The place did the title “Miss Honeywater” come from?
Effectively, I’m a type of natural-type individuals. I imagine in taking herbs versus drugs. Honey water has loads of well being advantages. That’s actually the place the title got here from. Me and my buddies had been going backwards and forwards, and somebody threw out “Honeywater” within the group chat. I mentioned, “Oh, that’s completely different.” It may well imply many issues—and it carries therapeutic. So it caught.
How would you describe your musical type?
I do loads of all the things. I might have you ever doing the R&B slide down the wall fascinated about your boo, then up and dancing as a result of we hit some home music, or feeling such as you’re within the ’90s as a result of I’d come out with a rap. … It’s a gumbo of genres and music that evoke completely different feelings.
What do you suppose it’s about stay music that pulls individuals in?
It’s the change of power that you just don’t get via the radio. You possibly can hear one thing and it could transfer you, however there’s one thing about stay music—the power between the artist and the viewers. We feed off the viewers a lot. In the event that they’re engaged and vibing with us, it’s going to be an important present.
Do you will have a favourite track to carry out stay proper now?
It modifications typically, however proper now it’s “X-Issue” by Lauryn Hill. I nonetheless bump The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill prefer it got here out yesterday. … I’m somebody who loves love, and I’ve been in love—and it doesn’t at all times work out. It’s that emotional battle between understanding you must transfer on, however nonetheless wanting to remain.
Whenever you’re performing, what would you like the viewers to really feel?
It relies on the occasion. If it’s a party, I wish to hold it vigorous and get of us dancing. If I’m doing an R&B present and the theme is love, I’m going to sing all of the songs that get you in your emotions and have you ever singing alongside. More often than not, I don’t even finalize my set record till I get there. I prefer to see the demographic, really feel the vibe, and let that information me.
When you needed to choose one efficiency that stands out probably the most, what wouldn’t it be?
It would sound unhappy, nevertheless it was the New Yr’s present proper after my dad handed away in 2020. He handed away on December 28, and we had a gig on January 1. No one thought I’d present up—however I did. My daddy at all times mentioned, “One monkey don’t cease no present.” That caught with me. I obtained up there and held it collectively. That efficiency meant lots.
How do occasions like All That Jazz at Mesler assist maintain Chicago’s music scene?
Hyde Park doesn’t have a ton of locations the place you possibly can see smaller bands commonly, outdoors of festivals or spots like Chant. … Mesler gives an area the place individuals can take pleasure in dinner and stay music. It attracts a various crowd and challenges us artists to step outdoors our norm. That night time, I truly did much more jazz than ordinary. It was refreshing.
There appears to be a thread of therapeutic in all the things you do. The place does that come from?
I’m an empath. It doesn’t matter what profession path I select—cosmetology, the funeral enterprise, or music—it at all times comes again to serving others. … I’ve had individuals come as much as me in tears saying the present helped them heal. Music actually touches individuals.
Do you will have any upcoming exhibits or initiatives?
Proper now, I’m being very intentional concerning the gigs I take. In 2025, I don’t wish to unfold myself too skinny. We’ve been doing a little non-public occasions and Mariano’s exhibits. As summer time comes, I’ll be outdoors extra. You possibly can comply with us at @honeywaterlive on Instagram and Fb, or try honeywaterlive.com.