Many traditional commentators would argue that business and pleasure don’t mix, especially in the music industry. However Honey Ryder defy tradition, turning the old-fashioned business model on its head and successfully combining the two.
The business – Honey Ryder are a modern outfit in every sense of the word. They have devised a unique funding model for the project. Their original idea is to sell shares in the future profits from income they expect to generate. †Each share carries a dividend entitlement worth 0.5% of net profit derived from various income streams, including album and single sales, synchronisation fees and touring and merchandise, to name a few. Moreover, eligible investors receive a host of tax benefits as the company has been set up to qualify for the government's EIS scheme, which encourages investment into UK startups.
The pleasure - the London-based duo Martyn Shone and Lindsay O’ Mahony have honed their writing and performing skills over the last two years. Their debut single ‘Numb,’ one of the darker tracks on a beautifully crafted debut album ‘Rising Up’, engages the listener through an anthemic rock sound that underlines the band's ear for melody. The album was produced by Goldust (Bryan Adams, Natasha Bedingfield) and mixed by Brad Gilderman, †(Madonna, Outkast) and Bob Kraushaar (Pet Shop Boys, Robbie Williams).
This combination has, impressively, caught the eye of former EMI CEO Eric Nicoli who has taken the role of personal mentor for the duo who are already proving to have a fast-growing fanbase - including the likes of Annie Lennox.
It is no surprise that the band have created their own piece of rock history when we investigate their previous form:
Singer Lindsay - †working at MTV alongside the likes of Chris Evans, Edith Bowman, Russell Brand and Alex Zane.
Guitarist Martyn - juggling a double life as a banker in the city and a jobbing musician.
Together they found a writing connection and enjoyed developing their sound with various bands on the London circuit before starting on their own journey.
Recently recognised and tipped by Music Week in conjunction with London Songwriters Week, Honey Ryder’s debut single ‘Numb’ is set to establish the band as a prominent force over the coming months.