When growing up in High School and starting to discover my on style of music that I like. There was one band that I can across that I fell in love with pretty much instantly. That band is punk rock giants Rise Against. Back then, Rise Against had just put out their fourth studio album, The Sufferer & the Witness, and I had this CD on repeat. This was back in 2006, and yet it would take me until 2017 to finally see them live. Having listened to this band for over a decade, they had a lot to live up to, and they absolutely surpassed that. Now finally, it was time to see them for a second time. Packing the Kia Forum for their Nowhere Generation Tour and bringing along one of my other favorites The Used, and a band I have been curious to see live Senses Fail. As I waited for the first band to take the stage, I was bouncing with anticipation for how amazing this show has the potential to be.
Opening the show was a band I always heard of in passing, but never took the time to listen to. And that is completely on me. But Senses Fail hit the stage and was ready to wake up the crowd. Lead singer James “Buddy” Nielson started winning over the audience looking like a grease with impeccable fashion style. Slicked back hair, and a stylish button down, Nielson was oozing charism to win over people who may not know Senses Fail that well. Guitarist Jason Milbank brought the more post-hardcore style to the group, as he could be seen running around the stage and posing from side to side for the crowd. All the while trading off licks with fellow guitarist Gavin Caswell. Drummer Steve Carey helped start the mosh pits for the night, and the crowd could not resist moving to his double bass hits. Playing songs like “Bite to Break Skin,” “End of the World/A Game of Chess,” “Buried a Lie,” “Death by Water,” “Calling all Cars,” and “Can’t Be Saved.” I regret not having listened to Senses Fail prior to this show, and plan on rectifying that immediately.
The next band to hit the stage has a special place in my heart. They are the band that introduced me into the emo scene and made me fall in love with this kind of music. The Used had finally come back to LA to bring their lyrics of hurt and emotion to the masses. When going into the song “Take it Away,” vocalist Bert McCracken likes to spit a mist of water up and over the crowd. I happened to be standing in the splash zone as I got bathed in the falling mist. None the less, it just amped me up to be screaming and singing a long with the band. Bassist Jeph Howard must have one of the most powerful, and wide, power stances in rock as he plucks away on his bass. I always enjoy watching drummer Dan Whitesides play. The way he fits such subtle nuances and technique into his drummer, without making it showy has always helped add style to the band. All the while guitarist Joey Bradford plays each riff with such care and precision. One of the highlights of The Used sets was when Bert asked the crowd if they wanted to see a sneak peak of the next albums cover. As The Used had a 30ft banner showing their hanging heart logo behind them, the audience counted down: 3. 2. 1!, and the banner fell to reveal, the same banner that was already hanging up. The band had pulled a joke on the entire crowd. Along with joking with the crowd, The Used played through some of their best songs like “Maybe Memories,” “The Bird and the Worm,” ‘Listening,” “Blow Me,” “Taste of Ink,” “All I’ve Got,” “Pretty Handsome Awkward,” and closing their set with “A Box Full of Sharp Objects.” I always have the best time when I get to see this band live.
I have been waiting five years to see Rise Against live again. It was almost five years to the day actually. And the wait has been worth it. The boys in Rise Against opened their set with “Prayer for the Refugee,” and as the opening chords to the got strummed out, every person a part of the nowhere generation was ready to come together and rock. Vocalist and rhythm guitarist Tim McIlrath has a commanding voice that is almost preacher like. McIlrath uses this voice to preach some of the most heartfelt and moving lyrics in the punk rock scene. Lead Guitarist Zach Blair knows how to shred while layering his guitar with McIlrath’s rhythms perfectly. Joe Principe not only holds down the low end on bass but provides the backing vocals that make Rise Against chorus’s so powerful. Drummer Brandon Barnes stays in the pocket with some of the best grooves of the night behind the kit. Though Rise Against is a punk band, when I listen to them I don’t always hear the heaviest of music through my headphones. That changes when you see them live. They crank those amps to 11 and make sure the crowd is moving the whole time. This night they even opened up three separate mosh pits on the floor of the Forum. Those moshers were having the time of their life running around to songs like “Satellite,” “Help is on The Way,” “Collapse (Post Amerika),” “Re-Education (Through Labor),” “Dancing for Rain,” “Make it Stop (September’s Children),” “Hero of War,” “Nowhere Generation,” “Give it All,” “Survive,” and ending the night with “Savior.”
Sometimes, when you have been listening to a band for so long, they can fall to the wayside in your mind. It’s not that you lose interest in them, you just don’t listen to them as frequently as before. That sadly did happen to me a bit with Rise Against. But the easiest way to fix that is to experience their music live. Rise Against not only sent waves of rock music through my soul, it reinvigorated my love for this band and why they are such a staple in the music industry. It took five years for me to remember this from the last time I saw them, and I don’t intend to let them fall to the wayside again. Along with The Used and Senses Fail, I hope none of these bands take too long to come back to town. As I will not be patiently waiting to get a kick of adrenaline from seeing them live again.
