone chasing clarity through chaos.

The music industry is changing, and guys like Tuknight, M For The Movement, Huss Nem, Drela, and Inland Years are the living proof that they are in good hands. Be it raw lyricism or experimental sonics or, in one case, an impressive lifestyle grind, there’s something all four artists this week share: they’re all a little different, but more importantly, they’re all themselves. We’re looking forward to following their progress and invite you to do so. Met someone on this list that you’re vibing with?

Let me know in the comments if you think someone else deserves to appear on the crown this week! 👑👇

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Artist Spotlight

“Dry Land” by Songbird evokes a metaphorical anthem of emotional entrapment

Drawing inspiration from her fascination with sharks, Songbird immerses audiences, both thematically and sonically, into the intricate realms of manipulation and the unyielding experiences of personal struggle with her newest single, “Dry Land,” exuding an absolutely captivating melody. She cleverly employs these apex predators as a metaphor, symbolizing the emotional entrapment in an uncertain affair. However, the track goes beyond mere references to sharks and marine life; it explores the pursuit of conviction and purpose amid the fluctuating tides of doubt and the allure of dangerous forces beyond our control that threaten to pull us under.

The song addresses the subtle snares of toxic relationships, internal conflicts, or the weight of unspoken fears, providing an ample interpretive framework for listeners to connect with the lyricism. “Dry Land” is characterized by a haunting yet melodic vibe, propelled by Songbird’s emotive vocal delivery, which feels simultaneously delicate and fierce. Her performance suggests a personal familiarity with these challenges, offering a cautionary perspective on the perils of emotional turbulence. Lyrically, the song encapsulates the universal experience of indecision, navigating the complexities of uncertainty, latent strength, and the quest for clarity amidst chaos.

The production is atmospheric, underscored by a consistent tension that permeates the composition. Each beat feels intentional; the gradual builds mimic the rise and fall of crashing waves, while subtle electronic touches add an edge that mirrors the song’s darker themes. One can almost sense the encroaching sonic ocean, with every lyric resonating with vulnerability and poignancy, effectively portraying the dichotomy of the desire for liberation and the pull of deeper existential currents.

Notably, the emotional sincerity evident in each line exemplifies resilience. Songbird avoids convoluted messaging; her lyrics are brilliantly poetic, mood-oriented, and impactful. By allowing the metaphor to resonate naturally, she grants listeners the opportunity to immerse themselves in the narrative and extract their interpretations.

“Dry Land” functions as a vital sonic lifeline for anyone grappling with their inner fears, particularly those who have ever felt manipulated, overwhelmed, or dragged down by something they couldn’t quite identify. While Songbird expresses an evident admiration for sharks, with this release, she demonstrates her adeptness at navigating the intricate emotional landscapes of the human experience.

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

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Artist Spotlight

Start Forward walks the reflective edge of emotion in his recent gem, “Tightrope”

“Tightrope,” the newest single from Start Forward, the brainchild of Miami-based artist Joshua Sturtevant, offers a nuanced exploration of emotional stability and vulnerability, serving as a poignant representation of lived experience. Derived from the forthcoming album ‘Breathing Under Water,’ this track exhibits an introspective depth that significantly resonates strongly with the listener.

Musically, “Tightrope” embodies the tension inherent in the liminal space between control and chaos, effectively capturing the essence of emotional defenses that, although initially protective, have now become constricting. The production evokes a distinctly 90’s alt-rock aesthetic, drawing inspiration from influences such as Pearl Jam and Radiohead while simultaneously maintaining a unique sonic identity rooted in Sturtevant’s innovative approach: a fusion of haunting melodies and contemporary soundscapes.

The arrangement showcases a deliberate dynamic between tension and release, with gritty guitar lines oscillating between moments of restraint and cathartic expression. The vocal delivery, imbued with a palpable weariness, reinforces this thematic duality, fostering a personal yet universally relatable experience for the audience. The emotional fatigue articulated within the composition is not merely audible but felt deeply, inviting a profound engagement.

Sturtevant’s methodical approach to songwriting and production, as he manages all facets of the process independently, infuses the track with authenticity and intimacy. Each lyric emerges from a space of late-night introspection, embodying a moment of resignation where one yields to emotional currents. The chorus encapsulates the juxtaposition of fragility and strength, illustrating the experience of an individual on the verge of collapse yet finding resilience in vulnerability.

“Tightrope” resonates with anyone grappling with the façade of composure amidst internal turmoil. It masterfully blends vulnerability and incisiveness, offering raw honesty without descending into melodrama. Start Forward doesn’t simply recount an experience; instead, he immerses the listener directly within its emotional landscape.

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