Hunnypot Live! has always been a safe space for the eclectic music music lover and this past show provided sanctuary from the left and right punches of real life.
Hot Tub Johnnie proceeded in to the night with burst bombs of musical revolutions in the air. Michelle Johnson took brought us an emotional musical response to how she's feeling these days, Katie Burden marched us through her indie/psychedelic rock pummeling, Alice Underground brought independent spirit with a ragtime rock & dance extravaganza, LIINKS was the progressive bringing future urban sounds, Daddy Issues "distorted" the truth and it sounded great and Conn Raney gave us hope for the future with his positive song messages. 11-14-16
-J. Gray
Michelle Johnson was born and raised in Southeast Texas. Descendent of farmers, she was the black sheep of the family and moved to New York City in 1987. She has a strong background as a musician and performed in various alt-country bands throughout the ‘90s; touring the vast NYC circuit as a guitarist and a vocalist.
In the late 90’s she started DJ-ing. She describes her set as “very eclectic” – ranging in genres from World, Dance, and Classic Disco to Indie Rock and Pop. Custom tailoring each set while she effectively reads the room. Her DJ performances include spinning at the Palm Springs International Film Festival for three years and Google events at their Venice location, as well as being hired for a range of industry parties, magazine launches, and private events.
Since she was a kid, the most important thing to her has been music, film, and television. Michelle started music supervising independent films after moving to Los Angeles in 2004. She worked on several features including The Custom Mary, Five Star Day, For The Love of Dolly, and Hooters! After being recommended to Thomas by a mutual friend, and realizing they coincidentally lived three houses apart, Michelle went on to join the SMV team. Coming in during Season 4 of AMC’s critically acclaimed Breaking Bad, Season 2 of the crazy popular AMC television adaptation of The Walking Dead, and the eccentric documentary Felix Austria!, Michelle added her creative insight to expand the team into new and exciting ways. She was also heavily involved in season one and two of AMC’s The Killing, the pilot of Good Christian Bitches on ABC, and all of SMV’s projects moving forward.
Michelle is a LGBT activist and is regularly involved in event planning and community programs. She also created a pseudo documentary in 2007 called Triple X Selects: The Best of Lezsploitation that hit the festival circuit and won several audience awards all around the world.
The dark and moody undercurrents of the new material called for Burden to dig deeper into her emotional well, something that she struggled with when performing the songs. “I have a hard time feeling emotions sometimes” the songwriter notes. “Art makes me less afraid to feel and also less alone.”
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Alice Underground is a time traveling caravan to an anachronistic era set in a locale that’s both familiar and fantastical. For the five members of the LA-based group, however, this has been a journey by happenstance. What was a one-off show now has the quintet chasing mythical characters and architecting a swamp cabaret aesthetic.
Five years after its fateful first show, the LA-based quintet now issues a stunning debut, Cambria Sessions. An album bathed in the blue hues of broken dreams, noir romance, and Golden Age Of Hollywood opulence.
Alice Underground whisks listeners and concertgoers away to an elegant underbelly teeming with deviant jazz, punk rock vigor, vaudevillian theatrics, and sensual emotionality. The group’s oeuvre varies between originals that feel like they were plucked from an American Songbook from a Tim Burton-themed time capsule, and jazz standards reimagined to showcase Alice Underground’s gift for conjuring longing and lasciviousness. The group counts as influences David Bowie, Ella Fitzgerald, Trent Reznor, and Billie Holiday. Fittingly, Alice Underground has been described as “gypsy jazz with a proto-punk edge.”
The quintet’s dark seductiveness, gothic glamour, and mythological imagery of the character Alice as a conceptual muse have endeared it to fanatics of steampunk, fantasy, and cosplay. Live highlights for the band include appearing at Los Angeles County Museum Of Art’s New Year’s event Golden Stag, hosted at the famous Los Angeles Park Plaza Hotel, and performing at the closing ceremonies for the Anime Expo in Los Angeles. There the group played originals, and backed cult artist Yoko Takahashi, singer of the theme song for the popular animated Japanese television series Neon Genesis Evangelion.
Alice Underground is Tash Cox vocals, bass, piano; Sasha Travis, vocals; Scott Landes, guitar, piano; Gordon Bash, standup bass, piano, guitar, vocals; and Steve Kefalas, drums, percussion. The band members boast eclectic and impressive resumes. Lead vocalist Tash Cox formerly sang with The Beta Machine, which included members of A Perfect Circle and Eagles of Death Metal. Tash has also sung in many operas, Neely Bruce’s, “Circular 14: The Apotheosis of Aristides” being her favorite. Scott Landes has played with Collide, Android Lust, I, Parasite, and ¡BASH!, among others. Steve Kefalas has also been a member of Android Lust, I, Parasite, and ¡BASH!. Gordon Bash is an active jazz and rock musician, that has appeared on America’s Got Talent playing with William Close. He heads up the punk/rockabilly band ¡BASH!, and is also the bassist for the popular ska band Save Ferris. Sasha Travis is a singer, producer, director, and all-around artist. She has directed and produced for the Labyrinth Masquerade Ball, and Golden Stag events, written and directed for the Astra Dance Theater, and been a long time co-collaborator at Sypher Arts Studio.
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The first song LIINKS ever wrote (prior to actually calling themselves LIINKS) was stolen from them and became a #1 radio hit in South Korea. The duo had decided to post one of their first demos, a song called We’ll Never Know (later re named Swing) to an online streaming service. A few months later they received an email from a Korean law firm letting them know their song had been stolen by a big name Korean producer, was released by mega K Pop star Hyori Li and had reached #1 on their Top 40 radio stations across the county. The duo settled out of court and the Korean producer ended up in jail. What seemed at the time to be really upsetting is actually what inspired the duo to create their partnership and eventually become LIINKS.
