On November 16th, Heavy Metal duo Ashes Of Ares released their long awaited sophomore album titled Well Of Souls via Rock Of Angels Records (ROAR) featuring former Iced Earth members Matt Barlow on vocals and Freddie Vidales on guitar. The album is a Melodic, Heavy, Power Metal journey and an excellent showcase of instrumental dynamics, intricate compositions and a natural chemistry between the two songwriters that is evident to the listener. Throughout the album there is a heavy presence of Neo-Classical elements on guitar, both in the riffs and solos and a wide range of "light-dark" dynamics that give the sections character and allow it to breathe.
The album opens up with "Consuming The Mana" which starts off with an instrumental classical piece with violins that gives the listener a very 'cinematic' vibe, building a lot of tension and setting the mood for the remainder of the album. The group made a music video for "The Alien" which features heavy, chugging riffs overlayed with vocalist Matt Barlow's melodic, low end power metal-esque vocals that contain a lot of grit and rawness. The solos are well composed throughout the entire album and guitarist Freddie Vidales's note choices are spot on. Any guitar player that listens to this album will be able to recognize the musicianship and technique behind the bends, scales and phrasing that make this record unique.
At times, the softer sections of the songs combined with the rough, snarling vocals reminded me a bit of Alice In Chains. However, during other points in the songs, the vocals reach screaming high notes that are reminiscent of vocalists like Rob Halford. Musically, it is apparent that it is a very modern album in terms of style, right down to the production quality. The album seems to be a fusion of now and then, reminding me of bands like Trivium, while still retaining a bit of the classic metal sound and spirit, like Iron Maiden. I think that with the world of heavy metal being such a diverse place regarding subgenres alone, most metalheads will be able to appreciate the quality musicianship behind this record even if the style is not their go-to. Any fan of Iced Earth will most likely also be a fan of Ashes of Ares for obvious reasons. The album ended with "The God of War" before going into a bonus track covering the Chris Cornell song "You Know My Name" as a tribute to the late vocalist. Overall, a solid album from beginning to end that seems to tell a story as it goes along without simply branding itself as a concept album. With such a massive sound, it is easy to forget that they are a duo. Go and pick up a copy now!!
As always, rock on my friends! Hunnypot Approved! Overall Rating: 8 out of 10
Artist: Ashes of Ares, Album: Well of Souls, Release Date: November 16th, 2018 (Order HERE), Label: Rock of Angels Records (ROAR)
Velvet Starlings' single "If Life Ain't Getting you High" will take you into a state of nostalgia. The band fronted by Christian Gisborne a 15 year old indie rock singer, songwriter, producer and multi instrumentalist based in Los Angeles mixes his youthful spirit and talent with the spirit of some of his inspirations including British Invasion staples, such as The Beatles, The Who and the Rolling Stones. "If Life Ain't Getting You High” is an anthem for the youth of today. Gisborne's interesting dance moves and character make us excited for his musical journey with Velvet Starlings.
Already making a name for himself at such a young age, Velvet Starlings has garnered attention from Los Angeles powerhouse KROQ as well as Sirius XM. His fusion of gritty garage blues coupled with Brit inspired rock has led to high profile festival bookings including SXSW/MEcon and Summerfest Milwaukee. Velvet Starlings’ long awaited self-titled EP on Sound x 3 Records / Rock N Rolla Records is set for release late 2018 which was a collaboration with producer songwriter Roger Gisborne (leader of 90s Brit Rock band Plastiscene), mastered by Brian Lucey (Arctic Monkeys, Beck, Black Keys). The band wear their influences proudly on their sleeves with second single, “Borrowed Time”, a clear tribute to the sixties British Invasion era, which has been receiving considerable airplay & review. "Sold Down The River”, the latest single, showcases Dylan-esque lyrics, soulful Hammond B3 organ, gritty guitars and raw blues inspired vocals.
Can't wait to see Velvet Starlings perform at our Hunnypot Live at The Mint party November 26th!
-Sara Bard
"One more" hit from Yaeji the Brooklyn based electronic music artist that we can't get enough of. Her quiet Korean and English blend of vocals combined with a smooth electronic underground feel give us the perfect vibe for a night out. The colorful blue filtered video gives us an almost euphoric feeling. Yaeji hypnotizes us into her underground world and makes us want to jump right into the party. It is being captured in slow motion so intriguing that it will likely put you in a trance. Her creative artistry influenced by her cultural background is what makes Yaeji such an authentic and raw artist. She is influencing young artists to embrace their diversity and own their differences.
