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Hunnypot puts in the work and labor so you can enjoy every show. Hot Tub Johnnie started the night with a "Gray Day" set of music to make Jeff happy. Jeff Gray got in to the hot tub as a guest and had a surreal conversation as himself to talk about himself with Hot Tub and Ryan. Thompson Springs sprung from a well of song oriented rock, Highland Kites soared above the din with passionate and poignant music, Justin Levinson kept the piano pop spirit alive, Cosmos & Creature returned to continue to expand their big bang feature music and Dylan also came back to rap and roll the crowd right before the world famous dance party.

Recap: J. Gray Photos: J. Gray & R. Taalbi  9/04/2017

PesciChive

JEFF GRAY (formerly known as Pesci) 

Music Supervisor/Music Copyright Specialist

A bio is a self serving list of achievements & accolades to impress those who have yet to meet you in person. If you meet Jeff Gray in person he will gladly regale you with tales and anecdotes about his important and professional work with music, music copyrights and some impressive names of more famous people he's worked with. Jeff Gray prefers to let you know that he is capable, qualified, approachable, humble & available for hire. He also is a very good guitar player.

Jeff has been a Hunnypot staple for years. Co-hosting with Hot Tub Johnnie, Jeff brings life to the show with his eclectic questions and joking personality. His experience shines on the show through his interviews and now we can't wait to have him be the interviewee. This is bound to be one colorful broadcast! 

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THOMSON SPRINGS

THOMSON SPRINGS

A collaborative side-project, Thompson Springs became an outlet for a backlog of songs Matt Smith gathered over the years. The band consists of a rotating crew who shaped his tunes into folk-rock gems whose casual valor and languid language convey an everyman’s candor that rocks gently and goes down easy. Produced by Rob Laakso of Kurt Vile and the Violators, the mini-collection of rambling self-reflection simmers in sing-along homilies and hitch-hiker’s poetry for a laid-back treatise that makes for a fine traveling companion on the winding road of life. As a taste of things to come, “Artifacts,” packs promising calm for uncertain journeys.

 Website  Facebook  Instagram  YouTube


HK Press Photo 1

HIGHLAND KITES

Highland Kites is an independent alternative folk/rock band based out of Los Angeles, formed in late 2013. It’s the brainchild of Marissa Lamar, who sings and plays keys & guitar in the band alongside drummer Neil Briggs and lead guitarist Alex Edwards. They are currently working on their 4th release, an EP titled "I'm Not Weak" which is set to release on the 29th of July.  

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Justin Levinson

JUSTIN LEVINSON

The son of singer/songwriter Bob Levinson, Justin Levinson grew up in Vergennes, VT.In high school, he was introduced to Lester Bowie and Fontella Bass, who were traveling on a grant to bring jazz to rural areas. He attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, accepted in part due to a letter of recommendation from Bowie.He started out studying jazz trumpet, before switching to and getting his degree in songwriting.

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cosmos and creature

COSMOS & CREATURE

Cosmos & Creature’s infectious new pop-electro single “Young” captures the youthful exuberance of the duo’s journey toward success. Brandyn Burnette and Molly Moore were cultivating solo music careers before they started collaborating in 2014 under the name Cosmos & Creature. Burnette had just come off a four-year stint signed to Warner Bros. Records, and Moore was transitioning from songwriter to artist.  “We met at LA’s Hotel Cafe on a Monday night Soul Sessions,” explains Burnette.”It’s the same place we opened for John Mayer & James Bay shortly after we formed Cosmos & Creature.” Burnette and Moore are highly acclaimed songwriters and sought after artists.  Burnette’s many accomplishments include writing a number 1 hit for Hedley which won Single of the Year at the Juno Awards as well as charting in the US Top 40 for a single he wrote for Jake Miller.  In his solo career, Burnette has garnered over 3 million streams on both Spotify and Youtube and has landed on the Billboard Emerging artist charts for two weeks straight.  While Moore is not only a successful songwriter, she is also an accomplished solo artist with a dedicated fan base. 
 
Their debut single “Young” is the perfect fusion of progressive pop and electronic with contagious melodies and a driving EDM beat. It’s sure to stick in your head like any great pop song should.  The “Young” lyric video captures in fast motion the duo’s plane flight from LA to the New York studio where the song was recorded in Mount Kisco New York’s Dirty Canvas Studios by famed producers Shep & Aaron from Dirty Canvas (American Authors, Young Rising Sons, Karma Killers).  
“Our writing process is very cosmic and natural,” explains Brandyn. “Sometimes we’ll have ideas written down or voice notes of melodies saved on our phones & save them for the right moment or the right setting. That’s how ‘Young’ happened actually. We had written this hook together & saved it on a voice note. Soon as we got to upstate NY to work with our producers, we sang them the hook. I pulled out a note that had some scribbled down thoughts. Next thing you know the song was in full swing.”
With a quickly growing fan base and industry attention, Cosmos & Creature's becoming one of the pop/electronic acts of the year.

Website  Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  SoundCloud  YouTube


Dylan2017 

DYLAN

Dylan, 21, is a lyrically driven, fun-loving Hip Hop artist from Los Angeles, which clearly influenced his West Coast sound. His style represents a  soulful old school brand of Hip Hop but with an updated flavor and presentation. Sometimes political, sometimes fun & carefree, he was initially inspired by early 90's rap all the way into current, more mainstream Hip Hop music. Excitable and confident, he creates to inspire others as well as provoke ideas.

Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley area of L.A., he embraced hip hop during adolescence. It immediately became an outlet for him to express everything from pain to joy. His sound is primarily organic, raw, & soulful old school flavored Hip Hop with a conscious & lyrically focused new school twist. He's driven to put in the necessary work and share his vision with the world.
 