LIINKS is a Canadian born collaboration between singer/songwriter Georgia and producer DWhiz. Georgia's haunting vocals project a delicate image of soul music smattered with the eerie sensibility of classic trip-hop. Backed by cinematic beat-scapes created by DWhiz, the LIINKS sound is electronic pop with an organic quality. The independent duo launched on April 1st, 2014 with their first single The Break. A radio programmer in Victoria, BC played The Break on 107.3 Kool Fm and by April 8th The Break was the most added track to Canadian radio and went on to peak at #35 on CHR Billboard and #18 on the Emerging Artist Billboard charts in Canada. The success of The Break grabbed the attention of legendary producer Bob Ezrin who helped the duo land a publishing deal with Universal in Los Angeles where LIINKS currently resides.
Recently LIINKS was featured on several high profile electronic viral hits with artists Datsik, Mord Fustang and Ephwurd which combined have had over 3 million plays online. Their most recent collaboration was with Datsik and Blink 182’s Travis Barker on the song Dark Star which LIINKS co wrote and features Georgia on vocals. LIINKS is currently writing and recording in LA and working on their debut EP set for release in late 2016.
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Often hailed as “the B-52’s on steroids,” Daddy Issues is a high-energy band from Southern California that entertains audiences with fun, sexy shows and loud guitars to match. The band is the brainchild of singer/songwriter, Angela Alvarez, and bassist, Julia “Jules” Whelpton, and is known for its catchy tunes and on-stage antics. From fall 2013 to present day, Daddy Issues has played sold out shows in Southern California, Arizona, and Las Vegas at legendary venues such as House of Blues, Belly Up Tavern, the Casbah, and Whisky A Go Go in Los Angeles.
The band began in San Diego when lead singer, Angela was in search of an original rock band after moving from Scottsdale, AZ. Using Craigslist, she found a band called The Justice Fire, where Jules played bass. Within a couple of months, the pair decided to split off and create a high-energy rock band that mashed other forms of popular music together. They tested the name Daddy Issues at a local acoustic show in November 2013 to positive reception, and then decided to pursue the full-band setting.
Their career was further boosted by local radio play, eventually the band got the attention of local rock legend, Roni Lee. Lee recently signed Daddy Issues to her label, Play Like a Girl Records.
Taking cues from No Doubt, Green Day, Arctic Monkeys and The Foo Fighters, the band's music is a blend of 90’s and modern tropes.
The songs contain catchy riffs and singalong choruses, an incorporate various musical styles such as reggae, punk and latin. Their wide variety of influences include The Beatles, Aerosmith, Queens of the Stone Age and Halestorm to name a few. Recording with Jim Wirt of Crushtone Records in Cleveland, OH, Daddy Issues released its first full-length album, Handle It, in September of 2016.
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Conn Raney is a recording artist born in Modesto, California. When Conn was in the 2nd grade his family moved from Modesto, California to Portland Oregon, so that Connor's dad could attend Multnomah Bible College. It was also in Portland, Oregon that Connor heard his first Rap song - 'Gangsta's Paradise' by legendary rapper Coolio. Once hearing this song, it completely changed his perspective on music and life. He eventually began writing and performing songs at his school! However, those close to Conn never viewed music as a legitimate career choice. Instead, he was always pushed to play sports and go to college, but never to continue creating music and pursue a career.
He earned the title of NCAA All American Kicker for Division 3 after his senior year at California Lutheran University and found himself trying out for professional teams ranging from Arena Football to the NFL - all the while creating music purely out of passion. During this time, some soul searching happened and Conn made some interesting and controversial decisions. He was offered a contract to play football for the San Jose Sabercats of Arena Football...and guess what...he turned it down. He had made the decision that he was not going to let anyone else's opinion of his career path influence him any longer. His focus was now on building a career in music. Since then he has been fortunate enough to write and produce theme songs for several high school football teams and one professional soccer team (Chivas USA) – all of which was achieved while maintaining a full time job working with kids and families in need. Having grown up struggling financially and being raised with a strong moral background he has always had a passion for helping those less fortunate and he plans on continuing doing so through his music. Stay in touch with Conn and join him on his journey to leave a mark on the world!
If you're full of candy and feel no shame about any mischief you got in to last night then you made it to our Halloween Party last night. If you're still trying to figure out how to get home in your costume then this review is for you.
Hot Tub Johnnie started the show up by waking the dead and making them dance with his chain rattling DJ Set. Jesse Blaze Snider joined us in the hot tub and on stage with scary good music and commentary, Hot Sauce Holiday gave us a full sized candy bar performance, The Slit opened new wounds on the audience by putting razor blade audio candy in our buckets and Khildlike treated us with his special guests and microphone tricks. 10-31-16
-J. Gray
Jesse Blaze Snider is here to save the world.
He is writing songs for NFL Monday Night Football, NASCAR, Smithsonian, A&E, ESPN, his father Dee Snider and more.
He has performed on live TV for millions and has been seen on MTV, VH1, HBO, A&E, AOL's Top 11 Countdown, Sony Playstation's Qore and many others.
His voice has been lent to countless products and networks, including runs as "the voice" of Pizza Hut, Cheetos, Gamestop, The Buried Life, Spike's Video Game Awards, "Once" the Musical and the Rooster from the original Burger King Chicken Fries commercial.
Currently Jesse is the voice of Kia Motors, narrates "Food Paradise" on Travel Channel, does promos for Nickelodeon, and top secret video games make him sign NDAs that preclude him from speaking about them.
Jesse is always looking for new ways to save the world as he builds a wonderful life for his family of 6 out in LaLa Land. His daughter Parker Pryde Snider was born 8/7/16 on the 405 Freeway in Los Angeles.
On 9/16/16 Jesse will release "16" his first full length solo album.
