Looking for something to do to ring in the new year? Consider an evening of Funk, Soul & Dance at The Mint! LA's ultimate party professional Hot Tub Johnnie will be spinning Hunnypot-style for the event, which will feature magical performances by The Main Squeeze and Jasmine Jordan.
Ages 21+
Hot Tub Johnnie: 8pm (DJ Set)
Jasmine Jordan: 9:30pm
The Main Squeeze: 11pm
Hot Tub Johnnie: 12:30am Dance Party!
Pre-sale tickets: $30, Day of show tickets: $45, VIP options available
Get tickets and more details here
Hunnypot founder/Party Master extraordinaire will be throwing down before, in-between and after the live music!
Seamlessly blending Funk, Soul, and Rock n’ Roll, The Main Squeeze promises to keep your body moving with their infectious feel-good musical gumbo.
The energetic five-piece found its roots in Bloomington Indiana’s surprisingly vibrant live music scene, and they have been leaving audiences “Freshly Squozen” since 2010.
Their ability to fluidly blend and bend genres is unparalleled, and creates for an unforgettable live experience. Every performance is different from the last, showcasing each member’s virtuosic talent with soulful vocals, intricate jams, tight grooves and powerful solos.
Since their inception, The Main Squeeze has amassed a remarkably loyal and rapidly growing national fan base. They’ve graced the stages at some of the country’s biggest festivals, including: Bonnaroo, Electric Forest, Phases of the Moon and Gathering of The Vibes. In addition, they put their stamp on the Rolling Stone Super Bowl XLVI Pre-Party and dazzled music lovers at the International Battle of the Bands in Macau. Having shared the stage with artists like The Roots, Jane’s Addiction, The Meters, Aloe Blacc and Trombone Shorty, The Main Squeeze continues to catch the ear of industry giants.
Now based in Chicago, The Main Squeeze is working with legendary producer, Randy Jackson, to put the finishing touches on their sophomore album. The band’s self-titled debut was released in 2012, and is available for purchase on iTunes and Amazon.
As their fan base continues to multiply, and their unique sound, contagious energy, and unrivaled talent continue to mesmerize audiences, The Main Squeeze is poised for a meteoric rise in the world of music. Make sure to climb aboard for the ride.
Industry veteran Mike Gormley, a 40+ year industry veteran, was President of the management firm, L.A. Personal Development (L.A.P.D.) for 24 years, before launching Yes, Dear Entertainment, which includes management and marketing. Later in the 70’s Mike joined Mercury Records, based in Chicago, as director of Publicity. He was instrumental in the signing of the legendary New York Dolls and ground breaking Kraftwerk. He also oversaw the PR campaigns for Thin Lizzy, Rod Stewart, The New York Dolls, Rush, BachmanTurner Overdrive, The Runaways, The Ohio Players and many others. Mike went to L.A. in the 70s & became head of Publicity for A&M Records, where he rose to the post of Vice President of Publicity and assistant to the Chairman, Jerry Moss. There he worked with The Police, Supertramp, Herb Alpert, Styx, Peter Frampton, Joe Jackson, Squeeze and others. Mike left A&M in 1982 to start L.A.P.D. with Miles Copeland, manager of The Police. Tweet @tunesmth
Hot Tub Johnnie and the Hunnypot Radio Show took to the interweb airwaves for the 301st time last Monday. It was an absolute jam packed night of music as Hunnypot and The Mint welcomed one of the industries top music supervisors and taste-making artist line-up.
Kicking us off as always was Hunnypot Radio Host, HOT TUB JOHNNIE who dropped a kick-back set of tunes featuring NAT STUCKEY, HANK WILLIAMS III, SPOON, MARCIO, FLIGHT FACILITIES, DOMINIQUE YOUNG UNIQUE, ROME FORTUNE and many more!
Our special indusrty guest was highly sought-after music supervisor, GREG SILL. Greg joined Hot Tub Johnnie for an in-depth interview taking people back to his early days growing up in a deeply rooted music family and up to his current project working on the hit FX TV series, Justified. Greg curated a rockin' set featuring many of his all-time favs and some of the top music pieces from Justified.
