If you're looking for a fierce, unapologetic anthem that blasts through your speakers like a shot of adrenaline, then look no further than Honey Trap’s latest single, "Outlaws."
This female-fronted hard rock band from New York City has mastered the art of blending raw, sensual vocals with gritty, guitar-driven energy, and "Outlaws" is the perfect showcase of their rebellious spirit.
From the moment the track begins, you’re pulled into a sonic journey that starts with a smooth, almost hypnotic riff before erupting into a powerful fusion of hard-hitting rock and southern metal. The slow-burning intro sets the stage, luring you in with its dark allure, only to explode into a full-throttle assault of heavy drums and searing guitar solos. Their ability to command both your attention and your emotions is undeniable, and "Outlaws" reflects that poignantly.
Lead vocalist Jessica Rendon’s voice is a force to be reckoned with. Her sultry croons quickly turn into a rebellious battle cry, channeling the spirit of rock legends like Joan Jett and Ann Wilson. There’s a defiant edge to her delivery that perfectly complements the band’s gritty sound, making this record feel like an anthem for anyone who’s ever dared to defy the norm.
Delving into the lyrics, they act as a rallying cry for the renegades who live on the fringes and refuse to be tamed. With vivid imagery and a relentless sense of pursuit, Honey Trap paints a picture of a world where freedom is fought for, not given.
This bold declaration from Honey Trap solidifies their place as a band that’s making a statement. Taking you from the verses to the earworm chorus, "Outlaws" echoes in your mind long after the song has ended, urging you to embrace your inner outlaw.
Welcome to Buzz, Honey Trap! The lyrics of "Outlaws" evoke a sense of freedom and resistance. How important is it for you to use your music as a platform for empowerment and self-expression?
Hello! It is very important for us. As a painter would use different colors & strokes to evoke different moods and passion, our melodies and lyrics take the listener to those places.
The guitarist, Vasilios, and I, the singer & lyricist, both see music in images and waves of rainbow tone. When we write, we almost immediately see a scene.
We envisioned the setting for 'Outlaws' as a desert with sepia tones, blacks and reds, and a driving sense of urgency and a battle. It wasn't a battle between good and evil, but between two rivaling villains, which we thought would be A LOT of fun, especially if there was a hint of some romantic backstory.
To have that fight scene was empowering for us because we both do martial arts, and it was a chance for us to use those forms of artistic skill with our music and tell this story of the 'Outlaws.'
Your influences range from Led Zeppelin to Soundgarden. How have these legendary bands shaped your approach to songwriting and performance?
Both bands are ace at either bringing you way up or way down. One minute I'm dancing, and the next, I want to slit my wrists. Zeppelin and Soundgarden have both mastered the skill of taking the listener into their joy or heartache, and that's definitely something we strive to do in our songwriting.
We want to show off our skills as musicians, of course, with masterful guitar solos and killer vocals, but it's also about finding the pockets and bringing that soul up from the lowest part of your gut. We don't want to perform as robots. We want it to be organic and want the listener to feel whatever inspired those riffs and lyrics.
The production of "Outlaws" has a gritty yet polished feel. Can you please share some insights into the recording process and how you achieved the track’s distinct sound?
First and foremost, we are a rock band, so we welcome the grit! We definitely fall into the musical category of 'post-grunge.' Honey Trap loves a raspy, sexy vocal part with some high howls, and we eat up a fat, distorted guitar line.
Honey Trap is also about crisp, smooth edges. We don't like to muddy the sound so much that you can't hear the notes or scream the lyrics so that you can't hear the words. We like that 'James Bond' femme fatale elegance, dark but chic.
As a female-fronted band in the hard rock scene, what challenges have you faced, and how have these experiences influenced your music and your journey as an artist?
Gratefully, I can say I've never faced any challenges as a female rock singer. Being a woman has made it much easier to stand out in the rock music scene. I come from a musical theater background, so I can project to the back of the house without a mic. A couple of years ago, a woman in the audience came up to me after a show and said, "You had more balls on that stage than any of the male singers tonight.
I grew up with a lot of guy friends. I didn't wear make-up, blow dry my hair, or care what handbag matched my shoes until I was prob 21 and living in NYC. I curse like a sailor and have the sense of humor of a 10-year-old boy, but I also have a warm smile, Texas manners, and a sweet 'Honey' voice, so doors have always opened. I don't play coy, but I also don't play the dude. I see myself as very powerful but not masculine, and I never want to be seen as such because I love being a woman. I embrace my curves and use my natural feminine charm to lure in the audience, male and female. I've totally been asked to sign boobies after a gig.
How do you think your music speaks to the current social climate, and what role do you see rock music playing in today’s world?
I hope our music encourages more female musicians to go into rock. I don't want girls to be shy about expressing themselves in a bit more raw, gritty way. I want them to see that lyrics can be deeper and more heartfelt than pop or bubble gum.
I think I speak for all members of Honey Trap when I say we want the listener to have fun! We have ballads, but most of our songs are upbeat and heavy-hitting rockers. If you listen to rock like me, Honey Trap songs will either push you to have a kick-ass workout, be the soundtrack for getting it on, or blast in the car while driving, probably too fast. Honey Trap is danger and romance.