Hunnypot Party ICON new single alert! Peaches is back at it again with another amazing bop. The always groundbreaking and inspiring artist just released a music video to her single "Flip This". She's bringing her own light towards BLM and puts a flip on the movement. Her song is motivating political change and continued protests. Her style and lyrics express her passion for change and how important it is to stand up for what is right.   

-Drew Hollinger

Lotus is back with another banger in their 10th studio release, Free Swim!  This album blends styles of electronica with jazz and funk, making for a fun ride through this band’s compositional flow.  Free Swim is unconventional, yet feels familiar at every turn; the music takes routes one may not expect, but remains easily digestible for any listener.  Of course, for the fan of strange instrumentals, and experimental avenues, Free Swim is a must-listen.

The first track, "Catacombs", jumps in with a tribal dance vibe, and immediately showcases the smooth groove work by bassist, Jesse Miller, which is prevalent throughout the album. "Turtlehead" floats dancing guitars for easy listening, while the title track, "Free Swim", picks up the pace for a brighter tune.  The first standout gem of this album is "Sepia Rainbow", with its tight surfer rock guitar, wailing church organ, and saucy groove. Then, "One-Eyed Jones", creates a dreamy, brassy landscape with more floating melodies.

"Bjorn Gets a Haircut" has a unique mix and quality of instrument and sample choices, and definitely makes for one of the most fun tracks on the album. "Straight Blade" has a great rush rhythm, while "Earl of Grey" provides a smooth, mid-tempo jam. "Snake Island" feels like a party, with bright, fast distorted guitars and a dance rhythm.  Finally, "Land of the Lush" closes out the album with a gorgeous ballad, building to a large, cathartic finish.

Mike Greenfield’s drums and Chuck Morris’s percussion has consistent life in the rhythm, and communicates well with Jesse Miller’s bass and synth work. Luke Miller’s keys fill out each song in various ways, and in many cases provide an interesting syncopated feel; and his guitar work, along with Mike Rempel, are the perfect leads for most of these songs. And the composition for each song, as well as the arrangement for instruments is incredible. Altogether, with beautiful mixing from the production team, Lotus has created an eclectic track-list, which is impossible not to bump your head to, and simply never gets boring.

After a few spins around the block, I can honestly tell you that Free Swim is an incredible production from top to bottom and one you won't want to sleep on.  For those who enjoy experimental and creative music, Lotus has taken this one to a whole new level and does not fail to impress at every corner.  Free Swim is definitely one of the most pleasantly unique albums of the year and one you definitely need to add to your personal collection.  It's available on all streaming platforms and even on vinyl, so grab a copy today and let me know what you think after the needle drops!

As always, be well and rock on!     Hunnypot Approved!     Overall Rating:  8.7 out of 10

Artist:  Lotus  LP: Free Swim,   Release Date: August 21st, 2020,   Label:  Lotus Vibes Music

Matthew Raymond Hauri better known as Yung Gravy. The 24-year-old American rapper signed to Republic Records has been making a name for himself. Yung Gravy was born in Rochester, Minnesota where he attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison to earn his degree in marketing in 2017. He started his music career on Soundcloud back in college and quit his job to dedicate his passion towards music. The young artist released a new single and music video called "Yep!". 

-Drew Hollinger

Stryper certainly wasn't the first Christian Metal band to appear on the scene.  However, they arguably are the most successful with razor-sharp guitars, atmospheric vocals, and incredibly pleasing melodies that created a unique space for their positive message during the 1980's and beyond.  In addition to their amazing studio albums, Stryper is a fantastic live band and with high-energy shows that rival some of the best in the business across all genres. That said, it was inevitable they would become the darlings of MTV back in the day and ultimately one of the biggest rock bands on the planet during that era.  However, it was evident then that the struggle was real as Stryper faced an uphill battle trying to infuse a Christian message into a genre of music that generally is associated with the darker side of things.  Through hard work, determination, and a rabid fan-base, they persevered where most bands of their time fell by the wayside.  

After enduring a hiatus during the '90s, Stryper emerged stronger and more confident in their own skin and put out some of the most potent music of their career.  Following suit with their latest, Even the Devil Believes, they take it to a whole new level with an 11-track album album that challenges the mind and inspires the soul.  Michael Sweet's vocals are still top-notch, and the musicianship from other band members including Oz Fox (guitar), Robert Sweet (drums), and newcomer Perry Richardson (bass), complement each other in incredible ways that showcase this immensely talented band.  Upon dropping the needle on their latest, fans are immediately blown away with their opening salvo, "Blood from Above."  Listeners are immediately immersed into a transcendent track which could be the best song on the album and fit for opening of an upcoming live show.  Stryper's signature guitar sound, amazing harmonies, and patented screams are all there on display from the get go and it only gets better from there.