Kick starting our performances for the night was Culver City based quintet, KAT AND THE CANARIES. Lead singer Kat Grant took over the stage as she and her band The Canaries plugged in for a high energy rock set. LA based 7-piece band, SWEETWATER AND THE SATISFACTION were our next performers and they brought a full on assortment of sexy, throwback soulful rock meshed with infectious pop melodies. Headlining act and LA artist collective, THE MILKY WAY was next to hit the stage. Spearheaded by LA hip hop, producer/lyricist, Sum, The Milky Way delivered an exciting performance loaded with fast breaking electronic hip hop beats. Be sure to stay posted for a forthcoming album by The Milky Way. Rounding out the night were explosive performances by LA based soulful/singer-songwriter, TOMI TOWNSEND, LA (via Boston) female hip hop, jack-of-all-trades emcee, LYRIC JONES and hard hitting hip hop set by LA (via Detroit) rapper, FOWL. If you were unable to catch what was one of our all-around best shows, head over to the Hunnypot Radio page! 10/06/2014
Greg Sill is a music supervisor with Evolution Music Partners. In his years carefully of placing music into visual media projects, he has worked on many television shows, TV movies, and films including Justified (FX), Football Wives, Burn Notice, In Plain Sight, Friends, Family Matters, Beauty & The Geek, Step By Step, The Drew Carey Show, and Full House.
Based in Culver City, KAT & The CANARIES is a 5-piece rock group. Made of Kat Grant (lead vocals), Mikey Flores (lead/rhythm guitar and vocals), Nate Waxler (bass and vocals), Terry Barajas (drums and vocals), and Adam Joe (lead/rhythm guitar and vocals), the band formed in 2014 and have played several rockin' shows in the LA area since.
https://soundcloud.com/kat-and-the-canaries https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2_Utitl1o4Z8ZWxoVdy-Fw
Los Angeles based Sweetwater and the Satisfaction is a full band that has brought quite a full sound to it's listeners since 2012, a sort of sexy, soulful throwback rock with modern pop sensibilities. Their brutally honest lyrics perfectly mix with incessantly memorable melodies and off the charts musicianship. The band takes inspiration from the Stones, Otis Redding, Ray Charles, Tina Turner, The Band, Fitz and the Tantrums, Mayer Hawthorne & The Black Keys while still maintaining an original sound.
http://sweetwaterandthesatisfaction.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sweetwater-The-Satisfaction/234565103291490
https://twitter.com/SweetSatisfied
The Milky Way is an electronic hip-hop band and artist collective. Members Sum, Sir Ian Dangerous, Sno Leopard (a two woman performance duo), DJ Jawa, Mat Mega & Taurus Hamilton came together in 2008 to begin making "free-thinking hip hop" together around Los Angeles, California.
https://www.facebook.com/themilkywayans http://soundcloud.com/themilkywayans https://twitter.com/themilkywayans
Tomi Townsend is a soulful singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles. She is constantly writing new tunes and has recently been hitting hard in the studio to record her brilliantly unique soul jams, as well as performing live at venues such as the House of Blues.
https://www.facebook.com/singertomitownsend
Lyric Jones is a jack of all trades, covering her bases as an emcee, vocalist, and drummer, as well as a promoter and event host. Originally from Boston and now based in LA, her musical repertoire includes rapping, playing drums and bass, singing, writing, producing, and even DJ-ing a litt.e She dips into jazz, neo-soul and mainly hip hop. But whatever she's doing, she brings a presence like no other.
http://thelyricjones.com https://www.facebook.com/thelyricjones https://twitter.com/LyricJones
Since arriving as a notable force in Detroit’s hip hop scene, Saffal “FowL” Tall has consistently exceeded expectations. At only 22 years old, FowL has already shared the stage with many industry heavyweights like Raekwon, Wiz Khalifa, Wale, Kendrick Lamar, Big Sean, and a host of others. As the 2010 winner of the Red Bull Emcee battle, the budding rapper was hand selected by fellow Detroiter Eminem, The Alchemist, and Mr. Porter to take home the crown as the best freestyle emcee in the country. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, FowL is setting out to prove he can spit more than just a great freestyle. After releasing multiple mixtapes over the years, he is nowpreparing to release his newest project, the Tall Tale LP.
