40 JUNE 2021 By Mallory Gleich Arcadia resident Kira Brown always loved to sing. In school, she played the clarinet but dreamed of being on the stage. So, when the self-proclaimed late-bloomer turned 23, she enrolled herself in private singing lessons, and the dream took off from there. Brown and her music partner Scotty Johnson are Honeygirl Music, and they have been creating together for seven years. Honeygirl plays mostly country music with elements of rock and pop mixed in. The name of the band comes from Johnson’s nickname, Honeyboy. Brown and Johnson met at The Vig Arcadia in 2009 when Johnson was playing a gig with another band. His name may sound familiar to some – Johnson is also a member of Gin Blossoms, an alternative rock band from Tempe that had several hits in the 90s and still plays numerous shows today. Brown grew up in Queen Creek. She was a shy kid, and there weren’t many neighbors or friends around since it was still a growing town. “I played the clarinet in elementary school, but I always wanted to sing and make music, so I started taking ‘secret’ singing lessons. I did that for ten years, and that’s when I met Scotty,” she said. Currently, Honeygirl plays two to three shows a week at venues all around Arizona. “We have so much fun at our shows. Any time we get to play music, we have a great time,” Brown said. “It’s so great when the band is really rocking. When you get the energy from a live performance, when things are clicking, it’s a victory,” Johnson said. This month the band will perform at the Musical Instrument Museum in north Phoenix. “We donated some guitars to the MIM, and they let us tour the facility. The theater is really amazing, and we get to play our music, so I’m excited,” Johnson said. At their shows, Honeygirl also plays a mix of original songs and covers by artists such as Stevie Nicks, Miranda Lambert and Alan Jackson – but at the MIM, they’ll be playing all original material. Brown said that a majority of the songs she’s written are based on her life story. “Some of the songs are about Scotty – he probably thinks they’re all about him,” Brown laughed. “But no, a lot of the songs are about life, love…most of them come from a really raw place.” The songwriting process for Brown is like “a little miracle that happens” because the ideas hit her when she least expects them. It can take her anywhere from a few minutes to a few days to write a song. When asked about the most challenging part of being a performer, Brown said stage fright. “I’m better now, but the first few years, every time we’d perform, my teeth would be chattering,” she said. “I get to play with a lot of talented musicians who are so encouraging, they helped me overcome the stage fright.” Outside of performing, Brown focuses on her real estate career and finding time to relax in her backyard. Johnson likes to relax with yoga or hiking. In the future, Brown and Johnson plan on recording more songs and keeping the good times rolling. honeygirlmusic.com Sweet as honey: Local music act keeps stage rockin’ Scotty Johnson and Kira Brown. PHOTOS COURTESY OF KIRA BROWN Kira Brown. I get to play with a lot of talented musicians who are so encouraging, so they helped me overcome the stage fright. The duo have been creating music together for seven years. Reach 50,000 potential patients or clients... JULY 2021 DEADLINE: FRIDAY 6/18 SEPTEMBER 2021 DEADLINE: FRIDAY 8/20 A Directory of local providers A Directory of local providers The Arcadia News Health & Wellness Guide is the perfect way to promote your practice or business to the affluent, educated and health-minded readers of the Arcadia News . Contact Roni@Arcadianews.com today to find out how you can save up to 46% on your ad investment!

Milgard® offers beautiful, comfortable, energy efficient vinyl windows and doors for your home. Whether you’re building a new home or renovating your existing one, your choices are wide open when it comes to selecting beautifully designed Milgard windows and patio doors. Strong, beautiful, long lasting and durable. Milgard windows and patio doors are designed with stunning architectural style and superior performance. Plus, you’ll feel secure in your investment with an industry leading, Full Lifetime Warranty that includes parts and labor. Available from Lasting Impressions: 4454 E. Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85018 Call 602.508.0800 or vist liwindow.com for more information. ROC# 179513