Darkwave goth group Synical recently released their new music video "Homesick," and it's a hauntingly beautiful masterpiece that's sure to captivate fans of the genre. The video, released via Cleopatra Records, features a brooding melody that's perfectly complemented by the stunning visuals.
The video features the band performing amongst strange and unique visuals including a throwback look and feel to early 80's darkwave along with the torching of a helpless keyboard that never hurt anybody. The imagery is both eerie and captivating, with a visual style that piqued my interest from the very start.
Lyrically, I dig the vibe and after a few spins really honed in on the overall message of loss in life and our ability to overcome it (if we take responsibility and own it). It's something as humans we can all relate to in one way or another.
One of the standout features of Synical's music is their ability to weave together disparate elements into a cohesive whole. "Homesick" is no exception, with darkwave, post-punk, and gothic influences all blending seamlessly together. It's a testament to the band's skill as musicians and their dedication to creating a unique and compelling sound.
Overall, "Homesick" is an impressive release from Synical that's sure to please fans of the genre. With its haunting melody, stunning visuals, and masterful blend of musical styles, this is a video that's definitely worth checking out.
In addition, Synical's new album This Will All Happen Again will be out on July 21st and will be accompanied by nine more outstanding tracks. The band’s fifth studio album will feature performances from legendary artists such as Bauhaus, Love and Rockets, Mary My Hope, Faster Pussycat, Murderdolls and more - and it promises to be their most ambitious album to date.
- Matthew Belter
Whenever I’m asked to check out a band, or a friend sends me music, I’m always hesitant to check it out. What if I don’t like it? What do I say if I don’t? What even is my music taste if we’re being completely honest? So, when I was given the task of checking out the new Sevendust music video for their single ‘Holy Water’, that same hesitation came back. What if I don’t like it? This is the first time I’ve come across Sevendust in general let alone heard some of their tracks, so as I sat down with that same question repeating itself in my head, I hit play…
It was right around the 0:12 second mark though where that question just went away entirely. Sevendust’s latest track ‘Holy Water’ is a lyrical powerhouse of introspection whose visuals tell the narrative perfectly: how easy the lines can become blurred between ally and enemy when dealing with mental health.
When dealing with a concept like this, I was really curious about what direction they would go in for the music video; something straight forward, or something more in line with the “short film” approach. With brilliantly penned lyrics like, “I feel a darkness inside, It's buried deep but alive, Why do I love it so much?” and, “You fed the flames of the fire, To watch it burn me alive, The reasons I'll never know,” I expected it to be the latter. Instead, it’s an amazingly “simple” setup of handheld shots with each member isolated in black that’s only interrupted by a single key light that’s constantly changing from a cold blue to a warm orange; a simple trick that turned ‘Holy Water’ into one of my favorite music videos of 2023 so far.
I mention the lighting specifically cause when we look at something like color theory in film, each color is used to convey a certain feeling/emotion to the viewer (i.e., Blue = Cold, Isolation, Melancholy vs. Orange = Warmth, Balance, Vibrance). It’s such a small concept, but it perfectly depicts the conflict Lejon Witherspoon writes about and does so in way that doesn’t take away or distract you from the music – but rather elevates it to an amazing result.
So do yourself a favor, go check out the video for ‘Holy Water’ and be sure to check out their new album Truth Killer dropping on July 28th!
The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto was transformed into a boiling cauldron of energy as the Summer Storm Tour featuring Nita Strauss unleashed a relentless display of musical prowess. The evening kicked off with local band Sticks N' Stones, a local group hailing from Brampton, Ontario, known for their high-octane performances. Having seen them previously opening for John 5, they have honed their craft over the past year, evolving into a tighter and more aggressive force to be reckoned with. Despite the stage being cramped with three drum kits and an abundance of gear, they managed to deliver a powerful and captivating set, capturing the audience from the start. The venue’s stage was tucked into a narrow corner and the stage itself sat just a couple feet off the ground. Fans were able to get up close and personal with the band from the start. Nita Strauss had a large group of VIP Ticketholders who got a autograph session and a hour long Q&A before the show, as well as front row spots.
Next up was Lions at the Gate, a band that boasts an impressive lineup consisting of former Ill Nino members alongside bassist Stephen Brewer and drummer Fern Lemus. Formed in 2022, they have wasted no time in making a name for themselves with their distinct sound. Lead vocalist Cristian Machado brought his commanding presence to the stage, while guitarists Ahrue Ilustre and Diego Verduzco displayed their seasoned prowess. Lions at the Gate showcased their musical style through a nine-song setlist, including tracks like "Not even human," "Vultures," and "Digital Sea," which draw from their collective experience while forging a new sonic path.
