Our final Hunnypot Live Podcast/Concert/Party for 2022, truly a night of euphoria.
12/12/2022 Photos by J. Gray, Mastered by James Coffman
Benjamen Janey is part entrepreneur, digital designer, musician, and Founder of Spooler.co. Spooler is a tech-driven apparel company that utilizes technology to help people take control of what they wear. Janey's ever simple idea of customizing apparel for celebrities and tourists on Venice Beach has expanded to 13 countries world-wide, and spawned collabs with recognizable brands such as Tootsie Roll, Nike/Jordan, Sesame Street, and multi-platinum artist Lil Flip (and our own Hunnypot Live Merch).
In his book, The Making of An American Hip-Hop Tycoon, Janey and co-author Jennifer Oliver O’Connell put a spotlight on Janey’s entrepreneurial journey and how his background in the Hip-Hop industry continues to drive the inspiration and innovation for his corporate ventures.
The book also provides a blueprint and inspiration for upstart designers, founders, and entrepreneurs by bringing attention to specific success principles, summarized through valuable, “Life Lessons” in every chapter.
A combination inspirational memoir and how-to guide business guide, The Making of An American Hip-Hop Tycoon appeals to multiple audiences and is an essential tool across various industries.
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A Nashville-based musician, Josh Mack paints from a broad musical palette. The Middletown, Ohio native’s sound combines the rich storytelling of folk, the raw emotion and grit of blues, and a rock & roll edge. These influences are top-coated with a layer of psychedelic haze to create an atmospheric, multi-layered listening experience that has drawn comparisons to famed contemporaries like The Black Keys and Queens of the Stone Age.
Josh is a prolific songwriter and recording artist who has assembled a digital catalog of over 40 songs since 2018, and who has published songs for sync licensing. A seasoned live performer, Josh has developed a reputation for his spellbinding guitar work, helping him to blossom into one of Music City’s most intriguing young artists.
h2the is an LA based producer and artist who merges 80s synths and layered beats, brought to life through dynamic visuals and sound.
The h2the live band brings the songs to life with some of h2the’s favorite musicians, including Buwi (bass), Tal Vaknine (harp), Calireiki (reiki bowl), Sounten (op1 & vox) and generally a few guest vocalists.
“Brilliantly blending 80’s synths with an new cutting edge sampling style, rising hip hop/experimental producer h2the released his debut single titled “Taste Of The“, a teaser/cut-up off his new beat tape exclusively available on cassette!” – UGHH
URB Magazine wrote that “[h2the] is something else…in a profound kind of way,” calling his sound titillating and “juicy for the ears,” while The Village Voice described his productions as “adventurous and banging.”
2DOPEBOYZ and Vibe Magazine’s allhiphop.com have also noted h2the’s rap flips of 80?s inspired sonics. It’s the producer as auteur as every track takes you through the emotional space of the artist, like Kanye or Godard.
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French-Moroccan artist, IAO Carla awakens an unseen dimension, a musical realm that empowers our soul, with a deep passion in storytelling through groovy percussions and heart soothing melodies. Inspired by her Oriental and Hebraic roots, in her works Carla explores spirituality and the meaning of life. Self taught musician who turned to music to heal.
Her music is successful in elevating people’s moods and her vocals soothes the Soul.
Everything she touches, whispers, screams, taps... She awakens it, roughly and lovingly.
Born around classical music, traditional Moroccan chants and hymns.
As we enter December and the Christmas/Holiday time, we want to remember what makes this time of year so special. Spending quality time with family, friends, and loved ones. Going out and enjoying the holiday spirit and decorations while wearing season attire. Coming together to sing merry songs with one another. Giving gifts and donating to charity to help make others happy. When you think of these topics, of course a death metal music festival is what comes to mind. Xibalba wanted to through a huge death metal festival for a good cause hosted at the Belasco Theatre in Los Angeles, CA. Bringing family and friends together, with members of the audience dawning their battle vests, while coming together to sing brutal lyrics in harmony. What made this event so special is that this was a non-ticketed event. Xibalba just requested that you bring an unwrapped new toy to donate, and you would be allowed to enter the show for free. With a ticket price of knowing you are helping make a less fortunate families holiday time more special, who would not want to come out.