Concerts are such a unique experience. You’re normally in an enclosure room with a bunch of like-minded fans. The sound system bounces off the walls and gives you the ultimate surround sound experience. The light show that some bands bring have become legendary and really transform the experience. You don’t necessarily get this same kind of experience in an outdoor venue or a festival. One band that I have seen twice now outdoors during a festival has been Memphis May Fire. I’ve never truly seen what their show could truly be like in a venue on a headlining tour. Well I was finally going to fix that when Memphis May Fire announced that their The Remade in Misery Tour coming to The Glasshouse in Pomona, CA. Bringing with them some amazing support bands like From Ashes to New, Rain City Drive, and Wolves at the Gate. It was time to light up Pomona.
Opening this night was the Christian metal and post-hardcore band from Cedarville, OH called Wolves at the Gate. This was the only band on the line up that I had not heard of yet, so I did not know what to expected. When front man Nick Detty came out with the unclean vocals on their opening song “Shadows” they were ready to make their presence known. The member that surprised me the most was rhythm guitarist and clean vocalist Steve Cobucci. His clean vocals were so crisp and angelic, it took their post-hardcore sound to another level of existence. Lead guitarist Joey Alarcon brought in the crunchy guitar riffs, while drummer Abishai Collingsworth had the most relaxed and chill vibe of the night while blasting away on the kit. Most people tend to not think much of an opening band, but Wolves at the Gate was there to prove you don’t skip the opener. Playing songs like “Peace That Starts the War,” “Counterfeit,” “A Voice in the Violence,” “Dead Man,” “Weight of Glory,” and even giving a nearly 3-minute-long sermon that surprisingly to me, connected with majority of the crowd. You don’t see many opening bands that can connect with a crowd like Wolves at the Gate did, and I am so glad I was there to experience their presence.
The second band to go on this night was the newest band to be added to my music library, the newly named Rain City Drive. I saw this band when they were formerly known as Slaves about four years ago at the Las Rageous Festival. Back then I had no idea who they were, but by this performance I have become a fan. Opening their night with “Waiting on You,” the bands new singer Matt McAndrew hit the stage with the highest fashion style of the night. And when he started singing, the beautiful of his voice was felt in your heart. Though Matt has only been fronting the band for a couple years, he fits into the band like he’s been there since the beginning of their formation. Lead guitarist Weston Richmond and rhythm guitarist Felipe Sanchez blended their licks together to create some of the best grooves that made the crowd want to dance. Bassist Colin Vieira had the most energy in the band, running around the stage and playing right in fans faces while syncing perfectly with drummer Zachary Baker. Rain City Drive had everyone in the crowd dancing to songs like “Talk to A Friend,” “Heavier,” “Dreams,” “Prayers,” “Blood Runs Cold,” and ending their night with one of their newest singles “Cutting it Close.” Since getting Matt as their newest singer, the band has gone through huge transformation and continue to build steam as a highlight of any tour package. I look forward to seeing them headline their own tour, as I can see that coming soon.
The next band up is the one I have seen the most out of this line. This makes the fourth time I have now seen From Ashes to New, and every time I see them, they just keep getting better. Co-front men Matt Brandyberry (rap vocals) & Danny Case (clean vocals) are a dynamic duo on stage. The way they layer their vocals on top of each other has so much energy behind it. It allows you to go crazy in the crowd moving and bouncing to Matt’s rap, and then seamlessly come in and sing the huge chorus’s that Danny is belting out. Not to let the co-front men steal all the spotlight, the other members are just as exciting to watch. Guitarist Lance Dowdle somehow manages to be the manic person on stage, jumping, bouncing, flailing, making faces at every person in the crowd, and throwing his guitar in all kinds of directions. Yet he never misses a note that he needs to play. Drummer Mat Madiro is not one to be forgotten behind the kit. Not only does he have a powerful strike and sound coming from his kit, but he is almost nonstop throwing in stick tricks through their 45-minute set. Twirls, spins, flairs, the man can not be stopped from showing off to the crowd. Playing songs like “Panic,” ‘My Fight,” “Broken,” ‘Heartache,” “My name,” “Scars,” “Crazy,” and ending with “Through it All.” Most bands call their bandmates family, but you can really see a brotherly bond between the guys in From Ashes to New, as they joke and goof around with each throughout the set. It really makes the performance even more enjoyable to watch.