However, it was Nita Strauss, the guitar virtuoso known for her work with Alice Cooper, who stole the spotlight as the headliner of the night. With her upcoming album "Call of the Void" set to release on July 7th, Nita has quickly risen as one of the top guitarists in the metal industry. Her dynamic and intricate playing, coupled with her unwavering stage presence, has solidified her position as an iconic figure in the genre. Nita Strauss has carved her own path, infusing her edgy repertoire of instrumentals with her unique flair, capturing audiences worldwide. Joined on this tour by vocalist Kasey Karlsen, their collaboration brought a fresh dimension to the performance, with Karlsen's searing vocals perfectly complementing Nita's raging guitar work.
Throughout the night, Nita Strauss treated the audience to a mesmerizing setlist that showcased her diverse range as a musician. From the blistering opening of "Summer Storm" to the melodic intensity of "Mariana Trench" and the fierce energy of "The Quest," each song was a testament to her mastery of the instrument. The setlist also included tracks from her upcoming album, such as "Lion Among Wolves" and "Victorious," providing a glimpse into the new sonic territory she is exploring. As the night progressed, the introduction of Kasey Karlsen on vocals infused the performance with an electrifying energy, elevating songs like "The Wolf You Feed," originally sung by Alissa White-Gluz on the album, to new heights.
Navigating the intimate venue, Nita fearlessly worked the front of the stage, headbanging mere inches away from the impassioned crowd. The lack of a photographer pit and the stage's proximity to the floor meant limited mobility for capturing diverse angles, particularly during the earlier bands. However, as Nita took the stage, the atmosphere became more spacious, allowing her to prowl and connect with the audience on a personal level. The Summer Storm Tour at the Horseshoe Tavern provided a rare opportunity to witness Nita Strauss, one of the industry's top guitarists.
Lions at the Gate Setlist
1. Not Even Human
2. Vultures
3. Scapegoat
4. Drain
5. Bed of Nails
6. The Climb
7. The Ledge
8. Digital Sea
9. Find My Way
Nita Strauss Setlist
1. Summer Storm
2. Our Most Desperate Hour
3. Mariana Trench
4. Alegria
5. Lion Among Wolves
6. The Quest
7. Pandemonium
8. The Wolf You Feed
9. The Golden Trail
10. Through the Noise
11. Victorious
12. Dead Inside
13. Cowboys From Hell
JUNETEENTH JUBILEE "A CELEBRATION OF BLACK EXCELLENCE IN MUSIC"
A very special podcast/concert event was held on June 19th, 2023, by Hunnypot Live to celebrate Juneteenth - a holiday honoring the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. The event was co-hosted by industry professionals Yvette Metoyer & Emoni Matthews and showcased a lineup of talented Black musicians and artists, displaying their exceptional skills and creativity.
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YVETTE METOYER (MUSIC SUPERVISOR)An LA native, Yvette Metoyer started her career in the film & TV music industry as an assistant and later a music coordinator on a number of critical darlings, including the Emmy-award winning AMC series, “Breaking Bad”, as well as the equally compelling follow-up, “Better Call Saul”, and zombie apocalypse ratings juggernaut, “The Walking Dead”. In July 2020, Yvette decided to take the reins and founded music supervision company, Sounds In Color, which focuses on music supervision for film and television projects and also includes ad and promo production as well.
Some of her recent work can be seen in the third season of the smash hit Amazon original series, “The Boys” and the forthcoming buzzing spinoff series, “Gen V”; the fantastic futuristic Netflix animated series, “My Dad The Bounty Hunter”; the Fox Television crime drama series, “The Cleaning Lady”, and the forthcoming animated film, Jodie - an exciting nod to the nostalgic MTV series, “Daria”.
As a compliment to her career, Yvette has also focused on community support and volunteering. She is a chair member of the Guild of Music Supervisors Education Committee, which produces an annual conference centered on educating the film & TV industry about the field of music supervision and beyond.
Bringing with her a distinguished reputation in the music industry, Emoni Matthews serves as the Co-Founder and President of Music Supervision and creative licensing Services.
Always having a passion for music, Emoni accomplished the first major milestone of her career while still in college: she founded Entertainment Alliance” the first record label on a Historically Black College University. The label was completely operated by students. It still operates today serving as a liaison between the campus and industry professionals.
Next, Emoni landed the exclusive opportunity of interning at Paramount Pictures within the music archives department. Her knowledge and experience gained there catapulted her into her next endeavor: working with Grammy award-winning producer/engineer Darryl Swan. Following her graduation from Norfolk State University with a Bachelor of Music Media, Emoni was hired by her previous summer internship provider, Hunnypot Unlimited, as an on-call public relations assistant.
Simultaneously, she also began working as a Music Supervision Associate for Extreme Music. From there she ventured to Rostrum Records to spearhead the creation of their new one-stop shop catalog, DRIP Library. Following Rostrum Records Emoni served as Head of Music Supervision and Creative Licensing for House Music Group.
