“No matter what I was going through, I always woke up wanting to make music. I’d hear a beat and immediately start writing. That’s how I knew it was my passion.”
Honore is a Chicago-born singer, songwriter, producer, and recording artist who blends soulful melodies with honest storytelling. After years of writing and producing behind the scenes, he stepped into the spotlight to share music rooted in love, growth, and life in Chicago. His breakout releases have earned hundreds of thousands of streams, establishing him as a rising independent voice.
Q: Chicago has a sound like nowhere else. How has the city shaped you as an artist?
Honore: Chicago shaped me in a lot of ways. We got that soul. My father was in the R&B group Public Announcement in the ‘90s, so I grew up on R&B, blues, and house music. When it came to rap, I used to hear Twista and them rapping so fast, and I didn’t think I could keep up. Then I heard Bump J, and he was talking about things I could relate to. That’s what made me say, “Yeah, I’m finna start rapping.”
Q: Was there ever a moment where you almost walked away from music? What kept you going?
Honore: Yeah, every artist goes through those emotions. You question if it’s for you, if it’s worth it. I’ve been through legal situations, losing people, family problems, real life. But no matter what I was going through, I always woke up wanting to make music. I’d hear a beat and immediately start writing. That’s how I knew it was my passion.
Q: What was the process of creating your latest project?
Honore: It was really about locking in. Me and my business partner and creative director, Sharad, kept throwing ideas around. At first I was going in different directions, then I recorded a cover of “Folded” and sent it to him. He was like, “Nah, this is it.” We leaned into the R&B sound, and I ended up writing about 15 to 20 songs. We narrowed them down to what became the project.
Before releasing it, we played it for tastemakers around Chicago whose opinions we respected. Almost everybody picked “Chicago Girls Do It Better” as the standout record, so we dropped that first and followed it with the project.
Q: Which visual hits different every time you watch it back?
Honore: The acoustic version of “Chicago Girls Do It Better.” It was such a simple video, but it went viral. Every time I watch it, I study it trying to figure out why it connected with so many people. I think it was just the passion and emotion behind it.
Q: If someone had never heard your music before, what song would you play them and why?
Honore: I’d play “Over You.” It’s one of my most personal songs, talking about what I went through over the past three years. I think a lot of people can relate because almost everybody has experienced heartbreak. Some of my other favorites are “Sing For You” and “Call Me.”
Q: What’s one thing you still need to level up on as an artist?
Honore: My stage presence. I haven’t performed a lot over the last six or seven years because I’ve mostly been writing. I didn’t expect everything to blow up like it has, so now I’ve been rehearsing a lot more and getting ready for the stage.
Q: Are you looking for a record deal or do you want to remain independent?
Honore: It depends. If a label understands my vision and respects my creativity, then let’s go big. But I need full creative control over my art. If the right opportunity comes along, I’m open to it.
Q: What’s something the industry doesn’t tell you about being an independent artist?
Honore: They really don’t tell you anything. You learn as you go. These days it’s easier because you can upload music instantly instead of printing CDs and tapes. The hardest part is learning how to market yourself and get your music in front of people. If you’ve got a great product and know how to market it, you’ll move.
Q: Who in Chicago deserves more flowers?
Honore: Fat Money. I think he’s one of the most slept on artists in Chicago.
Q: Where do you see yourself in the future?
Honore: I see myself becoming one of the biggest record executives in the world.
Q: Give us something nobody knows about you.
Honore: I’m a vegetarian. Most people don’t expect that because of how I look. I’m really health conscious. I work out, eat a lot of fruit and whole foods, and take protein shakes and trace minerals. I still enjoy cookies or ice cream every now and then, but I try to take care of myself.
Q: What never fails to put a smile on your face?
Honore: My children. Outside of that, helping people. If I can help somebody, I will. If I can’t, I’ll try to find someone who can. That’s something my mom instilled in me. It’s hard for me to walk past someone in need without trying to help somehow.
