SOUTH FLORIDA-BASED HONOREBEL KEEPS AN EYE ON THE EUROPEAN MARKET!

SOUTH Florida singer Honorebel, who has experimented with a variety of genres in the last decade, is back with She’s My Summer, a dance number.

Released on June 9, She’s My Summer is currently number nine on Belgium’s national chart and 43 in Germany. That’s good news for Honorebel, who had the European market in mind when doing the song.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, he said he watches international charts to keep abreast of what fans are into.

“I listen to what the different countries in the world are listening to because my music is mainly for the international

marketplace. She’s My Summer is very melodic, with the saxophone as well as the guitar, and gives it a tropical vibe which makes a perfect marriage with the video,” he explained. “The label usually remixes the song to suit local trends for marketing purposes, while the original mix of the song is promoted in all regions.”

She’s My Summer is produced by Polish duo Pesco and Dave Bo. A remix, featuring platinum-selling Miami rapper Pitbull, has also been released.

Honorebel and Pitbull have done previous collaborations, including Now You See Me, a hit in Europe five years ago.

While he watches markets assiduously, Honorebel said this never determines his sound.

“What’s trending at the moment doesn’t influence what I record, unless the producer or label asks for a specific topic. I mainly follow my vibes and what the track is telling me.”

The St Andrew-born Honorebel (Richard Bailey) has experimented with different genres, including dancehall, roots-reggae, EDM and hip hop.

His latest album, Honor Roll, was released in November.

— Howard Campbell