While most can recognize a Stryper song within a few notes, it is interesting to see how the band has evolved lyrically with each new album.  This record is in stark contrast to their previous release, God Damn Evil, where they took an aggressive, often angry angle condemning all things sin.  Even the Devil Believes seems to take a complete 180 with a much needed message of hope and love while keeping their unique edge in tact, sending us a welcome respite to this crazy year we are all having to endure.  "Let Him In," an upbeat flat-out rocker, showcases how good this band still is,  showcasing brilliant backing vocals which power Stryper's unmistakable choruses and will surely be welcoming sound for the longtime Stryper fan.  The title track "Even the Devil Believes" reveals itself as a surefire fist-pumper, which leads into "How to Fly", an engaging throwback song that will instantly transport you back to the '80s. 

My personal favorite on the record, however, is the track "Divider."  This one confronts those who go to great lengths to upset the apple cart for their enjoyment, all with some of the most vicious guitars on the entire album.  "For God and Rock ‘n Roll" is another that pays homage to all things classic Stryper, which opens the door to the album's closer, "Middle Finger Messiah."  It' a musical exclamation point which again showcases the musical prowess of this seasoned band.  Once you listen to this one, you'll immediately recognize something in the chorus as it pays homage to an unmistakable melody will surely make you "taste the fire on your tongue".

Stryper has come a long way since the secular hits "Calling on You," "Honestly" and "Always There For You", for sure.  While they may not currently be breaking any new musical barriers this time around, they are still putting out high-quality kick-ass music some 40 years later and that's no easy feat.  Stryper's signature sound and incredible musicianship is on full-display throughout this album with inspirational lyrics much needed in this day and age.  Longtime fans will love their latest and new ones will be immediately pulled into the fold after the first track - it's that good.   And to all the haters out their, Stryper has nothing to prove with this release.  Their legacy has withstood the test of time, and their latest release, Even the Devil Believes, is no exception to their amazing legacy.   

As always, be well, and wash your hands...     Hunnypot Approved!     Overall Rating:  9.1 out of 10

Artist:  Stryper  LP: Even the Devil Believes,   Release Date: September, 2nd, 2020,   Label:  Frontiers Music SLR

This post and review is in honor of John McAteer.  John died suddenly on Sunday evening (10/20/2020) due to a heart attack. He was an avid Stryper fan and the new album made him smile and its all he could talk about as of recent. Let’s all pray for the family and specifically for John’s wife, Paula as well as his son Nathan.

The young rapper Marco Anthony Archer known as Phora from Anaheim, California has been lighting up the scene. The 25-year-old artist signed by Warner Bros Records released a new song "Promises". This young man nearly died back in 2015 due to a gun shooting in Pasadena where three bullets from a caliber pistol were fired into his back and neck. His passion for music shows in his lyrics and craft. Big things to come from this talented young artist. Take a listen.

-Drew Hollinger

Greetings friends and fellow music lovers. It's been months since we sent you and e-mail update, needless to say trying times, we've obviously put a hold on our live mixers, events and dance nights. I'm really looking forward to safely gathering again in person.

In November we're supposed to be celebrating our 20 Year Anniversary of Hunnypot's live parties. Yup, 20 Years, hard to believe, so much history and FUN. Fingers crossed.

During my tenure in the music industry many groundbreaking, enduring artists have added me to the team to directly manage their publishing and Licensing affairs. I have the fondest memories and career changing moments working with Pete Townshend "Let My Love Open The Door", Kings of Leon "Molly's Chamber", Show Patrol "Chasing Cars", Nick Cave "Red Right Hand", Ginger Baker (Masters of Reality), Spice Girls "Wannabe", Newclues "Jam On It" Far East Movement "Like A G6", Fischerspooner "Emerge", The Dollyrots "Because I'm Awesome", Meat Beat Manifesto "Prime Audio Soup", The Cramps "New Kind of Kick", Talib Kweli "Get By", Blackstar "Definition", The Coup "My Favorite Mutiny", The BellRays "Revolution Get Down", Johnette Napollitano (Concrete Blonde) "Joey", and Bo Diddley "Before You Accuse Me" to name just a few you may have heard of.

In the spirit of these innovators, I'm proud to present my newest compilation of current Hunnypot artists I fully support.

As always I'm crossing genres and showcasing the coolest and best. All songs are available for Synchronization Licensing, Please, Dig in!

-John Hot Tub Anderson

Spotify

Simon Collins’s fourth project, Becoming Human, is less an album, and more a stream of thoughts, consciousness, and emotion. It begins with a stellar soundscape to reel in the listener, followed by the title song, giving a proper introduction to an extraordinary set of compositions. Moving forward, the listener is in for quite the sonic rabbit hole.

Taking influence from his band, Sound of Contact, and blending styles of progressive rock and electronica, Simon Collins has created a mixture of vibrant and colorful music in Becoming Human. Since his 1999 debut, All of Who You Are, Collins has made excellent additions to electronic and progressive music, mashing modern and nostalgic sounds, and this new project is no different.  With pumping synths and keys mixed with a classic ‘80s feel, this album feels like a dark atmosphere that ultimately can be addicting. Becoming Human is fresh, yet familiar.