https://www.facebook.com/SoFowL https://twitter.com/soFowL https://soundcloud.com/sofowl
Mickey Avalon returns to Hunnypot Radio to sit down for an interview with John Anderson and Pesci Jeff Gray. Discussing his start in the industry, touring the world, writing music and off the wall shows.
@mickeyavalon
The 297th Hunnypot Radio Show featured another stellar line-up of up-and-coming acts to takeover The Mint once again. The night featured one of LA's top rising female indie rock acts, SAD ROBOT who brought their high energy indie-pop hits to Hunnypot for the first time. Next up was LA based pop rockin' quartet, YOUNG BEAUTIFUL, IN A HURRY, whose unique balance of modern pop hooks and classic rock influences of Queen, Bowie and Elvis was the perfect performance for a pop driven crowd who danced away to every song. LA based beat-maker, ELLIOT NEXT dropped a furious set of break-beats and two-step joints for all to enjoy. Be sure to check out his residency at 5 Star Bar in Downtown every week. Closing out the night was LA based female hip hop, soul artist, THE NEXT MONE'T who performed a stunni ng set of underground centered hip hop jams with soulful undertones. After Ms. Mone't we had a special live performance from CORY CLARK who dropped his new R&B single "Waiting For You".
Hunnypot Radio Host, HOT TUB JOHNNIE dropped his usual set loaded with slammin’ tunes from FINK, MEG MAC, FENCES, KING FANTASTIC, JUNGLE and much more.
Our special industry guest DJ was MediaHorse co-founder, JOE BERMAN. Making his now second appearance on the show. Joe featured some of his top favorite classic jams by OASIS, DAVID BOWIE, QUEEN, T. REX and new jams by TEMPLES.
Hunnypot’s own, BOOM SHACK, curated another blazing set of fresh cuts. His playlist MAX FROST, THE CHAINSMOKERS w. SIREN, CLIPPING, BRONCHO and more. 08/11/2014
Joe Berman began his music career shortly after finishing high school by songwriting and playing guitar in numerous Hollywood rock and roll bands. Years later, in 2010 he co-founded MediaHorse, a progressive music marketing firm with deep relationships in the film, TV, advertising, gaming, and new media industries. Today he continues to consult for various international labels, publishers, and music export offices in regards to artist development through creative licensing.
https://www.facebook.com/joe.berman.5?fref=ts
Sad Robot is a three-piece band that has brought the sweet sounds of indie-pop-rock music to Los Angeles and beyond since 2011. Following the release of their debut album, their tunes have been placed in the hit TV shows Bones and Bad Girls Club, as well the 2013 Winter X Games (among others). Sad Robot’s motto “fight or die trying” is apparent in their music with songs of struggle, hope, and the constant race we are all in.
Young Beautiful in a Hurry formed in Los Angeles in 2011. Frontman Brendan McCreary and bandmates Bryan Taylor, Chris Norton, and Pete Griffin create a highly acclaimed sound of classic rock influenced by Queen, Bowie, and Elvis. Their newest record, the Royalty EP, was released this March.
https://www.youtube.com/user/YBinaHurry
Elliot Next has been writing and producing break beat and two-step for almost a decade. While releasing new music and mixes continuously, Elliot Next also holds a residency on Wednesday nights at 5 Star Bar in Downtown LA.
