It was another rainy day in Dallas, Texas but that didn’t stop the show from going on. Miss May I was not only one of the first metal bands I heard but one that helped paved the way for my post hard core journey and part of what got me here today. So, to say this show was a bit special was an understatement. Joined by Currents, Kingdom Of Giants, and LANDMVRKS, we were all in for such a treat of a show as Miss May I celebrates the release of their eighth studio album, Curse Of Existence. As the rain settled with only a 30 minute delay to the show, we were ready for a night of good music ahead.
Starting things off were France natives, LANDMVRKS. Completely new to them I was not sure what to expect but knew it was sure to be great given they were on tour with Miss May I. Little did I know they were going to be fantastic. Such high energy with some of the gnarliest screams from Florent Salfati. Given I was so new to them, I didn’t know any words to the songs but I did however really groove with hat thy were putting out there. A great example of discovering new music by being in the right place at the right time. All in all, a solid set from these guys and stoked to see them doing the thing in the US.
Next up were the KINGS in Kingdom of Giants. A band that I first heard about probably 10 years ago when their Abominable EP dropped. Over the time since, I have been seeing them drop some major heat, so it was exciting to be able to finally witness them live after all this time. With the release of their 2020 album Passenger, I had some bangers saved and was excited to hear them live. They rush out on stage and just get to it. They really do such a well job mixing the cleans and heavy screams. Found myself vibing in the pit while they were playing. Jumping all over stage and getting in your face was sure to set the tone for the show. I heard some favorites like “Two Sons”, “Finder”, and “Bleach” from the new record. 10/10 performance.
Following them were the direct supporters, Currents. Another band on the lineup that I never found myself listening to but knew again it was about to be super sick. Miss May I knows how to pick them. I love when a band I never really listened to before blows me away on stage. That is truly a testament to the effort they put into their legacy as a band. I loved everything I heard from them. I had to look up some songs from the night, but I definitely enjoyed hearing “Monsters”, “Kill The Ache”, and “Better Days”. These songs were all a total vibe and great additions to the set. And not to mention the stage presence of them all. The bassist was all over the place and the guitarist had some of the best licks on the strings I’ve ever heard live. Another 10/10 set.
And finally, we bring ourselves to the last and most anticipated performance of the night, Miss May I. Our show fell on the day after the new album released so it was PERFECT timing for everyone to go give it a listen before they played songs off of it at the show and boy were we in for a treat. Lights go dim, a deep tone graces our ears, and we know what’s about to happen. The band started making their way to the stage and Levi Benton runs out to get the crowd hyped up. They begin their set with “Unconquered” and the show was performance was off to a fire start. It was so dope to be in the pit taking photos of them for the first time since first listening to them over a decade ago. Seeing them over the years more than a handful of times, this time was a special one. The set continued and everyone was in sync head banging and jumping up and down to the heavy riffs. The intro to “Relentless Chaos” came on and I had a hit of nostalgia hit. One of my favorites by them. Really can’t beat the cool riff at the beginning and the anthem that they sing. The band left the stage, but the drummer and we were graced with an insane drum solo. 2 solid minutes of Jerod Boy slaying the drums was EPIC. And lastly, the song everyone was there to hear, “Forgive & Forget” was the closing song. Crowd went wild. Fantastic ending to a bad ass show!
For our Labor Day Celebration this year Hunnypot Live, Renegade Promotions, & TC Productions officially partnered up to host the ultimate Emerging Artist showcase. 28 fresh faces took to the stage for 7-10 minute sets. Truely 7 minutes in heaven with each act. #WhereMusicLoversGoToPlay
Chad Watson @chad.watson
Hiram Torres @hiram_562
Nurd @neosoulnurd
I.V.L @ivl.iam
JUST CALL ME "D" @_justcallmed_
DONNA ADJA @donnaadja
VANDES JACKSON @vandesjackson_official
LIL H.O.R. @iamlilhor
LIL BREED CRAZY @lilbreedcrazy
RAG @ragarcia805
iLL $WERVE @illswerve
MYK LORENZO @mykallorenzo
C.LOU @bagchaserc.lou
KEKE NOVA @iamkekenova
PRAHSAHNTI @iamprahsahnti
Sponsored by:
@HunnyPotLive
@TCProductionsLA
@CloutBucksCrypto
@Tequila_comisario
@Music.RenegadePromotions
#1017BrickSquadRecords
#300Entertainment
#AftermathEntertainment
#AtlanticRecords
#BBoyRecords
#CashMoneyRecords
#DeathRowRecords
#DefJamRecordings
#DoggystyleRecords
#DreamChasersRecords
#DreamvilleRecords
#Freebandz
#GUnitRecords
#GOODMusic
#HeftyRecords
#InterscopeRecords
#RenegadePromotionsMusic
#MaybachMusicGroup
#MotownRecords
#NoLimitRecords
#OVOSound
#OFWGKTA
#RocNation
#TopDawgEntertainment
#WuTangRecords
#YoungMoneyEntertainment
What’s there not to get excited about when The Goo Goo Dolls and Blue October come through your city. I’ve been listening to both these bands for longer than I can remember. From when my mom would put them on in the car on the way to school and in those moments as I got older to keep up with the nostalgia of the 90s rock music era. So many things to be said about this show and I was glad to be there to witness the legend that is John Reznick and the icon Justin Furstenfeld all under the same roof on that rainy Texas night. It had been a bucket list item for me to see Iris live after watching the iconic live performance of it in the rain and so this night sure was special.
