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Sometimes the most powerful creative projects emerge from unexpected encounters. For Ionne, the artistic alias of Maurice Harris, what began as a routine direct message on Instagram evolved into an entirely new musical direction. “I was neck deep and three years into production on a new full-length album, A Light Untruth, when Tea Montgomery DM’d me to ask if I’d be interested in a collaboration,” Ionne recalls.
That message led to a meeting at a local café, where Montgomery, an internationally recognized fashion designer, proposed an ambitious idea: creating an original soundtrack for his upcoming runway show, Pathos, which took place at New Haven’s Union Station. With less than 60 days to compose 30 minutes of music, Ionne embraced the challenge. “Despite the tight timeline, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to tap into this wellspring of inspiration,” he shares.
The resulting EP, Pathos, is a five-track exploration of emotional states: pride, envy, imposter syndrome, patience, and acceptance. Each song draws from Ionne’s signature fusion of Afrocentric EDM, soul, and atmospheric electronic influences, creating a sound that feels both intimate and expansive.
The opening track, “Pride,” stands as one of the EP’s most personal moments. Inspired by James Baldwin’s essay “Down at the Cross,” the song reflects on the resilience and dignity of Black men in America. “I have this experience and was aching for an outlet,” Ionne explains. Recorded in one continuous take, the vocal performance pushed him to an emotional breaking point, culminating in a powerful session that left him in tears.
Other highlights include “The Love of Your Life,” envisioned as an “imaginary Sade collaboration,” and “Pathos,” the closing track, which channels the uplifting energy of Above & Beyond. “Everybody Said,” originally a house track created for the runway, was reimagined for the EP with amapiano rhythms and 80s UK soul influences, evoking the timeless vibe of Soul II Soul.
Visually, the project was brought to life through a collaboration with photographer Kasaad Bullock and creative director Stephen Jackson of The Collective NHV. The accompanying visuals reflect the striking aesthetic of Montgomery’s Union Station runway, bridging fashion, music, and emotional storytelling.
Pathos is more than a collection of songs; it’s an emotional journey. From the alienation expressed in “Everybody Said” to the liberation celebrated in the title track, Ionne invites listeners to explore the nuances of identity, self-worth, and personal growth.
The Pathos EP is available now on all major streaming platforms: open.spotify.com/album/28hoeEzGNZdxXSe1