Finally, it was time. A band I have only seen during a 30-minute set in an outdoor festival. I was ready to see what Memphis May Fire could do on a headlining tour. Fronted by Matty Mullins, the fiery red head of the crew. Sadly, Matty had just recently gotten injured which broke two ribs and he hit his head pretty badly. Luckily, there was no serious damage to his head, but it did limit how much stage presence he could have. Matty informed the crowd after the first song, that he wouldn’t be able to move around as much as he is known for, but that’s not gonna stop him from playing to the fans who have been supporting Memphis for over a decade now. Even with the broken ribs, and minimal movement, Matty still had the vocal power to bring a lyrical punch to the Glasshouse. Flanked by Guitarist Kellen McGregor, who is so chiseled he should have his own statue next to Arnold Schwarzenegger. And bassist Cory Elder, who picked up the slack for Matty by grooving, spinning, and dancing all around the stage. Up high on the riser was drummer Jake Garland, with his double bass drum setup was blasting beats into the faces of everyone in the house that night. Playing songs like “Blood & Water,” “Left for Dead,” “Legacy,” “Somebody,” “Make Believe,” “Miles Away,” and “Vices” where Danny Case came out for guest vocals. But Memphis May Fire was not ready to leave just yet, they knew the crowd needed some more heat and came out for a two-song encore featuring “The Fight Withing” & “The Sinner.”
Driving into Pomona this night, I knew I was gonna have a fun time. But honestly, I think each band has stepped it up even more than they have previously. Memphis May Fire & From Ashes to New have given a performance of higher quality than I have seen them prior. Rain City Drive really brought their music to life and had the entire crowd moving. And with Wolves at the Gate, I came in with no expectation and was blown away. I will be anxiously waiting for the next time any of these bands come back to town.
Orange County, CA has been celebrating its existence with a county fair for 132 years. When I heard this fact, it literally blew my mind, as I could not even fathom that this county, I have lived in for the last 15+ years, has been around this long. With a county fair that has been around for this long, they have had many different things to offer on display each year. One thing that I have always enjoyed at the fair is the Alaskan Pig Racing. But second to that, is that our fairgrounds have a massive Amphitheatre that brings in some amazing artists to perform every year. One of these artists, who has made multiple appearances at our fair, is the hip hop violinist Lindsey Stirling. This was my second time seeing her at the fair specifically, and this had to be the most magical performance of hers that I’ve been fortunate enough to see. Opening for her was vocalist and DJ Mako, who they recently put out a song together. It was time to head down to the county fair to experience some magic.
Lindsey Stirling shows are always very interesting, because you never really know what type of opening Act she could have. There are no other artists who call themselves “Hip Hop Violinist.” So this opens the door for a lot of different options of opening acts that could be brought out. This night, we got vocalist and DJ Mako. Mako was there to get the party started, playing a slew of remixes covers and some original tracks that kept the mood of the arena very light and playful. As people were funneling into the venue, Mako would call people out to start dancing and join in with the fun. They even had a camera shooting out into the audience so people could see themselves on screen and motivate them to get up and dance. Mako even came out from behind his DJ tables a couple times to sing live vocals on the track, and he does have a fantastic singing voice that I would enjoy hearing more of. It was amazing to see how many people were standing up in their seats dancing to the tunes and showing love to- the DJ.
Finally, it was time to be brought into the magical world that Lindsey Stirling likes to create. Lindsey truly is a performer more than anything else. Throughout the hour and fifteen-minute set she is hitting choreography in time with four backing dancers, dancing and flowing across the stage from side to side, going through multiple costume changes, smiling at individual people in the crowd, bending and posing in acrobatic positions, giving inspiring and uplifting talks to the audience, and all the while playing chart topping complex melodies and tunes on her violin. It is just awe inspiring to see how much effort this woman puts into a show, just to give her fans a memorable experience. And it’s a memorable experience that gets people coming back time after time, as this was my fourth time seeing her myself.
Even with just a bare stage, only backed by Drew Steen on drums and Ryan Rivero on keys & guitar, Lindsey finds a way to use every inch of the stage. Lindsey is backed by four of superbly talented dancers who help elevate the music being played, as well as tell stories throughout each song they are a part of. One song is “Master of Tides” in which the dancers help Lindsey tell the story of a sea captain sailing through the ocean, and then dealing with a mutiny. Lindsey also got to talk about how special is was to perform her new song “Lose You Now” with Mako himself who is the featured vocalist on the track. Lindsey loves working with artists who have inspired her, having performed “Shatter Me” featuring Lzzy Hale projected on the screen behind her, and “Love Goes On and On” featuring Amy Lee on the screen behind her. Other songs played that night included “Artemis,” “Darkside,” “Masquerade,” “Crystalize,” “Underground,” “Roundtable Rival,” “First Light,” and ending the night with her mashup song “Beyond the Veil/Phantom of the Opera Melody.”
