By Lorina B.
Hondees is an artist from Aspen Hill, Maryland, raised in a Salvadoran family and heavily influenced by skate culture. Before making music, he spent years skateboarding, filming and editing videos with friends, and discovering music through skate videos and games. During high school, after seeing a local artist record music from home, he became interested in the idea of creating and releasing music independently, and soon started recording himself.
The name “Hondees” comes from two early influences in his life. “HON” comes from Honda, inspired by the brand’s versatility and innovation, while “DEES” references the hip-hop music of the 90s that played a major role in his early connection to music.
His latest release, SILVER TEETH, arrived earlier this year alongside a music video. We spoke with Hondees about growth, creativity, friendship, and what he’s currently working on.
Here’s what he had to say.
You’ve been making music for a long time now. When you listen back to your older music, do you still recognise yourself?
Hondees: I definitely do! I can hear the younger me reaching for the stars, moon and beyond. It’s an interesting feeling when I sit and listen to an old record of mine and realize that I’ve grown a lot. It’s super motivating because I used to feel stagnant and lost, but looking back, my repetition was indeed helping me grow. It’s a funny thing honestly! All those times I wanted to give up or quit from frustration are what made my growth possible. Forced me to explore different musical and artistic directions. So to everyone out there, don’t give up, just step back and try it again from a different angle!
A lot of your music feels tied to the people around you. Your friends are involved in the videos, the art, the production, everything. How important is that community to your creativity?
Hondees: It’s extremely important to me. All the people you see in my videos are my best friends and/or people I care about who inspire me! My immediate friend group plays a huge role in how I create and express myself. They help with everything that makes up Hondees. Drew O helps with guitar/bass work, Isaiah helps with bass lines, Ronald also helps with guitar, and Benny is behind the camera and other things. We all collectively help with the music videos. We also all pitch in for ideas both musically and visually. It’s a sweet thing we have going!
You’ve mentioned before that you used to feel pressure to “make it”, but now you seem more focused on creating with the people around you. Do you think letting go a little made the music better?
Hondees: 100% and that was the best thing that ever happened to me. I was way too hyper-focused on becoming something that I started to stray away from the music. Once I noticed nothing was really fulfilling me, I stopped caring about “being” or “becoming” and started focusing more on being present for myself and the music. I think it goes beyond the music also. On a basic level, I think living in the present is just the best thing ever. It fulfills me way more.
Your music feels very visual at times. Do you usually see scenes in your head while making songs?
Hondees: I see scenes every time I write. Once I see the scene and I’m set, I go all the way. The music tells me where to go though, every time. Once the music reaches me and gives me direction, I know where to go. I’ll know the scene, I’ll understand the direction, and I’ll know what the video looks like.
What’s a moment that made you realize things were growing into something bigger?
Hondees: I’d assume moments like the one we’re sharing! The interviews, the DMs I get from people, the support from all over the world! It’s beautiful. Not going to lie, getting followed on social media by people you look up to also adds to the feeling of “oh, maybe I’m becoming something here. Maybe my friends and I are building something???”. As far as a specific moment, I don’t think I have one. I try not to think about it too much. I don’t ever want to get lost in that idea to be quite honest haha.
Do you have a creative process, or do ideas usually come to you throughout the day?
Hondees: I only make music when I decide to sit and write. The feeling just randomly appears. I know some people make music on the go everywhere and anywhere. That’s so rad to me. I suck at idea building in public at random moments. My ADHD is too intense to grasp ideas like that haha! I was just in LA and saw this dude walk by me and he was singing an idea into his phone. I was like “WHAT? HOW?”. Wish I had it like that.
Is SILVER TEETH connected to an upcoming project or is it a standalone single?
Hondees: SILVER TEETH was just a fun single! Something chill for the world to listen to. I wish it was a part of a project haha.
Is there something in the upcoming music that you feel you haven’t shown people before that you’re excited about?
Hondees: Absolutely! I still feel like I haven’t shown people my everything. What’s coming is fuller, more vocal range, more intentional layering. It feels like I finally caught up to the vision in my head. I’m super excited for people to hear it!
What’s been making you happy lately outside of music?
Hondees: Hanging with friends and loved ones over some good food. Doesn’t get better than that. Nothing beats it!
Do you still get excited uploading a song?
Hondees: More nervous than anything, haha. Sharing something so personal with the world is always a crazy feeling. Especially the songs I’m about to release! They’re a year old, so I’ve sat with them for quite some time now.
Is there anything you’d like to tell people reading this?
Hondees: Thanks for reading this interview. If you made it this far you’re the best ever and thanks for supporting what my friends and I are building. Speedingstars/HYECAS for life!
