Hunnypot Live! created a petition to eliminate Paul McCartney's song "Wonderful Christmastime" from the historical record. Right after that we hosted show #356 and our holiday party. Hot Tub Johnnie started the night with a set yule love to listen to on the rebroadcast. Gary Calamar spoke with us about the reason for the season, rock n' roll and gave us a set of his picks of the past year. Eric & Happie provided the folk spirits, Auditorium rocked our precious snowflake ears, Whiskey Dix brought the whole family home for the holiday and Angelo Moore was the tree topping star for the evening. -J. Gray 12-12-16
Gary Calamar, president of Go Music, is a five time Grammy-nominated producer and music supervisor who has overseen the music on some of the most acclaimed and popular shows on television including “True Blood”, “Six Feet Under”, “Dexter”, “Entourage”, "Weeds" and "House.” Gary’s current projects include “The Man In The High Castle” (Amazon) , “Good Girls Revolt” (Amazon), “Wayward Pines” (Fox), and the forthcoming indie film “Carrie Pilby.” Gary is also a songwriter and co-wrote the song “Let’s Boot and Rally” performed by Iggy Pop and Bethany Cosentino for True Blood. His debut EP as a recording artist, “You Are What You Listen To” was released on Atlantic Records to excellent reviews and airplay. His new single ‘The Prince of Pico Blvd.” / “Little Tokyo” will be released in January. Gary is also the author of "Record Store Days" (with Phil Gallo), and DJ at public radio tastemakers KCRW.
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Based out of Austin, Eric & Happie bring warm folk harmonies and indie sensibilities with their debut project, It’s Yours. The album debuted at #11 on the iTunes Singer Songwriter Chart and broke into the iTunes Top 200 albums overnight. From DC and Memphis respectively, Eric & Happie grew up with a love for American Folk and Pop alike. The two blend these styles seamlessly in their freshman effort. With a sound reminiscent of Tennis, The Strumbellas, and a hint of the Civil Wars, Eric & Happie are in the midst of a national tour.
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Auditorium is Spencer Berger. Berger began performing at the age of nine as a member of The Metropolitan Opera’s Children’s Chorus, singing onstage with such golden-throated legends as Luciano Pavarotti and Placido Domingo. His self-released 2011 debut album (Be Brave) and 2012 EP (Nights Worth Living) dropped jaws thanks to Berger's goosebump-inducing voice and his gift for crafting lush, genre-defying arrangements that framed his instant-earworm melodies. Now, Berger is returning with his second LP, The First Music due out January 2017 — grand in scope (15 songs) yet tightly constructed (33 minutes), it pulls off a magic trick by unearthing beauty and hope in some of life's darkest, most harrowing corners.
Los Angeles group The Whiskey Dix is a four-piece featuring the much loved Film/TV Placement industry professionals Gary Miller of Universal Music Group, Tony Von Pervieux of AppStage and TVPmusic, Derek Syverud, and Emily Weber of Position Music. This talented group plays cover songs, "We rock the classic hits that we know you LOVE like Backstreet
Angelo Moore began his career in the early l980s as lead singer, saxophonist, and creative force behind the legendary band, Fishbone. Fishbone’s ability to blend social commentaryand humor with a blazing fusion of rock, punk, funk, jazz, ska, reggae, gospel and R&B led to their recognition as one of the most notable acts in American music. After over 25 years in the biz, Moore continues his role as frontman of Fishbone. The band has released l0 full-length albums. They have created the music for movies such as “Last Action Hero” (Arnold Schwarzennager), “The Mask” (Jim Carrey) and been featured with roles in movies such as “Idlewild” (Outkast) and “I’m Gonna Get You Sucka” (Keenan Wayan). Angelo has additionally collaborated with the likes of Little Richard, Curtis Mayfield, George Clinton, Rick James and Spike Lee to name but a few.