During set change waiting for Lindsey, I ended up talking to a few people around me and learned that I sat next to fans who have seen her 10+ times over the last decade. Getting to talk to them and hear how much her music and story has inspired them truly makes you realize just how touching of an artist Lindsey Stirling is. Though Lindsey has been performing and hip hop dancing for over a decade, her on stage presence does not seem to be slowing down one bit. She still performs with the same wonder and magic in her eyes as when she first hit the America’s Got Talent stage over 10 years ago. It truly is a magical time when you go to a Lindsey Stirling concert, and it is something I highly recommend to anyone who is a fan of performance art. Even if you are not a fan of electronic or dance pop music, Lindsey Stirling puts on a theatrical show filled with beautiful visuals, costumes, and music that can not be ignored.
It’s been a long time since I’ve been to a rock show, let alone a pop punk show. While it’s not entirely up my frequented narrow alley, I was interested to see how rapper-turned-pop rocker Machine Gun Kelly was adjusting into the new lane he’s carved for himself in the sub-genre. When Machine Gun Kelly was making hip hop music in its purest form, I really thought he had the potential to grow to be one of the best to even do it. I even thought that his shot at Eminem on “Rap Devil” was one the best single punches Eminem has ever taken from another artist. When MGK started to push the genre defining bounds on his music, I wasn’t opposed to it; I was just confused. But to my luck, MGK addressed a lot of these questions I had throughout his set on his Mainstream Sellout 2022 Tour. Assisting him on the tour down the card was also Avril Lavigne and Willow. In addition to figuring out what’s going on with MGK these days, I was excited to see Avril Lavigne steer me down memory lane with “Complicated” and see what Gen-Z sensation Willow had to offer. Let’s hop into some of the highlights of the night.
Up first was Willow. At 8 PM sharp, the lights dropped, and the audio skyrocketed to max volume as Willow kicked the concert into high gear. The 21-year-old hit us with a dark and grungy performance while stomping around the stage performing her classics like “Transparentsoul” and “Wait A Minute!”. Willow has been bobbing in and out of the mainstream over the past 10 years amassing a cult following. At this show, it was abundantly clear who these people were. I saw thousands of fans scream her lyrics at the top of their lungs as they sang along with her. Proudly rocking their Willow merch, I was impressed by how many people were drawn to the show specifically for her. I’ve heard critics say Willow’s just an entitled product of an A-list marriage, but she proved she deserves the limelight based on the merit of her own work. As she jammed through her set, the fans latched onto every word. Fist clenched and arms in the air, the crowd really bought into the rebellious tone Willow had on display. An especially memorable moment was when she played “Meet Me At Our Spot”. Armed with her guitar and backed by epilepsy-inducing lighting, Willow captivated the audience with her powerful vocals. She absolutely nailed her jam-packed 20-minute set, setting the bar extremely high for Avril Lavigne and Machine Gun Kelly.
Batting second was the beloved Avril Lavigne. Before her set, the fog machines pumped fog into the venue. Avril Lavigne burst onto the stage opening the set to her classic song, “Bite Me”. During this song, massive balloons dropped from the rafters above. They were like massive beach balls that bounced around the venue – just 4x larger! Backed by her band, Avril played a very nostalgic set, with highlights being the famous chart-topping hit “Complicated” and the very emotional “Happy Ending”. The first big guest appearance of the night was during this set when she brought out Blackbear. She rounded out her time with “Sk8ter Boi” but hit the crowd with an encore “I’m With You” after the crowd begged for more.
Finally, the time had come for Machine Gun Kelly’s set. To start, a video played showing MGK stuck in a “box” that was created for him by the internet. As MGK struggled to claw his way out the box, a helicopter encircled the venue looking to save MGK. The rapper turned rocker made it out of the “box” and hooked onto a ladder up the helicopter. He was airlifted out of the box and floated around the venue as he opened his set with “God Save Me”. The skits were a reoccurring theme throughout his set. Behind the stage was a massive robot with a computer monitor for a head. This robot often chimed in between songs to remind MGK that he is a rapper, only a rapper, is not allowed to play the guitar, and is a poser for trying. MGK let a lot off his chest as he pushed back on the critics who kept him inside that metaphorical box from the beginning of the show. From the skits, the theatrics, the rap, and now the pop-punk, MGK showcased that he’s an artist first, and a musician second, and is honestly quite dismissive of labels such as “rapper” and “rocker”. To further push back against his critics, MGK brought out one the biggest hip-hop cosigns anyone can ask for. Performing both “Ay!” and “Drug Dealer”, Lil Wayne hit the stage with a double cup in support for MGK. Wayne was just the first. After his feature, MGK was joined by a slew of other guests throughout his set. He brought back both Avril Lavigne and Willow to assist on their respective collaborations. In addition to the girls on tour, this Los Angeles show was also blessed with appearances by Travis Barker, Halsey, and Blackbear. Again, I really need to tip my hat to Willow as her bout with MGK on “Emo Girl” was the standout feature of the night. A couple of my other favorite points during his set were “El Diablo” and “Roll The Window Up” where MGK leaned back into his more authentic rap style of vocals. It was here when MGK made it clear that he isn’t trying to be someone else. He’s just trying to lean into himself: a very talented person with very broad musical horizons.