Yaeji is a New York based artist/DJ with roots in Seoul, South Korea. She's receiving praise for being one of the most notable house vocalists of the current music age so be prepared to catch more of those Korean hip hop waves as they start to rise.
-Sara Bard
If Hunnypot promoted and sold a plush bear it would have Hot Tub Johnnie's signature Fez hat, Ryan Taalbi's cool shades and DJ Spectrum's (Jeff Gray) harmonica necklace. It would be perfect as a motorcycle companion, as a camping buddy and cuddling on those cold Los Angeles nights. Perhaps we'd call it Humpy Bear.
We also had Hunnypot Live show #404 on Monday night.
Hot Tub kicked off the night with a "Gund shot" of hard rockin hits. Clay Busch landed in the tub with us to talk about his journey from sports, to music to cannabis marketing and slayed with a set of Heavy Grass jams. The 131ers played Velveteen smooth pop rock tunes, Wrong Wolf came from a killer Cabbage Patch to rock us hard, Skatenigs stuffed us with evil riffs and lyrics, Moon Riot was heady Teddy of psychedelia, Hollywood Nightmare had us all clamoring for a Plush bedtime companion and Hot Tub sewed up the night with another fantastic dance party set. 11/12/2018
An alumni of Chapman University, Clay Busch joined Heavy Grass in 2018 to run all marketing, creative and brand vision for Heavy Grass.
Prior to joining Heavy Grass, Clay Busch was the first hire for Danny Wimmer Presents (the countries largest independent live events promoter) in 2011–marking the company’s first hire–and was been a key part in the company’s rapid growth.
Other prior experience includes marketing, consulting, creative, event management and A&R. Clay got his start as an intern for AEG Live at the Kodak Theatre, moving on to work with the Staples Center and the LA Kings. From there, he transitioned to music marketing and publicity at Columbia Records where he interned before transitioning in the finance and sales departments at Interscope/Geffen/A&M Records.
Later, Clay ran the West Coast Lifestyle Marketing at Interscope/Geffen/A&M Records, helping with the early development for artists like Lady Gaga, LMFAO, The Pussycat Dolls, The All-American Rejects, and Tokio Hotel. Clay was also a Product Manager at Universal Music Group’s Interscope/Geffen/A&M Records for artists including Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, Yeah Yeah Yeah’s and White Lies to name a few.
Clay has been an successful independent marketing consultant for many years, with clients such as the Hard Rock Cafe, Maloof Family Ventures (including the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas and the Maloof Money Cup), Marilyn Manson, Idol Roc Entertainment, Synergy Global Entertainment, Monster Energy, Revolver Magazine, Regime Management, Zippo Lighters and more.
Clay is also credited with discovering one of music fastest rising artists and Grammy nominated band, Nothing More.
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Neon. Rust. Chemical plants and railroad tracks. Industrialized particulate set ablaze by the setting sun. These common sights litter the east side of the township of Torrance, CA. This is also the birthplace of the vibrant indie collective, The 131ers.
Founded in 2012, the band has grown from a two-piece blue-veined American folk project to a full scale quadraphonic tour de force. The solid foundation of friendship between founding members Kaleb Davies (vox/guitar) and Ryan Dawson (drums) permeates every note, eventually shepherding fellow members Chris Graue (bass) and Greg Wilmot (guitar) into the fold. The 131ers have claimed their own unique genre-bending sound by successfully infusing rock n’ roll with funk, edge, passion and soul.
The band came together in pieces. Kaleb and I met in high school Track and Field. We hated each other at first but ended up bonding over the band Young the Giant and started playing music together. We would actually ditch track practice, buy taco bell, and go rehearse at Kaleb's house” – Explains Ryan.
Modern yet vintage, the sonic pleadings flowing from Kaleb’s brain triggers unbridled nostalgia that seems to force you to look over your shoulder while simultaneously compelling your spirit forward to the unknown future. The pulsating rhythm from Ryan hijacks your heart rate, while you are propelled by Chris’ bass line, while Greg exposes one infectious riff after another.
“We've tried to force ourselves to write songs or prepare material to bring in and show the others, but it never works that way. The songs are really born in rehearsal. Someone starts playing something, then someone else piggy backs on their idea. Then we argue about structure and ideas for a really long time and usually throw the whole song away. But sometimes after we fight for a while, we all end up agreeing on something, and Kaleb goes away and writes the lyrics when no one else is there to bother him” says Chris.