All songs written by Jesse Blaze Snider and his fabulous friends!
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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!
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The Slit is a fierce blend of aggression and angst packaged neatly in nuggets of throttling guitar rock; a tumultuous, pummeling titan, equal parts Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, with a psychedelic metal tinge and punk tendencies. Their tracks are exceptional, but you have to like heavy, grinding rock to appreciate it the whole way through.
The Slit is a band that combines elements of classic rock, metal, punk, grunge and psychedelia into a very unique style. They define what it means to fire on all cylinders all throughout their songs. But whether opting for maximum aggression or pulling back on the reigns a bit and dropping in an infectious melody, you would be hard-pressed to find a single moment of weakness.
In late 2011, a raw invention emerged into the music scene. khildLike (Yes, with a k) is a hip hop duo arising from southern kalifornia's 818, (San Fernando Valley). The duo konsist of a soulful singer (khosen) & an immakulate word smith (Life). Influenced by the hip hop legends; Fugees, OutKast, & Little Brother, the duo are well on their way to sweeping the industry and kulture alike with their raw street honesty and sweet soulful melodies.
It's not very well known but Azealia Banks is a big fan of ours and was trying to give Russell Crowe our latest compilation this week. I heard he didn't enjoy it. Too bad for him.
Hunnypot Live! #352 gave the "M Word" (Music) to all in attendance and those who tuned in to the live stream Monday night.
Hot Tub Johnnie started the show with great tunes and tales, Piel returned to the hot tub tell more stories and capture our attention, Amara had us on pointed toes with her emotional electronics, Flavia charmed and alarmed us with her illuminating dance rock, Senator was elected to wash us in a rock sound bath and Capyac book ended the dance party with seriously sick beats. 10-17-16
-J. Gray
When Tiki Lewis moved to Los Angeles from Chicago, she had no idea she'd meet Johnny Burkes and they'd subsequently join forces together to make some of the most memorable music in the world today, but through a combination of vision, empathy, melody, and rhythm, their sound has evolved into just that. While curating an absolutely remarkable stable of collaborators, they have played live shows that have made a distinct mark on a town filled to bursting with others who have fallen short of that and conversely inspired people all over the world with their online audio and video presence.
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Born in a small suburb city just outside of Los Angeles, Amara found her voice at a young age through poetry. Concerned about her brash introspective self expression, her parents enrolled her in ballet which opened the door to musical theatre in middle school and ultimately gave her all the tools necessary to create art. Her lyrical depictions of social issues and personal intimate struggle have lead audiences to refer to her as "wise beyond her years" and "an expert at expressing and invoking real emotion.
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Flavia is an electronic pop artist based in Los Angeles. Her debut EP, Embers, mixes dark pop and futuristic R&B, exploring the borderland of yesterday's soul and tomorrow's electronica.
Inspired by her vivid dreams and her love of space and the desert, FLAVIA takes her listeners on a magical journey guided by her lush vocals, her poetic lyrics cut to the core with their vivid imagery and emotional pull. She keeps you under her spell while her ethereal party-pop beats keep you dancing.
FLAVIA started to write music at a young age in Ireland and Italy where she spent her formative years. Having moved often growing up,, she feels the closest thing to home base is her music, "It's a part of me," she says, "I couldn't escape it even if I wanted to."
FLAVIA has toured and performed live on TV and radio across the United States and Europe, her live show is an encompassing experience with colorful visuals and energetic dance moves, fresh off of recent shows at the Troubadour in Los Angeles and Pop Brixton in London, FLAVIA will soon be releasing her long awaited EP, Embers.
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Senator’s sound draws from impressive but almost contradictory influences that range from his love of grunge (he credits Kurt Cobain and Beck as his biggest influences), to his childhood obsession with musicals and his appreciation for classical music. Senator’s debut album, slated for a 2016 release, is a hybrid of all of his inspirations that seamlessly fit together, almost cinematically, creating a magical blend of sound.
The first time I saw Steve Vai perform live was early in 1986 during the filming of David Lee Roth’s “Yankee Rose” video at the Orange Pavilion in San Bernardino, CA. I won tickets to the video shoot through 96.7 KCAL FM, and spent an incredible afternoon watching this super talented guitarist shred through take after take of Roth’s first single since departing Van Halen in 1985. As a 16-year old kid, I had very little exposure to Steve Vai at the time aside from hearing him on a few Alcatrazz tracks off a mix tape someone gave me. What I didn’t realize during the video shoot was that I was witnessing the emergence of a true guitar virtuoso right before my eyes. The stage could not have been brighter in 1986 and Steve Vai exploded onto the scene with a sound so unique it literally rocked the guitar world to its core. Fast forward 30 years and Steve Vai is back in the Inland Empire picking up where he left so many years ago, launching his 25th Anniversary Passion and Warfare Tour at the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside, CA on Saturday October 8th.
Kicking off the night’s festivities was fellow guitar phenom Tony MacAlpine. Supported by his band consisting of Aquiles Priester (Drums) and Bjorn Englen (Bass), Tony and company dazzled the Riverside crowd with amazing power and sheer guitar brilliance. The Fox was in awe as MacAlpine crushed his setlist comprised of his very best work spanning an amazing 30+ year career. My favorite track of his set was “Tears of Sahara” – it was technically flawless and to me sounded better than it did when it was first released back in 1987. I am so glad Tony is back in good health and absolutely killing it on stage. For those who have not seen MacAlpine live, his performances are truly epic. Get to the show early and take in every note this guy plays – you will definitely thank me later.