All in all, this Mainstream Sellout 2022 Tour taps into the rebellious spirit of pushing back on what is expected of you. Whether its MGK making music outside this metaphorical “box” the internet has him in, or Willow shaving her head shedding her identity of the “whip my hair” girl, these are artists first, and musicians second. I went into show expecting an average rock show, but I got a lot more than I bargained for. This is a 56-date tour across North America and Europe. If they haven’t ravaged through your local stadium yet, it isn’t too late to catch them. It’s one you won’t want to miss!
Willow LIVE @ Kia Forum Video Below
Not only are Sun Puddle from Seattle and signed to Grunge Pop Records they are ready to reintroducing the anger and fury of "Grunge Rock" to an entire new generation and remind us "Old Timers" what it was like discovering the scene during it's heyday in the 90's. Sun Puddle just released an outstanding new single and video for the song "Sunday". Time for church kids. See/Hear it 1st right here...
Don't miss Sun Puddle performing at Hunnypot Live in LA July 25th!
Hunnypot Live #466 7/11/22, Free Slurpee Day!
Live Performances from:
Noah Vonne
Zeus Rebel Waters
G5Starrr
Tone G. Flamingo
AENEAS BELLAIRE
The Indigo Kid
Bob Dope
Zana Messia
Photos and Full show audio coming soon. #WhereMusicLoversGoToPlay
Raised in the musical heartland of Texas, Noah Vonne forged an original sound that blends elements of rock, soul, blues, and pop. From an early age, the New Braunfels native drew upon the likes of Janis Joplin, Sara Bareilles, Brandi Carlile, Alicia Keys, Joss Stone, Joan Jett and Ella Fitzgerald — each of these powerful women can be heard within the expressive ripples of Vonne’s vocal delivery.
“My influences range quite a bit,” she admits, “but I’ve always been drawn to female powerhouses. They carry so much kindness alongside their incredible talent.”
In 2018, Vonne embarked on a journey across the world as lead singer of a group that performed three shows daily on Celebrity Cruise Line's newest ship, The Edge. After returning to the United States in 2019, she hit the ground running as direct support for Shawn James on the national The Dark & The Light Tour. Soon after, Vonne followed up with the release of two inventive singles, “LOVE MOVE” and “RnR”, each released ahead of the Love Move EP in June 2020.
In October 2020, Vonne premiered the official music video for her critically acclaimed single “SUNSET INN”. With the help of veteran producer Jimmy Messer, Noah is preparing for the debut of her first full length LP, written and produced in her new home of Southern California.
Zeus is an American Hip hop artist/songwriter/performer with a unique musical identity. Zeus builds his fanbase, called “The Rebels”, 1 fan at a time. Zeus got in to music early by singing and dancing in youth talent shows. In middle school Zeus formed the rap group P.O.G (Pimped Out Gangsters). The group tasted success by winning talent shows and touring on their hit single “Wobble”. Formerly and casually known as Rukapuff, his first solo single, “Angry”, immediately went in to full rotation on Q95.5(Radio one) in St Louis.
Zeus signed with Mack 10's Hoo Bangin Records. Mack 10 promoted a Rukapuff track, “Like this” featuring Nate Dogg. The song was used in TV commercials, NFL football games movies like Waist Deep, and various TV shows including The Sopranos.
In addition to recording and touring under his O.G. name, Zeus has his own indie record label, Born Ready Records, a clothing line called the Rebel Waters Collection, a film company called Trinity Films, and helps run a non for profit organization for young inner city youth called Rock the Community. Zeus Rebel Waters has arrived.
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Recording artist and entrepreneur Tone G. Flamingo. Cleveland, Ohio native, Los Angeles resident.
Tone’s laid back style was inspired by his musical influences: Dr. Dre, Bone, Notorious B.I.G., UGK, and many others. Car-friendly melodies of the Midwest, the penmanship of the East Coast and the bravado of the South. These elements blend together in effortless harmony powered by a unique yet familiar California bounce. Flamingo essentials: Chill Bill, How You Like Me Now, Sunset Blvd, Diamond Life, Flamingo Symphony, What Up Doe, and We$tside.