Emoni is living proof that it is important to aim high and never accept no as a final answer. She has the experience, talent, and ear for music that has translated into her fearlessness and determination to succeed and help others succeed along the way.
Kyaira is a 28-year-old soul singer/songwriter currently based in Washington, D.C. Her unique powerhouse vocals and soothing undertones are similar to the likes of Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott, and Ari Lennox. Her voice is the warm hug you never knew you needed. Since arriving to the DC music scene in 2012, Kyaira has performed with her band in local District venues such as City Winery, Union Stage, Eaton Hotel, and Songbyrd.
Kyaira has also released four singles, appeared on various projects for other local artists, and is currently working on her first E.P to be released in 2023. On the stage, Kyaira has opened up for artists such as Jade Novah, Candiace Dillard-Bassett, Nim, and DuPont Brass. While still relatively new in her artist career, one thing is for sure: Kyaira’s voice is her superpower and she is only going up from here.
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Gabrielle Hights is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer. Born in Killeen, Texas and raised in Augusta, Georgia, her southern upbringing and classical music background greatly influence her sound and musical tastes today. Gabrielle has worked with artists such as Mya, Kevin Ross, Trey McLaughlin, and many more.
Currently based in the DC Metropolitan area, Gabrielle’s evolution as an artist has been heavily influenced by the DC music scene. With every performance, she is able to command and captivate an audience with her strong voice and engaging personality. Gabrielle believes in originality with every musical piece and often pulls from her choral background when composing and arranging. Her wide vocal range allows her to be fluid across genres as she is able to easily flow from a classical piece, to gospel, rhythm and blues, rock, and any other style of music that comes to mind.
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Jordan Hawkins, R&B’s rockstar, didn’t just appear overnight. His stunning sound has come together through years of passion and work, fusing together so many influences, inspirations, and collaborators. Born in Greensboro, North Carolina and raised in the church choir, he is following in the spirit of true performers, Prince, Jimi Hendrix, John Mayer, artists who took the guitar and brought their magic to life. Hawkins might have come to Southern California for school, but LA quickly became the perfect place to harvest a growing passion for music. He followed that passion, and now at just 26 years old, he has found his community and found his sound.
“Trying to find love in LA let alone anywhere in the world is never straightforward. 4Play details the evolution of a relationship fueled by sex, lust, and passion. Starting at a party and ending with the question ‘What are we?’ 4Play encapsulates stories from my life that I’m sure others will be able to relate to.”
With this narrative in mind, 4Play is Jordan's sophomore EP. Spanning nine tracks, the project has features from Phabo and Reggie Becton and production from close collaborators including Mike Hector, Bizness Boi, Blake Straus, Aja Grant, and the production collective of which Jordan is a part, NAIVE.
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Hailing from Los Angeles, CA, MyGuyMars (b. Lamar Edwards) is a multifaceted recording artist, best known for his production, songwriting and for his work as a solo musician. Born to musical parents, with his mother (Tracie Edwards) a singer and his father (Clifton Edwards Jr.) a minister, songwriter and artist, MyGuyMars grew up with the sounds of gospel, soul and R&B happily filling his family's household. This inspired him to explore his own talents from a young age, even playing organ each week in his grandfather's church.
In 2006, after co-founding 1500 or Nothin' – a band-turned-collective – MyGuyMars found himself working with the likes of hip-hop veterans such as Snoop Dogg, T.I. and Bobby Valentino. From working on the theme music for T.I.'s VH1 show, Family Hustle, to recording his own solo material, MyGuyMars has established himself as one of music's most trustworthy and go-to collaborators, often celebrated for his professionalism and humble nature.
He has since gone on to lend his production and songwriting expertise to the likes of a star-studded client list, including his mentors, T.I. and Snoop Dogg, as well as some of contemporary music's most talented and successful acts, including Chris Brown, Usher, Don Toliver, Saweetie, Mary J. Blige, Kehlani, R. Kelly, Drake, Faith Evans, Bow Wow, Tyga, Busta Rhymes, Bobby Valentino, The Game, Jay-Z, Lupe Fiasco, Master P, Jennifer Hudson, Marsha Ambrosius, Mya, Nelly, Wiz Khalifa, YG, 2 Chainz, Ty Dolla Sign, Nipsey Hussle, Mac Miller and more.
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The name Ben Reilly stands for two things. As an avid comic book collector, Ben Reilly wanted to pay homage to his favorite superhero Spider-Man, specifically the clone of Peter Parker’s Spidey in the comic book storyline in the Marvel Universe. It also means embracing who you really are. “Ben in itself is supposed to stand for ‘Be. Nahree,’” the Atlanta by way of Brooklyn artist says. “It’s supposed to represent me embracing myself from within.”
