SoundCloud’s Ascending is a monthly series showcasing emerging artists from around the world who are on the brink of breakthrough. This year’s class of Ascending artists includes braggadocious rapper 1900Rugrat and alternative indie-pop darling Erin LeCount, with honestav next up.
Quickly cementing his place as one of the most exciting emerging voices in music, honestav has been deeply committed to his craft and SoundCloud has been a part of his story from day one. When honestav released his emotional 2024 breakout hit, “I’d Rather Overdose,” the Missouri-raised songwriter and vocalist became a viral sensation — but he’s no overnight success story. He’s been working on his craft since he was a teenager, religiously posting on SoundCloud, often daily.
honestav Shares Tips, Opens Up About His Journey and Offers Encouragement For Other Artists to Share Their Music on SoundCloud
“Every time you post a song it’s like buying a lottery ticket,” honestav says, reflecting on his formative days on SoundCloud. “If you have 100 songs on your phone, or 10 or five or three — post them, get your music out there. People want to hear it. SoundCloud gives you an opportunity to share your art and your music with the world at no cost to you — except for putting the work in to get there.”
On his journey of 10,000 hours of hard work, honestav has developed an infectious online persona, and broadened his sound from rap to incorporate singing, acoustic guitar and elements of rock, Americana and country. His fun-loving ways and real life lyrics about addiction, loss and healing have gained him legions of devoted fans across America’s heartland, with tracks like “I’d Rather Overdose,” “Growin’ Pains” and “Livin’ Wrong,” You can hear more about honestav’s journey so far on his recent episode of Sound Advice.
honestav Reacts to His First-Ever Billboard, Hosted by SoundCloud in Times Square
After releasing his 12-track EP ‘hara-kiri’ in late 2024, honestav kicked off this year with his first-ever billboard, hosted by SoundCloud in New York City’s Time Square. When he heard the good news, honestav almost couldn’t believe it: “We don’t even have billboards in Pierce City, dude,” he said, of his Missouri hometown. With his humble nature, love of his roots and passion for making original music, honestav speaks to a new generation of music fans who yearn for authenticity.
Fresh after celebrating his being crowned this month’s Ascending artist, honestav stopped by SoundCloud’s HQ in New York to bless us with a live rendition of his latest single, “Livin’ Wrong,” for our new series, The Booth. As part of the aptly-named series, artists are invited to drop by SoundCloud and record an exclusive live performance in our NYC recording studio. Recent artists who have kicked off the new series include 1900Rugrat and Jim Jones, with more to come. Check out honestav’s live performance of “Livin’ Wrong” here.
honestav Continues Building Momentum With The Deluxe Edition of ‘hara-kiri,’ 40-Show Sold Out Headline Tour and More
Continuing to build momentum, honestav has delighted his rapidly growing fanbase with a deluxe version of ‘hara-kiri,’ complete with 10 new tracks (including the recently released “Livin’ Wrong” and “Growin’ Pains.”) Ahead of dropping the deluxe version, honestav also debuted an official music video for “Livin’ Wrong,” which was shot in his hometown and featured 350 local fans who came out to show their love and support.
To add to the excitement, honestav is currently on the road for his No License tour — a 40-date solo headline run of the US, which has added two dozen dates due to overwhelming public demand. You can find out more about the tour and buy tickets here.
“I went from posting a song on SoundCloud every Friday to doing a 40-show sold out tour, and I’m right here, living in it, right now,” honestav says. “The work ethic that SoundCloud taught me, I’ll bring it everywhere that I go.”
Be sure to follow honestav’s journey on SoundCloud, as we can’t wait to see where his music takes him next.
LISTEN TO THE DELUXE VERSION OF ‘HARA-KIRI’ BY HONESTAV ON SOUNDCLOUD NOW
LISTEN TO HONESTAV’S LIVE RENDITION OF “LIVIN’ WRONG” FOR SOUNDCLOUD’S THE BOOTH
LISTEN TO HONESTAV’S IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW ON SOUND ADVICE, ONLY ON SOUNDCLOUD
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