A versatile artist, Angelo performs under the guise of his wildly energetic alter ego, Dr. Madd Vibe. Linking poetry, performance and music, this visceral artist’s solo performances range from pure spoken word and movement to playing the Theremin and various saxophones as well as reciting poetry accompanied by the Dr. Madd Vibe Aukestra. Stemming from his experiences growing up as a “fly in the buttermilk” in the predominantly white suburbs of Los Angeles, Angelo Moore addresses “Real Racism,” “Social Corrosion,” “SpiritualOvertones,” “Family Affairs,” “Personal Satisfactions and Suffocations” and the human condition in a world gone mad. Dr. Madd Vibe brings a spiritual and cathartic dimension to his performances in the tradition of innovators such as George Clinton, Sun Ra and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Between l997 and 2010, his solo efforts have spawned literary books and comic books that come equipped with soundtracks and the full-length album entitled “Dr. Maddvibe’s Medicine Cabinet” in which he wrote and played all of the music and instruments. Angelo has also created a Dr. Maddvibe orchestra with whom he has directed and performed in venues in the United States and in Europe.
Angelo Moore has taken his spoken word and sound power to the stage throughout
After much blood, sweat and sister tears, Alyeska presents to us the music video of their latest single “Lose My Place.” Just this year, Alyeska finished their debut LP with producer John Agnello at The Magic Shop in NYC, whose credits include Dinosaur Jr, Kurt Vile, Sonic Youth and Phosphorescent-- all artists that inspire the band.
Based in Los Angeles, California, Alyeska is both the archaic spelling of Alaska and the name LA-based Montana native Alaska Reid chose for her band. The quartet make retro-leaning, guitar-powered alternative rock fronted by one of the most unique and powerful female voices out there today. Alaska herself is both a songwriter and a guitarist. She began to further develop a dynamic electric sound after meeting drummer Ben Spear and guitarist/bassist Enzo Scardapane.
The band frequently plays around Los Angeles/the West Coast.
Alyeska is playing at our Jan 23rd show… Party #358! Watch our show and meet the young LA trio!
As usual, it is FREE for all ages. Party link here:
http://hunnypotunlimited.com/events/hunnypot-live-358-1-23-17?showEvent
Prepare to have your mind blown. Perhaps the expression is overused, but not in this case. Michete smashes all expectations and norms with gender-bending presentation and lyrics that question and push the boundaries of sexuality, gender, and the hip hop genre as we know it. With rave reviews and coverage from major outlets including SPIN Magazine, Pitchfork, Paper Magazine, and more, Washington-based artist Michete has blown up on the scene in just a short time and only two self-released EPs released so far.
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, transfeminine 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 from her peers, frequently making listeners uncomfortable in the process. Drawing influence from a wide range of artists including Kanye West, Peaches, Nicki Minaj, and Kesha, Michete combines his unique lyrical stance and vocal demeanor with chintzy, economic, self-produced beats to create a sound that’s completely her own.
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 her 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.
2018 finds Michete releasing her new album Cool Tricks 3. This instant underground classic contains "Tantrum" (duet with Shamir), her cover of the Dead or Alive classic "You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)" along with hot new originals "Rihanna Kraft Singles" & "Touch It". Michete's material is represented by Hunnypot for licensing.
Michete's Cool Tricks 2 featured in SPIN!
SPIN Magazine’s The Best Albums of 2016
Michete interview Hunnypot Live
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.
NOTE: This video may not be appropriate for those with weak stomachs!
Auditorium is back with a new video, this time for his song “Fire Fire Ocean Liner.” This is the second video from his upcoming album, The First Music. The two videos are companions, both directed by Ben Barnes. This video features a young girl, paralleling the young girl from the last video. This girl is slightly older and is being driven to a doctor, where it is revealed that moths are living inside a cavity in her leg. Her attention is torn between this, and the imagery she sees through the window, an older man in a snowy locale (contrasting her own sundress). There are many parallels you can see between the two videos, so why not kick back and add them both to your YouTube watch list?
It would be remiss not to mention that Spencer Berger sings all vocals and plays all instruments on this track (and the rest) and that his voice is simply a treat to behold. Hunnypot is excited to have Auditorium performing at our holiday party on December 12th. If you are local to Los Angeles, or just happen to be in town, this show will be a must-see!
Remember how we could not stop listening to Wiz Khalifa’s “True Colors" and Ty Dolla $ign’s "Guard Down"? Who knew they were both written by PJ?
“Tell Me” is a reminder for guys and gals out there about self-love. “Listen, I'll be on my guard 'til you show me you love me,” sings PJ. Don’t get stuck with people who doesn’t show you your worth. Step it up like PJ, be brave and stop hiding so people can see how you shine.