After a brief intermission, the house lights dimmed and Steve Vai finally hit the stage. He strutted out in a white hooded sweatshirt and neon sunglasses, carrying his signature Ibanez Jem guitar. The lights further darkened as Steve kicked off the show with his 1995 classic “Bad Horsie” off of the Alien Love Secrets EP. The crowd went wild as his mirrored guitar flashed across the audience, captivating his legions of fans with a hypnotizing melody that was nothing short of brilliant. After a few additional songs to get the crowd pumped up, it was time for Passion and Warfare to be performed in its entirety. For those who have never heard this 1990 masterpiece, it truly is an album to behold - and hearing it performed live from start to finish was simply astonishing. From opening track “Liberty” to album finale “Love Secrets”, Steve Vai absolutely crushed the 14-song album with guitar work so precise you would have thought he was a heart surgeon. And on top of that, his band (consisting of Dave Weiner - Guitar, Jeremy Colson – Drums, and Phillip Bynoe – Bass) was simply killer. You could see that this band had a solid chemistry on stage and absolutely loved playing with one another. It’s no wonder Steve choose these guys at this moment for this tour – brilliant.
Throughout the set, Vai was joined on stage virtually by guitar legends Brian May, Joe Satriani, John Petrucci, and the late great Frank Zappa. This was a unique way to highlight some of the long standing friendships that Vai has cherished over years and highlighted the respect that each have for Steve and his many contributions to the craft they have all dedicated their lives to. My favorite was Petrucci and Vai shredding to crowd-favorite, “The Audience is Listening”. This duet sounded technically flawless and showcased Vai’s technical prowess on the 6-string to all in attendance Saturday evening. And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, one of Vai’s oldest and dearest friends Billy Sheehan along with Tony MacAlpine joined him on stage for a rousing encore that had the entire crowd off of their feet and screaming for more. For most in attendance, this was definitely the highlight of the evening and capped of a kick-ass night of guitar wizardry.
For those who came out and rocked alongside of Steve Vai on his 25th Anniversary Passion and Warfare Tour, it was truly an epic evening with one of guitars all-time greats. Whether you call him a prodigy, a virtuoso, or simply a rock-star, there is no denying that Steve Vai has a unique talent that very few have ever been blessed with. When watching Vai play, one witnesses firsthand his natural connection between mind, body, and guitar which effortlessly transforms simple notes on a page to pure unadulterated ecstasy. Vai unleashed this magic on the Fox Performing Arts Center Friday night, and for one brief moment helped to transport all of us back to a simpler time when the music itself was all that mattered. Until next time….
Stay Frosty and Rock On!
Hilariously saucy, Steel Panther are more than just a group of psychotic heavy metal musicians. They also live the exaggerated on-stage personae that parody the stereotypical 1980s "glam metal" lifestyle. This time they decide to take down Cheap Trick’s “She’s Tight” and make it their own, featuring cameos of the original band’s frontman Robin Zander.
Pillow fights spit feathers, Steel Panther’s videos flares up with fly people. Paris-Michael Jackson (King of Pop’s daughter), Bobbie Brown (who claims to be Lexxi’s mom now), Tony Palermo from Papa Roach are all cameoing in the video!
The band says, “‘She’s Tight’ is Steel Panther’s ‘sexified’ version of the Cheap Trick song”. It was a dream came true for Michael Starr when his hero Robin Zander agreed to appear in the video.
Don’t miss this cover of the 1982 track with skin that’s left out of the classic hit, with hints of sexy highlights.
Eccentric and defiant, the Grammy-nominated Colombian electro-cumbia band starred a poised and confident young warrior in their latest music video “Soy Yo,” proud of herself being unique, and unbothered by judgments from the outside world.
Through the media and commercials, people are constantly brainwashed by monopolies, big brands and narrow beauty standards. This video is certainly a self-confident booster that celebrates diversity in harmony, countering the mainstream standards. It reminds us of the importance of our inner peace and beauty.
As Bomba Estereo's Li Saumet reveals to Billboard, both the song and the video addresses topics of “bullying and intolerance, issues that worry all of us.” Directed by Danish director Torben Kjelstrup, who won the open-submission idea contest for the music video, brought out additional missive: We should be proud of our true selves, because we are all special in some ways. Why bother feeding to everyone’s taste?
Be sure to check out the music video. Pay attention to the serious recorder-playing skills and killer dance moves of the little girl rocking in overalls!
This week southern California was under a 24 hour warning for a major earthquake. It seems Hunnypot Live! show #351 might be to blame. Hot Tub Johnnie started the night with a set of no "fault" party music. Lauren Reynaldo gave us the shakedown of her musical journey, Roger Street Friedman's seismic rock n roll cracked the pavement, Melanie Taylor made our bodies wave with her dance rock, Michete caused a hip hop landslide with "P" Waves, Breaking Heights gave us tectonic hop n' roll and Tree Machines kept us on their wavelength in their ring of fire. 10-3-16
- J. Gray
A true Los Angeles native, Lauren Reynaldo got her start in music at the age of 18 thanks to a series of right-place, right-time coincidences. She has worked with large catalogs from the likes of Kiss, Marilyn Manson, Jerry Reed and REO Speedwagon, to underground, indie up-and-comers like Moses Sumney and Webster X, all the way to the fast-paced world of production library music.
If you were to drive down a narrow, winding street, in the funky little town of Sea Cliff, New York, you would never expect that there is a world class, state of the art, analog recording studio in the basement of the grey house with the basketball hoop at the end of the driveway. That house belongs to Roger Street Friedman, and that studio in the basement is where he, along with his band and a whole host of special guests (including Amy Helm, Ari Hest and The Masterson’s) are working on the final touches of his new album, Open Road. In fact, there is a lot about Roger Street Friedman that you would not expect in a typical singer-songwriter. Relocated from Brooklyn in 2012, Friedman has made a long circuitous journey, but he’s finally home, ensconced in the studio he dubs “The Playroom,” for its proximity to where his young son and daughter play in the basement of the house he shares with his wife and family.