The name of the band comes from an error in early MP3 tagging technology. These files carry data including title, artist, album, and more. The genre tag options were severely limited, and many artists found themselves unable to fit neatly into any of the boxes they could check. Several of these artists would leave the field blank, generating an error displaying “131” in the genre column of music playing software. As a child, Kaleb noticed that several of his favorite artists carried this error and would later go on to call their box-breaking sound “indie rock.” 131 later became the short code to define this genre in MP3 tags.
Following up their 2016 debut, self-titled album, the band has been gearing up for their sophomore release. Recorded mostly in their self-built warehouse studio, they’ve enlisted talents such as Vince Walker (Suburban Legends) and Ryland Steen (America) to help produce. Their first single and video, “Face On,” premiered in May 2017, with a full album coming summer 2018.
“Our music is definitely influenced by Southern California. A lot of our favorite bands are local, Chris is also involved in making music videos for a lot of SoCal bands which lead to Vince Walker, singer of Suburban Legends, coming in to produce our new album” says Kaleb.
In August of 2017, Kaleb and Ryan found themselves caught in the middle of Hurricane Irma during what was supposed to be a vacation in Puerto Rico. They had to participate in preparation efforts with people they had just met and now call friends while they rode out the storm in a hostel. When they returned home they deeply wanted to find a way to help so they founded Artists for Disaster Relief (www.afdrmusic.com), an organization they set up to bring musicians together to fund charity efforts around the world. Their first project, “Arecibo” is a compilation album released in January 2018 via Pledge Music with all proceeds going to Friends of Puerto Rico (www.friendsofpuertorico.org.)
The band has also taken the reins as organizers, bookers as well as performing at the Avaline Music Festival which will take place May 25-28 at Avaline Ranch, located near King City, California. A fundraising event for the Guidry Foundation, an arts and education charity. Four days of camping, swimming in a natural water hole, hiking and live music on May 26 and 27.
Look for the band to crisscross the country in 2018 in support of their new album Nothing's as it Should Be to be release this June.
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WRONG WOLF has a fresh sound for the metal scene. Influenced by the likes of Alice in Chains, Audioslave and Deep Purple, they are young, energetic, experienced performers with amazing stage presence - this band will rock the house and blow your mind. “It’s an 80’s and 90’s metal sound with a current feel” says Garrett Holbrook when asked about WRONG WOLF’s sound. After playing covers of popular 80’s & 90’s metal mixed in with original work, when WRONG WOLF is done for the night you’ll be begging for more.
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Do you live life to the fullest? This is a question that for thirty years now has been challenged by a formidable group known as the Skatenigs. A band of heathens that has survived like cockroaches navigating life’s ups and downs making no excuses for their unconventional lifestyles or lack of. Phil Owen (aka Phildo) developed a brand of music that stole from every aspect of outlaw genres such as punk rock, heavy metal, rap, hillbilly and every sacred rock and roll anthem vulnerable to its taking. After landing a deal with the Chicago based Wax Trax Records, through an introduction from his Revolting Cocks cohort and Ministry’s main man Al Jourgensen, Phildo penned the now classic song “Chemical Imbalance.” Years of reckless abandon would result later signing with Megaforce Records, known for their connection to breaking Metallica, a classic episode of “Beavis and Butthead,” video plays on MTV’s Headbangers Ball, several successful tours with Ministry, KMFDM, GWAR, FEAR etc. and a failed European tour with TOOL which brought the band to a break up that would later be revived by Phildo. 2016 brought the release of the band’s most current album Adult Entertainment for Kids which features videos for the songs “Taste” and “At War with Myself.” This album currently is streamed in 51 countries and has assured the Skatenigs are anything but forgotten! Join Phildo and his band of creetons as they rise from the gutter to bring you an undeniable experience that is sure to be on your bucket list!
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Moon Riot is an American psychedelic band based in Los Angeles. The current lineup is a four piece that incorporates elements of 60s psychedelia and garage Rock. The band is currently recording their first full-length album tentatively titled "My Spirit Animal is on Parole."
Hollywood Nightmare is a 6 piece act based out of Hollywood California.
Attention Marijuana enthusiasts: Hunnypot is again offering a very special private Cannabis tasting event.
This Tasting Session is sponsored by the fine folks at White Buffalo,
Our event is located in the Green Room directly behind The Mint. Their will be surprises and give-aways throughout the night, bring a friend or two!
