The Regent in Downtown LA was in for a once in a lifetime gig on the night of January 6th, 2018. One of the most legendary names in the underground metal community as well as pioneers of thrash metal, crossover and extreme metal in general with a cult following, Nuclear Assault was the band set to headline the stage that night. Somewhere in between the show being announced and purchasing my ticket, I realized that this show would be unlike any other metal concert that I have ever attended. Not only does Nuclear Assault have a rabid fan-base that turns a concert into a contact sport, but this was both their farewell show for the west coast, as well as the first time the group has performed in Los Angeles in 28 years. That being said, you can only imagine how crazy the bands self proclaimed "final assault" was to witness in person.
The Show Your Scars X Fest was a day long festival with a stacked lineup of Thrash Metal, with headliners Nuclear Assault, Hirax, Evildead and Toxic Holocaust. Supported by local acts Expulsion (members of Exhumed and Repulsion), Thrown Into Exile, Pounder and BrainDead. Nuclear Assault is a thrash metal band from New York City formed in 1986 by ex- Anthrax bassist Dan Lilker. Lilker has also been a member of several side projects as well including crossover thrash band S.O.D. as well as Grindcore band Brutal Truth. Nuclear Assault's brand of thrash is built off of pure aggression and speed with a healthy dose of influence from the 80's New York Hardcore scene. Best known for their albums "Game Over" 1985 and "Handle With Care" 1987. Hirax is a thrash metal band formed in 1984 in Cypress, California by vocalist Katon W. De Pena, who is the group's only remaining original member. Their first two albums "Raging Violence" 1985 and "Hate, Fear and Power" 1986 are regarded as heavy influences on the thrash metal and crossover world. Toxic Holocaust is a thrash metal band formed in 1999 by multi-instrumentalist Joel Grind. Grind remains the only constant member of the band since their beginning nearly 20 years ago, however during that time, Grind recorded the first few Toxic Holocaust albums "Evil Never Dies" and "Hell on Earth" as a one man band, finding session musicians for tours. Eventually settling on a lineup that is seemingly constantly changing, and switching from guitar live over to bass. Toxic Holocaust displays a DIY philosophy that has won the respect of the underground. Evildead are a native LA thrash metal band formed in 1987, most famous for their album "Annihilation of Civilization" They have been making a comeback in recent months playing shows in the LA area and plan to release new music in 2018.
Nuclear Assault opened up the set with "Rise From The Ashes" from their album Survive from 1988 and it didn't take long for the crowd to start getting crazy for the main event. The entire night was filled with circle pits, crowd-surfing and stage-divers landing on top of other stage-divers. The bands energy seemed to feed off of the crowds relentless spirit, and vice versa. However things really kicked into high gear when the intro for one of the bands more well known songs "Critical Mass" began to play. This part of the concert seemed to be a flashback to the 80's, with more fans on stage than the band itself. "Critical Mass" is a politically conscious song about the environment and the consequences of nuclear war, and the fans jumping on stage and singing the chorus alongside front-man John Connelly was an unforgettable experience. The show was proof that some bands have a following may still be underground after a 30 year career, yet they have fans that are immensely loyal. Knowing every word to every song, getting on stage and sharing the mic, passing the mic stand back to the singer after it was knocked over time after time again. On top of all of this, the band members simply do not act like rockstars, coming out to the front of the venue for pictures with fans, talking with everyone, signing vinyl records. The entire night was a representation of the brotherhood of the metal community and proof that we have some of the best fans of music that a veteran metal band could ask for. This is our scene and we own it. Simply an unforgettable night.
Hello friends, I'm proud to present our newest Hunnypot Artist Single compilation. Ten hot new releases for 2018, we're crossing genres while presenting some of the coolest emerging artists out there.
Vol. 25 features new signings Grace Blue and The BellRays. There are also fresh singles from favorites Barnyard Stompers, Those Who Burn and Michete. As a bonus, Vol. 25 includes three active Pop/Club singles from the Robbins Ent. label. Please support what we do here at Hunnypot by supporting the artists we represent for licensing and placement.