His latest effort, Open Road, is bold and adventurous, masterfully reflecting a sense of life as an unpredictable and wondrous journey that he strives to embrace fully in his dual roles as artist and family man. These roles inform and inspire his reborn career as a recording artist. “I’m gonna live my life/With all my might/Make the most of everyday… everyday” he sings, as if shouting it to the rafters. The roots of Open Road are steeped in alt-country, folk, blues, R&B and singer-songwriters like Jackson Browne, Cat Stevens, Don Henley and Paul Simon. The 12 songs here contemplate the trials and tribulations of relationships (“Hideaway,” “Tomorrow”), memories of a childhood that no longer exists (“No Place Like Home”), being a father (“A Son Like You”), the loss of a parent (“Gentle Love of a Mother”), the perils of mass-migration (“Better Life”) and going all out to live your life to the fullest (“Shoot the Moon”).
There is something driving Roger Street Friedman, and it’s not money or fame. He writes, produces and plays music because he loves it, and wants to share that feeling with others. With Open Road, Roger Street Friedman continues to prove good things happen to those who wait… and then seize the opportunity.
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Melanie Taylor decided she was going to be a music business success story when she was a little girl dancing to Michael Jackson songs in her home, and she is presently in the process of willing it to be. Awards, chart debuts, high-profile collaborations, accolades and the like are all part of a grand design that she created by sheer force of will. Strong female role models in the music business are peeking out from behind what has held them back all these years. This is happening just in time for Melanie’s rise in the world of pop music. The singer has prepared for her platform through her involvement in organizations such as the P.A.I.N Foundation, 18 for 18 Project Rescue, the Gracie Awards - programs designed to empower women.
It all started with her mother – a single woman who decided she was going to have a child… no boyfriend, no set details of her plan. She spoke her truth into the universe and willed Melanie into being. Later, she built a business empire with Melanie’s step-father through her fortitude. These things taught the budding entertainer some important lessons.
For much of her life, Melanie was the only child of a single mother who was, by all accounts, a wanderer. She found theater provided her with an extension of her family. Melanie says, "I always considered my audiences like my brothers and sisters, since being an only child and moving a lot as a kid, the stage was really my only consistent home". Melanie’s first album's primarily straight pop/dance style is now morphing slightly into her sophomore album's rock-based vibe.” What has stayed the same, is her “feel-good soulful roots as a vocalist" she explains. She has written most of her upcoming album with producer Troy “R8DIO” Johnson, (Jesse McCartney, JLo, Chris Brown, Will Smith,Solange, 2Pac) and plans to release it later this year
Melanie wanted to create a fun, yet empowered, collection of songs, a la that of one of her idols, Alanis Morissette. “I knew all her songs by heart as a kid,” she adds. That kind off forthright, spirited style of songwriting stuck with Melanie and shows up all over her work, worn like a badge of honor.
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Combining venom-filled disses, crass sexual come-ons, and left-field pop culture references with an androgynous gender presentation that is equally inspired by glam rockers, anime villains, and drag queens, rapper and producer Michete is on the fast track to becoming one of hip-hop’s most polarizing and exciting new acts. The dagger-tongued MC is unapologetically queer, delivering punchlines with a genderfluid braggadocio that sets her apart. Drawing influence from a wide range of artists including Kanye West, Peaches, Nicki Minaj, and Kesha, Michete combines a unique lyrical stance and vocal demeanor with chintzy, economic, self-produced beats to create a sound that’s completely unique.
Growing up in Spokane Valley, WA (a city she describes as being a “cesspool of white nonsense”), Michete is a former theater kid who had a natural charisma and an unhealthy obsession with Lady Gaga, honing his performance skills by singing in talent shows, acting in plays, and performing improv comedy all throughout middle and high school. She began dabbling in music around the time she graduated high school in 2010, and in 2014, decided to make a serious commitment to pursuing a career as a rapper. Michete released her debut EP, Cool Tricks, in June of 2015, and received considerable attention and acclaim from journalists and listeners alike, securing a spot opening for recording artist Shamir in Seattle the following September and later appearing on SPIN Magazine’s year-end list of The 50 Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2015.
With the foundation set for a successful career in the music business, Michete plans on releasing the follow-up to Cool Tricks this Spring.
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Born on a hundred degree day in the steaming valley of Los Angeles in the summer of 2015. There was no wind, not a single cloud. Just a blinding sun. Like a crystal hole in the never ending sky. At least that's what we remember..." From producer Ozzy Doniz, rapper Zoh and singer Greg Cahn, comes a musical twist of psychedelic sonic showers tangled in trap mixed with velvet rock hooks and grimy soul-baring lyrics called Breaking Heights.
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Following up Wooldridge and bandmate Patrick Aubry’s critically praised debut EP as Tree Machines from early 2015 and the three stand-alone singles coming out in the waning months of the Summer, the band is gearing up for releasing their debut full length album.
After partnering up again with their Producer Mikel Giffin, the band is in the final steps of production for they new album.
“It really is amazing to work alongside Patrick and Mikel,”Wooldridge adds. “Things click so quickly. We feel like we can almost do no wrong creatively, which is an incredible and freeing feeling to have as an artist.”
Tree Machines will also add a few new members to its live act, with plans to play out during breaks in the album recording process.
“It’ll be exciting to fully get back on the road again,” says Wooldridge. “But first we need to get our bearings out in Los Angeles.”
Further explaining the band’s decision to go west, Aubry continues, “Leaving Kansas will probably turn out to be one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. But I needed it – it’s just too comfortable there. I’d be a fool to say that California has anything different, but at least I know that I won’t be stuck in the whirlpool of Midwest comfort and cheap living. At least I’ll know I tried, and if I fail, I can die happy. Plus, the beach is pretty awesome!”
