In the past few days when Singapore has been unbearably hot and humid, Honne’s arrival felt like a different kind of warmth. Not the bad kind where your sweat runs down your socks, the sun slaps your face and heat radiates from the black asphalt and car smoke in front of you while you wait for the traffic light to turn green. It was the good kind of warm, like the cosiness you get from a soft blanket, holding a cup of Earl Grey in your hands while your favourite sitcom plays.
Presented by AEG Presents and held at the Star Performing Arts Theatre, Honne put on a show that felt more like an intimate reunion of friends. As part of their 2023 Asia Tour, the electro-pop duo, comprising Andy Clutterbuck and James Hatcher, was back in Singapore for the first time in four years.
BEKA SHOWCASE
Long-time collaborator BEKA kicked off the show, bringing her exuberant energy onstage. The singer-songwriter proved that she was more than just a touring feature as she performed her latest single ‘Tears’ and indie-dance track ‘Don’t Call Me A Friend’ for her opening performance.
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Her duets with Clutterbuck during Honne’s set showed exactly why the duo would count themselves lucky to have the Nottingham-based artist as a close collaborator. Her backing vocals in ‘free love’ were infectious, pulling you in as you sang along. In ‘Location Unknown ◑’, the spotlight is on her during her solo parts – her airy vocals reverberate through the air as accompanying lights flash alternately on stage. Her high energy in ‘Crying Over You ◑’ complemented Clutterbuck’s subdued personality onstage.
AN ARTWORK OF A SET
As they stepped into their fourth album, the lights and scenes matched the record's vibrant mood. With golden-hued spotlights and colourful illustrations of odd-shaped characters, Honne made everyone feel like they're part of a the band.
In ‘free love’, a group of adorable, odd-shaped characters accompanied the band on the projected screen and it made the audience feel like they too were part of the gang, part of the band.
TO OLD FRIENDS AND FOREVER LOVERS
For the band to be able to make such a big theatre feel so small and intimate, it was a testament to their ability to connect with their fans.
“To come back and play in such an amazing-looking venue to such an amazing-looking people – it just fills my heart with joy,” shared Clutterbuck.
Singapore, we couldn’t love you more ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8Q2g4apAsG
— HONNE (@hellohonne) May 22, 2023
Honne’s show felt like catching up with old friends. There was no tension in the air, and the duo were in no rush, savouring every second and giving every moment their full presence like an attentive friend. In ‘by my side’, the pair sat down at the edge of the stage with nothing but a guitar. As the lights dimmed behind them, Clutterbuck dedicated the song to his wife and the crowd responded in kind by turning on their flashlights and waving to the emotional tune.
The two hours in the theatre were Honne’s reminder about the kind of escape that music can provide amidst all the chaos outside, even if it was for a brief moment. If there is one thing Honne wants you to take away, one thing to remember, is that the world could be a bit brighter if everyone just smiled a little more.
Honne will continue their Asia tour with shows in Jakarta, Seoul, Tokyo and Osaka.
Honne Singapore Setlist:
- IDGAF ABOUT PAIN
- Me & You ◑
- free love
- Location Unknown ◑
- COMING HOME
- 306 ◑
- Good Together
- Crying Over You ◑
- Shrink ◑
- HEARTSONG
- Someone That Loves You
- by my side
- WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
- la la that’s how it goes
- BACK ON TOP
- Warm on a Cold Night
- no song without you
- DAY 1 ◑
- smile more smile more smile more
Stream 'THREE STRIKES (feat. Khalid)' by Honne here:
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