Balloons, stars and fun graphics -- PJ incorporated all our favorites into her video. Now check out the video above!
Today’s video pick hails from Indonesia. Young rapper Brian Imanuel, better known to some as Rich Chigga, started his path to fame by creating YouTube videos. Through that very medium, he released his first track in 2015, and then the song you’re most likely to know him for, “Dat $tick.” The video for “Dat $tick,” seen above, made its rounds on the internet earlier this year, with a “Rappers React” video including reactions from Ghostface Killa, Tory Lanez, 21 Savage, and more. Most of the reactions were positive, remarking on Imanuel’s voice and age. Ghostface Killa went on to collaborate on a remix of the song, a video for which was released last month.
The original “Dat $tick” video itself features 16 year old Imanuel and friends emulating a stereotypical music video, complete with a large house, (fake) guns, contract dolly shots, and clips in front of a car. However, Imanuel is dressed like a white dad at Disneyland, fannypack and all. The car is a mid-size SUV, the entire video not about living large, but more a reflection of the actual message of the song, which sheds light on youth gangs and poverty in Jakarta, where Imanuel is from.
A diehard music and pop-culture freak, Rock & Roll Jeopardy contestant, ex-child actress, and voracious pop-culture vulture, Lyndsey lives in Hollywood, California with her cat Pussycow and a white snake named Whitesnake, piles of records, and a vintage television set that is always, always on.
Husband and wife James and Shanna Stein comprise the enthralling LA based duo that is Stein Sang. After meeting through a mutual friend, the two eventually folded into a relationship, and later blended in their musical partnership. This multifaceted partnership contributes to their music, giving them a unique perspective and sound. Self-identifying as “cloud music,” the pair collaborate wholly on their almost-ethereal folk-pop songs. Currently, the pair has one EP out, House of Sticks, three tracks of which have music videos available to watch on YouTube. They have just finished recording a brand new EP scheduled to be released top of 2017. Their upcoming single "Crush (Let's Go To The Moon) was co-produced by Chad Hugo from the Neptunes and is featured on Hunnypot's newest upcoming single compilation.
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Tall As Trees are real, pure, unaffected by outside influences. Their music is different, it is theirs alone. They believe in it, live it. Of all contemporary acts in the world today, perhaps only Tall As Trees do what others would like to do, and that is perform only what they believe in, what they feel, not what others think Tall As Trees should feel. Tall As Trees love you. They will not change their music or style to meet the whims of a frustrated world. You should appreciate this because you know they are pure what more can you ask?
Tall As Trees is the indie rock project of Matthew Clark. Joined by Miah Palmer on drums and Kris Camire on bass, TAT delivers a powerful blend of genre bending, instantly memorable,
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SUZY PARADISE grew up a Florida girl with an insatiable knack for mischief in the traveling surf world. Always Finding herself miles from home and in yet another sticky situation, Suzy quickly learned to garner her self-resilient wit to keep her head above water. Thus, she created “the Lifeguard” - her stronger & more redeeming self. “Suzy & the Lifeguard” is a story of self-empowerment encouraging listeners to follow their hearts and be shamelessly unique.
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Longtime Hunnypot attendees and party professionals Jazlyn and Danielle will be co-hosting this get-down with us. These girls will curate a listening session to please your ears and your dancin' shoes.
"In a world where music seems too often scripted and rehearsed, Gogol Bordello’s unique brand of “Pure Vida” cut against the grain of traditional pop culture and transported their fans back to simpler time where the music itself was all that mattered. And in the chaotic world in which we all seem to live, taking a small break to escape the madness was just what the Doctor ordered."
Gogol Bordello may be one of the most kick-ass (and possibly underappreciated) bands touring the states this year. Inspired by gypsy music and infused with punk and dub undertones, this talented group of wanderers from Manhattan’s Lower East Side have released countless albums, played in hundreds of countries, and inspired thousands of acts around the world to follow their dreams – all while staying true to their original mission. As founder and frontman Eugene Hütz so eloquently puts it, “Gogol Bordello’s task is to provoke audience out of post-modern aesthetic swamp onto a neo-optimistic communal movement to new sources of authentic energy.” Eugene’s take on their music is spot on and truly defines their unorthodox sound and spirit which ultimately makes this band so special.