The first band that I was fortunate enough to see was Undeath, and these guys were ready to tear the Belasco apart. Opening their set with “Rise from the Grave,” lead singer Alexander Jones let out some vicious guttural vocals. Flanked by guitarist Kyle Beam & Jared Welch playing the crunchiest of riffs that let everyone head bang. With bassist Tommy Wall holding down the low end, it was drummer Matthew Browning’s flurry of double bass beats that got the crowd moving. Not only was the mosh pit the craziest I’ve seen from any concert in a long time. Fans were continually jumping on stage and stage diving throughout their entire set. If you wanted to be up close and personal with the band, you had to strap yourself in for war as you moved in the chaotic ocean that was the crowd. Dodging flying torpedoes of human bodies from all sides. Playing a set that consisted of songs like “Lord of the Grave,” “Necrobionics,” “Grave Osmosis,” “Brandish the Blade,” and closing with “Lesions of a Different Kind.” Undeath brought out the brutality in every crazed maniac in the crowd.
Up next was a band that has been making waves in the death metal scene for the last couple years, that being 200 Stab Wounds. As an ominous overture played over the speakers, the band prepared to unleash hell onto the Belasco. Lead singer and guitarist Steve Buhl roared the opening lyrics to their song “Phallic Filth.” Guitarist Lance Buckley fingers were on fire as they flew over his fret board ripping through the songs. Bassist Ezra Cook helped brought the heaviness in tandem with drummer Owen Pooley. Once again, the crowd could not be contained to just the floor, as body after body would jump on stage and hurl themselves back into the crowd. Some were caught, some were not, but no matter what the stage divers jumped up with a fiery passion of excitement. 200 Stab Wounds played a fierce set consisting of songs like “Slave to the Scalpel,” “Drilling Your head,” “Skin Milk,” “Tow Rope Around the Throat,” “Masters of Morbidity,” “Release the Stench,” “Itty Bitty Pieces,” and closing out their set with “She Was Already Dead.”
Stepping onto the stage was one of the more tenured bands of the day, that being Skeletal Remains. This band brought a heavier and thrashy sound in my opinion. Looking like Cousin It with his hair completely obscuring his face, vocalist and guitarist Chris Monroy opening their set with a ravenous song called “Illusive Divinity.” Fellow guitarist Mike De La O weaved his guitar solos into each song with perfection. Bassist Brian Rush was flying across the neck and strings of his instrument with ease and comfort while non-stop head banging. Drummer Pierce Williams kept the beats blasting in the faces of the crowd as he pounded away on the double bass. Playing songs like “Beyond Cremation,” “Traumatic Existence,” “Tombs of Chaos,” “Devouring Mortality,” and ending with “Congregation of Flesh,” Skeletal Remains kept the crowd roaring back at them through the entire set.
This festival has been going on since 2 o’clock, and the fans have been going ballistic all day long. By the time the final band was setting up, you could feel the energy was starting to waiver a bit in the crowd. Xibalba was about to hit the stage, and they had a mission to wake the crowd back up. As the slow creeping opening to their song “La injusticia” started to creep into the ears of the crowd. You could feel an energy shift. As vocalist Nate Rebolledo walked on stage, the guitars came in with heavy riffs and attack to them. Nate commanded the stage, and his first line of lyrics woke the battle-weary crowd at the Belasco back up. As everyone caught their second wind, the mosh pit opened fiercer than it had been prior. Guitarist Jensen Huncle and Brian Ortiz traded off licks that ignited the headbangers and air guitarists. Bassist Martin Stewart and drummer Jason Brunes made sure there was a solid beatdown beat playing throughout the set that let the crowd killers throw their fist and kicks in the air.
Once again, the crowd was not satisfied to just be going crazy in the audience. Fan after fan would jump on stage, only to hurl their body back into the crowd. Because of the chaos of the mosh pit, fans would try and run up the side stage stairs, which had security on their toes the entire set. At one point a rogue fan went to pat Nate Rebolledo on the back before jumping into the crowd, and Nate lost his balance and fell into the crowd. Ever the showman, Nate kept singing and performing as the crowd caught him and kept him trapped in the audience for the rest of the song. This crowd had been moshing for hours, but that wouldn’t stop them from going crazy during Xibalba’s set for songs like “Bright Sun,” “Cold,” “Años en infierno,” “Cursed,” “Hasta la Muerte,” and “Stoneheart.” During their final song “No Serenity” the crowd stole the mic from Nate and passed it around from fan to fan until the song was over. One fan even let out some Lorna Shore style pig squeals when they got their hands on the mic.
