Diverging thematically from his debut album, ‘Letters To My Queen’ which eloquently narrated the love story between himself and his fiancée, South Wales Singer/Songwriter The Honest Poet presents his latest offering, ‘Love Complexity’
With an eclectic mix of R&B, soul, hip hop, and spoken word, ‘Love Complexity’ delves into the intricate and sometimes tumultuous facets of love. Through soul-stirring vocals brimming with raw emotion and poetic lyrics, the EP serves as a repository of authentically heartbreaking narratives, resonating deeply with those who have navigated challenging relationships.
From confronting themes like domestic abuse in tracks like ‘Toxic City’ to exploring the complexities of being a “side chick” in ‘Suffocated’, The Honest Poet fearlessly unveils the complexities of the human experience. True to his moniker, ‘The Honest Poet,’ each track embodies a genuine portrayal of emotions, inviting listeners into a raw and unfiltered exploration of love’s complexities with a sound reminiscent of artists like Easy Life, Dermot Kennedy, and Ady Sulieman.
After the release of his latest EP, ‘Love Complexity’ we had the privilege of sitting down with The Honest Poet to delve deeper into the inspirations and background behind this compelling project.
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with was actually the piano, it was just lush to sing along to. It really brings out a warm soulful softness to my voice.
What was the first band or artist you enjoyed when you were younger?
I don’t know whether you could call it a band, but I really loved listening to ‘The Streets’ the album ‘A Grand Don’t Come For Free’ was something that I’d listen to every night, my mother’s stereo on the side earphones nestled in while I listened to the rhymes. “It was sposed to be soo easy”.
What was the first album you remember owning?
My first ever album I actually ever owned was 50 Cent ‘Get Rich Or Die Trying’. The one that had the songs ‘Many Men’ and ‘In Da Club’ on. After that it was ‘The Eminem Show’. I used to read the lyric book that came with it, stop and start while I would memorise each line.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
If I could have written any song, I think it would be ‘This Woman’s Work’ – (Maxwells Version) there’s just a haunting sweetness to the song. It’s got me through some tough times.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I go through phases of not listening to anyone at all. I am fond of listening to people like J. Cole and Kota which help with my lyrical inspiration and rhyming. For something more soulful I lean into an artist called Jacob Banks.
If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be?
The moment I would LOVE to relive would be playing at Cambridge Folk Festival a few years ago. I played on stage 2 and was only expecting a few people sitting down during my set, tucking into their nice picnic, couple of sandwiches you know. The complete opposite happened. By my second song there was a packed crowd. Best moment of my career I would say and I would love to return with my band.
Which artist would you most love to share a stage with?
That’s a really hard question to answer as I would love to share with so many. I think if I had to pick though, it would probably be Loyle Carner. I just love the feel of his delivery and I think it would be pure vibes with him.
And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well?
I would love to collaborate with Ady Sulieman. I think his soulful voice would go hand in hand with mine. We have similar styles of writing and genre. He writes a lot about love and I think if we put our abilities together we would come out with something magical.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
What I find most rewarding is when someone says “your music got me through such a hard time”. Fun fact, one of my songs was listened to when someone was having a home birth, which I found pretty amazing.
It’s also nice when someone can relate to your music and when they sing along to the lyrics when I’m performing live, that’s always a great feeling.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
“It’s not about making it, or becoming famous, it’s about doing it because you love making music and seeing the effect that you have on the people who listen. Keep doing what you are doing”
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‘Love Complexity’ is available across all streaming platforms now. Check out the EP + Music Video for ‘No Good Feat. Rowen Brittany’ below!
