Blood Orange has unveiled the latest installment of A24‘s acclaimed Sound Check at Cherry Lane Theatre performance series, offering fans a stripped-back live session that highlights the emotional depth of Dev Hynes’ celebrated songwriting. Directed by Kat Korbjuhn, the performance arrives as Hynes continues the momentum surrounding his critically acclaimed 2025 album, Essex Honey, while further cementing his reputation as one of contemporary music’s most inventive creative voices.
Filmed on the historic stage of New York City’s Cherry Lane Theatre, the session captures Blood Orange performing three songs from Essex Honey: “Thinking Clean,” “Somewhere In Between,” and “Look At You.” The performance also includes a moving interpretation of The Smiths’ classic “How Soon Is Now,” adding another layer to the intimate presentation.
The appearance follows the release of Essex Honey, an album widely praised as one of 2025’s standout records. Inspired by Hynes’ upbringing in Essex, England, the project reflects on identity, memory, healing, and the lifelong relationship between music and personal growth. The Cherry Lane performance translates those themes into a minimalist live setting where the songs take center stage without elaborate production.
Kat Korbjuhn, who directed the session, brings a cinematic eye to the performance. In addition to her work as a creative director, Korbjuhn currently serves as Chief Brand Officer for Haus Labs by Lady Gaga, helping shape the visual identity of one of pop culture’s most recognizable brands.
The performance also arrives shortly after Hynes composed the score for The Invite, Olivia Wilde’s upcoming A24 film starring Seth Rogen, Penelope Cruz, Edward Norton, and Wilde herself. Released through A24 Music, the soundtrack further demonstrates Hynes’ expanding influence beyond recording artist into film composition, where he has built an impressive résumé that includes Queen & Slim, Passing, We Are Who We Are, and Master Gardener.
Produced by A24, A24 Music, GILBARA, and Cherry Lane Theatre, the Sound Check at Cherry Lane Theatre series has quickly become a showcase for intimate performances from some of today’s most compelling artists. The series launched with appearances by Tame Impala, Mark William Lewis, and Model/Actriz before continuing with Grace Ives last week. Future installments will feature Quiet Light, Annabelle Dinda, and additional artists yet to be announced.
Cherry Lane Theatre itself represents an important piece of New York City’s cultural history. Originally established as the city’s oldest Off-Broadway theater, the 166-seat venue was acquired by A24 in 2023 before undergoing an extensive renovation that modernized its technical capabilities while preserving its historic character. The restored venue now hosts theater, film, comedy, and live music alongside Wild Cherry, a new restaurant from acclaimed restaurateurs Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr.
For longtime fans, the latest Sound Check performance serves as another reminder of why Dev Hynes remains one of music’s most versatile artists. Whether creating genre-defying albums as Blood Orange, producing for artists such as Solange, Mariah Carey, and A$AP Rocky, composing orchestral works, or scoring award-winning films, Hynes continues to move fluidly between disciplines without sacrificing the emotional intimacy that defines his work.
The Blood Orange Sound Check at Cherry Lane Theatre performance is available to watch now on A24’s official YouTube channel.
Featured image credit: Dev Hynes