Published in Hunnypot Live

In the late 1970's the moon resolved to make herself known to the sun sent a golden rabbit gift to him. Years later some dude cheated at a game and found this golden rabbit in a park in England (Masquerade). Last night Hunnypot Live! held the after party for the rare meeting of moon and sun. We did not cheat any of their love. Hot Tub Johnnie kicked it high like a solstice with some party music to start. Chris Jackson hinted at his future and brought a music playlist that, of course, "eclipsed" all other eclipse music sets. Rachel Price got in the tub to talk about her new record and performed a moon rock(ing) set. MALSI MUSIC delivered cosmic rays of music revelation, My Native Tongue gave aural and audible celestial tones in rock music, Masai "cratered" to the audience with zero gravity rhymes and beats provided by Hamilton Augustine, who continued the dance party DJ set through the night.  8/21/2017

Recap and photos by J. Gray

CHRIS JACKSON

CHRIS JACKSON

Chris has faithfully served the Film/TV Music community for over 2 decades. As the former VP of Music at NBCUniversal, Chris oversaw the music services team focusing on the E! and Esquire Networks and Wilshire Studios. Chris also worked on operational and planning aspects of music services across NBCU’s television properties, including catalog development and exploitation, international platforms, technology solutions and strategic initiatives.

Prior to NBCU, Chris was a partner in Beatscape, providing music supervision for Film, Television, Trailers and Videogames.  He also co-founded MustVote, a groundbreaking voter registration campaign coupling viral and social media marketing with the passion of music fans.

Even further back, Chris co-founded Rightspring, Inc. a pioneering marketplace for searching, licensing and digital delivery of creative assets to professional users. Chris has nearly 20 years’ experience in all facets of the music business including major and independent labels, event production and digital media.

In his spare time, Chris is working on challenging AlphaGo to the ultimate DJ battle.

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Rachel Price 

RACHEL PRICE

To singer-songwriter Rachel Price, “home” represents a number of very special things. One is her hometown of O’Neill, Nebraska – population 3,700 – to which she’ll always be deeply connected. Another is her memories of road trips with her dad, listing to rock ‘n’ roll in the car, which deepened her love for music. And then Nashville, Tennessee, where she settled almost three years ago to pursue a life in music full time.

It’s also her heartfelt new six-song EP Home, on which Price both acknowledges her enduring bond with her roots on the range, and looks ahead to shape her identity as an artist with new journeys. With her sweet voice tinged with a touch of rasp – both earthy and delicate – and a charmingly off center knack for organically feeling her way through a song with simplicity and conviction, she is smoothly cruising down that road.

Price acquired her first guitar when she was 11, and started recording pop, rock and R&B covers, posting them online. When she headed off to college, her plan was to become a veterinarian. She kept posting songs though, and her music caught the attention of two producers in Los Angeles. “We wrote songs over Skype, and then I went to L.A. and we recorded four of them in the studio,” says Price. “It was an amazing experience.”

One of those songs was “Little Nebraska Town,” Price’s ode to the communal excitement of hometown Friday night football games. A former teacher of Price’s introduced her to internationally renowned photographer and Nebraskan Bill Frakes, who was working with the Nebraska Tourism Commission on content for The Nebraska Project, an initiative and website celebrating the people, places and stories that are the essence of the state.

“A video was created for my song, which was used to spotlight the culture of football in Nebraska,” says Price. “It got more than a million views. Having so many people relate to something I wrote sparked my interest in making music for the rest of my life.”

Price took a break from school, and with the support of her parents, moved to Nashville in 2014 so that she could be in an environment surrounded by the music industry. “There is so much energy and so many people to feed off of creatively here,” she says. “It forces me to be really uncomfortable on a daily basis – in a good way. In new situations, I’m learning how to adapt. And writing music here is an everyday thing. I love it.”

In 2016, she connected with Australian-born, Nashville-based producer, composer, and musician Michael Flanders. She co-wrote four of the six songs on the new EP with Michael’s wife Chaise – a noted songwriter herself – and son Ben. The title track “Home” is wholly Price’s, and “Falling Off The Earth” is a collaboration with singer-songwriter Luke Wade.

The lead track and first single is the lilting and hopeful “Lemonade,” which she wrote with Chaise. “We wanted to write a happy summer song. I looked out the window and thought even though it’s raining outside, I’m so happy,” says Price. “On days where it’s not all sunshine, you have to make yourself happy.” The dark-edged, jazz inflected “Falling Off The Earth“ is about a situation with a guy that went wrong. “I was freshly through that when we got together to write, I was feeling really sad, devastated,” says Price. “Luke said, ‘it’s like you’re falling off the earth, and he’s watching you.’”

The EP closes with “Home,” Price’s wistfully beautiful love song to her hometown. “I was picturing how I grew up. I thought of bare feet. It was so vivid. That one thing sparked the whole song.” She wrote it solo so that no one else’s vision of their hometown would interfere – that being said, Price’s authentic evocation of longing for that special place will ring universally true to everyone who feels the same about from where they came.

Outside of music, Price continues taking courses toward her college degree. She’s switched majors and is now focused on interdisciplinary studies with an emphasis on business. She’s an avid dog sitter and walker, an avocation that both gives her the animal lover fix she needs, and serves as a reliable “day job” – that is, until she fulfills her dream of “making a living just making music.” The release of Home brings her closer to that goal. “I’ve never been more excited about anything in my life,” she says. “New songs for the whole world to hear.” 

Website  Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Spotify  YouTube

 

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MALSI

Tasneem Islam, known as MALSI onstage and in the studio, is a magnetic, coffee-fueled, dry humored musician who once battled a scorpion in Belize. She is a Boston-born and bred singer-songwriter, producer, and vocalist. Before moving to Los Angeles, she sang lead vocals in the jazz and funk band Jesus, the Crazy, and the Bad Kids while pursuing her Bachelor’s degree at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Her band received coverage in the university paper and was a two-time winner of the campus’ Battle of the Bands, winning the opening act for Slim Thug at KTRU’s annual music festival. After graduating, JCBK released its self-titled album funded by shows played all over Houston. 
 
Upon relocating to Los Angeles, MALSI released her self-produced debut album Hades on January 31st, 2017. Hades is a powerhouse of soul, catchy and vibrant with ten tracks all written by MALSI during various points of her life. Her fans say it’s a “unique combination of instrumentation that just works” paired with “moody, galaxy vocals.” Soon after the release, MALSI started gaining radio play on college and community stations spanning from coast to coast. 
 