https://www.facebook.com/elliot5next
https://twitter.com/_Elliot_Next
https://soundcloud.com/elliot_next
Chelsea Mone’t is a Los Angeles based hip-hop, soul artist whose personal and musical focus is to #practiceLOVE.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Chelsea-Monet/384726674882936
The 296th Hunnypot Radio Show dropped hits all over The Mint once again last week. The night featured one of Nashville’s top rising female hip hop artists, BOYFRIEND who brought her sassy flowing rhymes and quirky beats to Hunnypot for the first time. Next up was LA based electronic-duo, GOLD, whose unique balance of deep melodic beats and soaring vocals completely overwhelmed and impressed all in attendance. LA based hip hop artist, EDDIE COLE rocked out a full driving set of groovy, electronic based r&b-hip hop beats that hit hard under his conscious soul vibin’ lyrics. Be sure to check out his Godspeed EP. Closing out the night was NY based alt-rock trio, THE TINS who performed a high energy set filled with catchy rock n’ roll tunes.
Hunnypot Radio Host, HOT TUB JOHNNIE curated yet another uber set of new music. Hot Tub dropped slammin’ tunes from ANDY STARR, THE YOUNG WILD, G-EAZY, SCHOOLBOY Q, DRAKE, TITTSWORTH and much more. If you missed Hot Tub’s set, no worries - you can listen back anytime.
Our special industry guest DJ was LA based music supervisor/editor at The Asylym (Sharknado) RACHEL ANDERSON. Making her first guest DJ appearance, Rachel featured some of her favorite local artists that have been making noise in LA. Rachel featured new tunes by ANDERSON .PAAK, OWENSTONE, SIN CITY, MICK JENKINS and many more.
Hunnypot’s own, BOOM SHACK, curated a blazing set of new tunes. His playlist included fresh cuts fromKWAMIE LIV, CHET FAKER x GOLDLINK, OSCAR KEY SUN, BAD SOUNDS and more.
Be sure listen back to last week’s entire show as the Hunnypot Radio Crew continues to push the envelope with exposing today’s bubbling music talent. 07/28/2014
Rachel joined The Asylum in 2012 as an editor in the post-production department. She edited several films for the Syfy Channel, including Sharknado. In 2013, she moved to the marketing department, where she currently works as the Marketing Materials Coordinator.
Rachel has cultivated long-standing relationships with a number of bands in LA’s independent music scene. She quickly saw the opportunity to place independent local music in The Asylum’s films. Under the guidance of the head composer, she created and stepped into the position of Music Supervisor. Rachel has placed songs in Animal Planet’s Blood Lake: Attack of the Killer Lampreys, Airplane Vs. Volcano, The Coed and the Zombie Stoner, and Syfy’s upcoming Sharknado 2: The Second One.
https://www.facebook.com/misconsin
Grade school teacher by day, raunchy female rapper by night. Originally from Nashville, Boyfriend speaks through her music to spread a message of open positivity towards sexuality. Her unique art and performances have caught the attention of many, including Perez Hilton and the Huffington Post.
https://twitter.com/itsmeyourbf
Los Angeles-based duo GOLD brings core vocals with a deep melodic background to listeners’ ears. The unique balance between Kelly Brier and Cameron Jaymes’ vocals shows an impressive value. GOLD released the GOLD EP in 2014, and their newest release, the single Onto Me, is available now.
https://soundcloud.com/we-are-gold-music
https://twitter.com/wearegoldmusic
Hip Hop artist Eddie Cole released his seven track EP Godspeed this May. His music features introspective lyrics on love and peace over a groovy musical production. Godspeed is available now for download on bandcamp.
https://www.facebook.com/THEmrCOLE
http://dankradio.bandcamp.com/album/godspeed-ep-dnk-006
Michael Santillo, David Muntner, and Adam Putzer have evolved in their years as the rock-and-roll rooted New York three-piece we know as The Tins. The Tins have a fine tour history that even includes sets at SXSW and NXNE festivals. Their newest EP Young Blame is set for a July 29 release.
There is always a hint of menace and reservoirs of force haunting the corners of Eliza Rickman’s voice, whatever register it occupies. Her video for Start With Goodbye, Stop With Hello mimics the sound of her voice. It is inspired by the painting Proscaenia by Dino Valls. Eliza hangs out with small taxidermied critters inside a very elaborate dollhouse. There's no denying Eliza's avant-garde creativity. Her presence on stage—whether she wears flowers in her hair, or stuffed birds; whether she plays a Schoenhut toy piano or a grand piano—is an enveloping, soft darkness, impossible to ignore. Eliza Rickman will be joining us live this Monday 05/19 on Hunnypot Radio. Don't miss it!