-John Hot Tub Anderson
Grace Blue - Our Eyes
The BellRays - Shake Your Snake
Those Who Burn - Those Who Burn
Ghost of Jericho - We Are The Saints (SMG MIX)
Siobhan Heard - Sell Your Soul (feat. Jevon Reyno)
Oceans - Deep Blue (Robbins Ent)
West Coast Massive - Waiting feat. Otis Parker (Robbins Ent)
L'Tric - Why (Robbins Ent)
Michete - Rihanna Kraft Singles
Barnyard Stompers - Bad Man
Location: Los Angeles, CA by way of Israel
Genre: Alternative- Pop
Sounds Like: Alessia Cara & Sia cruising through the alps together.
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Genre: Funky Soul, "Get-Down" party anthem
Sounds Like: Aretha Franklin fronting MC5 or The Stooges
Location: Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
Genre: Experimental Rock
Sounds Like: Joy Division asked to write Black Mirror theme
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Genre: Dark and dreamy Pop
Sounds Like: Nine Inch Nails meets Bleachers
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Genre: R&B/Soul/Jazz
Sounds Like: Jill Scott, Sade, Erykah Badu
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Genre: Club, Pop
Sounds Like: Uplifting/Feel Good ode to Summer
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Genre: Dance Pop
Sounds Like: Ibiza uplifting club single discovered by radio
Location: Australian
Genre: Dance/Electronic
Sounds Like: EDM meets Latin heart beat asking "Why" love hurts so bad.
Location: Spokane, WA
Genre: Rap/Dance/Party (Explicit)
Sounds like: Rupaul's Drag Race judged by Cupcakke. LGBTQ "Here I Am" take no sh*t anthem.
Location: Texas, but mostly the road.
Genre: Outlaw Country
Sounds Like: Hank III, Reverend Horton Heat, A Low-Down's theme song Johnny Cash or Waylon Jennings style.
Hunnypot, video pick is Bob the Drag Queen's "Purse First" ft. Mitch Ferrio. To show our love and support to the LGBTQ+ we are going into the weekend "purse first". Bob the Drag Queen first caught everyone's attention as the winner of Rupaul's Drag Race Season 8. She has since recorded the hit song "Purse First" and has taken your act on tour.
Hunnypot, throw back video pick, PRIMA DONNA can be seen at Gary Calamar's "Mimosa Music Series" held upstairs at the Federal Sunday, January 21 11am-2pm. Prima Donna's video "Deathless" premiered in to 2015 which was named the "Coolest Song In The World" by Little Steven’s Underground Garage. Prima Donna has co-headlined tours and collaborated with Green Day and D Generation. The band has traded in black leather for a black background and matching shirts, arena rock guitars for a steady groove, and an outlandish style for one more subtly nonchalant.
Currently prepping for their upcoming European tour, you can check Prima Donna and their new record Nine Live and Forty Fives here
Come out and spend a Sunday afternoon with us. Let us know if you want to be on the guest list; regardless, the show is free and open to everyone.
It was a packed night at sunset strip's Viper Room and rock n roll was in the air as we headed in the vacant venue. We made sure to get there early to catch Hot Tub Johnnie's DJ set as the crowd filled in slowly but surely, eventually packing the place by the time the artists were ready to take the stage. Female fronted opening act The Bombpops played a short but sweet set that was reminiscent of the third wave of 90's punk bands such as Rancid and NOFX. The songs seemed to be a nice hybrid of the fiery, fast paced tempos of hardcore punk matched with relatively clean vocals found in the poppier side of punk, imitating bands like Green Day. All in all, a decent opening act and a good fit for the night.
