This is an historic year for Hunnypot Live, this November we'll hit our 500th show. It's taken Hot Tub Johnnie 23 years to get here, the countdown clock begins. Don't miss a single Hunnypot Live new music discovery podcast this year and support the organization who's given so much to the Film/TV/Music placement and supervision communities. 1/30/2023 Interviews and Live Performances from: Howlin' Moon, Alec Beretz, and PLVNK
Photos: J. Gray
"Howlin’ Moon" is a musical project that has been performing in San Diego since 2011. Their raw, raspy vocals, emotive lyrics, and bluesy riffs make you want to move and dance while you listen. Many of their original tunes tell vivid stories harkening back to their Texas roots, captivating audiences with the narratives of their songs. Make sure to attend the show and share in the remarkable and unforgettable experience that is Howlin’ Moon.
Emo-rap-post-apocalypse-psychedelic-r&b-grunge artist Alec Beretz volunteered to write his own bio and is regretting it with every keystroke. Known cultishly for his debut song “Peep This”, he carried his initial buzz to doing features with T.I. and OMB Peezy. Alec Beretz is known by his fans to release above-average music once every paradigm shift. He has promised (with failure punishable by exile) to release every banger and ballad he’s got in 2023.
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PLVNK (pronounced Plank) is an LA-based musical group composed of Compton rapper JohnBoyCool, Israeli singer Nachum and British instrumentalist Sir Mal. The Songs - ranging from Hip Hop to Alternative Rock to EDM - reflect the diverse backgrounds of the group, pulling from their combined studio and performing experience.
They bring the flavors of the cities they grew up in: Compton, London, and Jerusalem.
PLVNK are going to release two EP's in the next 5 months.
Look Out.Make Love. Unity through Music
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An homage to their childhood and to their love for the DC-Maryland-Virginia (DMV) area, The Crystal Casino Band will be releasing their sixth full-length album, Maryland House (named after their favorite rest stop along the I-95), on Jan. 27. The 13-song album, which was produced by Kyle Downes and Jay Nemeyer, takes its listeners on a trip of emotions and even through genres.
The album begins with “Curfew,” which is a song from the perspective of someone in the DC area during the Jan. 6 Insurrection on the Capitol. This song highlights the struggles of witnessing a horrifying moment of history in a polarized America with lyrics implying someone scared to live in the US and with siren-like sounds echoing in the last minute of the song. “Curfew” feels like the perfect song to start the album with because it sends such a powerful message and has such a strong instrumental with a moving bass line and a driving percussion line. Next on the album is “twenty-something socialist,” and as an almost twenty-something, this song accurately encapsulates the frustration and anger that young people have today towards the capitalism-hungry billionaires. The next few songs on the album, “Jamie,” “Sorry Not Worried,” Boys & Girls” and “Until the Sun Comes Up” all sound like they could be indie-rock classics alongside the likes of The Strokes or Arctic Monkeys.
“Talking Stage” featuring indie rock band Divine Sweater definitely amazed me. It was an unexpected gem and a modern take on western folk music in the sea of indie music. This song felt like a breath of fresh air and added another layer of fascinating complexity to the already incredible album. Something notable about the next song, “City That Sleeps” was how staccato the vocal line sounded, accompanied by the slightly staccato repeating guitar and bass lines. This style of singing was different to the regular melodic and legato singing that we’ve heard from the rest of the album thus far and creates a really interesting contrast. “Wealth & Riches” and “Half Staff” are the songs that I think are the most interesting to listen to on the album because of the complexity of the instrumentals. Listening to them felt almost like an ethereal experience and they take you on an fascinating musical journey. “Antlers” I believe to be on the level of “Talking Stage” because of how I believe it transcends genres but has sprinklings western folk and country influences.
The final two songs on the album, “Quarter Life” and “Getting Closer” are phenomenal songs to end the album with because they help tie the album back together by depicting experiences and emotions related to childhood. “Getting Closer,” especially, is a perfect song to finish the album because the lyrics are slightly more hopeful about finding and not forgetting your inner child and joy and has a twinge of playful innocence by including whistling and a harmonica. However, the song ends slightly ominously, which I believe to be a circle back to the less hopeful and more realistic songs and tones of the beginning of the album.
Overall, I believe that Maryland House is an incredibly complex album yet worthy of your time and attention. It will surely capture you from the very first spin and leave you wanting more when the needle finally lifts. Mark my words, The Crystal Casino Band are on their way to becoming the next big indie-rock band and I'm looking forward to watching this band take off in the not-so-distant future!