Aubry sums up his outlook on the band’s future simply, saying, “It feels like we’re just getting warmed up. It feels like we’ve got so much more to write.”
Tree Machines debut full length is in the works
Los Angeles has its fair share of bars and nightclubs, offering a discerning (and often picky public) a ton of cool options to relax, unwind, and let loose after a hard day’s work or play. Whether you are in to live music, great restaurants, or just love an amazing pub experience, there is typically something to suit everyone’s fancy in the City of Angels. That being said, it can be a little overwhelming to choose a place to go in a city where there are hundreds (if not thousands) of amazing choices are available on any given day of the week. For many it’s a daunting task that relies on recommendations from friends, family, or even a click or two on Yelp in order to make a good decision on where to go. With all the unbelievable choices a city like Los Angeles has to offer, how do you narrow down your options and make a decision? Well, we can solve for every night of the week but can offer up a solid recommendation for Tuesday nights - The Ultimate Jam Night.
For those who do not know, Ultimate Jam Night is a kick ass Rock N' Roll extravaganza that takes place every Tuesday night at the World Famous Whisky a Go Go in Hollywood, California. Organized by Chuck Wright (Quiet Riot), Matt Starr (Mr. Big / Ace Frehley), and Mitch Perry (The Edgar Winter Group), this show takes concert goers on an amazing journey with some of the greatest musicians to ever walk the planet. Set lists vary by week and cover a wide range of popular music (along with some deep tracks which you may have not been heard in years). One thing that sets this show apart from others is that it's completely unrehearsed. Every two or three songs a new supergroup is formed, each with its own unique character and style. To say these shows are improvised would be an understatement. You never know what you are going to get at Ultimate Jam Night!
Here are three reasons you should make UJN your one-stop shop every Tuesday night:
Location, Location, Location: There may not be a better place to see live music in Hollywood than at the storied Whisky a Go Go. Located in the heart of the Sunset Strip, this iconic venue has helped to launch some of the most amazing careers in music industry including acts such as The Doors, Guns N’ Roses, and of course the mighty Van Halen. Minutes from just about anywhere in Los Angeles, you’ll be amazed at the Whisky’s great food, cold beer, and all of the ghost’s that roam this immortal Hollywood venue.
Amazing Live Music: One might think that pulling together a group of talented musicians with little to no rehearsal time would be a recipe for disaster. Well, that has NEVER been the case at Ultimate Jam Night. I have attended countless UJN shows over the past year and each one has sounded incredible from start to finish. Chuck Wright has a knack for creating solid weekly lineups with world-class musicians that amaze and inspire. The quality of these shows is second to none and I cannot think of another place that can pull this off with this type of precision.
The Ultimate Jam Night Family: This may sound cliché, but the Ultimate Jam Night is family. When you enter the Whisky on any given Tuesday night, you will immediately understand what I am talking about as the experience is unlike any other in Los Angeles. It’s not just a crazed social scene or typical Hollywood meat market, but one where people actually care about each other along with the music they have come to know and love. These is a warmth here that is hard to describe and yet easy to find on any given Tuesday night. Get down here and be part of the “Jamfam”!
If you happened to attend last week’s show, you would have probably experienced for yourself the amazing venue, incredible live music, and the Ultimate Jam Night family as each were in fine for form for show #78 – Heavy Metal Edition. Opening the show on Tuesday was the Damage, Inc. – considered by many to be the premier Metallica tribute band in the United States (and quite possibly the world). These guys kicked some serious ass! There look, sound, and mannerisms were spot-on and each delivered a high-energy performance that failed to disappoint. Immediately following Damage, Inc., Paulie Z introduced the UJN house band consisting of Matt Starr (Mr. Big), Mitch Perry (Ratt), Walter Ino (Survivor), August Zadra (Dennis DeYoung), and the Captain Chuck Wright (Quiet Riot). These guys are so tight and absolutely crushed the 1982 Scorpions classic- “Blackout”. Simply Amazing! Some of my favorite moments from the evening (and there were to many to list) included covers of:
Danzig’s “Mother” – performed by Brett Copeland, Vinny Vinciguerrra, Gabe Maska, and Nazim Chambi
Godsmack’s “I Stand Alone” – performed by Sean Nichols, Tommy Gibbons, Jesus Mendez, Ira Black, and Erick Tsinger
Black Sabbath’s “Changes” – performed by Debby Holiday, Walter Ino, Kevin Parker Robinson, T Bone Anderson, and Ray Luzier
For those unable to attend the UJN’s 78 edition live and in person, Zinna TV kicked off its season long broadcast of the show allowing real-time viewership on any mobile or internet-connected device. “Zinna.TV gives music fans around the world the opportunity to experience Ultimate Jam Night live each Tuesday” said, Ultimate Jam Night creator and Quiet Riot bassist Chuck Wright. “We believe it’s the first unrehearsed weekly live music show broadcast” said, Wright. “Our goal is giving music lovers a chance something fresh to experience on the live music scene.” With the addition of live UJN coverage along with special guest interviews throughout the evening, you could not have asked for a better start to this amazing partnership – well done.
The show wrapped up just as it started with ridiculous cover of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” from the UJN house band. Each put their heart and soul into the song for what capped-off a blistering metal extravaganza from start to finish. There is no doubt in my mind that Chuck Wright has tapped into something special in Ultimate Jam Night – there is truly nothing like it in Southern California or beyond. If you truly want to experience the Hollywood music scene in a way that few ever get a chance to, head on down to Ultimate Jam Night next Tuesday and be part of rock n’roll history in the making. Until next time…
Stay Frosty and Rock On!!
