This is one of the standout tracks from Sex & Food, the fourth studio album by Unknown Mortal Orchestra (UMO), released on April 6, 2018. The song swiftly gained traction, becoming a fan favorite thanks to its dreamy blend of indie rock, funk, and psychedelic soul.
Composed by Ruban Nielson, the band’s frontman and creative force, “Hunnybee” is a personal and heartfelt piece dedicated to Nielson’s daughter, whose middle name is Honeybee — a touching detail that adds emotional depth to the track.
While it didn’t chart on major Billboard lists, the song has amassed millions of streams on platforms like Spotify, solidifying its place as an indie anthem. The smooth, hypnotic vibe, combined with poignant lyrics about family and fleeting moments, captures the unique sound that has made Unknown Mortal Orchestra a staple in the modern indie scene.
2. History of the Band: Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s Rise
Formed in 2010 by Ruban Nielson, a New Zealand-born, Portland-based multi-instrumentalist, Unknown Mortal Orchestra quickly gained a cult following with their self-titled debut album in 2011.
UMO’s sound is a mesmerizing fusion of psych-rock, funk, and lo-fi aesthetics — an eclectic style that sets them apart in the indie music landscape. Their 2015 album, Multi-Love, brought them critical acclaim, tackling themes of love, relationships, and polyamory, and Sex & Food continued this trend, exploring personal and political struggles with a bold sonic palette.
What makes UMO so captivating is their ability to blend vintage sounds with modern production techniques, making their music feel both nostalgic and innovative at the same time.
3. On the Videoclip: A Trippy, Surreal Journey
The music video for “Hunnybee” is a vibrant and surreal visual feast, directed by Greg Sharp and produced by Truba Animation. Unlike conventional music videos, this one embraces an animated, almost psychedelic style, perfectly complementing the dreamy and slightly melancholic tone of the song.
The video takes viewers on a symbolic journey, with shifting landscapes and morphing figures that reflect the song’s themes of transience and familial bonds. It’s a hypnotic experience — much like UMO’s music — that pulls you into a visually stunning world while keeping an emotional undertone at its core.
4. Talk Nerdy to Me: Music Theory Trivia
For those who love digging into the technical side of music, “Hunnybee” offers some fascinating elements:
- Key and Chord Progression: The song is in the key of F major, with a slick progression that leans heavily on jazzy chord extensions. The use of 7th chords adds a smooth, soulful feel, giving it that signature laid-back yet intricate UMO sound.
- Rhythm and Groove: The rhythm section channels a neo-soul and funk-inspired groove, with syncopated drum patterns that create a relaxed but undeniably catchy vibe.
- Melodic Choices: Ruban Nielson’s vocals float effortlessly above the instrumentation, using a combination of pentatonic melodies and unexpected chromatic shifts that keep the listener hooked.
- Production: True to UMO’s style, there’s a deliberate use of tape distortion and analog warmth — a nod to 70s recording techniques that give the track its vintage flavor.
5. More from Unknown Mortal Orchestra
If you’re enchanted by “Hunnybee,” there’s a lot more to dive into from Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s eclectic discography:
- “Multi-Love“: The title track from their 2015 album is a swirling, psychedelic exploration of love and jealousy, blending infectious melodies with thought-provoking lyrics.
- “So Good at Being in Trouble“: A soulful, stripped-down track from their 2013 album II, showcasing Nielson’s ability to convey raw emotion with minimalistic arrangements.
- YouTube Appearances: UMO frequently participates in live sessions — check out their Tiny Desk Concert on NPR, where they deliver intimate, spellbinding renditions of their hits.
“Hunnybee” is more than just a beautifully crafted indie track — it’s a heartfelt ode to family, wrapped in the lush, genre-blending sound that has become Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s signature. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to their music, this song is a perfect entry point into the band’s captivating world.
So put on your headphones, press play, and let “Hunnybee” take you on its soulful, psychedelic journey.
