Ionne's 'Pathos': A Journey Through Emotion and Sound

Cover photography by Kasaad Bullock / The Collective NHV. Wardrobe by Tea Montgomery / Designs By Tea.

Project Title: Pathos

Artist: Ionne

Label:  5015 Records LLC

Release Date: August 29, 2025

In the world of music, inspiration often strikes in the most unexpected ways. For Ionne, the creative force behind the upcoming E.P. "Pathos," it was a chance encounter with fashion designer Tea Montgomery that set the stage for a transformative artistic journey. As Ionne recounts, "I was neck deep and three years into production on a new full-length album, 'A Light Untruth,' when Tea DM’d me on Instagram to know if I’d be interested in a collaboration."

The collaboration was serendipitous, born out of mutual admiration and a shared vision. "Our paths had crossed serendipitously a number of times at art events in and around New Haven, Connecticut," Ionne explains. "At some point, I’d seen his work on stage and he’d seen mine." The two artists met at a local café, where Tea proposed a bold idea: a soundtrack for his upcoming runway show, "Pathos," set to take place at Union Station.

The challenge was daunting—less than 60 days to create 30 minutes of original music. But for Ionne, the opportunity was too compelling to pass up. "Despite the tight timeline, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to tap into this wellspring of inspiration," Ionne shares. The result is "Pathos," an E.P. that explores five emotional states: pride, envy, imposter syndrome, patience, and acceptance.

Each track on the E.P. is a reflection of these themes, woven together with Ionne's signature blend of Afrocentric EDM and soulful influences. "Pride," the opening track, is deeply personal. "It got me thinking about 'Down at the Cross,' part of James Baldwin’s book 'The Fire Next Time,'" Ionne reveals. In this seminal work, Baldwin discusses the struggles and resilience of Black men in America, emphasizing the daily challenges they face in maintaining their dignity in a society that often seeks to undermine it. "I have this experience and was aching for an outlet," Ionne shares. The song became a cathartic release, capturing the tension between the desire for recognition and the cost it demands. Performed in one continuous take, "Pride" pushed Ionne vocally and emotionally, culminating in a powerful session that left the artist in tears.

The E.P. is a testament to Ionne's versatility as an artist, drawing on a wide range of influences from Black Coffee to Sade. "The Love of Your Life" is described as an "imaginary Sade collab," while "Pathos" channels the ethereal soundscapes of Above & Beyond. "Everybody Said," originally a house track for the runway, was reimagined with amapiano and 80s UK soul influences for the E.P., evoking the vibes of Soul II Soul.

Beyond the music, the collaboration with photographer Kasaad Bullock and creative partner Stephen Jackson from The Collective NHV brought the visual elements of "Pathos" to life. "The selected images from that shoot showcase a few of the styles from Tea Montgomery’s unforgettable 'Pathos' runway show," Ionne notes.

Ultimately, "Pathos" is an exploration of identity, resilience, and self-discovery. It's a journey through the complexities of navigating one's path in a world that often demands conformity and sacrifice. As Ionne reflects, "Each song delves into the nuances, experiences, and personal stories that have shaped my understanding of these themes."

With "Pathos," Ionne invites listeners to embark on a journey of introspection and empowerment, set against a backdrop of rich, evocative soundscapes. As the August 29 release date approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a compelling addition to Ionne's artistic legacy.