“Everything that has happened to me in the last year has been so unexpected!” In a nutshell, that’s how LA-based Beatport Next artist HoneyLuv feels about her tumultuous twelve months working her way up the proverbial ranks in club culture and indeed fashion culture. From a basketball player turned US Navy sailor turned DJ/producer, HoneyLuv is a force to be reckoned with and this week, she releases a brilliant new single on Bambossa with New Jersey legend Harry Romero titled “Inside My Mind” that in itself is a spiritual sequel to his remix of the 2022 HL smash, “365.”

She’s also been working with Dope Earth Alien and touring the world like crazy. Make no mistake: aligned to artists like DEA and Harry, signing to Black Book Records and with a further new single to follow with Seth Troxler, in 2023, the world will be her Dope Earth oyster.

HoneyLuv and Harry Romero’s new single “Inside My Mind” is out now via Bambossa Records. Buy it on Beatport.

It’s been a great musical start to the year already — how does that feel for you right now?

It feels so surreal. There is a lot I have not processed just due to the fact that I am in awe at how this journey of mine has flourished. I am so grateful for it all. Literally a dream come true, and I so excited for what this year in music for me will bring.  

You’re also a Beatport Next artist — was that a shock or a pleasant surprise, or both? 

So I was definitely shocked but at the same time, my team and I have been putting in the work day in and day out. So it’s a little bit of both!   

You’re not only working with Black Book and Harry Romero but also have a single with Seth Troxler coming – do you enjoy collaborating? What have you learned from Seth and Harry? 

I absolutely enjoy collaborating it in a way reminds me of basketball because it’s all a team effort and I love working in teams. So, it’s just two different worlds coming together coming to create something beautiful in the end. I have learned a lot this past year from both Harry and Seth. Just during the process of creating music, Seth always told me you know, less is more and I’ve carried that mentality in everything I produce now because I use to think the more the better but all you really need is a simple groove and the rest will follow. 

Similarly, what made you want to work with Dope Earth Alien on “Sway?”

I wanted to work with Dope Earth Alien because I was a fan of the projects, she had been part of and, two powerhouse black females in an industry like ours is always a force to be reckoned with, so I was really happy we were able to come together to create a vibe for the culture. 

You also seem to enjoy a busy life outside of the club: what do you do to kick back and relax in LA?

I love to just go to Pilates in the morning come home and just watch movies and hit a few restaurants but I’m mostly low key and relaxing in the comfort of my home.

Do you have a favourite club or city in the world to play in?

Yes, I love playing in New York the culture there and the knowledge of the music is just amazing. Every time I go it’s an experience. I can play anywhere in NY and always have a vibe, but I definitely prefer the more intimate parts of it.

What does the UK mean to you as an artist? It’s been very supportive so far. 

Having the support of the UK means the world to me. The fact that my music crosses over the pond is every producer’s dream in America, I think. I know it was for me.  

Finally, which DJs and producers do you count as friends or mentors? And has their support helped you along the way? 

I would definitely say my good friends Roland Clark and Will Clarke. They have definitely helped me a lot through this journey not just with music advice but life advice as well. I respect them so much so I always run to them if I need any guidance.