HUNNYPOT's been live streaming our events and gatherings for over 16 years, truly one of the 1st to ever take advantage and incorporate streaming technology. We started back in 2005 using a pirated server out of the UK, since then we've spent time and experimented with StageIt, YouStream, Facebook Live and Twitch. That said, I've seen the future of live streaming, It's a brand new concert streaming app called MOSHPIT...
Los Angeles based music-entertainment company MOSHPIT reveals a glimpse of it’s innovative virtual-concert solution on June 6th, 2021 at 6pm PST featuring Los Angeles based Producer-Artist “NK RIOT”.
Moshpit’s Co-Founder Darryl Swann, a Grammy award winning Record Producer and long time Hunnypot fan, along with Co-Founder CTO Ans Shabbir are driven to further define what a virtual concert. Pushing the envelope by developing custom technology ranging from huge crowd counts, to simplified performance-capture solutions and novel show-curation methods.
This initial NK-Riot show marks the jumpoff of Moshpit’s rollout. Tons of new surprises will be revealed in upcoming Moshpit concerts. Moshpit welcomes artists globally to connect for potential collaborations to further evolve what a virtual concert should look and feel like. Lezgo.
Here's to the future!
-John Anderson
Yelawolf has always been one of hip hop’s biggest innovators and it’s one of the reasons he’s amassed such a huge cult following. Throughout his career, this heavily-tattooed white boy from Gadsden, Alabama leaned into his upbringing and unique set of life experiences, never shying away from who he truly was. In a scene plagued with cookie cutter clones, Yelawolf’s music is a direct representation of where he came from, both geographically and figuratively. More than a decade later, he’s still here and thriving. With his recent release, Mud Mouth, he’s pushing the limits once again with an amazing concoction of gritty raps and softly sung melodic choruses. Jim Jonsin, who we know from his work on TI’s “Whatever You Like” and Lil Wayne’s “Lollipop,” joins Yelawolf on this journey as executive producer. It’s interesting to note that the two actually kicked off recording this album in early 2020 in Nashville during the height of COVID-19 lockdown. Let’s jump into a few of my favorite points from this project.
The first stand out moment on Mud Mouth was the song, “Bounce.” Sounding like something you’d hear in the background of 1990’s west coast hip hop movie, Jim Jonsin gives us a thumping bassline with g-funk undertones. Dialing into the same theme, Yelawolf nails the song with a super catchy hook, “Billy for that motherfuckin’ bounce, bounce”. He sets an upbeat tone on this song as he navigates Jonsin’s layered instrumental with rapidly changing lyrical tempos – accelerating from 10 mph to 100 mph, decelerating back to 50 mph, then finally coasting back into the high energy hook.
On a noticeably darker vibe, Yelawolf takes it right back to the Trunk Muzik days on, “Conoco.” It’s sinister synths and deep rolling baselines compliment a menacing Yelawolf as he raps, “Never seen a white boy around this block // But it’s work, work, work, 360 ‘round the clock // So I pulled the box in and I let the trunk pop”. Jonsin really takes this beat home with eerily subtle samples bound together with the occasional heavy guitar-ish sounding riff. To top it off, the hook features a vocal tandem of both Yelawolf and a second creepy distorted voice you’re likely to hear on an episode of Drugs Inc. I’m not sure if it’s Yelawolf himself behind the voice or if it’s Jim Jonsin’s sample genius, but either way, for those of you who can’t stomach “new” and “pop-py” music, this one's for you.
On top of developing his vocal set – from hitting higher/lower notes when singing, or widening his tempo variance when rapping, Yelawolf has also really developed his song structure over the years. The song, “Aquanet”, really drives the point home. It’s such a well composed track from front to back: layered with littered adlibs, well crafted verses, and strategically arranged pre-choruses and choruses in a way that the whole track resembles different chapters cohesively positioned in a well thought out book. This is easily my favorite song on the album.
All in all, Mud Mouth is an intoxicating formula of hard beats, soft melodies, fast raps, and genre defying undertones. Both Yelawolf and Jim Jonson reeled in this massive catfish out of the depths. It’s new music, but not in the sense that’s it’s popular and trendy. It’s new music, as in its ever evolving, ever boundary pushing, and literally has Yelawolf marching to the beat of his own drum. Next time you’re cruising around in that Chevy, crank up the bass and give this one a spin. It's 100% fire on a multitude of levels.
PS – On April 30th, 2021, Yelawolf tweeted that he plans on releasing an accompanying movie, Mud Mouth, this summer. Peep the trailer below.
Be well and keep rocking! Hunnypot Approved! Overall Rating: 9.1 out of 10
Artist: Yelawolf, Album: Mud Mouth, Release Date: April 30th, 2021, Label: Slumerican Records
Don't sleep on the recently released cover of the Steve Miller Band's 1982 classic, "Abracadabra"! If you were a fan of the original, then this one will immediately transport you back in time and place where all that mattered was the music. Rock and Roll legends Arnel Pineda (Journey), Billy Sheehan (Mr. Big), and Joel Hoekstra (Whitesnake) pull out all the stops for what turned out to be an instant classic. As one would expect, Pineda's vocal's are flawless, Sheehan's signature bass is chunky as ever, and Hoekstra's mastery of the axe is on full display throughout the song. Add in drummer Van Romaine, Keyboardist Ollie Marland, and percussionist Lenny Castro and this Steve Miller classic is catapulted to a whole new level. I know it's only one song, but a boy can dream of some type of supergroup forming as a result of what is clearly a winning combination of serious musical genius. Give it a spin and lets us know what ya think!
