Healthy Junkies, the long-standing alternative punk band from London, have released Favourite Place, a new single preceding their much-anticipated new album, Listen To The Mad, due to be released everywhere on Friday, 22nd November by Banana Castle Records.
If you haven’t discovered Healthy Junkies yet, you’re in for a treat. Seamlessly blending the core elements of Punk Rock, Grunge, Psychedelic Rock, New Wave, Garage Rock, and Goth, with a touch of theatrical flair, Healthy Junkies create a dynamic and captivating sound that has garnered them international acclaim.
Fronted by French-born singer Nina Courson and guitarist Phil Honey-Jones, the band has gained a loyal following through their dynamic live performances and extensive touring across Europe and the United States. Their new single, Favourite Place, is a perfect example of their signature energetic sound blending punk rock with grunge and psychedelic influences.
Healthy Junkies
The origins of Healthy Junkies trace back to 2010 when the glamorous yet rebellious lead singer, Nina Courson, moved from Paris to London and met guitarist Phil Honey-Jones. Together, they embarked on a new musical journey, finding solace in their shared passion. They named their band “Healthy Junkies” to reflect the mental health crisis that was, and continues to be, rampant in western society.
The UK alternative punk (alt-punk) scene originated in the late 1970s as a response to mainstream punk, known for its raw, aggressive sound and anti-establishment ethos. Alt-punk pushed these boundaries further by incorporating a broader range of musical influences and more experimental approaches. Bands like The Clash and Siouxsie and the Banshees explored new sounds, blending punk with the likes of reggae, dub, and gothic rock, paving the way for the diverse alt-punk scene that followed.
The alt-punk scene continued to evolve throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with bands like The Cure and Joy Division adding post-punk elements to their music, leading to a darker, more introspective sound. This era also witnessed the rise of the DIY ethic, with many bands self-releasing their music and organising their own tours, fostering a strong sense of community and independence. Alt-punk became more than just a music genre; it became a cultural and social movement that challenged norms and promoted individuality and creativity.
Healthy Junkies continued this tradition and became a notable leading band in the modern alt-punk scene. The core duo expanded their lineup by bringing in Dave Whitmore on bass and Tony Alda on drums, and embarked on extensive tours across the UK and Europe, sharing stages with iconic bands like The Rezillos, The Skeletal Family, Walter Lure, The Professionals, GBH, Vice Squad, Theatre Of Hate, The Sex Gang Children, 999, The Vibrators, Spizz Energi, and The Buzzcocks. They are also regulars at festivals such as The Whitby Goth Festival, where they have supported Toyah, and the Corrosion Festival.
Healthy Junkies poster
Their performances, along with annual appearances at the renowned Rebellion Punk Festival (where they’ve played every year since 2012), have helped Healthy Junkies build a substantial following. The prolific alt-punks also gained the support of famed American DJ Rodney Bingenheimer. In the autumn of 2018, the unstoppable quartet successfully toured the West Coast of the US, earning a cult fanbase in the States.
In addition to their strong live reputation, Healthy Junkies have garnered widespread media acclaim. Their music has been played on BBC Radio, Fresh On The Net, Amazing Radio, Planet Rock, Total Rock, and Blank TV. They’ve been featured and reviewed by Alt Press, Louder Than War, Big Cheese Magazine, Vive Le Rock, Artrocker, Devolution Magazine, and many others. The band also appeared in the music documentary “The United Kingdom of Pop” alongside The Specials, which was broadcast to millions of viewers in France and Germany on ARTE TV, and also shown on Sky Arts.
In 2020, Healthy Junkies welcomed a new member, David Gaut, on drums, bringing fresh energy and vigour to the band. The punk rockers are now charging ahead with their impressive sixth album, Listen To The Mad, set to release this year. Reflecting on the album, the band shared: “As always with Healthy Junkies, we were compelled to make music for the sake of our own sanity. We have been inspired by what we see and hear around us. We never aim to preach but do touch on issues that are affecting many of us.”
Following their recent successful tours across the UK and France, and with upcoming festival appearances, the Healthy Junkies are set for an action-packed end to the year. The alt-punk scene remains vibrant and influential, with bands like Healthy Junkies leading the charge for a new generation of punk enthusiasts. Their commitment to the DIY ethos and their aim to address important social issues through their music ensure that alt-punk remains a powerful and relevant voice in the music world.