As the fans sat and waited very patiently for the lights to go dim and the music to ease in, there was a calm feeling in the pavilion. Everyone had been waiting a VERY long time for this show since it got cancelled due to Covid. An attendee that I was sitting next to told me that The Goo Goo Dolls and Blue October were his favorite bands and that it was a very special night for him. Everyone has a cool story for why they were there and it’s a whole other perspective that we tend to forget.
Blue October was soon to take the stage. The lights began to go down and the crowd started to cheer. We begin to hear the background music play and the band slowly trickled onto stage. We were ready for an epic night of great rock music. They started their set with “Coal Makes Diamonds” and man, it was epic to finally hear Justin’s vocals live. Obviously the two songs I was super excited for were “Hate Me” and “Into the Ocean”. Once we got done taking photos of the first three, I was able to get into my seat and take it all in. When I heard the beginning of “Hate Me” I instantly felt the emotion wash over me. The music and the emotion that Justin exuded on stage made their performance all that much better. And of course, “Into the Ocean” was the exact same feeling. We heard new and old songs from them that night and 100% would see again.
And now we sit and wait for the main event, The Goo Goo Dolls. I had to look at the setlist prior to the show so I could prepare myself for when all my favorite songs would come on. I don’t typically do that because I love a good surprise, but I was too anxious to know. Without skipping a beat, John and team come onto stage to get the show started. The first 3 songs went by QUICK. Being able to snap some shots of this band as a super cool experience and I hope it shows in the pictures below! I didn’t know this, but John is 56 and still sounds incredible live. His energy was 100% there and ran all over stage. I’d even say he sounds better live than he does on the record. A talent that I’m truly stoked to be able to experience in person. Through the 23 song setlist, they play ALL the hits and more. New and old to show they still have it and can keep up with the times. I knew that Iris was towards the end so I was counting down the songs until we heard that iconic guitar intro. The moment we heard it, I couldn’t help but yell every word. It was hands down one of the best moments of the whole show. The Goo Goo Dolls are an unmatched act, and everyone should go see them if they have the opportunity one day.
Can’t say I’ve been to many concerts that have shook me like that one but it was an 11/10 show!
Sol Messiah’s been making noise in the industry lately with his new project GOD CMPLX. Featuring some of the heaviest hitters in the game like KXNG Crooked, Sa-Rock, Locksmith, Murs, Slug, Aesop Rock, and Dead Prez, the GOD CMPLX project is a well-crafted musical journey through the minds of the some of the best MCs around.
To further promote the project, Sol Messiah dropped the visual for Limitless (featuring Evidence). The song itself a gritty masterpiece where Evidence flosses over a string laced and piano littered track. The video is equally gritty, with scenes cutting between the streets of Venice and the two jamming in a small apartment. In rough grainy scenes, Sol Messiah handles the boards and Evidence rolls blunts and continues to rap to the camera. The two hit the streets and can be found on the corner of Venice Blvd under the blue lights deep into the night. Much of the video maintains a mysterious undertone using watery transitions and silhouettes that keeps the viewer glued to the screen.
Shout out to Stephen Vanasco who put this video together. His work with Evidence over the years really speaks for itself. Peep this video and check out the rest of GOD CMPLX.
- KRIS KUGANATHAN
It’s been a minute since before the world shut down that I was able to catch Dashboard Confessional in Dallas. But this time he was co headlining with the man himself, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness and the kings in Cartel. It was sure to be a dope night filled with some good nostalgia. Dallas was in for a treat knowing we may hear some old Jack’s Mannequin and obviously the bangers from Dashboard Confessional. Having not seen Andrew or Cartel, it was cool to add some more artists to the list of experiences. Arriving at the Southside Ballroom in Dallas, it’s always a great feeling walking up to the press box and picking up my ticket and photo pass. Best feeling ever. Now it was onto the show.