Hot Tub Johnnie and the HP Radio crew were back at it for their 286th show and it was a rockin’ party. Hot Tub kicked out new HP jams by A House For Lions, July Talk The Dollyrots and other gems from Broods, YG, The Preatures and more.
Our special guest DJ for the night were Mansions on the Moon, representing the band was producer keyboardist, Ben Hazlegrove. Ben sat down for an in-depth interview on the beginings of the band and their writing process. Ben also previewed a handful of tracks off their current releases “Full Moon”, “Lost and Found” and “Lightyears”. We highly recommend checking out the entire interview and listening back to their singles “Radio” and “She Says (Lights Off)”.
Kicking off our live segment was LA based pop rock singer-songwriter, The Jon Collins Band. Jon sang a stripped down set of upbeat, insightful acoustic pop rock jams. The highlight of the night was “Let Love Live” and “Ashley” his brand new single released this week.
Next to take over the Mint stage was Venice based based pop rockers (via Australia) Heroine December. Lead singers Maya and Nandy may be known as the back-up singers and dancers for Prince, but they completely took the Mint by storm as they performed a beautiful stripped back acoustic/electric set of their unique blend of pop rock jams.
The highlight of the night was definitely the performance by LA alt-rockers, Polaris Rose who completely packed the house. Lead by Madelynn Elyse and Peter Anthony, this LA duo performed a soaring set of free-spirited indie rock blended with tightly crafted pop melodies.
Closing out the night was none other than LA based rock n’ roller, Adam Bones. Having made his name accross LA with his spectacular stage presence and showmanship, Adam Bones blew the night out with his stadium rock savagery and 70's influenced power-pop hooks.
Huge thanks to everyone that came out to support, perform, and both the The Mint and Hunnypot crews. We couldn’t make it all happen without each and every one of you! 03/10/2014
Interviews:
Mansions on the Moon Interview + Listening Party:
Polaris Rose Interview + Single "Chartreuse":
Luxe - Single "All Up On You":
Heroine December Interview:
Jon Collins Interview:
Follow: https://twitter.com/MansionsMoon https://facebook.com/mansionsonthemoon
(Performing Live) Named and inspired by none other than the artist Prince himself, Heroine December is an LA based Pop/Rock band consisting of lead singers and twin sisters Maya and Nandy McClean, guitar player, Brad Lindsay, bass player, Matthew Denis and drummer, Mike Robins. You may recognize lead singers Maya & Nandy from the Sidney Disney production of the Lion King, the movie Moulin Rouge or touring the world with Prince for the last 7 years as part of the NPG singing back-up and dancing at shows such as the Superbowl Half time show, 6 months 3121 run in Las Vegas, Planet Earth tour, Welcome 2 America and Welcome 2 Australia tours and also being featured in his music videos, on his planet earth record, 21 nights coffee table book and executive producing his latest music video “Breakfast Can Wait”. While working with and being mentored by him, the two Australian twin sister also worked with other artists like Rihanna, Chris Brown and Letoya Luckett, left their marks in movies and fashion campaigns but no matter what, they’ve always kept on writing and creating until they found the perfect mix of their multi-cultural heritage in music. Heroine December is just that, a unique blend of pop elements combined with true musicianship merging No Doubt with Rihanna and Pink giving you a high energy show that will sweep you off of your feet. In 2014, with the release of their first EP ‘Target Practice” and a movement of paying it forward, we welcome you to the world of Heroine December, where music is a universal language to connect with and empower each and every one of us. Where one song can change the way you feel, think and act. Where one random act of kindness can change a person’s life and where the one person to cause this change is you! Heroine December is not just a band, it’s a movement, a way of Life…come join us.