- Matthew Belter
With pandemic tension still on the rise and escalating vandalism continuing to plague Downtown Portland, live music is no longer something we just take for granted. It is an absolute necessity to keeping sane in this bizarre dystopic multi-verse. But through this cataclysmic lens there is still a light that continues to shine brightly.
Hailing from the island of Oahu, Ron Artis II has been making waves that have been reaching far beyond those Hawaiian shores. As one of 11 talented siblings raised in a supportive musical household surrounded by love & creativity, it was only a matter of time that he’d cross the ocean and into hearts across the nation. With Portland’s Jack London Revue reopening with limited capacity, Ron Artis II & the Truth quickly sold out the venue and due to audience demand, scheduled 4 more shows throughout the week as well.
It feels as if a lifetime has past since I last walked down that dimly lit staircase and into that underground temple of music. A month of anticipation boiled down to this one climatic moment. The few tables that were spaced throughout the venue floor created a certain exclusivity that would be our welcome back into the world. The first notes that cried out from Ron’s 6-strings gave rise to a raw energy that would only be equaled by the soulful voice that accompanied it. At his left, Ernie Ecraela, smiling ear-to-ear, closed his eyes and let his bass speak for him while drummer, Jarod Manis brought the audience into a rhythmic trance.
The band focused on a selection of songs off of their latest album, Soul Street. And before breaking into an impassioned rendition of “Searching for Answers”, Ron asked the crowd to search deep within themselves and find the light within. This theme of positivity flowed from song to song and rose like the tide at noon slowly reclaiming a sandy shore. The band continued to turn up the heat with a breathtaking performance of “The Truth” with each of the trio showcasing their individual mastery of their instruments as well as their unspoken, kinetic bond through the rhythm.
Their emotional performance of the ballad, “Photograph of Love” from his album, Julia, brought the audience to tears as Ron emphasized the love for his wife and that true strength is having the ability to express your feelings to the one you love without question. Before performing their latest single, “This is America”, Ron announced a young guitar prodigy by the name of TJ Edwards would be joining them on stage and who, after witnessing his virtuosity, there was no question. They continued into the upbeat “Walk That Walk” and after a blistering solo and a laugh, Ron announcing to the crowd, “If you’re not breaking stuff you’re not having a good time!”
Ron Artis II & the Truth’s music is born with unquestionable faith and fueled by the Aloha spirit. Through the bright times and the struggles, their lesson is clear: “If you want to make a difference, you have to live it.” So be a little light in the world. Be safe, stay positive and catch these incredible musicians the next time they’re passing through a town near you.
It can take some people a lifetime to learn how to spot the fakers, but at only sixteen Mila Smith has turned her bad friend blues into a banger. “Liars & Fakes”, the debut single from the South African songstress, is a soulful bop descended from disco edits of yore, complete with roller skates. The irresistible chorus is bound for your mind on the first spin and the lyrics are as relatable as they are quotable.
The music video opens with Mila at the service window of a roller diner preparing to serve superficial scenesters. Fed up by the first frame, her angsty eyeroll signaling she is already over feigning forced pleasantries. After a particularly snooty encounter with a dissatisfied customer the crew gets the signal to roll out of the restaurant and onto the town, breaking free from the expectations of people you just don’t need to please.
Everything about this debut is fun and funky fresh. It's a glittery, crowd pleasing song that lends itself to the modern Tik-Tok choreo sphere while maintaining that classic 70’s dance anthem nostalgia. The music world has much to look forward to with Mila Smith. Hangers-on won’t be holding her back, she’s riding high for the sky and rolling free.
- Robyn Dee
Fun part about writing reviews is continuing to find new bands to explore. I was sent this new music video by Voltagehawk for their newest song, “Straight Razor” and it sure is a head-bopper. Heavy riffs and explosive solos in one song – not much more you can ask for. Let’s dive into this song!
From the beginning it instantly captures you with the raw guitar and steady tempo. The excitement from riff to riff keeps you in tune for what is to come next. I felt the chorus was super catchy and I actually caught my self singing “BABY DON’T PLAY” when I knew it was coming. The melodies in the bridge to the chorus has a nice transition. To be honest I wasn’t expecting such a sick solo. It builds on top of itself so well second time second. Overall a hard rock song I can see myself throwing on a playlist. It looks like they out a ton of work into the motion graphics of the music video as well. Very flashy and grabs your attention right away, just like the song. I enjoy live show music videos and what they did with different angles and the lyric graphics on top was top notch.
Overall I think this was a pretty sweet release from Voltagehawk. Give "Straight Razor" a spin and lets us know what you think!