In 2021, the Abstract Media member made his solo debut with Freelance which featured the viral song "Maytag" Ben raps with hungry urgency like someone who knows their time is coming. He switches between rapping and delivering diary-like entries on themes of self-doubt, perseverance, and loyalty as he plays with different flows while distorting his voice.
“The music will speak for itself, especially in instances where my life is changing now,” he says. “I’ve been putting in the work and now it is starting to be seen. A lot of people are starting to recognize it.”
With a foundation deeply rooted in the Baptist Church, Cymone stuck to her roots by singing background for Motown's Gospel artists, Gene Moore, Chante' Moore, Mya, Michelle Williams of Destiny's Child, and countless others. She has decided to venture into the R&B and Pop space and currently supports Grammy-nominated artist Ella Mai on tour.
C. Cymone sums up her philosophy in life with one quote, "Make your passion your paycheck," and she is working everyday to do just that. She intends to bring a renewed sense of artistry to the music industry and aspires to be one of the most sought- after entertainers, vocalist, songwriters, and vocal producers. She is gearing up to release her debut EP, VII YRS LTR produced by Grammy Nominated, 5x Billboard charting producer DLo.
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Pop-fusion artist TK's unique life journey is reflected in his music as he masterfully blends R&B, alternative and rock sounds, influenced by the African rhythmic undertones of his heritage. Providence-born, Nigerian-bred, London-raised, DMV-hardened, and LA-based, TK takes listeners on an unparalleled journey of genre-bending music through vivid soundscapes and brilliant storytelling.
An innovator and disruptor in the web3 space, TK has been featured on top NFT platforms such as Sound.xyz, OpenSea, Zora and Catalog, selling out multiple NFT collections related to his music. Most recently, he ranked as the third all-time trending artist based on primary sales on Sound.xyz for his audio-visual NFT collection Eternal Garden, raising $50,000 of revenue in one week and receiving recognition from Billboard for his accomplishments.
With years of experience as a singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer, TK’s work with the world’s biggest musicians like Rihanna, The Weeknd, Usher, and Jaden & Willow Smith has shaped him into one of the most prolific artists of this generation.
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Tech N9ne has been a legendary figure in the rap game for years now, and his latest track "Fatha Fig Ya (Food for Thought)" featuring RMR only cements his place among the greats. The song starts off strong with a powerful beat and Tech N9ne's signature rapid-fire flow, showcasing his incredible lyrical abilities and undeniable talent. And when RMR comes in with his haunting vocals, the track takes on a whole new level of depth and emotion.
What makes "Fatha Fig Ya" stand out from other rap songs is its thoughtful and introspective lyrics that touch on important issues like senseless killing, political instability, and hating on others different than us - all of which affect ones mental health. Tech N9ne and RMR both deliver powerful verses that address these issues head-on, without shying away from the harsh realities of the world we live in. It's clear that this song was created not just to entertain, but also to provoke thought and encourage listeners to take action.
Overall, "Fatha Fig Ya (Food for Thought)" is a powerful and thought-provoking track that showcases Tech N9ne and RMR's incredible talent and creativity. With its hard-hitting beats, emotionally charged lyrics, and powerful message, it's sure to become a favorite among rap fans everywhere.
And if that wasn't enough, Tech’s anxiously awaited new full-length album, BLISS, will drop on July 14, 2023. This will be Tech’s first full-length LP since the 2021 blockbuster ASIN9NE and one Hunnypot can't wait to listen to!
Until next time - Matthew Belter
The Indie Rock Road Trip tour had a (planned) pit stop at Minneapolis this Wednesday, stopping at the fabulous, gargantuan Armory where 8000 adoring fans packed themselves into the massive space to catch the return of 90s-but-also-other-decades darlings Weezer. They brought LA indie rising stars Momma and the ineffable Modest Mouse with them, filling out the event space with their car-themed projector and stage setup and sending everyone back on a nostalgia trip. The atmosphere was palpable as people brimmed with anticipation for the evening that would follow - Weezer hadn’t been to the state since their performance on the Hella Mega tour in 2021 at Target Field, and they had brought such a phenomenal pair of bands with them.
Momma opened the show - familiar-but-inventive with the twin vocal melodies of Etta Friedman and Allegra Weingarten, their sound was at the same time completely enveloping and soothing, a lullaby to simpler times and simpler places. They were the perfect opener for the two bands to follow, setting the bar high but leaving their own mark on the audience (and it wouldn’t be the last time they’d be around that evening). The tour’s intent to capture the spirit of the Indie old guard and combine it with an almost passing-of-the-torch makes perfect sense when you see Momma’s performance - there is surely great things to come.
