Cold, Wintery Nights Q & A: Andy Clutter from HONNE
Starting a music career from a teaching career is no simple task, but London duo HONNE managed just that when they dropped their debut single last year. Since then, the pair have gone on to wrack up a huge number of fans, and are just about to drop their debut album, ‘Warm On A Cold Night’. We asked the duo’s vocalist Andy Clutter a couple of frosty questions to see just how cool he can be.
You’re starving and there’s nothing in the fridge, who in the band caves first and braves the cold to go to the supermarket?
Definitely James. I can be a bit of a hermit crab sometimes. If I’m busy I’ll often forget to eat, which is very bad and I wouldn’t recommend it! You need them nutrients to stay healthy people!
What’s the one thing you can’t live without when it’s freezing?
I have this beanie. I don’t know where it came from. Hats don’t even suit me…but when it’s cold I always reach for it. It will stay on my head constantly, I even sleep in it. Mr Beanie and I are pretty good friends now…
What would you reach for first, hot soup or a pair of Uggs?
I’m not sure I’m sold on the Uggs on a man look. Although I’ve never tried a pair on, so maybe I’d change my mind if I did that. They do look pretty comfy, but until that day comes it’d have to be hot soup. Nothing better on a cold day.
If you were dared to jump into a freezing swimming pool in winter, who would do it first?
That’d be me, James is a fun guy but I don’t see him going for that. Although to be fair to him, I have seen him dancing around in the garden, with just boxers on, whilst there was a hail storm…
All your blankets and winter clothes are in the wash, what’s your back-up plan for staying alive in winter?
Hmm, good question. I’d rip up all the carpets to see if I could make a fire, but if that doesn’t work I’d sell them on eBay and use the money to purchase some firewood and burn that instead. But thinking about it, the wash will probably be over by this point…
Which of you would last the longest without food in a winter hibernation streak and what’s the first thing you would eat when you woke up?
Well taking into consideration my first answer it’d have to be me, as long as I’ve got lots of work to or as long as I’m dreaming of doing lots of work. And first thing I eat, it’d have to be a piece of white bread with Nutella (has to be Nutella), spread quite thickly on top.
Would you rather be covered in fur or tough scales?
Fur! If listening to our music wasn’t already enough of a big warm cuddle, just imagine what it’d be like if we were covered in fur…
What was the inspiration behind your single Someone That Loves You?
It was really something Izzy was going through at the time. For us, the art of collaborating is letting their voice and story be heard and try to accentuate it as much as possible without interfering. In this instance the story we were telling needed the other point of view and hence why I ended up singing a verse. The beauty of it for us was out of this session, with no pressure or expectations, we ended up with something really special.
We’re loving your debut album ‘Warm On A Cold Night’, how long did it take to produce?
Thank you! It’s been a year or so in the making. Some of these songs we’ve been sitting on for a while and others are relatively new. These aren’t the only songs we’ve writing during this time though, there are a whole bunch more that we put out on EPs prior to this album, so if you want to hear more it’d be worth checking them out too!
Lastly, tell us three things people should know about your live show?
1. Our shows are a lot more upbeat than possibly the record lets on. We play with a full band and they are honestly the most talented bunch of musicians you’ll hear. They’ll have you nodding right off the bat!
2. Bring a date. HONNE shows can become quite a romantic affair. Our sound man can tell you that from experience…
3. Lastly, come to our shows expecting to dance and/or grind. There are a lot of good vibes floating around and we hope to leave you feeling positive and uplifted!