It was a full house for The BellRays and frontwoman Lisa Kekaula had a commanding , classic rock n' roll voice that demanded everyone get out of their seats and get moving. Simply put, her voice is an excellent fit for the band. The groups live show has a genuine, convincing and soulful prescense that follows a timeless traddition of rock n roll. The BellRays have been compared to groups out of Detorit's late 60's protopunk wave like the Stooges, The MC5 and The Sonics, and instrumentally this is a very accurate comarison. The vocals however speak for themselves. Reminiscent of Aretha Franklin, Little Richard, and even James Brown at times, Kekaula is simply the right woman for the job. The passion in her voice could not be a more perfect fit for the driving rythm section and screaming, overdriven guitar. Raw and Gritty, the way rock n roll is meant to be, controlled chaos. The band featured songs off of their new EP and upcoming album: "PunkFunkRockSoul" Volumes 1 and 2 respectively. As the vibrations from Robert Vennum's guitar hit you, her voice cuts straight through the mix and takes you back in time to an era when music was more than an art form, but a form of protest and radical self expression that was in your face and left the unprepared ducking for cover. There are truly not very many bands like the BellRays around anymore. Unapolagetic, like a drill to someones eardrum in the best way possible.
Headlining texas outlaw country rockers Supersuckers took the stage near midnight and destroyed the stage, with a lengthy, energetic and well earned set. The self proclaimed "greatest rock n roll band in the world" had nothing to hide and performed each song as if it were their last, both literally and metaphorically. There was no shortage of energy on stage as the band blazed through an impressive and versatile collection of rock n roll, some straight up country tunes and some high tempo punk rock. With shreddy lead guitar work by "Metal" Marty chandler, drummer Christopher "Chango" Von Streicher holding down the grooves and vocals with a country accent that blended all of these elements together effortlessly, the Supersuckers have clearly earned their place. A relentlessly travelling band with a small, yet loyal enough fanbase to sell out the Viper, frontman Eddie Spaghetti addressed the crowd and commended them for their loyalty and "good taste" towards the end of the set. Their sense of humor and humility was refreshing for a rock n roll band with rings under their eyes from so much touring. After ending their set with their trademark fake encore, the crowd filtered out of the venue and the bands packed up only to repeat the process 22 hours later in Costa Mesa. It was a memorable night of rock n' roll and all 3 bands have earned themselves a new fan!
Hunnypot Live! always has more action and simian behaviour than any gorilla channel. Last night's party was a zoo! Hot Tub Johnnie opened up the party without monkeying with the party format. Oliver Hild brought a strong playlist of party music and spoke to us about his past, present and future in music. Jeshua brought the R&Boy music, Hayek & Young did that duo pop, Wehri & Young did the duo pop with fiddle, Blue Midnight shook the rafters with their hard rock music, Calamity The Kid funked the place up, Spicy Gringo was white hot electro pop and we finished the night with a truly world famous all inclusive dance party. 01/08/2018
Somewhere in the early nineties Oliver picked up a sax. He blew on it for a while. It was fine. But then he picked up a bass. Oliver’s head exploded. He learned how to play all the grunge songs he was hearing at the time and then his mom played him James Brown. More head explosions. He studied the instrument privately and played in pit orchestras for the musicals at his uptight private school that didn’t really have much other outlet for those “raucous electric” instruments and, clamoring for a release of true low end freedom, realized, “if I’m going learn how to be funky as f#@k on this thing, I’m gonna need to learn that on my own.” So he did. He played in lots of bands throughout high school and then later in college at USC, where he obtained a degree in their Music Industry program. Jam bands. Rock bands. Nu-metal bands. Then, college ended. Being broke was real. His bands thought he was lame for “getting a job,” but he did it anyway. Having a job AND being funky as f#@k on bass is very punk rock.
He got a job working within UMe, Universal Music Group’s special markets division, learning basic HTML, web graphics stuff, and music marketing 101. As part of a small team, he worked to drive net traffic to what was, at the time, an upstart concept manning the online Universal Music Store. There you could buy physical product direct from the label instead of through brick & mortar record stores or through Amazon, or this newish thing called iTunes. Oliver had a fro at the time and was mostly just trying to make ends meet, still playing in bands. Then UMG canned that whole division about a year later.