Modest Mouse followed suit. Frontman Isaac Brock took the stage, looked out pensively, and then kept it simple - “we’re Modest Mouse, let’s do this”, and then soft strumming exploding into Brock’s familiar twangy cry as a rendition of "Dramamine" was played out. Old hits and newer songs alike would be covered over the next hour, with timeless classic "Float On" crossing swords with newer cuts like" Fuck Your Acid Trip" and "Back to the Middle", the blend of sounds really demonstrated just how effortless a lot of Modest Mouse’s ingenuity and sincerity seems. Even with 30 years on their belts, they make all their material sound timeless and cohesive, sounds of new and old blending together without missing a step (and why they were a perfect pairing for this tour).
Finally Rivers and co take the stage, and the crowd loses their mind (after a pre-show that consisted of Toto’s "Africa" being played directly after a Metallica song) as they launched into their first song, "My Name is Jonas". Weezer - depending on the venue hit - brings with them a massive projector with closeups on the performers displayed for those further back, simultaneously providing a visual tour through cartoonish landscapes from the perspective of a windshield. The idea is road trip visually, and with that in mind, Weezer charted a journey through their discography, busting out rarely seen classics like "Susanne" while playing safe bets like "Say it Ain't So" (and of course "Buddy Holly" for the encore), dancing all across their 30 years of material, much to the absolute delight of the packed house.
I believe I witnessed a superstar in the making Saturday night in San Diego. Twenty-eight year old singer songwriter Melanie Martinez brought her Portals tour to San Diego mesmerizing the audience with a captivating and visually stunning show that felt more like performance art than just a concert. The world was first introduced to Martinez in 2012 when, at just 17 years of age, she finished 6th on the NBC hit singing competition series The Voice. I specifically recall her rendition of The White Stripes hit "Seven Nation Army", a creative and fresh approach utilizing those now familiar delicate emotive breathy vocals.
After success on The Voice, Martinez launched her solo career with a successful bang. Her debut album Cry Baby (2015) went double platinum with several commercially successful songs. The follow-up album K-12 (2019) went gold and was accompanied by a limited release musical film of the same name where Martinez, who also wrote and directed the film, played the main character, her creation “Cry Baby”. Unfortunately, the tour supporting this album was cut short due to the Covid pandemic.
Martinez launched her third album Portals on March 31st debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart. An ambitious world tour was announced, with interesting notes that the tour setlist would be the Portals album beginning to end with Martinez performing in character portraying the latest incarnation of Cry Baby. This character turns out to be a pink four-eyed fairy nymph like creature.
Showing up to the Viejas Arena in San Diego, it was immediately clear that Martinez had a wildly loyal following. Portals was barely two months old but a large percentage of concert-goers (dominated by females 12 to 25 years old) were wearing outfits inspired by the art and visuals of the new album - fairy princess type dresses, elf/nymph ears, glittery makeup, and cosplay type wigs. Although awkwardly self-aware of being perhaps the only middle aged dude in the entire arena, I was determined to see what all the buzz was about. I did find myself yearning for a set of elf ears to better fit in, but no luck.
When the arena lights dimmed, I immediately regretted not bringing earplugs. The piercing screams of the sold out arena filled with Martinez maniacs had me both impressed and wincing. I had never experienced a crowd so loud in my life. I’d guess only a Taylor Swift indoor arena show could rival the magnitude of this crowd’s excitement. As promised, the show opened with the first song and lead single on Portals, “Death”. The song was a perfect transition and introduction to the new album, describing how the Cry Baby vessel from the previous album (and film) has died but the spirit had transitioned into a new form – as Martinez appears on stage as a masked pink four-eyed fairy nymph character:
They’re carving my name in the grave again
The flowers are fresh and their faces wet
My body as died but I’m still alive
Look over your shoulders I’m back from the dead
Into the second song (and second single “Void”), the audience continued to scream every lyric at the top of their lungs, often drowning out Martinez. It was becoming clear that this wasn’t just a concert, it was an immersive interactive experience. Surrounded by an elaborate fantasy-inspired set, Martinez captivated the audience with synchronized dancing and movements supported by a talented group of six graceful dancers who played a major part in the overall performance. Revolving animated backdrops, changing stage props and a variety of costume changes gave the show the feel of a theatrical play. Martinez delivered an energized and emotional performance motivating a locked-in audience to sing, dance, cry, and celebrate with her all night.
Martinez’s creative vision boldly came to life on stage before our eyes, highlighted by her strong connection with adoring fans. Her wispy ethereal vocals and blended elements of pop, alternative, and electronic/synth are a signature style that will take her far. How far? After her ambitious 33-date North American tour this summer, the Portals tour heads to Europe for an 18 show run in the Fall, followed by an Australia/New Zealand leg in January 2024. My take is that by the end of the tour, the multi-talented Martinez will have exploded from popular singer to worldwide superstar.
