The Honeyriders

The Honeyriders craft a sound that sits at the intersection of the Corrs and Swing Out Sister, though the refined, cosmopolitan style originated in an unexpected setting: Tanzania in East Africa. Frontwoman Helen J. Hicks had previously collaborated with acid jazzers the James Taylor Quartet and alternative rockers Merchants of Venus, later performing regularly in the clubs of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. During that period she composed the wistful songs that would form the core of the Honeyriders’ material. Upon returning to her hometown of London, Hicks laid down several tracks alongside drummer James Sedge. The results proved so promising that the pair resolved to launch both a group and their own imprint, Loudmouth Music Ltd, which first issued a solo album by Hicks distributed exclusively at live shows. Once that release sold through and attracted interest from major labels, Hicks declined any solo contract. Sedge then recruited guitarist Joe Gibson and bassist Graham Brown, fellow musicians from his earlier bands and session work, completing the Honeyriders lineup. While still fielding label offers, the quartet finished an album independently; Decca acquired the acoustic jazz meets dreamy pop project and issued it as the band’s self-titled debut in 2005.