Honey Drip is a Montreal-based DJ and producer whose bass-heavy sound pays homage to the intersection of reggae, dancehall, and electronic music. Her new self-released EP, ANTI-EGO REMIXX – a remix of her 2021 EP ANTI-EGO featuring a number of other Montreal artists, oscillates between hip hop and dancehall, incorporating syncopated beats, bassy 808’s and grimy synths.
We caught up with Honey Drip about her inspirations, the Montreal electronic scene, and the response she has received since releasing her most recent project.
You go by the stage name Honey Drip, is that name something you have always gone by? What does it represent to you?
I used to go as Honeydip when I was a radio host. Someone fumbled my name and said Honeydrip one day and I haven’t looked back since. Back then, honey used to be the perfect analogy for the music I played which was smooth and wavy. Even though my style musically has changed over the years, I still identify with my name and embody it in many ways.
How did you get started making and producing music?
Once I started DJing, it was not long until I was intrigued by music production. I played around a bit on Ableton and had some peers give me crash courses and a few years later I applied to the Electroacoustics program at Concordia University. There I learned the skills that make me the producer I am today.
If you could describe Anti-Ego and its Remix E.P in only three words respectively what would they be?
Diverse, Hybrid, Thumping.
There are several other artists with whom you’ve collaborated on this remix EP, @ouri.riou @hey____mish @koreatownacid @lukr0 and @sim_mtl, tell us about your relationship with these musicians and how they contributed to the sound of the project.
Lukro was the first to reach out to me. He discovered my music this summer and reached out to me hoping to be able to remix “Brand New Flava”. It sparked the idea of releasing a remix EP. I then reached out to the artists that were inspiring me and many of whom are friends that have been there for me and I was very excited to collaborate with.
What artists were you listening to or inspired you while you made ANTI-EGO?
I have been listening to UK bass, Leftfield Techno, Dub Techno, and overall Avant Garde Dance music. This is a style that comes naturally to me when I am producing. The movie Babylon really inspired me as well and was a crucial part of the story behind my EP.
Did you run into any challenges when producing ANTI-EGO? honey drip
I get “writer’s block” as a producer which can be really frustrating. Luckily, since ANTI-EGO was a self-release I did not have a strict deadline but this is something I have been struggling with this lately now that I have set deadlines.
How would you like people to experience this EP? – What feelings are you hoping to inspire in listeners?
On the more surface level, just with an open mind! And [The EP] was aimed for the dance floor as well.
If there were 5 Montreal artists or musicians you’d like to put our readers on to, who would they be?
Dileta, Laced, Lia, Ramzi, Myriam Belanger
You have performed everywhere from Igloofest to youtube live streams, what has been the performance experience that most stood out to you? Honeydrip
Igloofest was one of the biggest crowds I have played to it was insane! When I was Bby Mutha’s DJ in Montreal and Toronto that was very special as well. My favourite gigs will always remain those that are intimate and everyone in the room is on the same wavelength and connected.
Favourite spot to spin in Montreal?
For the space itself: The dome at the SAT. For the vibe and crowd: Datcha.
Since releasing ANTI-EGO remix how has it been received by people in your life and by your larger audience?
I was surprised with the reception of my EP. I found it made it further than I expected which I felt very satisfied with because it was a self-release and I had done all the outreach. I feel like it was a good introduction as a producer.
What was your experience during COVID, how did you stay creative and how did you fill the void of the creativity and community of live music?
Fortunately, creativity hasn’t necessarily been a challenge but more so procrastination. I am very privileged for the reality I lived during the pandemic regardless. However, I have had difficulty remaining connected to my community but every summer we try to reconnect as much as possible.
Where would you like to take your music next? Any sounds you would like to explore or venues you would like to perform at in the near future?
I am working on new music and hope to tour Europe in the next couple of years.
Kate is an Editorial Intern at liminul.
She is a writer, photographer, and graphic designer based in Montreal. Kate is currently in her final year of her B.A. at McGill University where she is double majoring in history and art history.
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