Oliver cut his hair and finagled his way into working with the NBCUniversal TV music department. He still couldn't shake the bands thing and also discovered record production and became obsessed with that. Behold. The world now had yet another bass-playing, producing, music supervisor on its hands. Great. At NBCUniversal, Oliver currently music supervises projects such as The Sinner, Suits, Damnation, & Imposters. He toured with and played bass for the band, Races, and co-produced their record, Year Of The Witch (Frenchkiss). After leaving the band, he focused mostly on producing recordings, some recent examples of which are for artist, Kaely, and co-writing/producing with fellow musician and writer, Rie Sinclair.
Jeshua is a native southern Californian boy with a soulful voice. Training as a dancer, and singing in his church choir, led Jeshua to begin performing professionally at the age of 16. After years of singing in church and dancing on tours, Jeshua soon felt the desire to create music of his own. His musical stylings are influenced by his afro-latino heritage and his time spent singing in the gospel choir at church as well as sounds picked up from his travels. With a mix of soul, pop, folk, funk and dance music Jeshua blends together the influences to create an eclectic musical experience. With his debut EP on the way (slate for early February 2018) Jeshua is a force on the verge.
HAYEK & YOUNGHAYEK & YOUNG bring their midwestern roots to the pacific ocean, blending multiple genres to create a unique California sound. Formed in Los Angeles in 2016, the group consists of Rabia Hayek handling lead vocals and flutes; & Kevin Young playing guitar and singing backup vocals. They have a self produced, Live EP titled “California Music Live at The Lemp House”, available on Band Camp.
WEHRI & YOUNG are an indie music duo with a fresh California sound. Featuring Alex Wehri on viola and vocals and Kevin Young on guitar and vocals -- join these two on there are many adventures…
Blue Midnight (Justine Glaser) is a singer, songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and fashion designer from Los Angeles, CA. She began performing music at the age of 8. She knew from a young age that she would deviate from the typical path taken by her family of doctors and lawyers in order to purse her passion for the arts. Her powerful music is a blend of alternative rock, symphonic metal, and grunge. Her influences include Nirvana, Bjork, Evanescence, Muse, The Cure, Kate Bush, Linkin Park, Led Zeppelin, Mozart, and Alanis Morissette.
Blue Midnight has the rare gift of synesthesia, the ability to blend sound and colors in her mind, resulting in her vivid musical imagination. She is lead vocalist and also plays piano, guitar, and harp. She plays acoustic shows solo as well as concerts with her full band, which includes noted musicians in the Los Angeles metal scene.
She is in the process of recording her debut album, Eternal Wish, with producer/composer and cousin, Sam Glaser. The album is slated to be released February 2018.
Los Angeles based Calamity The Kid are...
Sam (Guitar and Vocals): 5'11" / eye color: Green with a hint of Mojito.
fun fact: Sam once got in a car accident every month for four consecutive months.
Jack (Bass): 5'2" (but with the heart of a lion) / eye color: Emerald
fun fact colon Jack can name every fighter plane that fought in World War II.
Ben (Drums) 6'5" / eye color: Hazel Chestnut
fun fact Ben's grandpa invented AOL Instant Messenger.
When we're not writing songs about our feelings or the end of the world or probably watching television with Sam's mother.
Born and raised in NYC, then dragged to Vegas, where he discovered rock and roll. He toured the world, struggled with mental health and addiction, but he conquered it all. Spicy Gringo will conquer your ear drums with the sweet sounds and grooves he emits.
Hunnypot Live alumni Jaime Wyatt releases the single "Wasco" from her fantastic Felony Blues album. Jaime delivers a California Country classic, proving she'll be a force to reckon with for years to come. Hunnypot Approved!
This is the official music video for Oceans "Deep Blue" released on disco:wax. A collaborative effort between Oceans and esteemed director of photography Morgan Oliver-Allen, the impressive video shot in the ever-striking Los Angeles setting follows creatives and tells their story through a lens of vibrant, positive emotion that interweaves a narrative of love and artistry.
Oceans is British producer/writer/vocalist, Kiz & Danish producer/writer Ubizz. Reach out to John Anderson at Hunnypot for information on licensing.