- Kate Kotlyar
2023 got off to a bang with a full. Night ahead of magic from super group, The Sound Of Animals Fighting accompanied by the kings in Hail The Sun. Luckily we got the opportunity to be introduced to Concrete Castles and Record Setter in the same night. The lineup was stacked, and the room was packed. It was a cold one in Dallas that night, but thingS heated up quite a bit once the show got started. Let’s jump into it.
Getting things going were the dudes in Record Setter. Jumping straight into the first song I was sort of blown away. They are like your favorite underground early 2000s emo band that just needed that platform to be seen and heard. Great stage presence and overall, the music was banging. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the bassist run around all over stage. Dude was on one. I really dug every song which is always an up in the air judgement with openers. Great performance.
Following them were Pennsylvania based trio Concrete Castles. Led by frontwoman Audra Miller, this was a new one for me. As I’ve stated before, openers are always so anticipating because sometimes you really find those diamonds in the rough. Concrete Castles is one of those. Very much on that Paramore-esque type sound, I found myself not even taking photos and just watching them give a fantastic performance. They had some electronic infused songs which was cool to hear because of how well female vocals and EDM go together. 10/10 would see again.
Next up was Hail The Sun and boy was I looking forward to seeing Donovan tear it up again. Last time I saw him was Unsilent Night with Scary Kids Scaring Kids when he was fronting with them. He puts on such a great live show and by the pictures I got, very JUMPY on stage which is always exciting to experience and capture. They are such a great mix of post-hardcore and prog metal. His vocals do such a great job of leading a song along to keep it exciting. They went on to play some of my favorites by them – “Relax / Divide” and “Human Target Practice” to name a few. Their 40 minute set was banger after banger. One minute you are vibing and the next you’re making sure your ear plugs are staying in. Can’t wait to see them again.
Finally, we had the pleasure of seeing The Sound Of Animals Fighting hit the stage – super group extraordinaire led by none other than Anthony Green of Circa Survive, Saosin, and L.S. Dunes. This was an exciting one as it was the first time I got to see him live. Lights dim and members start to flood out. It’s kind of crazy but there are about 8 members in the band and each play a role in the set. It started out very ethereal with Matthew Kelly, one of their other vocalist, singing a very soft intro before Anthony came out to wreck some havoc.
Carrying a soft white light bulb that was illuminating his face, Anthony took us on a journey into how talented he really is. He has to be one of the most diverse front men I’ve ever witnessed. Each song took a turn from fast prog metal to slowed ethereal vibes. Spoken word was even being read during songs to add an extra element to the performance. It was a non-stop heavy pounding experience. Stoked I was able to catch one of the many rare occasions of them touring.
Glitter, Glitter Everywhere! Hunnypot's debut show for the year was an explosion of fun and good music, another night we'll always remember. Thanks to Shira and the entire Gritty In Pink team for their activism and support. Listen to the full show podcast style and tell a friend.
#WhereMusicLoversGoToPlay
Gritty In Pink is building a marketplace network, connecting women who work in all aspects of the music business and industry partners and professionals who want to hire diverse women.
Gritty In Pink founder ShiraGirl is an artist, activist, and entreprenuer, with a prevous 10+ year career in experiential marketing and CPG sales- including VP and Director roles- with Pabst Brewing Company, Collide Agency, Truth Campaign, and beverage start-ups Bev and Owl’s Brew. Shira has executed hundreds of brand partnerships and sponsorships, and produced many special events and ground-up festivals.
Shira was a featured speaker at SXSW Festival, and featured press including Billboard, Alternative Press, NPR, and NY Times. She graduated UPenn cum laude, with a major in Communications from the Annenberg School.
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BodaciousThang is a fire-fueled performer with raw vocals and unmatched energy. Hailing from Kinston, North Carolina and debuting as an artist in Kansas City, this queen is classically trained and has turned her musical intellect into a captivating journey that will have you pleading for more.
Her empowering messaging, versatility, authenticity, and comedic influence puts her in the ultimate position to take your timeline and playlist to the next level.
GLITTER TRASH PLAYED THEIR FIRST SHOW IN REDFORD, MI AT THE DOUBLE OO PUB ON JANUARY 30, 2010. THE BAND WAS CREATED BY VOCALIST JENNA JAMES MULLINS, A SELF-TAUGHT MUSICIAN WITH NO PREVIOUS BAND EXPERIENCE. SHE WROTE LYRICS AND COMPOSED A NUMBER OF SONGS AS DOCUMENTED ON “WRECKAGE”, THE BAND’S 1ST SELF-RELEASED ALBUM IN 2011. JENNA CREATED THE BAND AS A DIVERSION AND ESCAPE FROM SOME INTENSE PERSONAL ISSUES GOING ON IN HER LIFE. SHE ENLISTED A NUMBER OF DETROIT AREA MUSICIAN FRIENDS TO GET THE BAND STARTED.