Throughout the day we had the heaviest of music to listen to. People going crazy in the mosh pit, throwing fists and kicks. People flying over the crowd. Just looking at the chaos this way, you would think that this was just a normal metal festival. Xibalba took a moment to remind us why we were there. This was a non-ticketed event. No one paid money to get in. All anyone needed to do was bring an unwrapped toy to donate to charity and you were allowed into the show. Metal heads get a bad wrap for looking scary, menacing, and appearing like they hate the world. But this festival was a great reminder that metal heads are still just people. People who care about others. We come together to enjoy live music, sing the songs we love, take joy in being surrounded by people who share our same musical interests. Its just a little more chaotic than some other kinds of shows. I met so many people that were happy to be attending this show, to see the bands, but also to be able to attend by helping people who are less fortunate. I do hope that more concerts may take this motto to heart in the years to come.
Gearing up for a good night at the South Side Music Hall, I was thinking about the last time I got to capture the guys in State Champs. It was So What! Music Fest and they had people crowd surfing all over the place coming across the barricade so as expected, it was going to be a great night. They were accompanied by Hunny and Between You And Me with a local opener to get the show started. The venue began to fill, and I got in position to capture the night.
Local opener, morningbuzz, jumped out on stage and were more than ecstatic to be there. Saying they were asked the day before; they were a ball full of energy. I had never heard of them, but it was cool to see the tour bringing on a local to the show. It helps support the local scene and opening for a group like Champs is def an honor as they said. They were a whole vibe the entire time and excited for more people to check them out.
Next up were Australian natives, Between You And Me. A new one for me but nonetheless always excited to see and hear some new tunes. As expected, there was a ton of energy in their stage presence. I found myself getting super into the sound and vibing song to song. Lots of jumping and crowd participation was happening everyone was there for it. You could tell this wasn’t their first rodeo. After going back and listening to them after the show, they played all of the hits like “Deadbeat”, “Butterflies”, and “Dakota”. A band I’m sure I’ll be seeing again in Dallas.
I was looking forward to the bands that were being added to this tour because Hunny always comes up on Instagram when I type in Hunnypot so I’m excited to finally capture and share some photos of them! Hunny ran out on stage and didn’t skip a beat. Jason Yarger, the front man, is a great stage personality and of course a great vocalist. Every member of the band was in sync during the performance. Based on the crowd’s reaction, you could also say that they were very much enjoying the set as well. I was a big fan of the very catchy riffs and jumpy drums from them. There was no downside, it was all good fun out of them the entire time.
Lastly, the Kings of the New Age, State Champs are set to take the stage. Peeking over to the side, I could see them doing their pregame huddle before running on stage. I’m sure it is always a thrill headlining a show and playing to a room full of excited fans. Lights dim and the house music silences, a deep bass fills the room and ominous lights start to shine on the crowd. The intro to “Just Sound” begins and in rolls the members. I had some excitement going into that photo pit to capture once again one of my favorite pop-punk bands. As per usually Derek Steez came out with 110% and the crowd went WILD. A few songs I as super stoked to hear were “Outta My Head”, “Elevated”, “Everybody But You”, and “Secrets”. I have those on repeat most days. My favorite part about their set was when Derek slowed it down and playd some acoustic jams. I was pure bliss and the whole crowd was singing along. State Champs will stand the test of time I think and look forward to what they can achieve down the road! Be sure to catch a date on the rest of the tour, you won’t want to miss it!
It had been 4 years since I last got to see the band Turnover and when I saw they would be back, I got extremely excited. Not only are they such a unique and different kind of band, but they also just so happen to be one of mine and my wife’s favorite bands. Album to album, they change the game and surprise us all so having 2 new albums out since we last saw them was making for a great night already. Joined by the bands Video Age and Temple of Angels, it was looking to be one for the books at Tulips in Fort Worth, Texas that night.