Following the title track, “Universe Inside Of Me,” ventures through a mysterious void, finding its way to an almost victorious turn in the hook. This leads into “Man Made Man,” with its glitchy intro, melodious vocals, and simple structure which hits just right. “This Is The Time” has a bright energy, and highlights Collins’s songwriting prowess, with catchy lyrics and a tune that sticks with you. “Thoughts Become Matter” provides another beautiful soundscape, leading into a heavy, beat-driven, electronic gospel. The energy shifts again as “I Will Be Waiting,” presents a dark ballad, with an incredible sound design and movement.

“No Love” and “Living In Silence” bring the listener back into Collins’s rock influence, while still giving a progressive feel. “40 Years” wraps up the second act of this journey, stepping away with a nice slide guitar style, and more of Collins’s catchy vocals. “So Real” returns to the heavy electronic feel, with more pleasing, striking  melodies. The project comes to a climax with “Dead Ends,” which builds from a dark soundscape into a high-energy anthem, wrapping everything up in a definitive way.

Simon Collins’s work on the drums is, to say the least, spectacular. Incredible drum work is no surprise coming from the son of Phil Collins, but nonetheless, there is a certain unique quality to Simon Collins which is beyond that. With guitar work from Robin Boult and Kelly Avril Nordstrom, bass from Gaz Williams, and beautiful sound design from Robbie Bronnimann, Becoming Human could be one of the best progressive rock albums this year.

In short, it’s a masterpiece.

As always, rock on my friends and stay safe!     Hunnypot Approved!     Overall Rating:  8.7 out of 10

Artist:  Simon Collins LP: Becoming Human,   Release Date: September, 4th, 2020,   Label:  Frontiers Music SLR

One of her most popular songs also known as her first hit single called “DDLG” has been going viral on Tik Tok. Ppcocaine has been an influence on some of the most popular Tik Tokers which includes Charlie D’Amelio, Sommer Ray, and James Charles which have helped her increased her stardom.

Spaindagoat met Ppcocaine one time in the studio and they automatically clicked. Ppcocaine identities as an independent artist but her focus is to make different impactful music and change the music game.

-Drew Hollinger  

The Australian Indie pop duo Confidence Man released their official music video "First Class Bitch". The brother and sister duo have been dropping amazing tunes since 2016. Both artists have brought the cool funk vibe with their vogue sound and style. The video was directed by Julian Lucas and produced by Jessica Galea. Check them out, Hot Tub Johnnie approved.

-Drew Hollinger 

From Ashes to New is set to release their newest album, Panic, on August 28th and you do not want to miss out on this. This is the first time I have heard their music and I must say, it is killer.  I got major Linkin Park vibes from the album and it was no joking around from there.  I think taking on that iconic sound is one you have to do right, and From Ashes to New slayed  it on their latest album. Quite frankly, I was caught off guard by how great this one was out the gate.  With everything going on in the world, I can’t think of a better name for this album – PANIC.  Let’s go ahead and dive right in.

The album starts out with a track called “Scars That I’m Hiding” and at first listen, you really get sucked into the heavy screams by Brandyberry and the gut punching drums by Matt Madiro.  I really enjoy how they balance out the screaming and singing. It’s really easy to hear the nu-metal sound that Linkin Park gives off in their music.  They do a great job of evolving that sound into 2020 and making it work. They also give off a hint of I Prevail, and they are blowing up right now. The forward trajectory of From Ashes to New is definitely exciting to say the least.

The next song that really stood out to me was “Blind”, and it was the lyricism and flow to Brandyberry’s rock/rap vocals. It has such a powerful emotion that you can really feel as you continue to listen. You can tell a lot about a band when they are able to capture that emotion you are feeling, and then throw it into a song that is relatable.  A few songs later, you hit their big first single, and title track, “Panic”. They don't skip a beat and jump straight into it. In this particular song, Brandyberry’s screams are so identical to how Chester Bennington did his in Linkin Park that I couldn’t stop listening. The nostalgia I got from hearing those types of screams was unreal. They killed this track!

At the time of writing this, I am on my 3rd go-around of the album and I don’t think I can speak any more highly of how well it was crafted.  From composition to engineering, every song is without a doubt a banger. For my fans of Linkin Park and I Prevail, definitely give this a listen when it hits streaming platforms on August 28th. The moment concerts come back and life gets back to normal, I will be putting these guys on my bucket list to take photos of and see live. I just found a new album to keep me sane through this time and I’m so hyped!

As always, rock on my friends and stay safe!     Hunnypot Approved!     Overall Rating:  10 out of 10

Artist:  From Ashes to New LP: Panic,   Release Date: August 28th, 2020,   Label: Better Noise Music