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HONORÉ – “Ain’t No Substitute”
Written with producer and former Nightcrawler (“Push The Feeling On”) Thomas McKay, the concept for “Ain’t No Substitute” was sparked by a cheeky social media post Honoré once made – “Accept no substitute!” she laughed, in her best 1970s voice-over impression – still there if you dig back far enough. That playful post later became a celebration of her love and commitment to the man who swept her away from Detroit to Toronto, which she has called home for the past decade.
Honoré and McKay knew the groove would fit perfectly alongside the material already in the can for her forthcoming album – a whole platter’s worth of lush, orchestrated soul – each track blessed by co-producer and arranger Maurice “Pirahnahead” Herd, his 18-piece Detroit Soulchestra, and the return of full-throttle session band, The Detroit Lovers.
With layered harmonies, rich string and brass rearrangements, and the sophisticated funk of KC Roberts rhythm guitars over Ron Otis’s rolling groove, “Ain’t No Substitute” showcases the full reach of Honoré’s remarkable five-octave range – from an intimate whisper to soaring, soul euphoria. Thrilling key changes arrive in a rush of waves, culminating in a radiant crescendo made for champagne flutes and late-night declarations. It’s a modern soul monster in waiting – warm, analogue, and unashamedly romantic (Listen out too for award-winning musician Takashi Iio just getting downright nasty on bass).
Flip the record and you’ll find the instrumental of her debut single “Innocent & Real” – an exclusive suite for UK fans, highlighting the musicality and soul of everyone involved. Arranged by Pirahnahead after a pow-wow with Honoré in her car, the production unfolds like a lost Philadelphia masterpiece, with an abundance of strings, Rhodes, and brass.
Ain’t no substitute for love like that. Dig it.
Available to pre-order as a collectors’ edition on vinyl – don’t miss out - or order now via digital download. Dig it.
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“Ain’t No Substitute”
Band recorded at Willis Sound, Willis (MI), Strings & Horns at Black Sheep Audio & Production, Novi (MI) - Vocals recorded at Exeter Sound Studios, Toronto (ON).
Written by: Maureen Honoré & Thomas McKay
Produced by: Maurice “Pirahnahead” Herd and Thomas McKay
Arranged by: Maurice “Pirahnahead” Herd
Publisher: Maureen Honoré (Moon Cookie Dove)/ASCAP
Bass: Takashi Iio
Rhythm Guitar: KC Roberts
Drums: Ron Otis
Keys/Synth: Antony Gordon
Strings and Horns: Detroit Soulchestra Ensemble by Maurice Herd, contractor: John Madison
Backing vocals: Maureen Honoré“Innocent And Real (Instrumental Suite)”
Recorded at Rustbelt Studios, Royal Oak (MI)
Written by: Maureen Honoré
Produced by: Maurice “Pirahnahead” Herd and Thomas McKay
Arranged by: Maurice “Pirahnahead” Herd
Publisher: Maureen Honoré (Moon Cookie Dove)/ASCAP
Bass: Takashi Iio
Guitar: Wayne Gerard
Drums: Ron Otis
Keys/Synth: Antony Gordon
Strings and Horns: Detroit Soulchestra Ensemble by Maurice Herd, contractor: John Madison© all rights reserved