The Hunnypot Live! Holiday Party was a recitation of our most naughty list. Jonathan Lane put on his best swim trunks and joined us for the first time in the tub to talk about music, life and his impact on in Star Trek fandom. Aloud turned up on a Monday to rock n roll us right, NYIKO delivered emotional energetic poptronic songs, Caroucells spun us in many directions with eclectic, moody rock music, Emerson Star shone brightly and put out pop melodies and Mannequin Medicine were four hard rock wise men seeing their music baby come to life. 12/11/2017
Jonathan Lane’s journey to the music industry started at Fresno State University, where he attended college on a scholarship for drums and percussion. During his time at Fresno State, he changed his major to English and actively pursued becoming a professional writer. Jon’s first introduction to the world of synch licensing was by writing about it. He was hired on as a freelance writer for various music companies to write them press releases and do album reviews. His first job out of college was at Warner Bros. Consumer Products where he supported a very busy department and learned a great deal about the world of product licensing and creative product development. Jon spent 5 years working at the studio before deciding that music was beginning to take over his life again, as his band at the time UpRooted began to take off and became a focus. Knowing that music had stolen his heart, he left the corporate world to pursue music licensing full time at Atrium Music, an independent music library, where he was instrumental in growing their TV and film music licensing business and brand awareness.
Years later, and with a firm understanding of the industry, Jon accepted an offer at Audio Network where he was one of the first employees in their Los Angeles office. At Audio Network, Jonathan was responsible for managing the company’s Music Supervisor, studio, film, and trailer relationships. Jon was also instrumental in managing their relationship with the Guild of Music Supervisors and helping to develop their local marketing strategy. In 2015, Jon and his partner Caitlin Payne were yearning for a more creative outlet. To help fulfill this need, they created Tapestry Music Services – a full scope Music Supervision company for TV, film and advertising.
To present day, neither Jon or Cait could have expected for Tapestry Music to be as successful as it became. Over the last few years, they’ve provided Music Supervision services to the advertising and creative content divisions of Herzog & Co., Trailer Park, and Midnight Oil, Ayzenberg North America, and more. You can hear their work in marketing campaigns and home entertainment content for films likeThor: Ragnarok, Thank You For Your Service, Battle of the Sexes, Pitch Perfect 3, Dr. Strange, Pitch Perfect 2, Transformers: The Last Knight, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, The Zookeeper’s Wife, The Huntsman: Winter’s War, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2, The Danish Girl, Straight Out of Compton, Trainwreck! Today, in addition to Tapestry Music Services, Jonathan Lane is the full time Director of Synch & Licensing at 5 Alarm Music (an Ole company) where he looks after TV and film licensing. He enjoys frequently supporting live music, collecting records, being an unapologetic EMO fan, sipping a fine glass of whiskey, and spending time with his dog Sonny.
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After years of honing their craft, Aloud has traded in New England winters for Los Angeles’ endless summers. The band, co-fronted by husband and wife songwriting team Henry Beguiristain (vocals/guitar) and Jen de la Osa (vocals/guitar), took their uninhibited rock n’ roll show across the country en route to their new home. Always eager to embrace new ways of connecting with fans, the band partnered up with Acid VR to create a 360° virtual reality tour diary of life on the road to Los Angeles.
Aloud’s roots run deep. De la Osa and Beguiristain have written and performed together since they were teenagers growing up in Miami, Florida. Over the years, they have created a catalog of songs wide in range, but always anchored by the 60s soul and rock music they grew up on—with a particular affection for harmonies. The band is backed up by bassist Charles Murphy, drummer Chuck Ferreira, and their horn section The Feelgoods—affectionately named after the Aretha Franklin song.
Aloud has completed recording a follow-up to their critically lauded album It’s Got To Be Now with producer Benny Grotto (Magnetic Fields, Ben Folds, Weird Al Yankovic). The upcoming record is being mixed by Guy Massey (Paul McCartney, The Libertines, Manic Street Preachers). They are continuing to experiment with the role of virtual reality in music and touring throughout the year.
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NYIKO (“nee-koh”) is an American recording artist, producer, and visual artist.