On November 17th, Gogol Bordello set up camp in Southern California for night of musical mayhem that challenged the mind and inspired the soul. Whether you were a long-time follower of their movement or just started listening to their music, there was something for everyone who attended Thursday evenings show at The Observatory OC. Kicking off the evenings festivities was a cool local band called One Less Zero. Sara Wright's energy was infectious and easily fired up the Orange County crowd with a groovy sound and positive vibe that kicked some serious ass. This band is solid and definitely a "must-see" band when they are back in the area after this tour. After a short break, Gogol Bordello took the stage and immediately spun the near-capacity crowd into hyper-drive with their first tracks of the night, "Art of Life" and "Never Young". These were in my opinion the perfect songs to kick off the show and set the stage for an amazing night of music down in the OC. Next up was "Not a Crime" off of their 2005 album, Gypsy Punks: Underdog World Strike. Probably one of my favorite Gogol Bordello songs and took energy levels to a whole new level at the venue. Within seconds, crowd surfers were up and a mosh pit had formed on the Observatory's tightly packed floor. It was pure unadulterated pandemonium and the fans loved every minute of it. For the next 2 hours, Eugene Hütz and company absolutely killed it with twenty more classic Gogol Bordello songs that spanned their entire discography (including a few new tracks yet to be released). Throughout the show, Gogol Bordello's amazing chemistry was showcased by an unbelievable group of musicians including the ever-talented Boris, Pasha, Fredo, Sergey, Thomas, Pamela, Vanessa, and Pedro. I am sure it's not easy to pull off a show like this with so much talent on stage at any given time, but this group pulls it off and does so in fine fashion. Gogol Bordello wrapped up their magical set with two classics, "Alcohol" and "Baro Foro", which put the perfect bow on an incredible night of music at The Observatory.
Seeing Gogol Bordello live was an event not to be missed, and definitely lived up to all of my expectations. If you were one of the lucky ones that came out to see them Thursday evening, you undoubtedly walked away drenched in sweat after a night of non-stop partying with over a thousand of your closest friends. Those in attendance were treated to an incredible stage show (including accordions and violins), amazing musicians (9 to be exact), and a evening of pure mayhem from one of the most intoxicating live bands I have seen all year. Eugene Hütz and company gave it their all for their legions of loyal fans and ensured everyone in attendance got exactly what they came for. And from the smiles on plastered on everyone's face as the show came to an end, this was definitely the case. In a world where music seems too often scripted and rehearsed, Gogol Bordello’s unique brand of “Pure Vida” cut against the grain of traditional pop culture and transported their fans back to simpler time where the music itself was all that mattered. And in the chaotic world in which we all seem to live, taking a small break to escape the madness was just what the Doctor ordered.
For tickets to Gogol Bordello’s final shows of 2016, please visit click here. As you would expect, they are going fast and most shows are expected to sell-out soon. Get yours tickets today and be part of the madness that is Gogol Bordello.
Stay Frosty and Rock On!
Hunnypot Live #354 performer Katie Burden just released a new music video for the song “Run For Your Life.” If you missed the live performance, don’t worry, we got you covered. Check out the audio stream from the November 14th show here. Whether you heard the song live at Hunnypot, during our live stream, or not at all, you should check out the “Run For Your Life” video. Burden told Nylon Magazine that the inspiration for “Run For Your Life” came from German thriller film Run Lola Run. She described it as “one long chase scene.” Her own video component for the track is a significantly shorter chase scene (barefoot, no less!), bringing to life the ghouls that lurk under our beds, in our closets, and outside our windows.
When she is finally caught by the monsters, she’s trapped in the ground, in yet another nightmarish scenario, buried to her neck in the dirt like a modern version of Samuel Beckett’s play Happy Days. However, a tarp covers her and she soon morphs into one of the monsters herself. The psychedelic pop-rock track lends to this frantic fight for survival, this dreamscape some may be all too familiar with from their own nightmares.
“Run For Your Life” is off Katie Burden’s September 2016 album, Strange Moon, available now via Cautionary Tail Records.