In 2021, Tone G. accumulated over 200,000 streams across 143 countries. So far this year, Tone has released three singles: Palm Trees, Sunset Blvd, and the new summer slapper All Day! Recently, Tone teamed up with Stoops alongside The Vibe King, DJ Brees to release Rooks City Radio Vol.2: The Mixtape. This ode to the culture is packed with nostalgic bar-exam punchlines over a unique selection of beats. RCRV2 is now streaming on their youtube channel @104point5.
“If I was like you, my best days would be in high school, fast forward Cosmopolitan with the sky-view, now they Bell's Palsy looking at me with a side view, my ears are deceitful they don't work like my eyes do”
"Moespawn" aka "The Indigo Kid".
Born and raised in St. Louis. Now living in LA.
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The artist, performer and versatile songwriter, Zana Messia has had her music recorded in 6 languages, featured in film and TV, released by artists from the US, New Zealand, China, Sweden and Eastern Europe.
Zana’s original song in the film The Lightkeepers was shortlisted for an Oscar and she was one of the featured artists for Visa’s FIFA campaign “Samba of The World.” Zana has performed live on stage with Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, India Arie and many others. As an artist, Zana has released 3 albums and several EPs. She was featured on the 2019 compilation Got Soul! Vol. 4 - Kings & Queens Of Soul!. Her alter-ego punk/rock/soul band The Midnight Mission received stellar reviews for their live shows at Los Angeles venues.
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Noah Vonne, who is appearing on our next Hunnypot Live event July 11, just released a new single. Its' called "Heart of It". Check out the video here and be sure to see her live.
A bit about the vid & song: I wanted to portray the emotions of how it's felt leaning on my partner for my happiness, instead of just being able to find happiness within. I feel like it's very easy for me to be happy for someone else, but it's difficult to find it FOR myself. I wrote this one with my lovely friends Matt Bauer and Malena Cadiz over a FaceTime write. It was the first time ever writing with Malena and only the second time ever writing with Matt. I woke up with all the feels that day and knew I needed to get to the depths of why I was feeling so lonely. So before the write that day, I started working on the first verse and also the chorus hook a bit. But, when we got together and finished this one- we all knew it felt a bit different. Matt still texts me from time to time and says he thinks this song is the song for us all right now. This song always reminds me to find the clarity in a situation. I hope it does a little something for you too :)
-Noah Vonne
Back in 2017, Brandon and I had the opportunity to cover the Loudwire Music Awards. There were legends of the rock and music business there like Avenged Sevenfold, Rob Halford performing with Judas Priest, Halestorm, and many more. However, one band that really stuck out to me was a band I had never heard of till that day. That band was Nothing More. They got to perform at the show, and seeing the bands energy, and the mechanical contraption they call the Scorpion Tail blew my mind and made me an instant fan. I have been fortunate enough to catch them a couple times since then has support acts. But Nothing More was finally coming back to California on a headlining tour after years of waiting and bringing with them Atreyu and Eva Under Fire. It was time to Turn It Up at the House of Blues, Anaheim.
Opening the show was Michigan residents, Eva Under Fire. I’ve heard good things about this band, and they have popped up on my Spotify Radio from time to time, but this was my first time finally getting to see them. Starting their set with “Comatose,” lead singer Amanda Lyberg hit the stage with an explosion of energy. Running from one side of the stage to the other, making sure to get everyone in the crowd up and jumping. Guitarist and band fashionista, Chris Slapnik was dressed in a stylish Eva Under Fire onesie. Trading off hard hitting licks with fellow guitarist Rob Ryberg. These two brought the crunchy riffs to the House of Blues. Bassist Edward Joseph could be seen grooving in the back. Though he might not have been too showy, he was keeping the low-end grooving like John Entwistle. Hanging out in the back was drummer Corey Newsom, showing off the gun show has he crashed on each cymbal. Playing songs like “Blow,” “Heroin(e),” “Another Shot to the Heart,” “The Strong,” “Coming for Blood,” and ending the night with a stellar cover of Journey’s classic “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).” Eva Under Fire was just the right kind of rock music we needed to hear to get the show started, and our heads banging.
The next band of the night is one that Uncivil Revolt is very familiar with. The metalcore legends that are Atreyu. Atreyu had just come through their own headlining tour at the Observatory back in December. So, it was a bit weird seeing them as a support act on this tour, but none the less we were happy to see them again. Now being fronted by Brandon Saller, who moved to the front of the stage from behind the drum kit. Every time I see Brandon fronting Atreyu, he just seems to have more and more charisma not being behind the kit. One person who is always a standout on stage is guitarist Dan Jacobs, with his mohawk and explorer guitar. Jacobs has been a standout guitarist in the scene for years. Not to be outdone, fellow Atreyu Guitarist Travis Miguel can be seen doing laps on stage while maintaining a rhythm that lets Jacobs go wild. Bassist Marc McKnight, sporting his ZZ Top length beard, appears to have boundless amount of energy as he head bangs so much, flipping his beard over his head. Newest member and drummer Kyle Rosa fits into the band perfectly. While being stuck behind the kit, he is still a showman like the rest of the band whipping his hair and making faces throughout the set. Atreyu’s set was filled with hits like “Baptize,” “Becoming the Bull,” “Right Side of the Bed,” “The Time is Now,” “Ex’s and Oh’s,” “Falling Down,” “Warrior,” and ending their set with my personal favorite song “Blow.” The guys in Atreyu are always a fun band to see live.