Unlike Brangelina Hunnypot Live! would never break up with you in the tabloids. Monday night we filed for separation from a droll life and brought entertainment to the masses
Camryn took custody of our ears and hearts (she also wore a cool Queen shirt), Ediblehead fed our faces with a mediation of disco punk, Pega5u5 took flight and took alimony from listeners, Jackel and guests were reconcilable to the audience and Hot Tub Johnnie presided over the whole night with sick beats. 9-19-16
Fueled by the rush of adrenaline that comes from performing live, 17-year-old singer/songwriter Camryn showcases her siren-like voice and straight-talking lyrics with a spunky blend of guitar-driven rock and pop. She began putting her songs on YouTube in 2010 and released a series of independent singles, including 2013's "Lovesick," which earned Camryn the distinction of becoming the youngest indie act to chart a song in the Billboard Top 40 since LeAnn Rimes in 1997. She developed a loyal fan base while performing in front of hundreds of thousands of people during her extensive worldwide touring, including solo shows and opening European and U.S. tours for the likes of One Direction and Cody Simpson.
Now, Camryn returns with a new 5-song EP entitled, New Dynasty. Full of in-your-face vocals, crunchy guitars and epic choruses, the EP co-written by Camryn showcases her evolution into an artist that has not only found her voice, but her power. As the title suggests, there is a new generation poised to break out into the world and Camryn's ready to make her own bold statement.
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The mind-bending, soulfully electro, punk-house-pop of Ediblehead is the culmination of a transformative journey for two musicians: the critically acclaimed Los Angeleno artist Robby Rockit, and the prodigiously multi-talented chanteuse Eva Zeva. The winding path to forming Ediblehead helped both musicians connect to the wellspring of their creativity. The result is infectiously catchy debut album, Animal Lick Stick.
Robby Rockit was the founding member of the lauded space rock band West Indian Girl, which was signed to tastemaking electronic and dance label Astralwerks (Primal Scream, Chemical Brothers, Hot Chip). Eva Zeva was a lifelong singer who kept her vocal talents tucked behind a veil of shyness while she explored fashion and the fine arts. They met at a private party gig West Indian Girl was playing in L.A., and Rockit felt an immediate karmic connection with Eva. The two found themselves reinventing West Indian Girl for that group's third and final album Shangri-La.
Ediblehead was formed to bring music that is bright, vivacious, and playfully dynamic. "There is a childlike energy that informs what we do, it's about letting go and having fun, "describes Eva Zeva. She and Rockit lead us through the twelve tracks on Animal Lick Stick as zany toastmasters with a multitude of techno genres, crazy pop hooks, and guitars meshed with electronica. The album was engineered, produced, and mixed by mastermind Robby at his home studio in Los Angeles, with additional work done at the West Hollywood studio of esteemed producer Matt Sorum (Guns and Roses, Velvet Revolver, The Cult), assisted by producer/engineer Francis O' Reilly.
Ediblehead performs as a five-piece band with full visual effects and original, out-or-this world costuming to mesmerize fans. "Ediblehead is like a beat-infused candy-colored rainbow with a message of self-belief," says Robby Rockit. "If you let go of fear and doubt, all doors will open up."
With their respective careers, the two brothers, Mr. Rogers and Pharroh had already established a dedicated fanbase. Mr. Rogers over the past few years became a staple in California's electronic music scene, playing festivals (such as headlining slots at Lucidity, Stilldream, and Raindance) all around the area. On the other side of the spectrum is Pharroh, who has made his roundabouts in the underground hip-hop circuit. He's shared the stage with GZA and has gone on to score the soundtrack for the Afro Samurai video game and collaborate with TalibKweli. Eager to connect with a larger audience, they came together and fused their fanbases to deliver PEGA5U5. Their freshman LP The Flock, which featured collaborations with The Fungineers, Joanna, Cellojoe, and more, established a unique sound that left listeners craving new releases. With their hiatus coming to an end, make sure to follow them on their social media links below to keep up with the duo.
“JackEL”, has been turning heads with his music since the very young of age of 14. JackEL began his DJ career early, spinning in his home town of Edmonton in Alberta, Canada. He soon began performing in different cities internationally to build his brand, including “The March Madness Festival” in Atlanta GA; “The Knitting Factory” in Boise, ID; “Tao Beach Club” in Busan, South Korea; “The Revolution Lounge”, “Dirty Blondes”, “Club 21”, “Three Kings Hookah Lounge”, “Tao Beach” and “Ultra Violet” in Las Vegas, NV; “Eccles Conference Center” in Ogden, UT; “The Epicenter” in San Diego, CA; “Club Red” in Tempe, AZ and “Club Congress” in Tuscon, AZ.
As a Producer, he collaborated with well-known Rapper MIMS at the age of 15 on the track “Too Young To Die”, and continues to collaborate with MIMS, who is known for the hit singles “This Is Why I’m Hot” and “Move If You Wanna”. As a DJ he performed in Las Vegas at “Dirty Blondes” in Planet Hollywood. At 16 JackEL moved to Vegas to pursue his musical career. He soon met Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, and because of his Producer and DJ skills, was invited to be the opening act for them at the “March Madness Festival” in Atlanta, Georgia. Soon after, JackEL began an another high profile collaboration with Three Six Mafia member DJ Paul and the two artists have been working on the completion of DJ Paul’s upcoming EDM album.
JackEL has also performed international gigs, playing for two standing room only crowds at “Tao Beach Club” & “Club Kudeta” in Busan, South Korea. After finishing his Canadian Tour of Edmonton, AB and Vancouver, BC, JackEL began working with DJ Fame, voted ‘The Best Nightclub DJ of Las Vegas 2014’ by the Las Vegas Review Journal and the resident DJ for Hip Hop artist Dizzy Wright, who JackEL also produces original music for. 2015 JackEL Headlined at Las Vegas Hemp Festival along side “Chanel West Coast, Tommy Chong, Afroman & also Dizzy Wright”. Meanwhile traveling back and forth to Jamaica to finish his Smooth Jazz EP titled “Breathe Easy”, featuring Grammy Award Recipient Skip Martin. In 2016 JackEL headlined at “The Joint” inside the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. Also established his Record Label/Artist Collective “FVYDID” who’s members continuously tour internationally.