Temple of Angels got the show started and I was already super down with the very ethereal vibe they were putting out on stage. Very much a sit down and relax type of music that I’d say the crowd was really into as the house began to pack in. The cool part about them was the switch between lead singer and drummer singing vocals on songs. Made it pretty niche all things considered. As Texas natives, I’m sure I will be seeing more of them.
Following them were New Orleans based group, Video Age. Already based on the name of the group, I knew we were going to get some very retro sounding tunes, and we were right. The upbeat tunes were a real vibe setter. Song to song, they never caught you off guard, rather they eased you into a cool headspace. I liked that each member’s instrument was carved out in each song. You could really tell they all played a pivotal piece of the instrumentation. Video Age is one of those bands you out on when you’re driving down the road with the windows rolled down. Can’t wait to see them again.
Lastly, Turnover was about to hit the stage. We were all excited to hear the new jams but in all honestly, we needed some Peripheral Vision tunes in our lives. We knew it was coming but we’ll get to that in a minute. The band walks out and Austin, their lead vocalist, was full head of hair and a huge beard different than the last time we saw him. Almost didn’t recognize him but I was digging the new look. He was on guitar and keys this time around and looked like it was going to be a sweet set up. We were off to the races.
The thing I really enjoy about Turnover is that they are quiet and to the point with their music. On stage there was minimal chatter but many thanks for supporting the opening bands and them over the years. They take being ethereal to a whole new level with these new songs and happy to finally hear “Tears of Change” live since the new album drop. They went through the newer song and then pivoted to songs from Peripheral Vision and the crowd went wild. “Dizzy on the Comedown”, “Cutting My Fingers Off”, and more bangers were played. The whole set was immaculate and I’m looking forward to the next time they are in town!
After a 4-year hiatus, Three Days Grace sizzled into History in Toronto for an epic show! Kicking off the night were The Standstills - Jonny Fox and Renée Couture with their newest addition bassist Brendan McMillan. Despite being together for over 10 years, they put on one of their most powerful performances yet to get concertgoers in the mood! Having shot them several years ago when they opened up for Sebastian Bach I was prepared for the amazing drum looks that Couture provides. I love when bands showcase the drummer so you can really experience their craft and Couture is amazing to watch. The three-piece band had some great hooks featuring songs off their new album Shockwave.
The Warning put on a show that I won't soon forget! Led by the powerful Daniela Villarreal Vélez, this three-sister trio from Mexico rocked an electrifying set full of hard rock and endless energy. Watching her shred guitar and own the stage with such ferocity was truly something special - there's no doubt in my mind they're destined for big things down the road. Get ready Lzzy Hale...these ladies are just getting started! With Daniela (Dany) on vocals, Paulina drumming and Alejandra masterfully playing bass guitar - this trio is one formidable force that even Metal giants Metallica couldn't resist; they invited them to be part of their Metallica Blacklist charity project in support of charities like All Within My Hands foundation and Save the Children. Midway through their set came a unique spin on classic heavy metal anthem "Enter Sandman"– feminine yet melodic it was easily recognizable as everyone's favorite METALLICA song! It doesn't stop there ladies bring killer catchy riffs backed by great stage performance - definitely energizing your next live experience
The crowd was electric as soon as the lights dimmed and a deafening chant for Three Days Grace echoed through the arena. Even before they made it to stage, their logo with two flaming hearts on each side of it filled up everyone's vision! Matt Walst had an intense stage presence - radiating energy while asking fans to get their fist in the air. Instantly, mosh pits started swirling around accompanied by surfers flowing in sea of raised hands. I was ducking in between shots as arms and legs were flying Matt couldn't contain his excitement either and addressed 10-year anniversary since he joined Three Days Grace; thanking Toronto specifically who accepted him with open arms at one his first gigs ever back then!. Needless to say that Jiggy Walst aka party alter ego came alive too much cheering from every part!!
