UNIVERSAL HONEY FACTS
Universal Honey was formed in 1992 by Johnny Sinclair and Leslie Stanwyck. Sinclair & Stanwyck met in 1988 while playing in the Canadian band The Pursuit of Happiness. They recorded 2 albums with TPOH (both produced by Todd Rundgren), 1988's "Love Junk" and 1990's "One-Sided Story". In 1991 the duo left to form their own group. They recorded their debut album "Magic Basement". The album the album received rave reviews and the singles "Just Before Mary Goes" and "Upfront With You" broke out on to the air waves with crossover appeal by getting college, alternative and rock radio support in Canada and the U.S. and spots in television shows and movies. "Just Before Mary Goes" was used in its entirety in the opening scene in Ashley Judd and Luke Perry's HBO movie Normal Life. The critically acclaimed movie director Denys Arcand used "Find Yourself" in Love and Human Remains.
In 1996, after touring the success of "Magic Basement", The Honey's took time to go back to the studio to record their second album "Earth Moon Transit". This album produced another set of solid tracks. The single "Any Road Back", gained them even more recognition at radio stations across the U.S. Videos were also featured on MTV's 120 Minutes and on MuchMusic. The single "Make My Mind" was added to MTV's M2 and MuchMusic. They began touring again which included US radio festivals and then a very lengthy tour across the U.S. with the Goo Goo Dolls.
In 1999 Sinclair and Stanwyck recorded their third album, the self-titled, "Universal Honey" and also tested their producing abilities. The single "Hit the Ground Running" was added to MuchMoreMusic and also used in the WB TV series Grosse Pointe. More and more TV spots began to materialize, Dawson's Creek used "Real World", and "Big Mistake" was used in the CBC movie "Harry's Case".
The Honey's next experimented with moods on their album "Fearless". A darker tone was set for this fourth album and they acquired the production talents of Dale Penner (Nickleback). And now a common occurrence, more television placements. "Won't Find You" was used in Dawson's Creek. Other tunes from this collection have been used on the CBC cooking show "Surreal Gourmet". The single "Think you Know", received air play across North America and was on the CHUM Top 100 songs of 2002.
In 2002, they released their fifth album "Invincible". Several of their songs during this time were used in the Rosanna Arquette documentary "Searching For Debra Winger" (Selma Hayek, Melanie Griffith, Jane Fonda, Sharon Stone, Gwyneth Paltrow), which premiered at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival and is on television worldwide. Again the title track received airplay as proof of the strength of their song writing.
In 2003 Sinclair and Stanwyck recorded and released a Christmas Album with 12 original tunes. The album, "Can't Stop Thinking About Christmas", is still receiving rave reviews worldwide. The album is upbeat, fun and calls upon many fellow musicians, with guest appearances from Ron Sexsmith, Jim Cuddy (Blue Rodeo), Tyler Stewart (Barenaked Ladies) and more. Four songs from this album charted on the BDS airplay chart in Canada. The CD has grabbed attention and garnered radio airplay in the US, Canada and Europe.
In 2005 UH put out an album full of well-crafted pop songs. Anchored by Darrin Pfeiffer on drums of Goldfinger fame. "Vicious Circles" has received great reviews in Canada and the US. An excellent review from USA Today music editor and reviewer Ken Barnes is just one of many. Universal Honey was one of the most used artists on Dawson's Creek. Television shows and movies continue finding spots for their music. Throughout their career as song writers they have always managed to get their songs played on radio. There are few bands, indie and otherwise, that are able to maintain the momentum and flow of creativity and solid song writing that this duo has accomplished.