With so much already accomplished at such a young age, JackELs future is very bright, and contains much more anticipated high quality art.
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ZaZa has been active in the music industry since the age of 14 and has headlined and hosted numerous shows around the U.S., including her own west coast House of Blues tour. She has written and released many songs both as a solo artist and as half of the former rap/pop duo Cash and ZaZa. Her passion for songwriting and music doesn’t stop at her own performing. In addition to writing for herself, ZaZa has written successful songs for many reality tv personalities including Asia Monet Ray from Lifetime’s Raising Asia and Toddlers and Tiaras star Eden Wood.
She has also made her way into the commercial modeling world, having been a spokesmodel for Epilator Central, Trailer Girlz TV, and more. Recently, she started hosting her own entertainment and music talk show on WCOBM network Las Vegas.
JackEL and ZaZa will perform the new single "Just Fine".
Sabotage used to be a legitimate workforce negotiation tactic. Hunnypot Live! unleashes this tactic every other week, so listen up y'all. Hot Tub Johnnie started by unionizing us with a music set of workforce rhythm and melody. Our industry guest Michael Levine laid out the hard truths of upper management and the workers in music. Cassie Holt and the Lost Souls punched our clocks with sweet rock n roll music, Grand Canyon provided an Americana vacation out west, Cloudtalk gave us a breakroom of clear sky pop music and Kosha Dillz makes his performances feel like a national holiday. 9-5-16
- J.Gray
Michael Levine has been widely regarded as one of the world's premier branding and media expert for the last thirty years. He has represented a record breaking 58 Academy Award winners, 34 Grammy Award winners, and 43 New York Times best-sellers, authored 19 books (including 5 best sellers such as "Broken Windows, Broken Business" and "Guerrilla P.R."), and appeared on countless TV shows as a media expert including regular slots on "Good Morning, America" and "The Today Show" for the last 20 years. His work has also included media council to former presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton. Born with dyslexia, Levine is also the only person without a college degree to lecture at both Harvard and Oxford University. According to his success as a publicist, Michael Levine has also become a sought after public speaker. And through his career at Levine Communications Office (LCO) he represented many celebrity clients including David Bowie, Sandra Bullock, Michael J. Fox, Demi Moore, Ozzy Osbourne, Prince and Barbra Streisand among many others. Levine even represented the King of Pop Michael Jackson in 93 & 94'!
Cassie Holt and The Lost Souls originally formed in 2013.
Front woman Cassie Holt is a Dallas native who has been singing/songwriting for more than a decade. She started playing open mics in high school, spent many years writing and singing hooks for local hip hop artists, and most recently grew her sound with an amazingly talented group of musicians. Together they create an atmosphere that is unmatched. The chemistry on stage between them is evident and it overflows to the audience. Holt’s sultry vocals fill the room and warm your insides. Her powerful belts grab your attention as the bands incredibly tight performance keeps it. Each member comes from a different style background, adding variety and uniqueness to their sound. Holt’s lyrics have a mature rawness to them that so much modern music lacks, touching on everything from domestic violence to heartbreak. The groups almost comical banter is sometimes turned into impromptu songs on stage. The group has grown together over the last year and hopes to soon reach every household here, and ultimately over seas. Cassie Holt and the Lost Souls have had performances on live television and they have performed at an array of venues including the Dallas Museum of Art, Fair Park in Dallas, the Dallas Arts District's Annual Fall Block Party, and the Dallas Whiskey Festival...and they continue to entertain regularly at a number of various clubs, festivals, weddings, and events.
Grand Canyon is a rock n roll band out of Los Angeles, CA including Casey Shea (vocals and guitar), Jillette Johnson (vocals and keys), Joe Guese (guitar), Adam Popick (bass), Tom Polce (drums), and Matt Pynn (guitar and pedal steel). Formerly all east coasters, the band members migrated to Los Angeles, and created Grand Canyon on the east side of town in 2015.
WHO - CloudTalk is a four member alternative pop-rock band from Northern Los Angeles, who have begun to get some notice on the local scene (105,000+ followers on Vine and counting). With guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and vocal harmonies, TJ, Gabe, and Jordan are ready to bring their unique chemistry to any size venue.
SOUND - By combining a knack for catchy melodies (think Maroon 5 or One Republic), chasing a big sound quality (think Coldplay, Imagine Dragons, fun.) and infusing a little rock edge (a la Killers, Temper Trap, Neon Trees), you’ll get some idea of the recipe for success that CloudTalk is ready to take to the masses. They also draw inspiration from other artists, and it’s easy to imagine them touring with bands as diverse as Young The Giant, Bastille, Two Door Cinema Club, Foster The People, New Politics, the Naked and Famous, Walk the Moon, the 1975, Passion Pit and The Neighborhood.
WHAT’S NEXT - Despite wearing their various influences on their sleeve, CloudTalk has a sound that is all its own, thanks in part to TJ’s distinct lead vocals and a gift for crafting hooks that stay with you after the final note lingers. With two full album’s worth of material they can play gigs of various lengths and are ready to explode onto the music scene in a big way.
Rami Matan Even-Esh (??????: ??? ??? ???-??), better known by his stage name Kosha Dillz, is an American rapper and world class improv artist that has recieved major attention for his dedication to success. He has played every kind of gig, ranging from shows with Rza of the Wu Tang Clan and Matisyahu, to the Legendary Yo Gabba Gabba childrens show. He is most known for his ability to improv in front of thousands of people an rap in hebrew and spanish combined.