GARRISON BAILEY: Some Like It Hot Honey

Garrison Bailey is a drummer, vocalist, author, producer, home chef, and self-proclaimed “joy bringer.” With a resumé that reads more like a dinner party guest list than a traditional musician bio, Bailey has never been interested in staying in one lane. Her latest creation, Some Like It Hot Honey, and her companion cookbook of the same name are no exception and should definitely not be judged by the cover. The artwork, rendered in whites and pinks and flowery adornment, suggests a calm, soft, dainty little affair, and perhaps some crumpets and tea to complement. This could not be further from the truth.

Bailey’s 20 tracks on the album are intended to make you dance. Not sweet romantic dancing in the kitchen with your lover, oh no. Booty. Shaking. Music. All the instrumentation on the album are loops carefully selected and arranged for maximum pleasure and enjoyment. Purposely intended as background music to elevate your time in the kitchen, trying one of her explosively delicious hot honey creations. As this is a music magazine, this article will focus mostly on the music, but as a concept and business model, we must applaud the ingenuity. This is her second album/cookbook release, because as she states in her forward “just creating a book of recipes wasn’t enough, she had to score your dinner, too.”

Bailey clearly has two intense passions in life: cooking and music. The blend of the two passions becomes clear in her song titles, named after chefs she admires. The names feel like small tributes, offering a glimpse into the people and influences that have shaped her creative sensibility. “Bobby Slay,” “Martha’s Stew,” and “Julia’s Child” are the more recognizable names, but each chef gets their own tribute in her book. Much like a chef draws inspiration from individual ingredients, Bailey seems to build each piece from specific sonic elements, layering loops, samples, and textures into something uniquely her own. The result is a clever thread running throughout the album, connecting Bailey’s musical craft with another form of artistic exploration.

There is a meditative quality to the repetition of the loops. As a producer, Bailey doesn’t concern herself with hooks and words as much as she does texture, dynamics, and an immersive and slowly shifting atmosphere to pair with the cookbook. Each song has its own world, containing within it a collage-like snapshot of loops and beats that don’t require heavy lifting on the listener. What it does require, is that you get in the kitchen, put your phone away, and surrender. House music does not require a deep dive of psychological meaning. It’s a vibe. Some like it hot, and some like it hot honey. Give it a try.

Some Like It Hot Honey (the album) is available on all streaming services and the companion cookbook can be purchased through Amazon here.