Vancouver-based soul, blues and roots group Honeybear, the Band has released its latest single, Just Your Fool, building on the momentum generated by its breakout debut album and growing reputation on Canada’s live music circuit. The new release arrives as the independent quartet continues an extensive national tour while expanding its audience through streaming platforms and festival performances.
Blending vintage soul, blues, and roots influences, the single showcases the band’s signature horn-driven sound and reinforces its commitment to timeless songwriting rooted in classic American and Canadian musical traditions.
New Single Draws Inspiration From Classic Blues
Just Your Fool explores the emotional complexities of devotion and unrequited love through a traditional blues-inspired arrangement.
The song has already surpassed 30,000 streams, reflecting continued listener interest in retro-inspired music performed with live instrumentation.
Inspired in part by Slim Harpo’s classic Raining in My Heart, the single embraces a vintage sound while introducing original songwriting from band members Colin Brumelle and Ian Beaty.
Produced by Jeff Zipp, the recording features:
- Ian Beaty – bass and vocals
- Colin Brumelle – guitar
- Cindy Fairbanks – keyboards
- Geoff Hicks – drums
Guest musicians Jerry Cook on saxophone and Jocelyn Waugh on trumpet contribute horn arrangements that add depth and warmth to the recording.
Pandemic Beginnings Led to a Rapid Rise
Outdoor Jam Sessions Sparked the Band’s Formation
Honeybear, the Band officially formed in 2023, bringing together four longtime musicians whose careers had crossed repeatedly while touring throughout Canada and the U.S. West Coast.
The group’s origins date back to the COVID-19 pandemic, when live performances were largely suspended. Rather than stop playing, the musicians gathered in public parks, powering amplifiers and sound systems with improvised motorcycle battery setups so they could continue making music together outdoors.
That collaborative spirit has remained central to the band’s identity as it transitions from local performances to national recognition.
Debut Album Continues to Gain Momentum
The band’s independently released debut album, I Was Wrong, launched in June 2025 through its own Playmor label.
Since its release, the album has accumulated more than eight million Spotify streams while attracting nearly 180,000 monthly listeners.
The project has also earned placement on several Spotify Editorial playlists, including:
- Retro Soul
- The New Retro
- Best Blues of 2025
Beyond streaming platforms, the album has received airplay from CBC, NPR, CKUA, and numerous independent and community radio stations across Canada and internationally.
Festival Appearances Expand National Profile
Growing Recognition Across Canada’s Live Music Scene
Honeybear’s increasing popularity has translated into a busy touring schedule featuring performances at several major festivals.
The group has appeared at:
- Rifflandia
- Barnside Harvest Festival
- Vancouver Jazz Festival
- Kitchener Blues Festival
- Wapiti Music Festival
- Starbelly Festival
The band has also sold out club performances at respected venues including The Horseshoe in Toronto, The Rainbow in Ottawa, and Ironwood in Calgary.
Industry Recognition Continues to Grow
The band’s rapid ascent has attracted recognition from both Canadian and international music organizations.
Recent honours include:
- Blues Music Award nomination from the Memphis-based Blues Foundation
- Western Canadian Music Awards Blues Artist of the Year nomination
- Inclusion in the Vancouver Sun’s “10 Artists to Watch in 2026”
- Roots Music Canada’s New Discovery of the Year for 2025
These accolades reflect the band’s growing influence within Canada’s blues and roots music community.
Cross-Canada Tour Continues Through September
Honeybear is currently touring across Western and Central Canada, with performances scheduled in Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia.
Highlights include appearances at Calgary Blues Fest, Kitchener Blues Festival, and a hometown album release party at Vancouver’s Hollywood Theatre on September 10.
Several shows, including performances in Edmonton, Montreal, and Kingston, have already sold out, underscoring the band’s expanding fan base.
Conclusion
With Just Your Fool, Honeybear, the Band continues to strengthen its position within Canada’s thriving independent blues and soul scene. Combining classic influences with contemporary songwriting, the Vancouver quartet has translated grassroots beginnings into national recognition, growing streaming numbers, and a successful touring career. As the band continues its cross-country tour, the new single reinforces its reputation for authentic musicianship and timeless soul-inspired performances.