DURING THE EARLY YEARS OF THE BAND, JENNA’S SELF-DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR ONSTAGE CREATED A NUMBER OF PROBLEMS WITH LOCAL MUSIC VENUES. FUELED BY HER ANXIETY AND OUT-OF-CONTROL STAGE ANTICS, THE GROUP STARTED TO GET BANNED FROM A LARGE NUMBER OF DETROIT AREA STAGES, INCLUDING SOME OF WHICH THE BAND HAD NEVER BEFORE PLAYED. THE BAND’S WILD REPUTATION PRECEDED THEM AND WAS TAKING A TOLL ON THEIR ABILITY TO PLAY IN METRO-DETROIT.
IN 2017, JENNA MADE THE DECISION TO MOVE THE BAND FROM DETROIT TO LOS ANGELES. THE BAND ERUPTED BACK ONTO THE SCENE PLAYING A NUMBER OF WILD AND WELL ATTENDED HIGH ENERGY SHOWS. A ROCK HYBRID COMBINING ELEMENTS OF PUNK, CLASSIC ROCK, HARD ROCK, ALTERNATIVE, GLAM, AND METAL.
Dedicated fans of Shiragirl know: she's always going to speak her mind, and she's always going to act on behalf of the things she believes in. Nobody told Shiragirl to show up at the Warped Tour in the early '00s and create a makeshift stage for female punk performers — but she saw a woeful lack of representation and decided to do something about it. Tour organizer Kevin Lyman noticed, acknowledged that Shiragirl was right, and allowed her to host an official stage. Over 200 female-fronted acts would play the Shiragirl Stage - including Joan Jett, Paramore (on their first tour ever), and Justina Valentine (current MTV star on Wild N' Out and other shows) - and it's become an essential part of the history of the Tour.
Shiragirl's advocacy didn't stop there. She's raised money for girls' charities, shot a live video at the Women's March, and pushed hard and effectively for gender equality throughout the music industry. Lately, she's been looking hard at the digital dystopia we've created and asking whether the world we've made with our phones and computers is optimal or even sustainable. "Antisocial Media," her latest single, picks up and extends the critique she began on the trenchant Andi Underground (produced by Tim Armstrong of Rancid). That six-song concept EP followed a rebel against techno-conformity who, in her irrepressible energy and determination to defy an oppressive system, resembles Shiragirl more than a little. "Antisocial Media" has the same punk rock energy and pop immediacy that made the Andi Underground EP such a delight. Expect big beats and buzzsaw guitars, a catchy melody, an irresistible riff, and pointed lyrics about pointless online activities. As always, Shiragirl is irreverent, funny, smart, and swaggering, and impossible not to root for.
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Born and raised in Baltimore City MegaGoneFree is an up and coming independent recording artist. Her uniquely soulful voice and alt-pop sensibility shines through on her hit single "Talking Bout Bri" which has seen viral success and has been streamed globally by Mega's ever growing fan base which is a testament to her superstar potential.
Mega has projects in development, releases planned for 2023 and more than (4M+) fans that follow her across social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where she has taken off as a social media influencer who has gained popularity due to her charming musical videos and electric personality. The future is bright for this talented artist.
As the atmospheric river pummels California with a level of rain you’re more likely to see in the United Kingdom, the multitalented Suki Waterhouse kicked off the American leg of her Coolest Place In The World Tour right here in Orange County, California. The British model-turned-actress-turned-entrepreneur is now adding established singer-song writer to her long list of incredible talents. While she’s always been a talented musician, 2022 was truly a breakout year for her musical endeavors. After releasing her debut album I Can’t Let Go (via Sub Pop) and touring with Father John Misty, she’s now headlining her first tour across North America. Starting off in Santa Ana, the tour will zig zag its way through the country, with stops in San Francisco, Portland, Chicago, Atlanta, New York, and back to its final show in Los Angeles. When I heard the show in the OC was her opening night, I knew this was one to catch. Let’s hop into a couple of my highlights.
Supporting Suki Waterhouse at this show was Jane. Jane hit the stage to warm up the crowd. The multi-instrumentalist artist rocked the stage with a keyboard, guitar, what appeared to be a drum loop, and a mic amongst other things. The crowd swayed back and forth as Jane took them through a music journey littered with heavy synths and rolling basslines. In a roundabout way, there were moments in his set where I felt like I was witnessing the second coming of Tame Impala.