In live shows, MALSI is a multi-piece band encompassing percussion, keys, and multi-layered vocals. MALSI’s influences are rooted deeply in the history of jazz and soul, from Otis Redding to Stevie Wonder to Sade to Amy Winehouse. As a vocalist, Tasneem traces her musical and artistic ancestry to her Bengali culture and experience as a first-generation American. Beyond covering her favorites, she seeks to challenge society’s norms with her original work, and to especially influence the equal treatment of women and girls in the world. MALSI invites you to experience her music and dares you to hear the voice behind the melody.

Website  Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  SoundCloud


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MY NATIVE TONGUE

Mitchell, Garrett, and Spencer have been playing instruments and performing live in bands since they were seven years old. These 17 year old brothers originate in Southern California, just an hour away from LA & Hollywood. They also grew up acting on various television shows, such as "Days of Our Lives" and "Big Love", The trio's latest project has one goal: to write more creative and challenging music. Inspired by many influences, such as Bombay Bicycle Club, The 1975, Mumford and Sons, Tokyo Police Club, Twenty One Pilots, As Tall As Lions, Son Lux & Foster The People, the trio has developed their own sense of musical style. My Native Tongue's sound would best be described as indie-pop with a hint of funk, heavy reverb, and synth-melodic melodies. 

Website  Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  YouTube


Masai 

MASAI

Born And Raised in Los Angeles California Writer/Rapper/Singer, Masai is an artist that’s representing a different side of Los Angeles. Growing up in Ladera Heights and The Crenshaw District which in some eyes these are two different worlds, he learned how to bring the two together. Masai was in the choir and also constantly in the studio. This year Masai was invited to curate a playlist to be apart of Hamilton Augustine’s S3L3CTA Playlist Series. Masai works with various artists as well as his first body of work called Technical Difficulties Vol. I, expected late November 2017.

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Hamilton

HAMILTON AUGUSTINE (S3LECTA DJ SET)

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Hamilton Augustine has been producing and hosting events in the city since he was 17, fostering an indie scene and collaborating with other creatives to curate nightlife experiences that have helped to bring many artists to greater platforms for exposure. At a young age, Hamilton could see the opportunity for event production to provide valuable chances for businesses to market to an audience, and he has partnered with many companies and artists to help them send their messages through music and events. 

In 2012, he began working at Swing House studios which offered him experience as a DJ, co-curating, hosting and producing Swing House Radio on IHeartRadio alongside Phil Jaurigui, the studio's CEO. Since leaving radio to pursue more opportunities building platforms for indie acts and working on personal projects, he has traveled to Australia where he expanded his exchange of ideas and music internationally. After returning from his year long trip he served as an ambassador for Swisher Sweets, where he was able to endorse such acts as Blackbear, Tha Dogg Pound, and Bone Thugz N Harmony. 

This year, Hamilton has curated a mixtape series from 25+ of his favorite artists, creatives, and industry influencers, entitled S3L3CTA, to cross promote and build another new platform for indie music collectivism.

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Published in Hunnypot Live

“NEW YORK!” Summer trip for two please!

Here’s a video that leads to an adventure on Cosmos & Creatures’ trip to the Big Apple. With pink skies and colorful animated lyrics and doodles, we see footage of them having fun and leaving loving memories on Broadway, Madison Square, Liberty State Park, Washington Square Park… screaming #RelationshipGoals as their lives as a band and a couple.

The progressive Pop duo from Toluca Lake first connected online after Brandyn Burnette heard Molly Moore’s music. As they met up at Hollywood’s Hotel Café in fall 2014, Burnette felt “right away like Molly was the female version of himself,” and knew he had to work with her. After discovering their chemistry on multiple aspects, Burnette and Moore began their collaboration and love story. Making their debut as Cosmos & Creature, the love birds infused organic touches and through live instrumentation, refined thoughts of nothing into something meaningful.

“Our name came from thinking about how big the universe is and how small we are, and how somehow it all works together,” says Burnette. “So much of our music is about seeing yourself in the grand scheme of things, and exploring the biggest emotions but in a very close and human way.” 

Catch the last bit of summer with us and Cosmos & Creatures in the Hot Tub on Labor Day (September 4th, 2017)! Don't forget that Hunnypot Live at the Mint Party is free and all ages are welcome!

Published in Video Picks

Hunnypot Live! knows who you are, knows what you want....and we do have a very particular set of skills....and we will find you and entertain you. Show #372 had the crowd "Taken". Hot Tub Johnnie practically kidnapped the live audience and "forced" everyone to dance, dance, dance with his party DJ sets from beginning to end. Emily Roman was bursting and enthusiastic to share her journey through the music industry & the music that influenced her along the way. Onefifteen skated in to the hot tub with quadruple axle hard rock n roll, The Grand Southern live up to their name onstage and performed...grand southern rock songs, G. Smith was meta and performed a soundtrack to their own production which is them and Just_Us rapped and rolled a conscience party playlist of their songs. 8-7-2017  Photos and Recap by J. Gray

Emily Roman 

EMILY ROMAN (HIDDEN TRACK MUSIC INTERVIEW/DJ SET)

Emily Roman is an LA native with music and the music industry engraved in her. Growing up Emily was constantly surrounded by musicians and inspiring influencers in the industry which lead her to a familiar career path. Studying in the U.K. and exploring as much of the London music scene as possible, Emily returned to graduate with a Bachelors from UCSB.  Always staying true to her love of music, she started her career at AMOnly/Paradigm learning the agency side of the music business and supporting a roster of some of today's top EDM artists. Emily currently works with Justin Bumper Reeve at Hidden Track Music proudly representing a carefully hand-picked roster of music ranging from Skrillex’s label, OWSLA, to the Oasis catalogue, to indie artist like The Grand Southern.