After being hardened but the sub-zero winters of the Northeastern US, they relocated to the never-ending summer of Los Angeles where they continued exploring their signature brand of synth-pop. Just a few months after arrival, NYIKO was featured in MTV and the AV Club for their viral commercial work with ‘Disney Raps’ - a Disney-made web series focusing on hip hop tributes to their classic films and shows. NYIKO’s recent single, “In The Middle,” received accolades across the blogosphere with International House of Sound calling the track “an instant classic… that gets better and better with each replay of the song.”
NYIKO has performed alongside acts such as Beach Fossils, Alvvays, Vacationer, Pure Bathing Culture, and more.
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Caroucells is the brainchild of LA session guitarist Rod Castro. After a decade of working with artists from CeeLo Green, Snoop Dogg & Fishbone, working on film scores and shows like X-Factor & America’s Got Talent, Rod decided to set much needed time aside to focus on his own music. Caroucells is very much influenced by his tenures with world artists including egyptian pop star Dina El Wedidi. Blending waltzes, with aggressive guitars and ambient soundscapes creates the unique sound of Caroucells. “The story behind the name is that i believe a large majority of us find ourselves in cycles of repetition. Whether it be in relationships, jobs, or any vice, negative or positive. We get sick of the circles we run in, only to break out and run in a different circle until we get sick of that as well. Caroucells - What Was It For? E.P. coming soon!
Tapestry Approved!
Sometimes all you need is a simple guitar line and a moody melody. Other times you need dissonant three part harmonies over tantric rhythms and heavy lead guitar fuzz. And once in a while you just need a shot of whiskey and some pickle juice.
Well these happen to be a few of Emerson Star's favorite things.
Based in the Highland Park area of Los Angeles, Emerson Star began as a three-piece consisting of brothers Shannon and Taylor Inouye, and their childhood friend, Sean Thomas. Having grown up singing together in various school choirs, it was only natural for the trio to start writing together, with a focus on harmony heavy indie tunes with a pop sensibility.
Craving more of a rhythm element, the band added bass player extraordinaire, Garret Lang into the mix. It was then during a magically intuitive late night jam session with Garret’s friend from Oakland, Colin Fahrner, that Emerson Star found their drummer, the perfect spirit animal to lead any peyote soul searching quest into the wilderness and beyond.
The band has made a name for themselves in the Los Angeles music scene, performing regularly at venues such as the Echo, the Satellite and the Bootleg Theater. That has led to the band to doing a deal with Wax Records and entering the studio with producer Wally Gagel (Zella Day, Best Coast, Muse, Lykke Li, etc …) in September 2017.
Look for their new album to be released in the winter of 2018 along with plenty of touring around America and Europe. Tapestry Approved!
Mannequin Medicine is a Los Angeles based hard rock band formed in 2017. The members consist of industry veterans, Adolfo Delannoy (vocals, guitar), Jeff Galland (drums), Pete Risi (Lead guitars) and Donovan Hernandez (bass). Their music has a unique sound that has been compared to Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Tool, QOTSA, Clutch and Deftones. The band has recorded their debut EP “Medicated” to be released in December 2017.
Travis Cave, better known by his stage name Trap Beckham, is an American hip hop recording artist from Jacksonville, Florida. He is best known for his single Birthday Chick, which was featured on the compilation album Now That's What I Call Music! 59.
Beckham began his career on the local music scene in Jacksonville. Two of his singles, Top of the Line and Ohh She Thick, helped launch his career after winning numerous awards and touring the local college scene. During his early career he earned the nickname "The Golden Boy Of The Hood."
Beckham released his single Top of the Line in 2012. The song was on his mixtape 7.14.12 and featured Young Cash. 7.14.12 was one of three mixtapes released on his birthday, July 14th, and is now part of mixtape collection with him releasing a new one on the same day each year. He has also earned Artist, Song, Mixtape, and Performer of the year from Duval Diamond Awards in each year between 2012 and 2015.
Beckham signed with Def Jam Recordings in 2016 and also released the single Birthday Chick. The song was compared to Juvenile's Back That Thang Up and Jeremih's Birthday Sex by HotNewHipHop. The song also became a track on Now That's What I Call Music! 59.