Starting things off was a nice reunion of the dudes in Cartel. I had just recently seen that they were getting back together from a Facebook post and remembered I had heard a few of their songs from back in the day. Cartel started their set off with “Honestly” and the show was off to the races. They were a great addition to the tour as their sound resonated well with the crowd. I really enjoyed hearing the hits like “Say Anything”, “The Perfect Mistake”, and “Faster Ride”. Having not seen the before and it being a blast from the past, I was happy to be able to catch them that night in Dallas. They closed out their set with “Burn This City” and 100% will see them again.
Next up was Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness and boy was I excited. I had been listening to Andrew since he was in Jack’s Mannequin and oddly enough didn’t put to and two together until not too long ago that Andrew was also Jack’s Mannequin. Funny mistake but I had heard from someone in the pit that he was going to possibly play some older songs from them and Something Corporate and got excited. Andrew walked out on stage and sat down at his piano and began to play “Bruised” by Jack’s Mannequin then I realized it was only a matter of time before we’d hear “Dark Blue”, but we’ll get to that in a minute. He played a borage of songs from his previous bands, and it was a cool trip down memory lane. His energy as incredible and at one point he was standing on top of his piano and even got into a duck raft and crowd surfed. It was sick. He ended up playing “Dark Blue” at the end and I walked away happy.
And lastly, Dashboard Confessional was ready to close out the night. When I saw them back in the beginning of 2020 before the world shut down, Ryan Carrabba was full beard and this time he was clean shaved and almost didn’t recognize him. Nonetheless he still sounded as good as before. I had an idea of what Dashboard was going to play but regardless, I knew it was going to be a stellar performance, nonetheless. He started the set out solo, playing “The Brilliant Dance”. Can’t beat a good solo acoustic song. He jumped into new and old tracks throughout the entire set. He read some signs in the crowd and played some of the requested songs which was super cool. It’s not a dashboard set without hearing the song “Stolen”, one of my favorites. Chris does such a great job captivating the entire audience. You could tell that was the case when we heard the intro to “Screaming Infidelities”. And honestly, the song we all came to hear, “Vindicated” was up next and there wasn’t a single person not singing in the venue.
Overall such a great show and can’t wait to see them all roll through Dallas again soon!
Photos by Matthew Martinez
It has been too damn long since Megadeth released their critical darling, Dystopia. When that album hit the scenes, oh it was a sign that the ultimate revenge band was back in full force. Unfortunately, I did not get to see them when they toured in support of the album because I was dealing with health issues that kept me sidelined for a while. Then in 2019, it was announced that Megadeth would be on the road with Lamb of God & Trivium, but the pandemic delayed that for a year, and I battled another health crisis, COVID. My spirit and will was strong though, strong enough to beat it by the skin of my teeth and catch the tour. Another has passed, and Megadeth was on the road again, this time with Vegas powerhouse Five Finger Death Punch. Along with Rabit, Rockaholic, Buff Metal, and newcomers Jeremy (Raider Metal) & Johnson (The Metal Sensei), we headed back to FivePoint Amphitheatre. Joined by Mongolian folk metal group The HU, and Texas rap metal warriors Fire From the Gods, we were ready for the symphony of metal excellence.
First up is a group I first caught at the Observatory in 2016, Fire From the Gods. Donning Kobe Bryant’s #8 Lakers jersey, frontman AJ Channer was an energetic MC whose rap style singing helped stir the pot for a long evening. Founding members Drew Walker (lead guitar) and Bonner Baker (bassist) are a spontaneous duo who spew heavy licks that are layered with reggae and hip-hop flow. Walker is a guitarist to keep an eye on in the near future. Rhythm guitarist Jameson Teat and drummer Richard Wicander rounded out the group, bringing killer beats that helped create the first headbangs of the evening. Fire From the Gods was on fire their entire set, creating insurgency with songs like “Soul Revolution,” “Trust,” “The Voiceless,” “American Sun,” “In Spite of Doubt,” “Right Now,” and “Truth to the Weak (Not Built to Collapse).” Though there were some out there that were not feeling them, that is only because they are ignorant to their revolution. Kick the tires and light the fires, for Fire From the Gods have for rebellion.
