Vancouver Roots Quartet Builds on Streaming Success and National Touring Momentum
VANCOUVER — Vancouver-based soul, blues and roots group Honeybear, the Band is continuing its rapid rise in Canada’s independent music scene with the release of its latest single, “Just Your Fool,” a vintage-inspired blues ballad that blends classic soul instrumentation with modern audience appeal.
The new track arrives as the quartet builds on a successful year marked by strong streaming numbers, growing industry recognition and an extensive tour schedule spanning multiple Canadian provinces.
Built around themes of devotion and emotional vulnerability, “Just Your Fool” reflects the band’s commitment to traditional songwriting and live musicianship. The release continues Honeybear’s signature style of storytelling, combining soulful vocals, blues influences and prominent horn arrangements that evoke the sound of classic rhythm-and-blues recordings.
The song has already surpassed 30,000 streams, highlighting continued consumer demand for roots-oriented music and authentic performances in an increasingly digital music marketplace.
Vintage Influences Drive the Band’s Latest Release
Classic Blues Inspiration Meets Modern Production
“Just Your Fool” draws inspiration from Slim Harpo’s classic song Raining in My Heart, borrowing from the emotional and musical sensibilities of an earlier era while presenting them through the lens of contemporary production.
The track was written by band members Colin Brumelle and Ian Beaty and produced by Jeff Zipp. The recording features the full Honeybear lineup, including Beaty on bass and vocals, Brumelle on guitar, Cindy Fairbanks on keyboards and Geoff Hicks on drums.
Additional contributions come from Jerry Cook on saxophone and Jocelyn Waugh on trumpet, whose performances help create the song’s rich sonic texture.
The prominent horn arrangements provide a warm, vintage atmosphere that complements the track’s themes of longing and devotion. The approach aligns with the musical identity Honeybear has cultivated since its formation, emphasizing timeless songwriting and live performance over heavily produced studio techniques.
From Pandemic Park Sessions to National Recognition
A Grassroots Beginning Fuels Continued Growth
Honeybear was formed in 2023 by four veteran musicians and longtime friends whose careers had intersected over decades of touring throughout Canada and along the U.S. West Coast.
The group’s origins can be traced to the COVID-19 pandemic, when live music opportunities became limited and the musicians began gathering in public parks to perform together. Using improvised equipment setups powered by motorcycle batteries, the band maintained its connection to live performance despite industry-wide disruptions.
That emphasis on musical connection and organic collaboration has remained a defining characteristic of the group’s work.
The band’s debut album, I Was Wrong, released independently in June 2025 through its Playmor label, has become a significant success story within Canada’s independent music sector.
According to the band, the album has generated more than eight million streams on Spotify while attracting nearly 180,000 monthly listeners. The project has also earned placements on several official Spotify Editorial playlists, including Retro Soul, The New Retro and Best Blues of 2025.
Beyond streaming platforms, the album has received support from CBC, NPR, CKUA and a network of independent and co-operative radio stations across Canada and internationally.
Festival Appearances and Industry Recognition Boost Visibility
Award Nominations and Sold-Out Shows Reflect Growing Demand
Honeybear’s digital success has translated into strong demand for live performances.
The band has appeared at prominent festivals including Rifflandia, Barnside Harvest Fest, Vancouver Jazz Festival, Kitchener Blues Fest, Wapiti and Starbelly. It has also sold out performances at notable venues such as The Horseshoe in Toronto, the Rainbow in Ottawa and the Ironwood in Calgary.
Industry recognition has followed the band’s growing popularity. Honeybear has received a nomination for a Blues Music Award from the Memphis-based Blues Foundation and a Blues Artist of the Year nomination from the Western Canadian Music Awards.
The group was also named among the Vancouver Sun’s “10 Artists to Watch in 2026” and earned Roots Music Canada’s New Discovery of the Year honour for 2025.
These achievements have helped establish Honeybear as one of the emerging acts within Canada’s blues and roots music landscape.
National Tour Continues Across Canada
Upcoming Performances Span British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec
Honeybear’s current touring schedule includes appearances at major festivals and club venues across the country.
Upcoming dates include performances in North Vancouver, Langley, Edmonton, Calgary, Red Deer, Ottawa, Montreal, Kingston, Toronto and Kitchener, before returning to British Columbia for the Harmony Arts Festival in West Vancouver.
The tour will culminate with an album release celebration at Vancouver’s Hollywood Theatre on Sept. 10.
As the band continues to expand its audience through streaming platforms, radio exposure and live performances, “Just Your Fool” represents another step forward for a group that has successfully blended vintage soul and blues traditions with a modern independent music business strategy.
With strong listener engagement, industry recognition and a growing national profile, Honeybear appears well positioned to continue its upward trajectory within Canada’s competitive roots music market.