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TheGrandSouthern
THE GRAND SOUTHERN

Though five decades removed from its renaissance, Los Angeles duo The Grand Southern—Dash Hutton [vocals, drums] and Jesse Tyre Karp [vocals, guitar]—conjure the spirit of Laurel Canyon on their 2017 EP, Traded Heaven. It’s a rustic pastiche of Americana lyricism, heartland energy, pensive folk, and uplifting rock woven together by resounding piano chords, robust guitar, roots-y harmonica, sweeping synths, and heavenly harmony. The Grand Southern independently released tracks ‘Good Things’ and ‘Not My Time’ which landed placements on ABC’s Nashville, A&E’s Bates Motel, and more. Meanwhile, they appeared in an episode of FX’sMarried as the bar band with two of their songs featuring on the show. It all laid the groundwork for the creation EP Traded Heaven. The twosome recorded in 2016 with GRAMMY® Award-winning mixer Dave Way, keyboardist Tommy King, pedal steel hero Greg Leisz, bassist Johnny Flaugher, and singers Rachel Fannan and Renee Olstead. Now, their union not only continues that Laurel Canyon legacy but writes another chapter altogether.

Website  Twitter  Facebook  Instagram  SoundCloud  Spotify


G.SmithX


G. SMITH

Riding the border of alternative pop and electronic music, G.Smith skillfully fuses genres with her new single "X". The grungy soundscape, juxtaposed with ethereal vocals, brings you to a place of contemplation, where the lyrics urge reflection.    

Based in Los Angeles, CA, G.Smith began as a visual artist who evolved into the world of production. Fleshing out elaborate soundscapes using just her voice (and a washing machine), she discovered her love for producing.
 
She's received attention from Wonky Sensitive, Hilly Dilly, We Are Going Solo, The Burning Ear, and received spins on Zane Lowe for her previous single "Life Out".

G.Smith's new track, "X" is out now!

Website  Twitter  Facebook  Instagram  SoundCloud  Spotify


just us
JUST_US

Since meeting at Riverside Community College in 2014, Bianca and Juno have been musically connected and have been working together on their crafts. As they continued their education at the Musician's Institute of Contemporary Music, they intently created a unique sound that blends Electronic, Rap, and Hip Hop. Their music covers political topics with heavy elements of activism and empowerment. The intense design done by Juno is dripped in reverb making it atmospheric but hits hard when paired with booming 808s drums. Some have described them as Gorillaz meets Purity Ring. Currently, the duo is working on their first mix tape release while performing at venues all over Los Angeles including The Viper Room. 

Bianca has performed at the Hollywood & Highland Center, Carnegie Hall, and The Lincoln Center throughout her career. She has been singing her entire life having been influenced by Selena and Celine Dion. Now her vocals are now hugely inspired by Alicia Keys and Jessie J. She has worked an incredible amount to develop a 5-octive range. In college, she experimented with rap and recently had her emcee debut in JustUs’ single “Adriana”. Her rap inspirations include J Cole, Immortal Technique, and Mike Shinoda.

?Juno started teaching himself guitar at the age of 12. His interest in producing started in high school and continued into college. He realized his love for in-depth sound design and goes into great detail when working to develop unique sounds. He also raps intricate and characteristic rhymes using words of empowerment and symbolism. His influences are Dave Mathews Band, Talib Kweli, and Atmosphere.

Website  Twitter  Facebook  Instagram  SoundCloud


 OneFifteen

OneFifteen

It all began at a music royalties company in Woodland Hills, CA.  When Chelsee Foster, renowned figure skater and vocalist met Griffin Siewert, gifted guitarist and songwriter, they knew they had something special.  Also working at the company were Jordan McWethy, progressive drummer, and Jim Cotter, rock bassist.  Since all the members are involved in the music licensing industry, they decided to name the band after something they had in common. As you may know, when a music provider wants to play your music they have to license it. They can either get a voluntary license or they can invoke a section 115 compulsory license -- hence the name OneFifteen.

Since its creation, OneFifteen has played a number of sold out shows in the LA area including the Troubadour, Boardner's in Hollywood and The Federal in Noho. In the beginning it was all about covers. With Chelsee's amazing ability to sing tunes traditionally done with male vocals, they slam out songs like System of the Down's 'Chop Suey' and Mars Volta's 'The Widow', yet they still jam songs like Tracy Chapman's 'Give Me One Reason' and Heart's 'Barracuda'.

OneFifteen is currently writing their own songs. Their first single 'Break The Wheel' was loved by fans at the Troubadour, where they debuted it. They'll be releasing two more hits this summer. The newest release 'A Little Bit' is bound to make an impact.  Fans who have experienced it live say the song really embodies OneFifteen's original and dynamic style.

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Published in Hunnypot Live

“Oh! That city music! Oh! That city sound!” Shed light on the melody, effortless lyrics!

Being brutally honest about urban life, this impressionistic track is all about remaking one day after another through repetition. It talks about those moments you spent in the apartment by yourself, and how the noise from the crowds outdoors makes your life lonelier and duller. 

The L.A. based singer-songwriter romanticizes such circumstances into a whole new dimension; because when you go out there, you actually become part of the noise. As more and more people were characters were introduced in the music video, you discover the millions of stories that unfold upon your eyes, suggesting they’re a kind of “city music”. It just makes you feel like you’re lost in your own world while walking “through a photogenic part of a city alone… and surrounded by many”. 

As Pitchfork writes, the track “City Music” and also the album itself, is a “lament for lost innocence, a pledge to maintain optimism and humanity at a time when those qualities don’t just feel like vestiges of youth, but of some better civilization that’s rapidly disappearing.“

Sometimes you just have to listen and watch to understand.

-Bianca Alvarez

Published in Video Picks

Hunnypot Live! makes monday nights the best Jamborees in history and we know because our people say so. Hot Tub Johnnie started the night with a merit badge worthy DJ set, Darryl Swann got in the water to talk about his duckling days and more, Memento left us with something from his hip hop heart, NKRiot use cyborg powers to hive mind everyone in to a fan, CeCe Frey returned to our stage to rock & pop our senses and Anti-Hero made thrash metal great again.  7/24/2017

Photos and recap by J. Gray

Darryl Swann 

DARRYL SWANN (INTERVIEW/DJ SET)

A man of many talents - AKAI MPC 3000/VINYL-SAMPLING BEAT- BOY, PRODUCER, MIXER, MASTERING, VR DEVELOPER, SONGWRITER/MUSICIAN, 3D-AUDIO DEVELOPER/BETA-TESTER, UCLA INSTRUCTOR, COMPOSER, TOURING MUSIC-DIRECTOR.

