“Honey & the 45s combine the low-fi sonics of eighties punk, the gorgeous rolling cadences of seventies R&B, and the infectious hooks of sixties pop. As whip smart as the lyrics are, the music itself is even better.” – Robert Rodi, New City Music

Honey & the 45s is a Chicago based blues/rock band featuring two female front-women. Known for its soulful sound and jazzy undertones, the band was originally formed as an acoustic group by lead singer, songwriter and guitarist Kristina Cottone, and singer, violinist and saxophonist Kim Kozel. Honey & the 45s’ unique sound has evolved into a soulful rock ‘n’ roll band by adding lead guitarist Jon Gould, bassist Sean Tatum, and drummer Jarad Kleinstein.

“This five-piece is steered by the sweet-dripping vocals of Kristina Cottone and the on-the-one harmonies of violinist/saxophonist Kim Kozel. For a band that’s only been together for a few years, they sound like they’ve been mastering their craft and living their songs for a decade or two.” – Rob Ross, Pop Dose,

Honey & the 45s’ debut album, The Need, was released in September of 2012. Five of the tracks off The Need were remixed by Grammy-Award nominated engineer Fred Breitberg and ‘spun’ on over 100 radio stations nationwide.

“They have a way of making the genres of jazz, funk, and blues sound fresh and completely new, as if the band is introducing each style to their audience for the first time.” – Listen Here Reviews

In 2014, the band took home the award for best Blues/Jazz band at the Chicago Independent Music Awards, and went on to open on the main stage for Cold War Kids at the Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon in Chicago and Big Data in St. Louis. Honey & the 45s has been featured in print, on commercials, in press conferences and has performed at some of the most prestigious music festivals and venues in Chicago and the Midwest.

Honey’s album, MAD, was released in December of 2014 and has received critical acclaim. Honey & the 45s made its live National television debut in December 2014 on WGN.

“A stellar set of seven songs that seamlessly weaves genres like rock, soul, jazz and blues, ultimately telling the story of a passionate group that wants more than just success.” – Chicago at Night, by Jim Ryan

“It is quite difficult to not be entranced in the unreal qualities of Honey & the 45s. If they continue to produce even a percentage of the sound they achieved with Mad there is nothing that can hold this band back. I can’t think of a better record to kick off the year.” – Greg Shaw, Nanobot Rock Reviews