Links: https://twitter.com/HeroineDecember
(Performing Live) The Jon Collins Band was formed in Hollywood 2009. The band’s namesake was born in rural North Carolina, where he grew up surrounded by heartfelt blues melodies and true lyric country influences. Being an innovator by nature, Jon’s first instrument was the harmonica, which he proceeded to play with classical music and hip hop. A songwriter and vocalist for the group Still Life in Chapel Hill, NC, Collins became a local favorite. From there Jon Collins played in Virginia, Maryland, Texas, the midwest before settling in Los Angeles a few years ago. Jon Collins’ songwriting and vocal style evolved into something very contemporary, strikingly powerful in lyric and with acutely attractive melodies. A stunning and fresh blend of rock and pop. It was in LA that Jon Collins was introduced to George Daly, acclaimed hit songwriter and music executive for over 25 years with Elektra, Atlantic and Columbia Records. The two began songwriting together almost immediately. Recently, Lu Ye, acclaimed for her performances both in Asia and in the US was brought on board as buzz and interest in this debut album has grown. Things are currently happening at a lightening pace so please stay tuned for upcoming shows and promotions leading up to the release of their debut album this summer. http://www.joncollinsband.com twitter.com/joncollinsband
Links: https://twitter.com/joncollinsband
(Performing Live) “A duo comprised of Peter Anthony and Madelynn Elyse, their ever-growing popularity is spurred by their catchy alt rock music and lyrical stories. Their precise harmony, hard-hitting mainstream beats, and sing-a-long choruses make for unforgettable music that has quickly launched their career” – PureGrainAudio.com Adventurous and free-spirited, the musical duo Polaris Rose is an emerging band in the Los Angeles music scene. Tight duet harmonies, atmospheric soundscapes, and soaring melodies give Polaris Rose their signature sound: a blend of indie avant garde and musical simplicity. Polaris Rose’s sophomore EP (“The Moon & its Secrets”) is now available on iTunes, Spotify, and elsewhere online.
Links: http://PolarisRose.com
(Performing Live) This band has no past. Literally. We can tell you some things—a little of this and a bit of that—but Adam Bones is an artist—and a band—without a history. The man behind the EP Rock it Up is man with a story, to be sure, but who knows how much of it is true to begin with?
Those of you Beneath the Underground may have by happenstance slipped into a musty catacomb or back alley speakeasy-style rocker club and witnessed an early version of the Adam Bones vision. You might have been in London, or Chicago, Los Angeles, or someplace more rustic, but that was the past. Mr. Bones is arising from the shadows to stake a claim and make sure that everyone Knows His Name. Be sure you do; he will ask. This is not a test.
Likewise, his band, an All-Girl-Kung Fu-Army of riffs and beats to be dealt with, came from over the waters but emerged here (in your face, essentially), fully formed and ready for service. Unknown to each other, Adam Bones on his own and the future women of his band—Rikki Styxx, Tracy Lambertucci, and Breanna Fields—were both on a quest to find the missing components to their music machines. They crossed paths either in the Spanish Basque Country (where true-blue power pop is revered with Second Coming-like reverence) or in Brazil, depending on who is telling the story. Whatever the locale, the story that gets hinted at is that Bones was mounting a one-man intercontinental odyssey in search of lost chords and modes when he crossed paths with the trio of women, working at the time as the entertainment/R&R arm of an advance, off-the-radar unit under State Dept.
Links: http://twitter.com/adambones
Hot Tub Johnnie and the HP Radio crew stacked the speakers high and blew out The Mint with another killah show last week. Hot Tub treated us to some golden nuggets by Big Joe Turner, Phantogram, King Washington, Broken Bells, Turbo Lightning and much more.
Our guest DJ for the night was none other than LA based music tastemaker/supervisor, Sanaz Lavaedian of mOcean. Sanaz was back for her 3rd time in the Hot Tub and it was more than a charm as she treated us to an explosive set of great new jams. Included in her playlist was Flume, Chet Faker, Son Lux, Glass Animals, The Knife and many more active groundbreaking artists.