Soon after, Suki took the stage and the crowd erupted with excitement. Jane returned as an integral part of her supporting band on the guitar. Suki re-introduced him to the crowd as his first name, Raj, alongside Emilia on the drums, and Michael on bass. Being her first headlining North American tour, I understand why they went with the Constellation Room over the main room, but when she hit the stage, the energy in the room skyrocketed. I haven’t seen so many fans so in love with the acts who headline the small room. While she may only be really leaning into her music in recent years, it was clear that the room was packed with not only fans of Suki Waterhouse music but fans of Suki Waterhouse, the multitalented person. Looking around the packed room, I saw faces light up like Christmas morning as she weaved through her set. Some memorable moments in her set were the songs “Johanna,” “Coolest Place In The World,” and “Nostalgia.” “Nostalgia” was my personal favorite, but the majority of the room latched onto every word and sang along to her encore song, the TikTok viral sensation “Good Looking”. She then wound down her set, took a couple selfies with the crowd using a few lucky fans’ phones (and a polaroid camera), and thanked everyone for such a great start to her first headlining North American tour.
All in all, there was no better way that Suki Waterhouse could have launched her Coolest Place In the World Tour. Not only was this show sold out, out of the 23 dates on the tour, 11 of the dates are also already sold out. Tickets are going fast. Cop yours fast if she’s coming by your city. At the rate she’s blowing up, I don’t know how many opportunities you’ll get to see Suki Waterhouse again up close and personal in a small room.
Thanks to Guitar Girl Magazine for the coverage of Hunnypot Live's 1st event in 2023...
What: Hunnypot Live and Gritty In Pink are starting off the new year right and honoring MLK Jr Day with a live showcase at The Mint LA. Featuring rising TikTok star MegaGoneFree, all girl punk band Shiragirl, hybrid rock band Glitter Trash, and soulful party starter BodaciousThang! Attendees can expect a night of live music, interviews, food, drinks, and an afterparty with Hot Tub Johnnie.
When: Monday, January 16, 2023 at 7 PM PST – Admission: FREE for all ages
Why: Hunnypot and Gritty In Pink are bringing together the local LA community to celebrate womxn on MLK Jr Day. A fun night with a bill of electrifying womxn artists, music, entertainment, and more. Hunnypot Live, known as the place where music lovers go to play!
Who: Gritty In Pink – a female-led platform, on a mission to achieve gender equality in the music industry. They empower women in music through an online community, partnerships, events, and their new marketplace INPINK, recently partnered with Live Nation Women.
Hunnypot Live – is a bi-weekly, Podcast/Concert/Industry Mixer with 480 shows recorded over the last two decades that celebrates music, discusses current cultural musical trends, and shares opinions on the state of the industry. Launched in November 2005, Hunnypot features live in-club performances by some of the most exciting and diverse artists in music today.
Where: The Mint LA 6010 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035
Who should attend: The local LA community, music lovers, music industry professionals, and entertainment outlets.
It’s been almost 14 years since I first learned about the enigma that is Lush One. When I first found the battle rap scene via Grind Time Now, he had already carved his place in history as a pioneer in the scene. Known for his charismatic introductions, vivacious bar reactions, and drippy attire, Lush One continues to be one of the best hosts to ever hold a battle together. Thanks to Hunnypot, I’ve had the opportunity to cover some of the events he’s been directly involved with. Check out my photos/reviews of Ruin Your Day’s Ruin Your Show here, Rap Off’s Rap Off Live LA Event here, and GTX’s The Prelude here.
Over the years, Lush has booked some of the most exhilarating battles and has thrown events in conjunction with some of the most elite artists in the world, but it’s all come at a price. That price was his battle with addiction. Throughout his career, the man’s been through it all: the ups, the downs, the lefts, the rights, the truths, the lies, the friendships made, and the hearts broken.
Now 2 years and 9+ months sober, Lush One lives to tell the story. “Ski Lift” is a metaphorical and visual tale of a dysfunctional life playing in the snow. Over an eerie Chase Moore produced beat, Lush raps “Cocaine on the glass / I’m a sniffer / I’m looking at the man in the mirror”. He reflects on his bad decisions but yearns to be free at least. While having a disquieting undertone throughout the song, moments of hope shine through.
Lush One is a testament to that, which is what makes this video so powerful. His story of overcoming addiction serves as an inspiration to all of us. After facing his demons, he’s brought a battle league back to California (salute GTX Battles), is now a permanent fixture on the No Jumper podcast, and is blessing us with another project, Horacio’s Ski Resort. On the day he dropped this video, Lush One turned 41. He posted on his Instagram that there was a point in life where he didn’t think he would make it past 18, let alone 25. Well, here’s to 41, Lush! Keep up the great work. We’re stayin’ tuned for Horacio’s Ski Resort.