The following band is an outfit whose style of folk metal is spreading across the globe like a brush fire. The HU come the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, looking to give Irvine something unique, unlike any folk metal ever heard before them. Using the art of throat singing and traditional Mongolian instruments that are electric, the HU dazzled the crowd with their hypnotic showmanship. Gala, Jaya, Enkush, and Temka have proven to be one of Eleven Seven’s secret weapon. The metalheads of Irvine could not get enough of them, especially with songs like “Black Thunder,” “Tatar Warrior,” “Yuve Yuve Yu,” “Wolf Totem,” and “This is Mongol.” Ready to release their newest album with Better Noise entitled Rumble of Thunder, it was exciting to see them live for the first time. They will be returning to Irvine in October with Slipknot and Ice Nine Kills, and I will be there to embrace the HU.
Calling all members of the Jake Rattlehead clan, Megadeth is about to take us to “Hanger 18.” That to me is one of the best openers they have ever done. Founder/frontman Dave Mustaine is a force not to be reckoned with. Having beaten throat cancer, he is back with a vengeance, raging on his Flying Vs and putting out is his sinister singing, as if he has come for the kill. Co-lead guitarist Kiko Loureiro is a master shredder, own each classic Megadeth solo and riff as if he wrote it himself. Ever since he took over for my boy Chris Broderick, he brought some jazz fusion/progressive style of playing that match anything Mustaine throws at him. Drummer Dirk Verbeuren was a hurricane of wailing perfection, while bassist James LoMenzo (who officially returned full time this year) hammered away at our ears with his powerful bass beats. As the band is about to release their long-waited 16th studio album, The Sick, the Dying…and the Dead!, Megadeth made the live debut of the first single, “We’ll Be Back,” in which a roaring response followed. This was followed up with classic thrash goodies like “Sweating Bullets,” “Dystopia,” “Trust,” “Symphony of Destruction,” “Peace Sells,” and the iconic “Holy Wars…The Punishment Due.” Would have liked to have heard from the new record, but I consider that a small taste of bigger things to come from Megadeth. The ultimate revenge band saviors the reception of the Irvine metalheads, as vengeance still tastes sweet to them.
After a remarkable Megadeth performance, the Las Vegas metal brawlers that are Five Finger Death Punch. This group usually gets a bad rep for some strange reason, but if you have not seen them live yet, then shut the hell up and read on. Having just released their ninth album, AfterLife, FFDP took no prisoners that night, starting with “Inside Out.” OG frontman Ivan Moody brought supremacy to his voice as he commanded respect with his words. After many years struggling with addiction, Moody has fought back and is still throwing out cunning jabs & crosses to the crowd. Though he is not without a soft side as he brought out his daughter to sing to her “Happy Birthday,” and I admit, that was a sweet display of love on stage. The twin guitar attack from rhythm man Zoltan Bathory and lead Andy James was exciting to see. This is my first seeing James in the group (replacing Jason Hook), and he did not disappoint. The YouTube sensation has made his mark with FFDP, and the crowd loved him. Bassist Chris Kael (wild beard in all) and drummer Charlie Engen were dominate on the rhythmic beats that displayed the signature Five Finger power everybody loves to hear. The many years on the road have not worn down the Vegas warriors. From “Trouble” to “Wash It All Away,” “Welcome to the Circus,” “Jekyll and Hyde,” “Bad Company,” “Lift Me Up,” “Wrong Side of Heaven,” “Burn MF,” “IOU,” “Under and Over It,” and “The Bleeding,” the band landed their KO shot.
For a Wednesday night at the FivePoint Amphitheater, it was an excellent night for heavy metal. The Metal Assholes, as I now dub us to be, enjoyed every second of the show. The only thing that was strange to me and I am pretty to everyone else was why did Megadeth open for Five Finger Death Punch? Ehh! Who am I to question the decisions of Mustaine? He is a master of the thrash, a legend even. So, I just went with the flow and the flow was blissful. Fire From the Gods filled the hip-hop void, while the HU took me on a strange journey that opened my mind. As for Megadeth and Five Finger, so good so far, but so what!? They got our six, and we will have theirs for years to come. To Five Finger Death Punch, Megadeth, the HU, and Fire From the Gods, I salute you. Horns up!!!
Doll Machine made her Hunnypot Live debut 8/8/22. The same day she shot her Day In The Life Of video for SPIN. It was an unforgettable night for everyone in attendance. Check out the full SPIN piece here. Full show audio here.
HOT LAVA flowed through the club all night long and we celebrated through it. Another unforgettable podcast/concert/party! Go ahead and give it a listen. #WhereMusicLoversGoToPlay
Jackie Westfall (MUSIC SUPERVISOR, SuperMusicVision, Noise/Racket & Red Bull), a LA based music supervisor who has worked on hit tv shows (Minx, Sex Lives of College Girls, I Love that for You, 9-1-1 Lone Star, Panic, Halston); mainstream and indie films (Boys in the Band, While We’re Young, Mistress America, Clementine); ads (Apple, Carnival Cruises, Toyota, Grammy Awards) and more. Handling creative to music clearances in record time.