+21, 7-11PM
Green Room (behind The Mint)
6010 W. Pico Blvd.
LA, CA 90035
Valee's new song "Awesome" is just that. The track, which features a guest appearance from the young Matt Ox, who we can't get enough of. Valee first caught our attention with his single "Womp Womp ft. Jeremih". The Chicago rapper's fresh style of rapping cannot be taken for granted. He has set a unique trend and has been imitated by many other rappers in the industry. His approach is fresh and we can't wait to hear what he drops next. Although the "Awesome" video does not feature Valee himself, it is still artistically inventive and is emphasizing his lyrics.
Born Valee Taylor in the Robert Taylor Homes, a high-rise housing project in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, he grew up all over the city’s South Side. As a kid, he was fascinated by taking stuff apart and learning how to put it back together; today, his approach to music seems to follow a similar ethos—an obsession with the mechanics of rap, and with figuring out new solutions to old problems. “If a lot of people say things one way, I gotta take it, twist it, mend it, and bend it in a way that feels fresh,” he says.
Sheck Wes's single "Mo Bamba" turned heads and likely shocked many. He uniquely sings holding long notes out with his almost obnoxious voice, that no doubt will get stuck in your head. Sheck brings raw energy and life out of his fans in his new single "Wanted" that was released November 5th. The title of the song says it all. The video captures his fans chasing him through the streets and subways of New York, hungry to get just a taste of his wild nature. His fans seem to love living life on the edge, even risking complications with cops. Sheck's energy is contagious and his songs make people unafraid to push boundaries and let lose. Sheck is definitely "Wanted" by his huge fan base and we are patiently waiting for how he will surprise us next.
Sheck grew up in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City and has gained very loyal fans from his hometown. Don't miss out on the hype Sheck Wes has created! We love that he is unafraid to take risks with his music. His lyrics maybe offensive to some, but he leaves his audience wanting more of his fuel and fire...
-Sara Bard
Hunnypot Live isn't some fun sized Halloween treat. We're the king-sized candy bar of live entertainment.
Boy, was show #403 a night of mischief.
Hot Tub Johnnie started the night with some awesome musical tricks to lift the spirits. Legendary DJ/VJ/Music Historian, Matt Pinfield, jumped in to regale us with his origin story, sweet tunes and haunting stories of fame. John Cate exercised rock n roll demons (with a little help from our own Jeff Gray), Tillie rattled her "hot rock" chains with spooky good hooks and riffs, The Pumpkin Spice Girls....err, Old_Sport, sang like they'd always be there for us, Hot Sauce Holiday returned for another cabaret to erect even the dead and Hot Tub closed our coven convention with a cauldron of groovy ghoulish dance party jams. 10/29/2018
Known as the Music Encyclopedia, Matt Pinefield is one of the most knowledgable and well-known music personalities in the industry. Not only can he tell you about a bands’ album, but he can tell you the bass player’s middle name, and his dog’s name, too. Pinfield’s career began in radio, and he is most widely known as VJ on MTV and VH1. He’s currently back on the airwaves hosting Flashback, a syndicated classic rock radio show airing on more than 200 stations in the US. Over a career in music spanning almost 3 decades, Matt has earned beloved respect of musicians, fellow industry members, and music fans around the world.
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John Cate is a widely published journeyman songwriter with over 200 television placements, 13 full-length albums and a few dozen co-writes with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame songwriter, John Durrill (Merle Haggard, Frank Sinatra, Cher). John’s LA-based band features the legendary Scarlet Rivera (Bob Dylan) on violin and vocals, acclaimed producer Michael Carey on lead guitar, Jonathan Smith (Blake Shelton) on drums, and journeyman bassist and vocalist Brian Jenkins.
John’s seminal Boston-based band, the “van Gogh Brothers,” has been an Americana staple since before Americana was “a thing.” John continues pushing the boundaries of American songwriting and records and performs on the East and West coasts with the van Gogh Brothers (full band and trio, featuring Paul Candilore and Clayton Young) and his LA-based ensemble. John and the van Gogh Brothers are currently at work on their 14th full-length album with Marco Giovino (Band of Joy) co-producing.