The rock band Three Days Grace gave fans an unforgettable show when they performed their 17-song set, featuring two acoustic renditions of 'The Highroad' and 'World So Cold.' As the venue lit up with special cell lights for these songs, drummer Neil Sanderson stepped away from his kit to tickle keys at the front end of stage! Daniela from The Warning made a memorable appearance during their killer show - and I'm not just saying that! Every one of them was an absolute professional, making my job unbelievably simple. Not to mention the spectacular lighting display, which could easily have been featured on any stage in Vegas! My camera had its work cut out for it with all the awesome moments captured; narrowing down what I wanted to share was more difficult than usual. Enjoy these photos as much as we enjoyed putting this fantastic performance together! Nothing lights up a venue like the energy of an electrifying Three Days Grace show! On May 6, 2022 they gave fans even more to scream about with their newest studio album Explosions. With songs such as “So Called Life”, “I am the Weapon” and “Neurotic” already earning top spots on rock lists around the world, it was no wonder why Matt dedicated his speech before performing each track - giving insight into what inspired them. From expressing feeling lost in life (Neurotic) or missing loved ones far away (Lifetime), TDG had everyone singing along – phone's lit up across arena when Lifetime began playing creating an other-worldly atmosphere that will stay remembered forever by all who were there. Additionally proving yet again why they remain one of my absolute favorite live bands!
THE WARNING
SETLIST
1. Z
2. Queen of the Murder Scene
3. CHOKE (with Barry Stock)
4. MONEY
5. Dull Knives (Cut Better)
6. Enter Sandman (Metallica cover)
7. ERROR
8. DISCIPLE
9. EVOLVE
THREE DAYS GRACE
SETLIST
1. So Called Life
2. Animal I Have Become
3. Home
4. Pain
5. Break
6. The Mountain
7. I Am the Weapon
8. Painkiller
9. The High Road
10. World So Cold
11. Just Like You
12. Neurotic
13. The Good Life
14. Lifetime
15. I Hate Everything About You
Encore:
16. Never Too Late
17. Riot
On the heels of the Geezyworld Tour, OhGeesy has been back in the lab whippin’ up new music to follow up his solo album, Geezyworld. The debut album exceeded expectations and solidified OhGeesy’s presence in the game as a one-man act. He’s been up to big things: releasing his debut album to critical acclaim, selling out shows across the country as a soloist, and pumping out high-profile collaborations with the likes of YG, DaBaby, Central Cee, and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie. He’s accomplished so much in just a couple of years, and it was time to celebrate on 11/25/2022. Being his birthday weekend, OhGeesy decided to do it big. He dropped the song and accompanying visual for “Gallery” exclusively on YouTube at 12 PM and followed it up that night with his official birthday party hosted at The Vermont in Hollywood, California to celebrate.
Warming up the crowd on the ones and twos was DJ Vision (who also supported the Geezyworld Tour). Playing trap banger after trap banger, DJ Vision kept the party people going. Unlike many other clubs, The Vermont felt more like a traditional concert venue with a big stage up front. As the crowd grew larger, you could feel the energy in the crowd increase. Sporadic mosh pits would break out and waves of energy would ripple through the crowd. Donned in all white from his hat to his shoes, OhGeesy commanded the room with a bottle of 1942 in one hand and the mic in the other. Weaving in and out of DJ Vision’s set, OhGeesy played a few of his Shoreline Mafia classics like "Nun Major", "Musty", and "Change Ya Life". Fueled by the alcohol, the event transitioned from a club appearance to a full-blown concert. I was a little apprehensive seeing OhGeesy in this format, but he didn’t disappoint anyone who showed up to see him rap. It’s not every day you get to see an artist in their element celebrating with their friends and then rap/perform for love of it as well. There was a different fun kind of energy in the air that’s not found at more traditional concerts. It looked like everyone was having fun, including OhGeesy.
OhGeesy didn’t technically have to perform that night, but he did because he knew everyone in the building wanted to see him rap. It was special. He gave us a flashback of the Geezyworld Tour and a glimpse into the future at the highly anticipated Red Cup Tour with YG in early 2023. There are few people who put on for Los Angeles like OhGeesy, and he must be protected at all costs. Grab your tickets see him on The Red Cup Tour with YG; happy birthday, OhGeesy.
Hunnypot is in love with this new video dropped by one of our favorite all-time artists, Tech N9ne. Joined by X-Raided, Garrett Raff, and Simeon, "Still Right Here" checks off all the boxes (and then some) for what is surely a video pick for the ages. It's also a perfect way to cap off 2022, highlighting the mastery of last years killer release, ASIN9NE. I can't wait to see what's next for Tech in 2023, but if its anything like the success he has seen over the past few years - we are all in for a HUGE treat from one of the best to ever chop it!