Darryl ventured out to Los Angeles in 1986 as lead guitarist with his hair-metal band "Haven", then soon began working as a 2nd engineer at Silverlake Recording Studios.   His first session was with famed production team LA and Babyface as they produced the hit song “Rock Steady” for R&B vocal group The Whispers.   Within a month, he became night manager and first engineer at Silverlake Recording Studios, literally living at the studio while conducting round-the-clock sessions and learning the Trident Series 80B console.

After a break to earn his bachelor’s degree from UCLA, Darryl returned to engineering full time at Straight Arrow Studios in Van Nuys, where he wrote, produced, and engineered his first major label release with Motown group Pretty in Pink (featuring Chaka Kahn's daughter Melini Kahn ).
Then, Darryl's own group, Cultural Revolution, signed with Sony/Epic/New Deal Records and released the single “Nite & Day” on the soundtrack to the John Singleton-directed film Poetic Justice.

In 1997, Darryl began writing and producing with Macy Gray, resulting in the multi-platinum album Macy Gray "On How Life Is" as well as producing her follow-up album, "The Id". He also had the pleasure of working side by side with producer Rick Rubin who acted as Executive Producer on this record. Darryl has also worked closely in the past with Will-I-Am and the Black-Eyed-Peas, among many others.

Darryl composed the score for the feature film "From The Rough" featuring actors Michael Clarke Duncan, Tom Felton of Harry Potter fame, and Taraji P. Henson. He also was brought on board with Lionsgate Entertainment to score film and TV material for actor/comedian Kevin Hart. 2015, Darryl signed a world-wide book publishing deal with Hal Leonard Publishing International. First edition of "Essential Guide to Song-writing, Producing, and Recording" was released January, 2016. Darryl is also a partner in a Mixed-Reality technology venture developing music-based VR content, and 3D-Audio technology.

Website  Facebook  Twitter


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MEMENTO

Combining the lush richness of a film score, the rhythm section of a rock band, and the introspective storytelling of underground rap, Memento is a hip-hop artist from the San Francisco Bay Area.

He loosely categorizes his music as “hip-hop with an indie rock sensibility” — meaning that he uses live instruments and records his vocals within a few takes to capture raw, genuine emotion. Memento avoids the use of studio trickery in order to achieve authenticity, and always believes that less is more.

He approaches his music with the mindset of a composer: he wants the instruments to say what the words are saying, without the words. In order to do this, he pays great attention to detail while crafting his melodies and rhythms. Once the instrumental can express the emotion on its own, Memento paints a picture through his stories, his emotions, and his observations, all while maintaining a brutal honesty.

Website  Facebook Twitter  Instagram  YouTube


resized NKRIOT NKRIOT

NKRIOT is an electronic pioneer and founder of new genre art concept called Goji. NKRIOT involves a combination of synth, prog and electronic beats. Armed with a chromed out electric guitar,the full concept for the NKRIOT setup is a sound that sets itself apart all the while reminding you of the reasons why you hit the dance floor. NKRIOT features a full context set that includes a patented self constructed Holo-Display, and a customized hardware station that is sound designed from Scratch. It is in a full NKRIOT performance you see the uniqueness and brilliance that makes the half man-half robot a distinctive original artist.

Turning pages to a new chapter: NKRIOT drops single ‘Reality Pages ’ off highly anticipated debut full length album ‘RIOT’

Website  Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  YouTube


CeCe Frey

CECE FREY

CeCe Frey is best known for being the most polarizing character on Season Two of the X Factor USA, but that was then- this is now. 

CeCe is a singer/songwriter originally from a small farm town in southern Illinois, and now residing in Los Angeles where she is gearing up for the release of her new material. CeCe delivers raw, timeless, pop energy with the southern rock flare she was raised on. Her undeniable voice fills a room and captures hearts across all demographics- if you didn't show up as a fan, you're sure to leave as one.

Website  Facebook  Twitter  Youtube


 ANTI HERO

ANTI-HERO

Anti-Hero was originally formed in the bay area by guitarist and vocalist Calvin Adrian in 2014, although it did not have a stable line-up until 2017 when he re-located the band to Los Angeles. Almost immediately bassist and fellow metal maniac Justin Ellis was added to the roster, and was eventually joined by guitarist Neil Metcalf and drummer Ben Richardson. The first show they preformed was in competition at the battle of the bands to open at Ozzfest.

Anti-Hero has always brought a message of heavy metal pride and face-melting thrash metal riffs, and has not changed. In addition to its thrash metal roots Anti-Hero's sound has been in improved upon by Neil Metcalf's jazz fusion influenced guitar work, and NWOBHM and classic metal styled songs. You can find Anti-Hero playing in the local Los Angeles metal scene alongside other thrash metal bands. Anti-Hero has plans to continue playing shows in Los Angeles as well as to release an album in 2018.

Website  Facebook YouTube

Published in Hunnypot Live

Once again Hunnypot Live colluded with Russia to bring you the best entertainment on a Monday night in Los Angeles.

Hot Tub Johnnie kicked off his "G6 Summit" with the tunes to make you feel like the 1% of music lovers. Larry Butler brought us entertainment boot camp knowledge and a set list of musical history he was part of. Cobe Jones changed the climate to a full on hip hop platform, Špö brõ had the crowd twinning and winning with pop flavors, Headwaves dropped that new wave economic policy, The Pert Creatures showed a women's economic empowerment plan set to music, Rob Woods appealed to our emotions to have more inclusive growth with his rapper flow and the night ended with the globally famous Hunnypot Live! dance initiative.  7/10/2017

Recap by: J. Gray

Larry Butler photo

LARRY BUTLER (DID IT MUSIC INTERVIEW/DJ SET)

Larry Butler has devoted his entire life to the music business, specializing in live performance and touring. We're thrilled to share a link to download Larry's great new book The Singer/Songwriter Boot Camp Rule Book: 101 Ways To Improve Your Chances Of Success for free. You'll also find his complete Hunnypot Guest DJ playlist and the stories behind his selections at the link above.