Kicking off our live action were LA based pop, singer-songwriter trio, Distant Cousins. The trio took the stage and performed a brilliant set of vibrant, foot-stomping heartfelt alt-folk, pop songs in the vein of Mumford And Sons.
LA based r&b, soul, pop artist, Magda and rapper, producer, Sum-In-1 were next to hit the stage and treat us to a high energy dance set with heavy beats. Magda kicked it off first with her beautiful pop jams and later joined by Sum-In-1 to perform their latest single, “Fill Me Up”.
Closing out the night was none other than rhythm & blues, soul, jazz, funk sax icon, Charles Neville of the legendary Neville Brothers. Charles joined NY based roots, blues rock improvisational group, Gent Treadly. This powerful collection performed a truly precocious set of blues, rock, jazz, soul and funk classics and originals for a jam packed yet intimate Mint crowd. It was an absolute treat to witness the greatness of Charles Neville perform for us.
Huge thanks to everyone that came out to support, perform, and both the The Mint and Hunnypot crews. We couldn’t make it all happen without each and every one of you! 02/10/2014
Sanaz Lavaedian (mOcean Music Supervision) Interview/DJ Set
Combined experience and complimentary musical worldviews have blended seamlessly in DISTANT COUSINS. “I love the synergy of this group because we really do each bring something different to the music,” says Dov, “Ami’s production and engineering chops are stellar.” Ami adds, “Dov helps to get our collage of ideas to a solidified song. He pulls us through the inevitable hurdles and obstacles a new song will always present.” Both love that Duvid’s raw and authentic approach brings a down-to-earth sensibility to the music. “He has managed to maintain a real organic connection to music throughout his years of experience,” says Ami, “I love his instincts and the soul that he brings.” In their short time as a band, DISTANT COUSINS is already showing signs that they are “on their way.” Their debut single, “Raise It Up,” was prominently featured on USA’s ‘Graceland’ and CBS’s ‘Criminal Minds.’ Keep an eye out for much more music soon…
Being a member of the First Family of Funk has made him world famous. But for years, the Nevilles produced great music that was seldom heard outside of the Crescent City. Some of their best work is on Treacherous (1986), which incorporates everything from Mardi Gras Indian songs to Aaron Neville’s top-charted “Tell It Like It Is.” Little they have done since can compare with the album’s gospel finale. When Aaron Neville asks his brother Charles the Horn Man to blow for them one time, he really does. Or witness his burning sound on “Fever” on the same CD. Much as they were revered in their hometown, the Neville Brothers’ ascent to superstardom had to wait until the musical collaboration between Aaron Neville and Linda Ronstadt woke up the rest of the world to what they had been missing. Aaron Neville’s career as a soloist points up a key fact about the Neville Brothers. Each has his own separate musical identity: Cyril Neville with his reggae rhythms, Art Neville with the Meters, and Charles Neville with his group Diversity. Known for ethereal performances at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Diversity followed the masterful lead of Charles Neville. Drawing from the immense pool of fine musicians in New Orleans, from Johnny Vidacovich to Michael Ray, anything became musically possible. The group produced a CD in 1991 entitled And Diversity, which gives the listener a good overview of their amazing range. Diversity is still part of Charles Neville’s repertoire, along with the huge body of recordings and personal appearances the Neville Brothers have made in the past decade. Charles Neville’s talented daughter, Charmaine Neville often joins her father on-stage. In 2001, Neville released The Painter, in which he truly does paint with music on classics and original tunes. Also released in 2001 was Safe in Buddha’s Palm, in which a seasoned and spiritually minded Charles Neville pays homage to eastern philosophy, the healing power of the feminine, and the wealth of his musical tradition.
The unique live experience of a P L a N E T S show is like witnessing some kind of eerie post-modern garage rock opera. Featuring vibey immersive atmospheres with dancers, actors and shadow puppetry coming at you from all directions in cahoots with the music–this is not your every day rock band. Always basing their material around a place, P L a N E T S recently released their debut album, TheDarkWoods. One last thing: there will be robots. You have to see it to believe it. https://twitter.com/planetstheband