- Matthew Belter
A few call out's from todays press release via Juggernaut Sound:
November 30, 2022 (Los Angeles, CA) Closing out a monumental chapter with a bold big screen-worthy statement, Tech N9ne proudly presents a cinematic new music video for “Still Right Here” [feat. X-Raided, Garrett Raff, & Simeon] today via his Strange Music label. It stands out as the final release from his massive 22nd full-length LP, ASIN9NE, released in October 2021.
About the video, Tech N9ne commented, "'Still Right Here’ is a MASSIVE song and shooting the video was just that, A MASSIVE PRODUCTION! We went all out on this one and trust me when I say, it'll be worth the wait."
The visual plays out like an epic sci-fi drama. It focuses on a cohort of space travelers, including Tech, X-Raided, Garrett Raff, and Simeon. Their ship floats through the galaxy in a haze of breezy loneliness evocative of the track’s chantable chorus. The clip intercuts moments on a remote desert planet as the otherworldly search continues with more questions.
This interplanetary journey notably came to life on Strange’s in-house soundstage in Kansas City buoyed by striking CGI and special effects. At the same time, X-Raided’s bulletproof flow proves incendiary, while Simeon shines with swagger and style. In between Raff’s soulful hook, Tech gets introspective on an impactful verse of his own. It offers a fitting conclusion to the ASIN9NE age.
The indie group from Utah, The Backseat Lovers, performed at The Wiltern on Thursday night for a completely sold out show. This was my second time seeing The Backseat Lovers live and they were just as stellar, if not better the second time around. The group has such a unique sound that I can only equate to it to The Beatles. This show was for touring their third album release, Waiting To Spill, to which the band played in its entirety. I have no other words for this performance besides - fucking incredible.
The Wiltern was warmed up by the duo called Toledo which definitely fits the same aesthetic as The Backseat Lovers. Toledo performed on the infamous Wiltern stage alongside their mystery music box they affectionately nicknamed, Doug. The group alongside Doug had a very somber and acoustic sound to their tunes. The group gave a stellar performance that warmed the crowd for a group that needed no introduction.
The Backseat Lovers have been one of my most cherished bands for years now. My addiction began with the song off of the EP Elevator Days, “Just a Friend”. Their sound has changed throughout the years since beginning back in 2018, yet they still find a way to stick to their roots and gather that blend of alt, folk, and indie. Today most might recognize their hit song “Kilby Girl” which exploded after Tik Tok fame. For those of us that have been around since the start, it has been long awaited that this group gets the attention they deserve. Lead singer Josh Harmon has a truly special sound he brings into every one of the group's anthems. Josh’s gravelly and raspy, yet beautifully melancholic voice is what truly sets The Backseat Lovers apart.
The group performed their entire new album from start to end, which was a sensational performance to watch live. To be completely candid, it made me fall in love with some of the songs I felt lacked on my original listen of the album. Yet live, every song stuck a special cord in my heart. After concluding the album, the band played some of their hits, including “Kilby Girl”, “Pool House”, “Maple Syrup” and “Still a Friend”, some of my favorite songs of not only the band, but of ALL TIME. The Wiltern was roaring. The fans of this group seem to share the same passion that the artists do, as each of the hits were screamed by almost every fan in the packed theater. When it came time for a conclusion, the band left the stage, only to rejoin it when fans demanded in a chant “Sinking Ship”. A nice play on the typical “one more song” or “encore”, this chant refers to one of the band’s early songs of the same name. It is a Backseat Lovers tradition to end with “Sinking Ship”. Yet when the band returned, they only stated “By the way, we didn’t plan on doing this”, and proceeded to perform their very first song and single - “Out of Tune”. At no other performance on the tour has the group performed this song, it was a very welcome surprise. It is an incredibly beautiful song and is a reminder of the group’s humble beginnings. The group still stuck to tradition ending with the classic “Sinking Ship”, giving their audience not one, but two encore songs.
If you ever have the opportunity to see The Backseat Lovers live, do anything you can to take that opportunity. I love their music, but something about hearing it live brings another level of passion to it. They are an astonishingly talented group that continues to amaze me. It was the opportunity of a lifetime to be allowed to shoot this group, they are one of my go-to’s when giving song recommendations. If you haven't already, go fall in love with The Backseat Lovers.