Finally, it was time to Turn it up like only Nothing More can. Kicking off their set with one of their newest singles “Turn It Up Like (Stand in the Fire),” and the boys of Nothing More came out attacking the audience with high energy. Halfway through the song, vocalist Jonny Hawkins jumped on the Scorpion Tail. Their giant mechanical contraption that launches Jonny into the air, normally saved for the latter half of the show. And yet, this was the first song of the set and Jonny was flying high in the air. If there was anyone running low on energy, they just got hit with their second wind at this time moment. Guitarist Mark Vollelunga, seen wearing a shirt with one sleeve ripped off and no shoes, shreds his pearl white guitar. Bassist Daniel Oliver has the best war face of the band. As his picking along his bass lines, you can see his grit and contort his face as he feels the music in his soul. The man behind the kit, drummer Ben Anderson was all smiles. You could tell how much he loved to be back playing live music again. Playing songs like “Let ‘em Burn,” “Mr. MTV,” “Do You Really Want It?” “Jenny,” “Go to War,” “Tired of Winning,” “Fadein/Fadeout,” “Ocean Floor,” and ending their night with “This is the Time (Ballast).” Nothing More put together a stellar set list of some of their biggest songs and left the audiences wanting more.
This tour was originally announced with Asking Alexandria co-headlining the tour. I have yet to be able to see them, and hearing they had to drop off the tour was disappointing to probably more people than just myself. However, the rest of the bands made sure to bring all the energy they had to make up for fans that felt they may be missing out. Nothing More continues to be a standout act in the hard rock scene. The energy every member of this band brings to the stage is hard for any other band to match. Atreyu continues to be a solid metalcore act in the scene that plays a solid set night after night. Eva Under Fire was a gem in the rough to find and open this tour. These bands all came together to pack the House of Blues, and bring a night of rock back to Anaheim.
Hunter George/CAN1LIVE
Tigra & SPNCR
JStylze
This one was for all who like the cars that go boom.
Hunter George (Can1live) is a Los Angeles-based Artist and Music Producer, and founder of the entertainment brand Can1live. He was recently inducted to the Recording Academy’s ‘Grammy Next’ Alumni Class of 2018.
His recently release album 'Routines.exe' is a 21 track instrumental adventure 3 years in the making with heavy influences of Retro Wave, 80’s Synth, Vaporwave, Hip-Hop, Pop, & Video Game Chiptune influence. It was recorded at East West Studio A , and The Studio formerly known as “The Pass”. With tracks featuring instrumentalists Josh Gahris & Christian Anderson.
Hunter George is the Executive Director of the Guild Of Music Supervisors since 2014, has also worked under many top composers and executives in Music for media, Including Composer Christopher Lennertz, and Music supervisors John Houlihan, Jonathan McHugh, & Thomas Golubi?. His latest credits include Music Coordination on the series 'Training Day' by Bruckheimer TV for Warner Brothers Television & Segment Producer of the upcoming documentary Cosplay Universe.
He spent his early days as a Producer & DJ for many Hip-Hop acts in Northern Nevada & Northern California. There he toured alongside Murs, Del The Funky Homosapien, Heiroglyphics, Grouch & Eligh, Styles Of Beyond, & Bassnectar. He has competed in 6 beat battles competitions, winning 4 titles along side his Co-Producer Idol Hands as well as placing 2nd. He is graduate of the Los Angeles Recording School and previously an applied music major for piano, for which he has played over 28 years.
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The Lady Tigra was born in Harlem and raised in Hollis, Queens blocks away from Run DMC and LL Cool J, to a Haitian mother and a French father. Music was an integral part of her upbringing. She shares, "I grew up in a large, tight-knit, musical family who played lots of instruments and played lots of records all day. I loved to write and very early on hip-hop allowed me to tap into both of those loves. I'm pretty sure that I wrote my first rhyme at around 7 yrs old about Santa Clause delivering toilet paper to me when I found myself stuck on the bowl without any. I still love bathroom acoustics lol." She and her family relocated to Miami during the birth of Miami Bass where she became acquainted with Miami’s biggest DJs and rappers. By the age of fifteen, she was signed to Atlantic Records as one-half of the iconic rap group L’Trimm. Tigra toured with the biggest names in hip hop and was ranked in VH1’s Top 100 Greatest Hip Hop Songs and Rolling Stones Magazine's Top 100 Hip Hop Songs of All Time. Her reemergence led to her appearance on the award-winning show Yo Gabba Gabba, interviews for several books, and appearances in hip-hop documentaries like 808 The Movie, The Boogaloo Shrimp, and Netflix’s Hip Hop Evolution.
