Interview with Kentucky Duo - The Local Honeys
For nearly a decade the Kentucky duo, The Local Honeys, have built themselves a reputation of representing honest and real Appalachian music. The duo, made up of Kentucky natives Linda Jean Stokley and Montana Hobbs, both come from a long line of tell-it-like-it-is women and have found a way to weave their stories of life in rural Kentucky into melodies that give warmth to even the hardest parts of life in Central Appalachia. After touring with names like Colter Wall and Tyler Childers, the duo have released their self titled album with La Honda Records that finally gives them a chance to share their stories in the way that perfectly encompasses the beauty and struggle of those from rural Appalachia.
Following the buzz of their July album release, I had the chance to chat with the duo to learn more about them as artists and how they represent the music and people of Appalachia. Read along for the full interview with The Local Honeys:
Me: So, how did the forming of The Local Honeys come about?
The Local Honeys: “We met in college. We came into Morehead State University the same semester, but didn’t know one another. One thing led to another and we met at the Kentucky Center for Traditional Music where we both became enamored with learning the home music of Kentucky. We graduated from MSU as the first two women in school history to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Traditional Music.”
Me: One of my favorite questions to ask artists is who their inspirations are. So, who are some artists that the both of you draw inspiration or influence from?
TLH: “It’s a long list. Some of the biggest are Tom T. Hall, Hazel & Alice, Ola Belle Reed, The Louvin Brothers, The Coon Creek Girls, Norma Tanega, John Prine, Nina Simone, Neil Young, Radiohead, Roscoe Holcomb. And then there’s the very long list of people that we know personally and consider great friends and mentors that inspire us endlessly. Like Jesse Wells, John Haywood, Darrin Hacquard, Kacy & Clayton, Colter Wall, S.G. Goodman, Nicholas Jamerson, Don Rogers. I could go on and on and on….”
Me: What would be your dream collaboration?
TLH: “Oh, right now, definitely Wet Leg. That would be so much fun.”
Me: As a duo, how does it work when it comes to writing new music? Is one of you more lyrics based and other melody or is it pretty even? How does that process normally go for the both of you?
TLH: “This seems to be a common question, which is interesting. We write together in a nonconventional way. Usually one of us comes to the table with a “finished” song and then the other offers advice, critique or praise and we start hashing out how this project would present that song, if that makes sense. We are both pretty set on lyrical independence but melodic collaboration is pretty integral to The Honeys. We really aim to let each other’s “voice” shine and we understand the support role pretty well, because we’ve worked together as a duo for so long.”
Me: Obviously everyone was affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, but was there anything surprising that came out of the pandemic for the both of you and your music?
TLH: “Don’t really have much of an answer for this….”
Me: I understand that themes of Appalachian culture and rural America are a big part of your music. What is something that you hope listeners understand or gain about the culture from listening to your music?
TLH: “I hope people begin to understand how proud we are of our home and our people. And I hope that inspires others to nurture those feelings for their own communities. I never knew I could be proud of where I was from, that wasn’t really taught or passed down to me, or at least it didn’t seem important. The Appalachian region has experienced a serious outward migration over the past few generations, so we’re everywhere really. And we’re really tired of hearing the misconceptions and negative stereotypes of our home. It's full of beautiful places and people, and faults as well, but hoping to bring awareness and positive change back home.”
Me: What is a misconception about Appalachian music you think people have?
TLH: “That it is an inherently white and male dominated history of music. Appalachia is a very diverse region and the history of our music was created and perpetuated by people of many different backgrounds. Traditional Appalachian or Kentucky music has also been heavily shaped by women. Many high profile players and musicians credit their mothers, sisters and Aunts with teaching them this style of music.”
Me: When you are working on new music, what qualities do you think make a song “perfect”?
TLH: “Clever language, a catchy melody and a good hook.”
Me: When y’all are not on the road or making music, is it difficult to find time to recharge and relax so you can continue writing honest music?
TLH: “Sometimes, yes. Duties at home can often be overwhelming and writing can be pushed to the wayside. We make an honest try to cut time out for making music and connecting with people who inspire us and encourage an artistic lifestyle.”
Me: What does the rest of 2022 have in store for you? Anything exciting to share?
TLH: “Lots of touring. Some really cool festivals. Hopefully making our way back to the UK/Europe very soon! We’ve missed the magic of international touring!”
It was truly such a pleasure getting to talk music with The Local Honeys and get a bit more insight into the intentions behind their recent album. To have a collection of songs that not only acknowledges the difficulties that come with rural life, but gives it the respect and care of telling the stories of those who experience it. When you give The Local Honeys a listen, you will find yourself ingulfed in the sweet sounds of a banjo and fiddle accompanied by crisp vocals that hit you down into your bones. Don’t wait to give this collection of songs a listen!