Keep rockin’ and be well, Greg Vitalich
The Studio at The Factory in Dallas, Texas, was buzzing with anticipation as fans lined up outside, eagerly awaiting a night filled with electrifying performances for The Property Tour. Waterparks, the pop-punk sensation from Houston, was set to headline the show, with direct support from the dynamic indie rockers Hunny, and the talented singer-songwriter Sophie Powers opening the night. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, and the crowd was ready for an unforgettable musical experience.
Sophie Powers took the stage as the opening act, immediately captivating the audience with her soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics. She effortlessly commanded the room, silencing the chatter and drawing everyone into her intimate world. Her songs were deeply personal and vulnerable, resonating with the crowd and leaving a lasting impression. Sophie's performance set the perfect tone for the night, leaving the audience hungry for more.
Hunny burst onto the stage, infusing the room with their infectious energy and vibrant sound. The California-based band wasted no time in igniting a frenzy, their catchy melodies and irresistible hooks driving the crowd into a frenzy of movement. Lead singer Jason Yarger's charismatic stage presence was magnetic, his powerful vocals reverberating through the venue. Tracks like "Vowels (And the Importance of Being Me)" and "Rebel Red" had the crowd singing along at the top of their lungs, their enthusiasm matched only by the band's infectious enthusiasm. Hunny left the stage amidst thunderous applause, leaving behind a palpable sense of euphoria.
Finally, the moment everyone had been eagerly awaiting arrived as Waterparks took over the stage. From the very first note, the trio commanded the room with their explosive energy and undeniable charisma. Awash in a sea of lights, they delivered a high-octane performance that had the crowd bouncing and moshing from start to finish. Lead vocalist and guitarist Awsten Knight's undeniable stage presence and powerful vocals were a force to be reckoned with, while Geoff Wigington's electrifying guitar solos left the audience in awe. The band effortlessly navigated through their discography, delivering fan favorites like "Royal" and "Turbulent," as well as newer tracks from their latest album. Each song was met with thunderous cheers and a surge of energy from the crowd, creating an electric atmosphere that crackled with excitement.
The Studio at The Factory proved to be the perfect setting for this unforgettable concert experience. The intimate venue allowed for a deep connection between the performers and the audience, making each moment feel personal and immersive. Waterparks, Hunny, and Sophie Powers showcased their remarkable talent, leaving the crowd with a night they would never forget. From the emotional vulnerability of Sophie Powers to the explosive energy of Waterparks, this concert was a testament to the power of live music and its ability to bring people together in a shared moment of pure bliss.
In support of their latest album, The Final Battle, popular Christian rockers Stryper stopped by the House of Blues San Diego to deliver their unique blend of heavy metal and inspiring messages of faith. Since it had been at least 30 years since my last Stryper show (yikes!), I was both excited and curious to see how the band’s current live show would compare to the energetic performances I witnessed back in the glory days of the late 80’s. At their peak of popularity, Stryper made a significant impact on the emerging Christian music scene, enjoyed heavy airplay on MTV, and achieved one platinum and two gold records. Knowing the band is still going strong 39 years since the release of their debut EP album The Yellow and Black Attack is simply awesome.
A positive vibe filled the House of Blues San Diego as band members, dressed in their familiar black and yellow attire, strolled on stage beaming with smiles and waving to the crowd to loud cheers. They kicked things off with the catchy mid-tempo banger “Sing Along Song”. As Michael Sweet sang that first melodic chorus followed by those tasty and amazing Stryper backing harmonies from guitarist Oz Fox and bassist Perry Richardson, it was quite clear these guys were on their game! The band was loud, tight, and the vocal harmonies were fantastic. Maybe most importantly, the band and the audience were having a blast.
Lead singer and guitarist Michael Sweet is an incredible talent; his voice is distinct and magical. He can still manage most of the high parts from songs he recorded well over 30 years ago – which is certainly not the case for most veteran metal singers from the 80’s! Sweet commands the stage with his energetic performance and fun interactions with the crowd. Drummer Robert Sweet, who with brother Michael founded the band 40 years ago in Orange County, California, kicked into beast mode with wild drums fills during the dramatic intro for “Loving You”. Robert still famously sets up his drum kit facing stage right to provide a more unimpeded view of the audience – and vice versa. I’m surprised more drummers don’t emulate Robert’s set up, as it allows the drummer to interact more with the crowd while the audience can enjoy more of what the drummer is doing behind the kit – flailing arms bashing toms and cymbals, legs furiously working the hi-hat and kick drum.
Recovered from brain surgery in 2021, it was good to see lead guitarist Oz Fox looking healthy, laughing and shredding like usual, plus his backing vocals are outstanding. Bassist Perry Richardson (FireHouse), joined the group 2017 and fits right in. You can’t miss Richardson on stage with his massive head of curly blonde glam hair. But his outstanding musicianship and excellent backing vocals help round out an impressive quartet hitting on all melodic metal cylinders.