SPNCR is the manifestation of a dreamer, birthed from years of a wide variety of musical experiences as an accomplished producer and artist in major groups like Jupiter Rising, Her Majesty, and The Wolves. It was in college where SPNCR truly found his calling as a musician. "I was singing, beatboxing, and playing sax at open mic nights at UCSD Porter's Pub," he shares. "Shortly after that, I started hanging out in LA playing music and fell in with the Black Eyed Peas camp and shortly after that I was signed with a band I started playing and producing in called Jupiter Rising." SPNCR’s career as a songwriter/producer, vocalist, saxophonist, and beat-boxer lead to performances at festivals like Coachella, T In The Park, and Wireless Festival and put him in rooms with legendary artists like K-pop group Girls’ Generation, The Black Eyed Peas, Chance The Rapper, and Mike D of The Beastie Boys.
Hailing from Southern California, Jstylez is an up and coming Singer/Songwriter, lyricist and entertainer with a penchant for writing infectious music and relatable narratives. Inspired greatly by Michael Jackson, Jstylez's music journey began at the tender age of 6 where he started to sing and dance, emulating Michael Jackson. As he started to delve deeper into music production as well as music creation and performance, everything changed as it sparked a burning passion for him pursue a career in music. Being an avid storyteller, Jstylez is greatly influenced by real life, drawing inspiration for his music from personal experiences and hardships, allowing him to invoke strong emotions in people. Apart from invoking emotions, Jstylez also seems to have a unique innate competency to ingeniously present music in multiple styles including alternative, HipHop, Rock and R&B, all while maintaining a consistent brand, one of the factors that make this artist one to keep an eye out for.
Having started his journey as an Artist a while ago, the multi-talented individual has managed to amass a significant and loyal following over the years. With 10 critically acclaimed albums and singles released, Jstylez recently released his latest EP "Meta Verse" with single "ROCKSTAR". Day by Day, the artist is changing the face of entertainment with his own brand of music embodying such a unique sonic quality, it can be immediately recognized as his own. With plans to release even more original material in the near future, Jstylez hopes to engage current audiences and reach out to new ones with his exciting yet profound creations.
Armed with big dreams and plenty of energy to spare, Jstylez seeks to positively influence the world and connect with like-minded individuals through his music. Jstylez is no doubt, well on his way to becoming one of the most phenomenal Artists in this generation.
Coming out of So What! Fest, I knew it was going to be exciting jumping back into a photo pit at the House of Blues in Dallas. And what better way to do that than with the kings themselves in Bayside and Thrice with special guests, Anxious. I had seen Bayside before, but I knew I was in for a treat with Thrice. They’ve been at it for so long and I was stoked to just get back to it and enjoy some live music. Let’s dive right in.
Starting out the show were Connecticut natives, Anxious. Going in blind to their performance, I was intrigued as to what I was going to experience given they were on this tour. I was not let down in the slightest. They came out swinging with energy. You always have to wonder how the opener of the show will get things started and they didn’t hold back. Jumping around on stage and giving the people what they want. At one point, they brought out a couch while they were playing and the guys from Thrice and Bayside just sat down and drank while Anxious played. It was incredible. Stoked to see more from them!
Next up was Thrice. I was anxiously waiting for this one because of all the good things I heard about their performances and stage presence. Well, I wasn’t lied too, it was phenomenal. They gave it to us 100% of the time. The crowd was going insane. Jumping, singing, all of it. I knew I was at a good show the moment I heard the roaring of the fans. They played ALL the hits. I wish I could have been in the pit longer to take in more of the moment because it was incredible. I really enjoyed each moment of the set. I honestly can’t wait to see them roll through Dallas again.
Lastly the dudes in Bayside hit the stage. I was curious how they were going to compete with Thrice, but they came out and matched the same energy as Thrice. Co-headline tours are dope because you feel like you get two headlining performances. Bayside was 100% raw talent. I saw them quite a few years ago and it was almost like they didn’t skip a beat. Being at it 20 years, I was excited that they still gave it their all. Playing the hits, getting the crowd involved, and listening to some pure rock music was hat Bayside brought to the stage. Fantastic performance, and a fantastic time at yet another rock show.
Dallas was the end of the tour so I guess you can say they saved the best city for last!