The power of NEW MUSIC DISCOVORY was fully displayed at Hunnypot's second to last gathering of 2022. Full show audio and photos at the links above. 11/28/22
Photos by J. Gray Mastered by James Coffman #WhereMusicLoversGoToPlay
Todd Bergman is a multi platinum, Grammy nominated Engineer, mixer and producer with 15+ years in the music industry. Recent credits include work with Kanye West on his 10th studio album “Donda”, Brandy’s “B7”, Yo Gotti’s “CM10,” Wale’s last two albums (“folorin 2” and “Wow that’s crazy”) as well as work with Lil Baby and Da baby.
In addition to Todd’s impressive list of clients, Todd has used his experience to develop and guide the sound and careers of independent artists under the banner of TAG Music, an artist development company based in Los Angeles.
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Producer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter Kovey Coles creates lush, guitar-driven music. His soulful sound is inspired by his southern roots - he comes from Virginia - while also incorporating the polished songwriting and production influences from time spent in New York, Los Angeles, and Tokyo, Japan. Lyrically, Kovey Coles' earnest songwriting addresses self and society, displaying a level of consciousness that comes naturally to the former Ivy League student. In the vein of other left-of-center creatives like Childish Gambino, King Krule, Steve Lacey and BROCKHAMPTON, his eclectic sound incorporates wide reaching musical styles from jazz and electronic to funk and indie rock.
Kovey Coles has released two self-produced EPs, a collection of singles called “Hot American Summer” which documented turbulent societal and personal challenges during summer 2020, and is currently releasing a new single every month as he builds towards his next large project. In 2022 Kovey enjoyed viral moments for his guitar playing and instrumental videos on TikTok, and had his debut performance at SXSW festival in Austin, Texas. The nomadic Virginia-native has lived in Harlem, New York, Tokyo, Japan, and now resides in Los Angeles. Kovey is also one half of the electro-R&B duo Browni.
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ryn, short for Camryn, has been killing the game as an independent 21 year old indie pop artist. Bringing the energy to the stage since she started performing at 15, her music has indie rock vibes that keep everyone in the room dancing. Being a dancer her whole life, there's never a dull moment when she's onstage. Rocking her trademark power suits, she says she's never felt more herself, more sexy or confident than when she's sporting her suits. She keeps it real on and off the stage with lyrics that speak truth and honesty, connecting to the deepest parts of herself and her fans.
Her socials have been growing steadily with an engaging, supportive fan base as they've been eating up teasers of her new singles. Watch out, with her drive, dedication and passion, this girl is going to be on billboards in no time!
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Since he could crawl BigTreeSteve only knew one pace - fast.
Born near the speedways of Daytona beach Florida his upbringing is as breakneck and driven as his roots. Brought into this world by music loving parents, as a child Steve moved across the country soaking up the influence of American music and popular culture at every turn. Learning the piano at the tender age of 5 and later guitar and bass as a teenager playing in bands; Steve was relentlessly persistent of his musical abilities.
Steve’s cross country journey eventually landed him in the San Francisco Bay Area where he immediately began creating and releasing songs, collaborating with up and coming Bay Area artists such as 24k golden, Nef The Pharoah and Caramel Express while simultaneously beginning his higher education in music and art at the Academy of Art University San Francisco.
Big Tree is not just a name for Steve. Standing six foot four inches, he towers physically with chiseled features and a gentle nature. His looks have given him the opportunity to walk for the critically acclaimed Argentinian clothing brand “Gaucho” in the world famous New York Fashion Week 2022.
These impressive accomplishments underscore Steve's work ethic. At only 21 years of age Steve is just getting started - He quite literally Can’t go slow.