In her spare time, she volunteers for the Guild of Music Supervisors and is always working on a mixtape.
As fearless as she is fiery, Teddi Gold has got enough glitz and glamour to fit right in at a jazz-y underground haunt or on-screen in some Golden Age Hollywood production. Yet, she’s also got the spirit to make a statement worthy of a TED Talk.
She’ll craft a dance floor banger only to shake up the melody with her own foley sound effects. In one breath, she’ll sing about piña coladas and tiny umbrellas. In the next, she’ll ponder the breakdown of a loved one.
Attracting acclaim from The Line of Best Fit, Earmilk, UPROXX, Popdust, The 405, LA Weekly, and more, she continues to shapeshift at light speed. In 2019, the single “Video Games” paved the way for her Vol. 1 EP. In addition to widespread praise, she landed on Spotify’s coveted Fresh Finds and Pandora’s Top Hits Playlist. Pandora’s Next Big Sound also proclaimed her a “promising artist.” Maintaining this momentum, she joined forces with producer Jon Buscema, Drew Alexander and Jack Ventimigilia and further shaped and sharpened her unpredictable and undeniable pop on Vol. 2. Now, the singer and songwriter envisions a wild world as empowered as it is entrancing. She opens this world up with the singles “Confetti” and “Bossa Nova Baby” ft. Mi$HNRZ and more to come.
WEBSITE INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK TWITTER SPOTIFY
TIF, making the tunes.
Intertwined amongst this Independent Recording Artist’s and Choreographer's creations are several aspects of Los Angeles lifestyle, with the addition of soulful RnB and vibrant Pop inspired components. Throughout her evolution as an artist, TIF has absorbed various forms of training in the fields of vocal recording, choreographing, and modeling from Musician’s Institute and several institutions for the growing span of over 10 years. Additionally, an official business partner with several roles for Vision Talent Agency and a Choreographer/Social Media Manager for Werking Girls.
Supporter’s are evoked by the sounds of all TIF Tunes, a true hybrid of mesmerizing nostalgia and undeniable bliss. Healing energies are embedded in these frequencies. Current releases include the alluring single, Self Love SZN.
WEBSITE INSTAGRAM SPOTIFY APPLE MUSIC SOUNDCLOUD YOUTUBE TIKTOK
Soloist, singer, guitarist. Mad Chelco plays multiple instruments, shooting beats and recording loops in real time. Mixture of pop, reggae and rap with melodies in English and Spanish. Modern day flavors of Argentina.
Louis Cole releases a brand new single and shares the flyest new dance moves. Personal favorites include "PFIZER BOOGIE", "RIDLEY SCOTTZ", "THE FORK n' KNIFE". "APEX PREDATOR", "DOWNHILL SKI FLY SWATTERZ", "SHADOW DOGZ", "CREDIT CARDZ", "RE-HEATERZ" and "PLANKTON SLAPS".
Learn them all for the next Hunnypot Live dance party. Quality Over Opinion album out October 14th via Brainfeeder.
-HOT TUB JOHNNIE
Summer. A holiday season with its own special competitive spirit. For artists, every release is in contest to be someone’s song of the summer. The get ready, go out, stay lit track that stays on repeat throughout years hottest months, claiming stake in the precious memories of someone’s 2022. Teddi Gold’s early summer submission is a Covergirl sized wink to a game where the participants can touch anything but the floor. And with this beat, you might understand why.
Hitting the dancefloor with “The Floor is Lava” (ft. Coolio) spinning might make you blaze up in a way you didn’t quite mean to, if you’re prone to attempt the moonwalk or busting any sort of daring moves. The bouncy beat slides from one unstable surface to the next, finding balance in spiraling techno theatrics and sultry demands that keep your attention throughout the song. The funky zooms layered with Teddi’s heavy, teasing breath, builds to her squeaking “the floor is lava” before delivering what I would consider to be the hottest feature of the year.
If you don’t ever find yourself wondering what Coolio is up to, then you need to start. Earlier this season, I could not escape “Return of the Mack” and if Mack Morrison can have his revival, Coolio surely is overdue for his day in the sun. His feature shines in “The Floor is Lava”, bringing that signature slick-backed coolness to an icy hot track. His “let’s get campy baby” bar perfectly capitulates the essence of the song. “The Floor is Lava” is a carefree ode to the hot nights, blazing bangers, and refreshing visits with familiar friends that turn the heat up on everyone’s favorite season.
-Robyn Dee