The set list had a nice balance of songs from 10 different albums, mixing in huge hits like “To Hell With the Devil”, “Soldiers Under Command”, “Free”, “More Than a Man”, and “Calling on You”, solid deeper cuts like “Surrender”, and two tracks from the new album including the double-bass drum face melting “Transgressor”. Overall, Stryper put on an entertaining memorable high-energy performance with an uplifting message – proving once again why they have been so successful for nearly four decades. Despite the album name, The Final Battle, this is not a farewell tour by any means. Stryper is already making special plans to celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2024. Catch them on tour this year and keep an eye out for a special milestone anniversary tour next year!
Keep rockin’ and be well,
Greg Vitalich
We laughed, we cried, we cheered, and ultimately, we were left completely breathless by all the awesomeness that just unfolded before us! What an unforgettable ride as we count down to the 500th show with an incredible line-up for #488! Emmy award-winning composer David Schwartz co-hosted the night, bringing his quirky television-defining scores and songs to the stage. Vincent & Theo, the COVID project from Schwartz and musician Julian Coryell, and the Folk/Americana stylings of Single Girl, Married Girl were unmissable. Hunnypot favorites and rising rock stars Fencer tackled mental health stigma with their dynamic garage opera sound. The night closed with a short and sweet PRIDE-inspired dance party set by NEKEITH. From the exhilarating start to the epic finale, Hunnypot was filled with non-stop musical greatness and FUN, including an endless supply of thrills and chills!
#WhereMusicLoversGoToPlay
David Schwartz is an Emmy award-winning composer that has helped define quirky television on both sides of the 21st century. He struck comedy gold with the cult NBC comedy series Arrested Development with regular collaborator Mitchell Hurwitz, where—from the opening strains of his ukulele swing theme song—Schwartz contributed score and songs that were both funny and mock-serious, jumping from genre to genre and providing an essential (and Emmy-nominated) layer to the show’s eccentric charm.
Recently, David was tapped by Amy Poehler to compose the music for her documentary directorial debut, the Amazon feature, Lucy and Desi from which a lush, cinematic score was inspired and secured him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Composition for a Documentary. Schwartz also composed music for the NBC series, Rutherford Falls, starring Jesse Leigh and Ed Helms, now in its second season, the hit NBC comedy, The Good Place starring Kristen Bell and Ted Danson, the final season of the prestigious HBO series VEEP, starring Julia Louis Dreyfuss, and the Fox drama series, Almost Family, starring Brittany Snow.
After returning for the resurrected fourth season of Arrested Development on Netflix, David joined forces with Pam Brady & Hurwitz on the second season of the Netflix original series, Lady Dynamite, starring Maria Bamford and Better Late Than Never starring George Foreman and William Shatner. Schwartz’s dusty, fiddled main title theme song for the lauded HBO drama Deadwood invited audiences into the criminal world of the old west every week, and was recognized with an Emmy nomination.
Previously, his chameleonic music for the beloved, Emmy-winning CBS series Northern Exposure set the peculiar tone of the show for all six seasons, as both underscore and songs emitting from the on-screen jukebox. His theme song for the show was nominated for a Grammy. His film work includes Alex Gibney’s Sundance hit Gonzo: The Life & Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson. In addition to these iconic works, Schwartz has lent his unique voice to everything from Reaper to Benched to the Lennon-McCartney themed VH1 movie, Two of Us. His theme song for the CBS horror series Wolf Lake was nominated for an Emmy, and he was a composer for the comedy feature, Standing Up Falling Down starring Billy Crystal and Ben Schwartz.
Schwartz, who grew up in NY, has been playing music across genres for most of his life. He studied at the School of Visual Arts (NY), and Berklee College of Music, and during college he played bass in a wide variety of Orchestras, ensembles, and bands. He quickly began engineering and producing music—and his quirky, multi-instrumental, and song-oriented background prepared him perfectly for his first big composing assignment Northern Exposure. “When I’m composing for comedies, I never think, ‘Oh boy, ‘let’s make this funny music,’” explains Schwartz. “But I always try and make things fun.” He is just as excited about music now, as he was when he started playing in bands. He adds, “I come from a family of visual artists and when I discovered film/tv composing, it immediately felt like the right fit, where I could combine music with visual storytelling. I like to get inside the filmmaker’s head and figure out how to best support the emotions of the story with music.”
Vincent & Theo, the exciting collaboration between top television composer David Schwartz and singer/songwriter and noted guitar slinger Julian Coryell will released their first single and video, “Soul Smell” on all platforms.
“Soul Smell,” asks a rarely thought of question – what does your soul smell like? The single inspired video director Ian Schwartz to create a unique AI-assisted video of monkeys at a bar, in space, and in a cyberpunk landscape to accompany the song. The video can be seen here.
