HoneyLuv On Black History Month, Being In The Navy And Learning How To Produce Music In The Barracks

HoneyLuv is making headway on the dance music scene, blending R&B, Reggaeton, Afrobeat, House, and Techno into her signature sound, most notably on her latest single "Inside My Mind." The Ohio-based producer, formally known as Taylor Character, grew up with his mother listening to 90s house music, including Cece Pennison, Frankie Knuckles, and more. Currently, female icons Peggy Gow and Honey Dijon are the inspiration.

The character has an unusual story: when an injury prevents him from playing basketball at the NCAA level, he decides to work as a drone operator in the Navy to help pay for his college education. He later studied DJing in the barracks. Since then, he has captivated audiences at festivals such as Coachella and Outside Lands with his futuristic techno sound.

Additionally, the heroine is currently an ambassador for Armani Exchange, and her personal image is described as that of "sexy urban streetwear". Indeed, the character has proven to be a versatile creator.

Here, the character discusses Black History Month, his knee injury, being a Navy drone operator, and more.

Lisa Coke: Can you describe your voice in three words?

Taylor: "I think it's fun and sexy and exciting.

Koke: You had an injury that kept you from playing basketball at the NCAA level, so you decided to work as a drone operator in the Navy to pay for college. You learn to DJ in the barracks. Can you tell us more about this story?

Character: "I've been playing basketball since I was six years old and when I was in high school I got [ACL and MCL torn]. My knees, so to speak, gave out, I still got a scholarship. He did though. I went to college, but again, it happened a second time. I tore my ACL again. I said, "You know what? I'm not going to go to third place. I would just stop here and there." my college education because I didn't want to pay for it myself. So I did and moved to Los Angeles.

“I worked as a drone mechanic for four years. I did the mechanics of the drone we were trying to control. I worked there for four years, but during those four years I learned to DJ because my friends encouraged me to do it because there weren't many female DJs in the Los Angeles area. At first I stopped, but then they started to force me. So I said, "I'll do it." In the end, I like it. I used to DJ at parties with friends. At first, I could participate mainly in hip-hop and R&B parties because I didn't know anyone else in the dance world, but I really wanted to do house and dance music because these parties always looked crazy after the show. . on TV.

“Eventually, as soon as I get out [party hip-hop and R&B], I meet people. They showed me the tricks of the trade. I managed to release a song or two to make myself known. And especially after the Covid case on Twitch [gaining popularity], I finally showed this house music DJ to put my name on. At the end of 2020, I retired from military service and in 2021 I dedicated myself completely to DJing. I went to school for it and got paid in the military for it. It helped me learn how to make better music and get started too. Then, for me, it was concerts and trips to places.

Koke: You said your friends encouraged you to become a DJ because there are so many women in the industry in LA. Do they know you have the ability to DJ?

Character: "They do it because whenever we go out I always put the aux cord on and play a melody. Whatever I choose...it's my choice, as they say.

Koke: You are currently an ambassador for Armani Exchange. What are three must-haves in your wardrobe?

Character: "Good cargo pants, crop top and tennis shoes are a must."

Koke: What fashion tricks do you think everyone can use?

Character: “Dress how you want. Don't try to dress like someone else. Create your own path."

Coca-Cola: Do you remember the first electronic song you heard that made you fall in love with the genre?

Character: "I think it was 'Your Love' by Frankie Knuckles when I was a kid. I played Grand Theft Auto. I think it was or should be a Kashmir song. It was one of the two... But I remember a Frankie Knuckles song" Your Love" when I was like, "Oh, what is that?" Such an atmospheric and sexy song and I love it."

Coke: Frankie Knuckles, not a bad comeback. How can you hear it?

Personality: "Actually, I like all retro music, whether it's R&B or 90's. I like old stuff. Back then, I thought that I wanted to live and dance in that era. I've always been attracted to it."

Koke: Do you still draw inspiration from that era when creating your music?

Personality: "Absolutely. Especially with my last song 'Sway'. R&B and hip hop. That's how it went."

Cox: What's your favorite song you've ever written, and what was going on in the studio while you were composing it?

Character: "I'd like to say I own 'Sway' now because I think ultimately I want my sound to be a different aspect of the genre I want to create. I actually built it by my bedside in my little studio space."

Coca-Cola: What does Black History Month mean to you?

Character: "I really admire people of color today who paved the way for our ancestors. We're here to change the world for the better, to fight for equality, and I think it's really important that that respect is shown to everyone, regardless of skin color." "African Americans, especially in the United States, are treated unfairly and I think we have a lot of work to do. I think Black History Month encourages us to keep going and not stop, because we have to do this not just for ourselves. , but for the future and for those who have struggled in the past."

Koke: The music industry is notorious for excluding people of color. Do you think the music industry could be better?

Character: "I see girls like me and people with different skin colors who have a lot of opportunity. I think it's happening slowly. It could be better, but everything takes time I think. I'm excited about the direction the music industry is taking ."

Cox: Do you think white people make good allies?

Character: "Know your privileges. Recognize that you have privileges and try to figure out how to fix them.

Koke: If you could go back to when you started playing music and give yourself one piece of advice, what would it be?

Character: "Don't stop because I have to keep going. I started playing music when I was in high school and I think that's when basketball took over but I want to stay there I want to DJ around the world when I'm 17 or 18 years but I'm glad I didn't because I probably would have gone crazy. Now I'm so cool and calm.

Coca-Cola: How did you become a DJ in high school? Beautiful.

Character: “I make beats. It is my business. I do beats, I write songs for them here and there, I DJ on the computer, [but] only on their website. I am interested in. I never did it the way I wanted."