- James Coffman
Music is never created in a vacuum and each generation adds their own story to this epic soundtrack. Label them how you will: Psychedelic, Retro Rock, Progressive; either way you put it, the Icelandic Power Trio, The Vintage Caravan is a modern-day, certified rock n’ roll powerhouse shoving their own Progressive Rock influences from Classic Rock’s Golden Era in a blender and hitting puree.
Vocalist and guitarist, Óskar Logi Ágústsson and bassist, Alexander Örn Númason have been worshiping the holy trinity of Blackmore, Page & Lifeson since they were both 12 years old. And with the latest inclusion of drummer, Stefán Ari Stefánsson rounding out their ranks, the band returns to reclaim their thrown.
Their fifth studio album, Monuments, continues where the band left off with 2018’s stellar release, Gateways. Every song is well-crafted, complex and massively epic. “Whispers”, the album’s heart-pounding opener is riff-laden and momentous with Ágústsson’s crisp vocals soaring triumphantly over the top. “Crystallized”, “Forgotten” and “Sharp Teeth” summon the essence of Progressive Rock with the same exuberant energy and guitar wizardry as their forefathers. The Vintage Caravan are old souls with access to an incredible time machine, and having decades of inspiration to draw from does not necessarily take away from the originality of their own creation. Frankly, it just adds vibrancy to their legacy.
The Vintage Caravan continue to surprise and excite with every release since their formation and Monuments is no exception. Seeing how far they’ve come at such a young age, I have little doubt that they'll only continue upward from here. Give this one a spin - you will not be disappointed!
Be well and keep rocking! Hunnypot Approved! Overall Rating: 8.8 out of 10
Artist: The Vintage Caravan, Album: Monuments, Release Date: April 16th, 2021, Label: Napalm Records
The last party you attended may feel like a midday dream from a far off time when feeling yourself included nails done, hair done and everything did. While this last year has made it feel easier than ever to indulge in that 3:32pm catnap, Xhaania’s new single, “Pull Up” is your inspiration for waking up and stepping out in 2021.
The video was directed by Kim Mantsur, whose fresh and flirtatious choreography brought the irresistible bounce of this track to life. We meet Xhannia as she wakes up to a call from her BFF, who is wondering if she’s going to tonight’s party. After learning that Becky, ‘the hater’ did not invite her for fear of being out-shined, Xhaania brushes the hate off of her shoulder and rallies.
“Pull Up” is that perfect mix of a song to get ready, get going and get down to. Xhaania’s sweet and sassy style shines in the vocals, while the reggae/R&B infused production synchronizes perfectly with Mantsur’s choreography and DenDen’s good-time glam designs. From cheeky chess pieces, to a squad-goals crew clad in matching outfits, dancing on mountains and in a party bus, the details of this video are not to be missed.
Exploring the idea of dreams and their interplay in our realities, Xhaania is manifesting her destiny, coming for your speakers and your senses Summer 21. The Best New Artist title is in the bag for Xhaania. Becky’s be damned, you don’t want to pull up late to this party.
--Robyn Dee
Hunnypot is proud to be Xhaania's official sync representative controlling both Masters & Publishing, ask us about LICENSING!
As the “mask up” initiative continues its quest to “stop the spread”, the panty lined parallels of treating our mouths like the rest of our orifices has been picking up steam. Cover up, avoid the spray and keep the secretions at bay. In her new song and video, Peaches marries her signature iconoclasm with the essence of the movement to present, “Pussy Mask”.
In the video, director Leah Shore’s illustration of Peaches’ side-shaved pussy drip-drops to the beat of her accomplishments eventually moshing with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Dr. Anthony Fauci and the angel of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. The absurdist cartoon pairs with the song’s electropunk bounce, complimenting its playful, yet assertive, lyrics. From pussy rocking out with politicos to peachy pussies bouncing in protest, “Pussy Mask'' is full of punny and memeable moments, creating a funhouse for the dark and uncertain moment that inspired the song.
Maintaining a “Pussy not Karen” attitude, these pussies stay liberated and their masks stay moist, but even these freewheeling pussies follow the rules and listen to Fauci. As people become more lax from the vax, Peaches reminds us to keep wearing our “Pussy Mask”.
-Robyn Dee
It has been quite the while since I jammed to Lamb of God. I remember growing up in high school when I first heard “Laid to Rest”. It was my first exposure to this genre of metal, and I had some friends who were really into them. Fast-forward 17 + years, and their back at it again with a new release on the horizon and a rad new track entitled “Ghost Shaped People”. I’m again impressed.
Lamb of God does a great job of sucking you into their songs and this one definitely immerses you. I was really intrigued by the way they shot this video. Mostly CGI and animation which I can only imagine took forever. However, I loved that it was all in black and white and told a unique story. The breakdown at 3:08 was absolutely dirty and the seller for me on the whole track. Definitely give this song a listen – it’s killer!
And as always, don't forget to give Lamb Of God (Deluxe Version) a spin when it drops on March 26 via Epic. It will include Bonus Tracks, a Live Album. and Live DVD. Pre-Orders now by clicking HERE