“Soul Smell” is the title track for the Soul Smell album set for release on June 2. This unique project resulted from a COVID file-sharing collaboration between these two Los Angeles musical fixtures, Emmy-winning TV composer David Schwartz and singer/songwriter and session/touring guitarist Julian Coryell (Alanis Morissette, Demi Lovato) recording as Vincent & Theo.
As Julian was the main lyricist on the project, he notes that his inspiration for “Soul Smell” was, “What does your soul smell like, is an existential way of asking, how are you doing? This is a recurring theme throughout the album, examining life’s perennial queries from a quirkier perspective.”
Unlike the instrumental and guitar-oriented work they are known for, Soul Smell is a jazzy alt-rap affair that recalls both the spoken word and lyrical grunge of the 90s – Soul Coughing, 311, Cake, but sans guitar, along with a healthy dose of William Burroughs, Tom Waits, and Leonard Cohen’s world-weary slices of life.
In just a few short months, they had 11 songs which they filled out with some of their favorite musicians: noted film and television singer/songwriter Lucy Schwartz (vocals, vocal arrangements), keyboard legend Larry Goldings (piano, synths), Death Cab for Cutie’s Zac Rae (keyboards, synths), and popular LA session drummer Jake Reed (drums, percussion).
L.A.-based pop/folk/Americana outfit Single Girl, Married Girl writes songs that are simultaneously beautiful and devastating with poetic, perceptive lyrics that astutely capture what it means to be human.
Steeped in a folk songwriting tradition that harkens back to Pete Seeger and Joan Baez mixed with modern songwriting elements in the style of Jenny Lewis and Brandi Carlile, Single Girl, Married Girl fearlessly tackles issues ranging from loss and drug addiction to insecurity and depression.
Their new album, Three Generations of Leaving, chronicles the trials and traumas of three generations of women from the same family - the matriarch, one of her daughters, and her estranged granddaughter. Upon release of Three Generations of Leaving in 2021, they received praise from No Depression, The Bluegrass Situation, American Songwriter and The New York Times...including a write up from Jon Pareles.
Recorded primarily in New York at Rift Studios with Grammy-nominated engineer Tom Gardner, who also serves as producer, the album features lush instrumentation, catchy melodies and sweeping musical arrangements that bring the songs’ poignant lyrics to life. Pierre de Reeder of Rilo Kiley tracked the main vocals and some of the instrumentation at his Los Angeles studio, 64 Sound, where renowned harpist Mary Lattimore contributed to the song “Scared to Move.”
Single Girl, Married Girl’s 2017 album Spark was an auspicious debut, but Chelsey Coy has evolved and come into her own as a songwriter on Three Generations of Leaving. As with many new bands, they struggled to gain notoriety early on, which they documented in the song “Starlight.” Ironically, the tune took off and received half-a-million streams on Spotify, breathing new life into their career.
Named for The Carter Family’s song of the same name, Single Girl, Married Girl has been confused for a dating site on occasion for obvious reasons, with people seeking love connections on the band’s Facebook page; something the band finds ironic, considering their own pursuit of an audience.
Three Generations of Leaving also features longtime band members Charlie Rauh on guitar, Oskar Haggdahl on drums, John Gray on upright bass, and Shannon Soderlund on backing vocals, with guests Thad DeBrock on pedal steel and baritone guitar, Mary Lattimore on harp, Philip Kronengold on piano/organ, Burt Levine on banjo, Callie Galvez on cello, and Haruka Horii on violin.
Fencer, the self-defined garage opera band, is leading a new era of rock music with their own undeniably, dynamic sound. The Los Angeles-based trio consists of vocalist and guitarist Field Cate, bassist Scott Sauve, and drummer Cameron Sauve. Only two years after their inception, they became fan-favorite openers for notable acts such as Badflower, The Wrecks, and Dead Poet Society.
Tackling the stigma surrounding mental health and its struggles, Field’s emotive and frenetic vulnerability resonates with listeners to further solidify the band’s electric presence. The trio have racked up an impressive 2 million listens across all streaming platforms, despite having not even released their debut album. Field’s synesthesia (seeing music in color), Scott’s vigorous bass-lines, and Cameron’s expertise in self-producing flow together to create an eccentric style that is certain to become rock’s newest novelty.
Nekeith is an American hip hop recording artist, songwriter, dancer and actor. She has performed on BET Freestyle Friday and was crowned as one of the top 10 finalists and was chosen to be part of the Lee Daniels Entertainment the Creative Workshop. Nekeith has performed in multiple venues to broaden her artistry and recently released her new album titled GLOW which is available now on all digital platforms! With over 250k Views and stream downloads, Nekeith is just getting started on her legacy!
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