By Colin 
Hohnen Ford, a young and rising talent from North London, is set to release her highly anticipated new EP, I Wish I Had A God, on 9th August via Young Poet. This release showcases her unique ability to deliver a modern twist on timeless sounds. The EP seamlessly blends pop, jazz, and folk elements to create a fresh and contemporary listening experience.
I Wish I Had A God is Hohnen Ford’s second EP, and it reflects a maturity in her songwriting. It includes the previously released single of the same title, as well as other singles like “Honest Mistake” and “Another Lifetime.” Her lyrical depth and emotional intelligence are evident throughout the EP. Consequently, this resonates with fans who value honesty and sincerity in their music.
Hohnen Ford’s musical journey began at The Royal Academy of Music, where she studied Jazz Voice. Her education, combined with her innate talent, has allowed her to distill the essence of classic pop while infusing her music with a distinctly personal touch. Additionally, her live streams have attracted over a million viewers, demonstrating her growing influence and widespread appeal.
The creation of I Wish I Had A God was deeply influenced by a personal tragedy. In May 2023, she lost one of her closest friends and mentors, Imogen Shelley Moore. This loss profoundly shaped the EP, which Hohnen Ford has dedicated to Moore. She shared, “These five songs tell a piece of my story in love and life that Imogen guided me through. This project is wholly dedicated to her.”
The EP features new tracks such as “Only Way Out,” which highlights Hohnen Ford’s honeyed vocals. The chorus evokes the ambiance of smoky jazz clubs and classic black-and-white films. Meanwhile, the closing track, “Skin Deep,” captures a similar, sumptuous silver screen haze. It effectively bookends the EP with lyrical honesty and vulnerability.
Her previous EP, Infinity, was a major success, amassing over 1 million streams across various platforms. Furthermore, her covers of classic songs on TikTok and Instagram have garnered millions of views, attracting fans such as John Mayer, Tom Odell, and Birdy.
During her time at the Royal Academy of Music, Hohnen Ford’s songwriting became an obsession. Influences from artists like Bjork, Elliott Smith, and Beyonce pushed her to explore her own voice. Before releasing any music, she was already making waves by selling out venues like Vortex and St Pancras Old Church in London. Her live streams frequently drew massive audiences.
This Friday, her new EP, I Wish I Had A God, will be available on vinyl (where it is joined by her first EP, Infinity) and all major streaming platforms. It promises to captivate both new listeners and long-time fans with its heartfelt and timeless sound.
Photo credit: Caity Krone
I Wish I Had A God Lyrics
We cut up the pictures from the magazines
Arrange them in a scrapbook, think of who we’ll be
Now every single page has a missing piece
I wish I had a god so you could be here with me
Everything you are, you give away
And I’d give everything I have just to keep you safe
Take my internal organs, tell me it will be okay
Oh, I wish I had a god so I could see you again
Once in a while, when it’s too hard to handle
Pretend it’s my birthday with a cake and a candle
And what would I wish for with a penny to spend?
I’d wish I had a god so I could see you again
Collеct me from the party, put me straight to bеd
You never told my mom about the cigarettes
And we have that in common, we’re both teacher’s pets
I wish I had a god so I could see you again
Once in a while, when’s too hard to handle
Pretend it’s my birthday with a cake and a candle
And what would I wish for with a penny to spend?
I’d wish I had a god so I could see you again