Larry played keyboards in Ohio bands during high school and college, also serving as band manager and lead singer. While still in college, he was a successful nightclub owner and local concert promoter in Cincinnati. Also during that time period, his band performed as the opening act for the Rolling Stones, the Beach Boys and the Byrds, among others. He even jammed with Jimi Hendrix once at a late night Northern Kentucky club following his Cincinnati show.

Larry moved to Los Angeles to begin working as a tour manager for such artists as Randy Newman and Ry Cooder. He then took on an international tour for Isaac Hayes, which included the first-ever performances for mixed race audiences in South Africa. Following the tour, he accompanied Isaac and his band into the studio for his post-Shaft comeback album.

In the late ‘70s, Larry began working with Warner Bros. Records as an in-house tour manager for brand new artists, bringing professionalism to their staging, performance techniques and touring logistics. Those efforts led to a full-time position at WBR, first as National College Manager, then West Coast Artist Development Director and finally as VP of Artist Relations.

Larry spent the next 20+ years touring with an unrivaled roster of talent, winning a couple of PollStar Artist Development Executive awards along the way. In addition to guiding a touring field staff, he devised, cleared, funded and settled all artist tour support budgets while overseeing the tour marketing and promotion tours for the Warner Bros. and Reprise promotion and sales teams.

From there, Larry joined Bill Silva Management as General Manager where he coordinated the projects of the firm’s managers and artists. He also organized and ran Jason Mraz’s publishing during the wild run of “I’m Yours.” Simultaneously, he served as day-to-day manager for Silva client Robert Francis through his Atlantic Records signing and subsequent #1 single and touring success in Europe.

Larry now heads up his own Did It Music from the relative security and serenity of the San Fernando Valley. He is also affiliated with ASCAP as a songwriter and music publisher.

In 2014, Larry concurrently took on the position of General Manager for The Artist Cooperative, an independent record label services company comprised of mostly former Warner Bros. and Reprise Records promotion and marketing executives.

Larry’s first book was one of advice and tips for songwriters, musicians and performers entitled The Twelve Lessons of Rock ‘N’ Roll (for Your Career and Your Life), which is available at Amazon/Kindle. The Lessons are based on experiences and events he witnessed while on the road with rock ‘n’ roll artists and bands. There’s even a chapter about being in the right place at the right time, with specifics about the Rolling Stones gig and the Jimi Hendrix jam.

His current book is THE SINGER/SONGWRITER BOOT CAMP RULE BOOK: 101 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF SUCCESS.  The essence of the book is that nothing happens until you have created the music, learned the craft of performance, and mastered the art of live entertainment. That’s what this book is all about.

In a related endeavor, Larry has accumulated 365 Musical Tips of the Day from rock stars he has encountered along the way regarding songwriting, recording, and performing, and he posts one a day on Twitter.

Website  Blog  Twitter


 cobe jones

COBE JONES

Cobe Jones is an LA-based recording artist who brings a fresh approach to the R&B genre. Encompassing elements of west coast hip-hop and soul, his music transcends any one sound and instead creates its own unique atmosphere.

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Špö brõ

altŠpö brõ is a soulful pop-funk-jazz band led by 16 yr old twins Milo and Julian, who bring their whirlwind identical twin magic to the ensemble. Their high energy vocals and ripping trumpet/sax combo are backed by Oriana the wicked girl guitarist, Sean Stampede on bass, David Knocks on drums and

Michael Leese Suave on Keys. Think Prince & Michael Jackson secretly meeting up in an alley with Miles Davis & Charlie Parker. Špö brõ provides the sound of individuality- each member brings their own originality and influences which set the backdrop of this rocking charismatic young group. Involvement with homeless teens, schools, and church charities provide inspiration and meaning. Oriana says, ”I like seeing the band as we get closer, it's more than music. We're a family and I think that's a very important part of what makes us Špö brõ.” Now is the time.

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resized Headwaves 

HEADWAVES

Headwaves is a four piece group, based out of Seattle, WA. The music is a mix of hazy dream pop, heady rhythms and lush synth rock. 

Ryan Barber inherently writes folk songs about love, depression and desire, but he had the urge to make people move in a way folk songs simply couldn’t do. He had the need for his lyrics to smoothly float over a lush bed of instruments and heady dance driven rhythms. Teaming up with friend Larson Haakenstad and producer, Randall Dunn, the sound of Headwaves was created over the period of two years."

Website  Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  Spotify  YouTube


 PertCreatures

THE PERT CREATURES

One gangly, gentle guy on keys/FX and one sweet/sour girl-in-a-woman's-body on the mic - Dreamy creep pop you can drive your prom date off a bridge to. Straight of of Los Angeles California.

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 Rob Woods

ROB WOODS

Rob Woods, writer, producer & rapper, finesses his way over soulful beats like a tightrope walker crosses a thin wire – precise and thought provoking, effortlessly killing every beat. One listen to Woods’ music will have you eagerly wanting more.

Where are you from? I Am from Sacramento California. Born and raised! City of Trees and Land of Kings. That is my home. My love for music and my journey began there.

When did you first start rapping? I first started rapping at the early age of 11. I used to rap to my friends on the back of the public bus on my way to school in the mornings. It was one of the things that I realized I was good at and people wanted to hear me flow. Haha. I remember kids asking me to rhyme before they got to their stop. It was entertainment to them, but much more for me.

Who or what inspired you to be a musician? I love the fact that I can connect with others through the art of music. During my time in prison, I had a lot of time to think and reflect on life. I realized that God gave me this gift and it was not to be wasted or mishandled. I knew that once I got home I had to take things seriously and make it happen not only for me, but also for my family. More specifically, my father, who was the singer in the family as well as a guitar, harmonica and piano player - just an all around musically gifted individual. My dad had every record that you could think of, which he played frequently through his large speakers in the living room. I heard a lot of different music growing up. I had no choice but to love it. He also encouraged my siblings and I to learn how to play instruments. This experience had a major affect on the way I pursue my passion and dreams.

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Published in Hunnypot Live

LA’s own Glam Skanks just finished a North American/European tour opening for Adam Ant. The girls recently released a new single and video, check out “Bad Bitch”!