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After catching the ear of Machine Gun Kelly + Kevin Lyman (creator of Warped Tour) during a sold out acoustic performance in Los Angeles in December of 2016, the upward spiral of multi- instrumentalist and songwriter tiLLie cannot be stopped. Her infectious songs might seep into your head but this self-proclaimed “anti-pop star” transcends the predisposed boundaries + limits of the genre with her diy + hands-all-over approach. With her collaboration with Machine Gun Kelly amassing over 250k plays, a run on Vans Warped Tour summer 2016 + a song on KUNGS’ (UMG) debut record, tiLLie’s takeover is only just beginning. The third single of a three part series, “Good Song”, is out now.
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OLD_SPORT is a five piece soul-rock band out of Los Angeles, California. Formed to create the soundtrack for the award-winning independent film ELSEWHERE, they have since headlined legendary clubs on both coasts, including The Troubadour in L.A. and The Mercury Lounge in Manhattan. Produced by Steve Kille of Dead Meadow, their three-track EP, The Midnite Vibeline Session, is available to stream now.
OLD_SPORT is Nick Vergara, Brian Williams, Keith Roenke, Michael Maio, and Andrew Gaul
Hot Sauce Holiday is for everyone that wants to kick over their office desks and start dancing. We are for the eccentric outsiders, the burners, and the lovers. Join us in taking on the banality of convention.
Hot Sauce Holiday is a five piece cabaret rock band from Los Angeles. Their live shows emphasize crowd participation and a great deal of improv. Bongo-solos, skits, poetry, and dance numbers have been known to break out. They have been known to feature burlesque dancers, hula hoop artists, and scandalous routines involving Playboy playmates. Genre-wise the sound varies from song to song drawing influence from 60's psychedelic and folk, to early punk, 80's electro, disco, and even a bit of barbershop. The song lyrics are surreal and witty with every band member trading off on vocals or singing in harmonies. In addition to over 20 originals the band has a variety of party cover songs they are able to play ranging from George Michael to Motorhead. So leave the outside world behind you for a couple hours and come experience the originality, joy, and chaos that is Hot Sauce Holiday. Hunnypot Approved good time guarantee!
We are excited to announce that LA's own OLD_SPORT just released another song following their single "Burning Cigarettes". Their new music video "Ain't So Crazy After All" is another feel good musical experience that you can't miss. The video shows the band members in their element where they are laughing, jamming, and living their dreams on the road, and we love their vibe! We are thrilled to join them on their journey!
OLD_SPORT is a five piece soul-rock band out of Los Angeles, California. Formed to create the soundtrack for the award-winning independent film ELSEWHERE, they have since headlined legendary clubs on both coasts, including The Troubadour in L.A. and The Mercury Lounge in Manhattan. Produced by Steve Kille of Dead Meadow, their three-track EP, The Midnite Vibeline Session, is available to stream now.
OLD_SPORT is Nick Vergara, Brian Williams, Keith Roenke, Michael Maio, and Andrew Gaul
Hunnypot is proud to be OLD_SPORT's official sync representative controlling both Masters & Publishing, ask John Anderson about LICENSING!
We loved the Fire Fade short film Tove Lo released from the Blue Lips [lady wood phase II] album. Last week she followed it up with another short that continues to showcase Tove Lo's natural acting abilities. This one is titled Blue Lips, after the album. Oh, the songs included are awesome as well. Hunnypot Approved!
Listen to "Blue Lips [lady wood phase II]", here: http://lnk.to/bluelips
-John Anderson
This Friday night at Mint LA will be a fire! Check out the lineup: Jessica Childress, Roses & Cigarettes, Mike and The Moonpies. As if it's not enough, Hot Tub Johnnie will be spinning in between and after the artists! Dance party guaranteed!
Jessica Childress is an LA-based singer/songwriter reminiscent of the golden age of classic soul, with an enormous voice that combines traditional R&B with a rock n' roll energy. Since her national music debut on Season 4 of NBC’s The Voice, she’s opened for Charles Bradley, The Family Stone, Patti LaBelle, Allen Stone and performed at SXSW, Sunset Strip Music Festival, Long Beach NYE, and Bottlerock Napa 2017.
Roses & Cigarettes’ music is an eclectic blend of Roots, Rock, Americana, Country and Pop – the perfect recipe for the classic California sound. The band has performed to sold out crowds at Harvelle’s in Santa Monica and Second Stage at Hotel Café in Hollywood and headlined Pappy & Harriet’s in the high desert. Their music has been featured on KLOS FM and KCSN FM in Los Angeles, and Pagliaro and Petrilli have endorsements from Fender Guitars, Martin Guitars and D’Addario guitar strings.
Come through and have a great time with us this Friday! All ages, 420 friendly, cover at the door or buy tickets here