If Sophie Powers isn’t yet a major star, she soon will be.
On December 8th, Powers was the second in a three-act bill also featuring Extra Large Holiday Card and headliners Wicca Phase Springs Eternal at the venue 1720 in downtown Los Angeles. She took the stage leading off with “Clearview”, her collaboration with UK artist NOAHFINNCE.
The Canadian teen is completely confident on stage, morphing between copping a punk rock attitude and exhibiting true vulnerability while singing sitting cross-legged on the floor.
She had no problem interacting with the audience, leaning in to make eye contact. Sophie asked the crowd if the liked they outfit she designed and then she asked if they would buy it. Speaking of which, Powers came out wearing a Targaryen-colored wig with long braids and a green and white two piece.
She bounced.
She twirled.
She sat.
She seemed very much the teenage-performer she is, even though her strong lyrics belie her age.
And then something happened.
As part of her set list, Sophie Powers covers “Heart Shaped Box” by Nirvana. All of a sudden, the bouncing teenager disappeared. Hugging herself disappeared. Cute disappeared. Fierceness took over. Her voice raged.
Sophie Powers showed her range. She showed her cross-genre abilities. The kind of abilities that make someone a star.
THE SET LIST
It was a muggy Wednesday night in Dallas, Texas but that wasn’t going to stop people from making their way to the Southside Ballroom for a nearly sold-out show to witness the magic that is Modest Mouse. I remember hearing “Float On” on the radio in the car with my mom driving. To say I was able to be up close and personal with them was bound to be a super cool moment. The artist Mattress accompanied them on their 20 year anniversary of The Lonesome Crowded West Tour.
Mattress was set to take the stage and by my surprise it was just him (and his music pad). Already getting it started in an interesting but not so surprising way for a Modest Mouse show I’d say. I can honestly say it was 100% not what I was expecting as far as sound goes, but man was the crowd into it. I can’t figure out the best way to explain it but it’s a mix of 90s electro mixed with spoken word poetry. This man was full sending it all on stage. Never did I think I’d find myself in a room experiencing anything like it but it was definitely a memorable moment to say the least.
Soon after Mattress left the stage, the lights got dim and music dropped. At this point there was very little room in the ballroom to navigate anywhere. If anything was learned that night, it was that Modest Mouse still has a massive fan base, especially in Dallas. Members start making their way on stage and then Isaac Brock walks up to the mic. Knowing we are hearing the full album; most people sat back and enjoyed the show. It’s always cool getting to hear a full album from front to back live and Modest Mouse delivered.
The lights were honestly impeccable to say the least. I loved that the drum lights illuminated the whole kit because most of the time drummers stay hidden. Each member was highlighted on stage. Hearing Isaac’s vocals live was a trip. After all these years he still sounds as good as he does on the records. The 18-song set, and 4-song encore were truly an incredible experience. You could tell in the room that Modest Mouse still knew how to put on a good show and draw a crowd – something that is hard to maintain the test of time. I’m glad I got to capture a super cool moment in time for them and hope for many more years of success in their career!
In anticipation of the release of his new project, Geezyworld 2, OhGeesy has been hitting the internet with a slew of singles to maintain the high level of buzz around his name. It was just a few weeks ago where I got the opportunity to cover his appearance at The Vermont in Hollywood, CA. That day, OhGeesy dropped the visual for “Gallery”. That visual has now crossed the million-view mark on Youtube alone, not even counting the streams/across all other platforms. On 12/12/2022, OhGeesy hit the fans with another visual, this time for his brand new single “1st Day of School”
Over yet another Ron Ron (also formerly of Shoreline Mafia) produced beat, OhGeesy throws together another solid hook reminiscing about the good feeling of the first day back in school. With an R-rated twist, OhGeesy’s got girls twerking in the classroom, lean in his cup, homies rolling up weed on their notebooks, and a strap in his bookbag. The video cuts between the classroom and a yellow school bus where OhGeesy and company can be found partying like a bunch of high schoolers up to no good.
Shout out to Kuno for directing and Saadmoon for editing. They really captured a mischievous nostalgic vibe with this one. It’s great OhGeesy has these guys on his team to help compliment his edgy party music with equally rugged visuals. These guys continue to kill it on OhGeesy’s projects. Peep this video and stay tuned for Geezyworld 2.
- Kris Kuganathan