Published in Video Picks

Less drama and more music than a Han Solo film, Hunnypot Live produced another out of this world night. Hot Tub Johnnie jump started the night with another historical party DJ set. It was "High Times" Jonathan Miller joined us in the jacuzzi with the story of his music career, Joanna Wallfisch performed a non-linear musical reading of her journey making music, Pontea entertained with electronic pop and circumstances, Cosmos and Creature taught us the yin and yang of their music relationship and Morris Mills channeled his idol Prince to warm up the crowd for the Hunnypot Dance party.  6/26/2017

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JONATHAN MILLER (HIGH TIMES RECORDINGS INTERVIEW/DJ SET)

Jonathan Miller is a veteran A&R executive with an extensive background in product development and marketing.  He has produced branded music projects for clients such as Target, Bank of America, Ford Motors and currently launching High Times Records. Over the past 20 years Jonathan has produced over 50 commercially released film & TV soundtracks / compilations and has music supervised several films and TV shows including all of the SAW movies.  Miller was previously Senior Director, A&R, for BMG Entertainment’s Arista Associated Labels and RCA Music Group.   In 2004 Miller launched Artists’ Addiction Records which focuses on soundtracks and is currently distributed by Caroline / Universal.  He also served as GM, Special Markets for Primary Wave. 

In 2014 Miller co-founded Palm Oaks Entertainment which focuses on major brands and music. 

Miller is a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.

Palm Oaks Ent. Website  Artists Addiction Website  Facebook


JOANNA WALLFISCH
 

JOANNA WALLFISCH

London born, LA / NYC based vocalist, composer and multi-instrumentalist Joanna Wallfisch has emerged as a unique voice in the singer-songwriter world. With a classical and jazz background her music combines post-folk and art-song with a poetic lyricism which The New York Times described as "sensitive and deep”. She is a master in the art of live vocal looping and creates beguiling vocal soundscapes to accompany her songs. The Telegraph called her virtuosic performance as "sublime and unique". She's released three critically acclaimed albums of original music, and her fourth "Blood and Bone" will be out later this year. A true adventurer at heart, Joanna celebrated her 2016 release "Gardens In My Mind" with a 16­-date West Coast solo tour which she dubbed “The Great Song Cycle". Why? Because she decided to travel by bicycle, 1,154 miles from Portland to Los Angeles, carrying all her instruments and camping gear. 

Pushing through challenge and triumph while traversing the coast with only her body and two thin wheels propelling her forward, what transpired was a tour full of music made richer by the beautiful struggle Joanna intentionally created. This trip has resulted in a wealth of stories that Joanna has turned into a musical memoir, "The Great Song Cycle Song Cycle"— a piece which astounds and inspires with true stories imbued with humor, beauty and honesty. Through this musical and physical embodiment of a once in a life-time experience, Joanna will share her story, transporting the audiences to a world of human endeavor, meditative solitude, and a true sense of adventure...

Website  Facebook  Twitter  Instagram


 Pontea

PONTEA

A raw and vibrant artist, Pontea is preparing to make her mark on the musical world. Her music is a perfect blend of R&B and soulful pop that is infused with rhythmic beats and ambient synths, which render her distinct sound. Born and raised in Los Angeles to Persian Jewish immigrants, Pontea initially conformed to the expectations of her heritage. After graduating from UCLA, she decided to flip the script and pursue her lifelong dream of being a singer, a path that has always been challenged by her culture’s limitations on social norms and expectations.

Growing up in an artistic family, Pontea’s father was a talented singer, whose voice would fill the house with songs from Iran, Italy and 60’s pop. Her mother, a prolific poet, would lull her to sleep with ancient Persian poetry each night. This love of the arts and music in her home fostered her lust for creativity and artistic expression. From a young age, she became the entertainment at every large family gathering.

During her formative years, the self-described drama queen and theatre geek was heavily involved in dance, musical theater and choir. After composing piano pieces that frequently won composition awards, Pontea’s songwriting itch evolved to a more modern and pop-centric sound. Brought on by her affinity for singing soulful vocals and a need to channel a rollercoaster of emotions from her tumultuous high school relationship, the songs began pouring out one after the other. “A lot of my music is about breakups and makeups, the dysfunctions in relationships, moments of weakness and temptation, flirtation, and the effort to maintain my sense of self within them,” she notes, adding, “I also feel a strong pull toward reflecting on society and the ways of today’s generation.” Her lyrical content reflecting on her inner turmoil give a cutting edge to what one may perceive as upbeat electro pop on their first listen.

Although she has faced many obstacles in pursuing music as a career, Pontea considers herself part of a new and liberated creative community pushing beyond the bounds of cultural limitations for women. She is on the path to realizing her dreams, and hopes to inspire other women in her position to do the same. 

Over the last few years, Pontea has been garnering attention throughout Southern California for her fiery and captivating live performances. No stranger to the local scene, she has performed at The House of Blues, The Federal and Genghis Cohen. With her ability to evoke the ebb and flow of raw emotion and a modest sensuality in her vocals, along with dynamic body movements and impromptu beat boxing, her magnetic presence on stage keeps the audience glued to her every move.

Pontea’s debut EP marks a defining moment in her evolution as a songwriter. As she continues to evolve, she challenges herself to step outside her comfort zone while remaining authentic and true to her voice. Proud and more motivated than ever, Pontea is excited to release this new body of work, and more thereafter, into the world as she displays her wide range and lasting sound.

Website  Twitter  Facebook  Instagram  SoundCloud  Spotify


cosmos and creature

COSMOS AND CREATURE

Cosmos and Creature’s infectious new pop-electro single “Young” captures the youthful exuberance of the duo’s journey toward success. Brandyn Burnette and Molly Moore were cultivating solo music careers before they started collaborating in 2014 under the name Cosmos & Creature. Burnette had just come off a four-year stint signed to Warner Bros. Records, and Moore was transitioning from songwriter to artist.  “We met at LA’s Hotel Cafe on a Monday night Soul Sessions,” explains Burnette.”It’s the same place we opened for John Mayer & James Bay shortly after we formed Cosmos & Creature.” Burnette and Moore are highly acclaimed songwriters and sought after artists.  Burnette’s many accomplishments include writing a number 1 hit for Hedley which won Single of the Year at the Juno Awards as well as charting in the US Top 40 for a single he wrote for Jake Miller.  In his solo career, Burnette has garnered over 3 million streams on both Spotify and Youtube and has landed on the Billboard Emerging artist charts for two weeks straight.  While Moore is not only a successful songwriter, she is also an accomplished solo artist with a dedicated fan base. 
 