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It takes a lot of strength and courage to rip the heart from your hate. If anyone is the Master of It, that would have to be my all-time favorite metalcore outfit Trivium. They just know how to take all the anger the one collects over life and flip it into something cathartic and affirmative. During the pandemic shutdown, I was filled with a lot of anger due to shows being cancelled. Trivium tamed the beast inside me (or made it even stronger) with back-to-back releases, What the Dead Man Say (2020) and In the Court of the Dragon (2021). Following a successful tour where they opened up for heavy metal legends Iron Maiden, the famed Orlando metalcore unit set out on their own tour, the Deadman and Dragons Tour. Tagging along is the eccentric progressive metal outfit Between the Buried and Me and deathcore greats Whitechapel, and their final stop was Los Angeles’ famed Wiltern. Ironically, the first time Rabit shot at the Wiltern was when Trivium performed. We consider this show a reunion of sorts.
First up was Whitechapel who took to the stage and immediately swung their death hammer at the audience. This is the 2nd time this year I have seen them, the first being at the Observatory where they opened for Cannibal Corpse. At the Wiltern, they were still in beast mode. Frontman Phil Bozeman continues to take guttural singing to whole new level, the realm of legendary. What makes Whitechapel that more vicious is the triple guitar attack of lead Ben Savage, rhythm Alex Wade, and third player Zach Householder. When all three of these virtuosos of the riff perform together, the world is thrown into chaos. Bassist Gabe Crisp blast beat the shit out of the rhythm while touring drummer Brandon Zackery shook the venue with his crashes and wails. Spreading the word of death metal from their latest album Kin, the Tennessee natives rocked the venue with “I Will Find You,” “Anticure,” “Lost Boy,” “Orphan,” “This is Exile,” “A Bloodsoaked Symphony,” and “Doom Words.” After that performance, Whitechapel would have to notify the audience’s next of kin because they killed it.
Following Whitechapel’s stunning set, the LA crowd was introduced to something different, Between the Buried and Me. This group is known for splicing avant-garde, progressive, and technical death metal together to create a sound that redefines the word “eclectic.” Frontman Tommy Giles Rogers crosses the threshold between a peaceful harmonizer and a monstrous screamer. In between playing the keyboards and singing, the longtime vocalist was a burst of hot energy on stage. The way lead guitarist Paul Waggoner solos are very cutting edge as he adds jazz fusion melodies with his progressive metal riffs. His style is like a cross between John Petrucci, Joe Satriani, and Pat Metheny. Bassist Dan Briggs is a wizard on his instrument as he too adds jazz flavor to the progressive, avant-garde beat. Drummer Blake Richardson and rhythm guitarist Dustie Waring round it out with some white-hot riffs and beats. Promoting their 10th album under the Sumerian Records banner, Colors II, Between the Buried and Me opened our minds to the mysterious with “Sun of Nothing,” “Revolution in Limbo,” “Extremophile Elite,” “Never Seen/Future Shock,” and “The Future is Behind Us.”
After witnessing an extensive set from BTBAM, Trivium stepped out to explain what the dead men say. To warm up the crowd, the PA played Iron Maiden’s “Run to the Hill,” and that gave the metalheads of Los Angeles their second wind. Following “IX” came “What the Dead Men Say,” where frontman and rhythm player Matt Heafy, with all his might, belted out hellacious screams and harmonious vocals. He was also very engaging with the crowd, encouraging everyone to be louder than the Montreal crowd. Lead guitarist Corey Beaulieu riffed vicious licks and solos while at the same time roared with tenacious strength. Bassist Paolo Gregoletto is still a brute as his fingers plucked away at the beat, proving to me why he is one of my favorite metal bassists. After going through so many drummers since Travis Smith’s departure, I feel Alex Bent was the missing ingredient needed to carry Trivium into a new era. His technical precision makes him a deadly weapon behind the kit. Trivium’s set was special as it featured a bit of everything. From “Into the Mouth of Hell We March,” “The Sin and the Sentence,” Amongst the Shadows & the Stones,” “The Shadow of the Abattoir,” “In the Court of the Dragon,” “To the Rats,” “The Heart From Your Hate,” “Shogun,” and “In Waves,” it was a captivating thing to witness.
Like always, Trivium was thunderous as they showcased their banging metal. While I did see them at the Iron Maiden show in Anaheim earlier this year, they dazzled and razzled their way into our metal souls. While it would make sense for Whitechapel to be an opener for them, Between the Buried and Me was a weird choice as an opening. Regardless, they too brought it. After that night, it is safe to assume the heart from my hate has been completely removed. To Trivium, Between the Buried and Me, and Whitechapel, I salute you. Horns up!!!