Their debut single “Young” is the perfect fusion of progressive pop and electronic with contagious melodies and a driving EDM beat. It’s sure to stick in your head like any great pop song should.  The “Young” lyric video captures in fast motion the duo’s plane flight from LA to the New York studio where the song was recorded in Mount Kisco New York’s Dirty Canvas Studios by famed producers Shep & Aaron from Dirty Canvas (American Authors, Young Rising Sons, Karma Killers).  
“Our writing process is very cosmic and natural,” explains Brandyn. “Sometimes we’ll have ideas written down or voice notes of melodies saved on our phones & save them for the right moment or the right setting. That’s how ‘Young’ happened actually. We had written this hook together & saved it on a voice note. Soon as we got to upstate NY to work with our producers, we sang them the hook. I pulled out a note that had some scribbled down thoughts. Next thing you know the song was in full swing.”
With a quickly growing fan base and industry attention, Cosmos & Creature's becoming one of the pop/electronic acts of the year.

Website  Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  SoundCloud  YouTube


 resized Morris Mills

MORRIS MILLS & THE NPG HORNS

For Black musicians "Rock" is a 4 letter word.  The music genre of Rock has a handful of engineering craftsmen who have taken ownership in the art from while being members of the African-American culture. To be Black & a Rock musician is a small exclusive club.  Single synonymous names like Prince and Jimi are distinguished not only as talented musicians, but identifiable figures in Rock music.  Forerunners such as Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Thin Lizzy, Shuggie Otis & Ernie Isley opened doors for Rick James, Lenny Kravitz, Fishbone, Ben Harper & Living Colour.  This passing of the torch includes the fusion of Jazz, Soul, Funk & Pop.  It’s a handshake amongst musicians that in this life of Rock is rare but sincere.  Morris Mills now adds his name to that book of music.
 
Morris Mills in an acclaimed American singer & songwriter whose diverse musical style has caught the attention of notable industry figures. Morris was born in Texas and migrated to Chicago at the age of 5.  Growing up in a mixed family home he quickly gravitated to music as a creative outlet to express his pain of family divorce & transition.  Music became a significant part of his  life and a thriving factor for survival in Chicago during the 1980's.  Morris spent time performing in small clubs throughout Chicago like many musicians during that time and ran in similar circles of R.Kelly (Public Announcement) & others.  He again ran parallel with other R&B Soul performers, still keeping a copy of a letter from Columbia Records saying they just signed a similar artist named "Maxwell." 
 
The waiting process led to practice and the practice led to shaping his own sound.  He also expanded his abilities on keys and guitar during this time period.  His love affair with Rock music began during childhood and grew during adulthood.  He grew to learn the complexities of Grunge and studied The Smashing Pumpkins, Green Day & Stone Temple Pilots.
 
His first album, “Love and Coffee” was released in 2005. Initially Love and Coffee was an album and movie, however the movie project was placed on hold to focus on the successful album release. Radio Personality Terry Bello supported this project and helped to get Morris additional national press for "Love and Coffee." Bello included “Steppin’ Out Tonight,” on the Heineken Soul Star Series, a compilation CD that included well-known artists like Angie Stone, Rashaan Patterson and Anthony David. During this time Morris worked with Lovebrands Records for two years while developing his presence in the music & film industry.  In 2011 he began work on his second album.  Interscope Records digitally released the single “Beautified”  in 2011.
 
The year 2014 provided big opportunities for Morris with a 360 deal from a management company in Los Angeles.  Morris signed with the company and moved to LA with plans to continue his path of success.  Upon arrival to LA his deal fell through and his management company all but dissolved.  Within a matter of days Morris went from having several deals in progress to being homeless in one of the largest cities in America. He lived on the street for a period of time and spent time in homeless shelters.  The ruthless deception of his former management company left Morris in a period of reflection and "Do or Die" mentality.  He pulled himself up by his own boots and climbed back up performing again within a six months of his arrival. 

His second album Beautified was finalized in Spring 2016. With his newest album he wanted to move toward featuring a more rock feel, but was worried about what some fans of his first album might think. “I was afraid I was going to lose my soul base, but, at the same time, I wanted to be true to myself,” Morris said.  In April 2016 Morris began the process of uploading his album to various media outlets for digital download.  Unfortunately, each site would not successfully process his album submission.  He decided to wait a few days to try uploading Beautified again when the devastating news of the passing of Prince was delivered to the world.  Like many people around the world, Morris spent time reflecting upon the loss of his presence in music.  In honor of his influence, Morris changed the name of his sophomore album to "Purple."  Now more focused than ever, he embraces his roots of musical influence. In his own words: "This is who I am now and I'm more than just a singer. I am all the music I love and my life will reflect that love. I wants my fans to follow me on this journey and know I'll do everything to make them proud."

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Published in Hunnypot Live

Be ready to hear futuristic lo-fi sounds mixed with fun complex jazz chords! KNOWER is a Los Angeles based duo who released their first album back in 2010. Comprised of USC graduate Louis Cole and and vocalist Genevieve Artadi, their quirky topics and interesting visuals define their unique image which is extremely captivating to music listeners of all kind. They never hold back and their love of music shows through the funky melodies mixed with shocking lyricism that's always well placed to evoke emotion. Their music is well-thought out, fun, and completely one of a kind.  

KNOWER is self-produced with the song "THE GOVT. KNOWS" hitting over 500,000 views on YouTube! This song dances around the idea of the government watching even our most private moments through the use of technology. The video features a compilation of impactful political moments being edited to the catchy insanity known as the drop of the song. For a fun Friday, start it out with this video and KNOWER. 

Published in Video Picks
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