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
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
I’ve been a Heavy Music fan for as long as I can remember, and since the late 70’s when any guitar-oriented music would play, I’d perk up immediately. Today, decades later, I STILL anticipate the release of new material like I did when I was counting the days to get my hands on albums such as Shout at The Devil, Balls to the Wall, and Powerslave! Dokken, of course, was one of those bands that anchored the L.A. scene back when it exploded, and when recently given a chance to listen to and review The Lost Songs: 1978-1981, I was elated.
The Lost Songs presented here are, for lack of a better phrase, truly unpolished gems. We have nine studio tracks and two live tracks that reach way back in time (almost 40 years to be exact). Each song is presented here in various states of production, which can jolt the unsuspecting at first. For me, admittedly, it took me a while to get into it, but eventually, it succeeded in dusting off memories of not so much Dokken, but the scene in general, and where I was as a music fan at that time. I remember trying to get a hold of demo tapes, and other unreleased music was quite the feat at the time. Heavy Metal was indeed an underground entity, driven solely by word of mouth, and that “Demo” of unreleased music was like gold in those days.
The first track on this album, “Step into the Light” is in my opinion “classic” Dokken. A mid-tempo, melodic song steeped in hair-metal goodness and seemingly sums up the entire genre in one song. This one could easily have found a home on their debut effort, and it doesn’t stop here. The raw and edgy “We’re Going Wrong” follows, which carries the same classic Dokken feel, but with more prominent guitars. I can easily imagine popping in a cassette of this back in the day, feeling like I put one over on my friends having this in hand. The next two are early attempts at what feels like the obligatory ballads everyone had on their albums. However, “Day after Day" (which has a remote Scorpions “Lady Starlight” feel), coupled with Dokken sounding a bit like an early Vince Neil, isn’t all that cringe-worthy yet interesting to say the least. “Rainbows” follows and is another attempt to pull on the heartstrings, but to me, this one falls a tad short of hitting the ballad bull’s-eye.
“Felony,” “No Answer,” and “Back in the Streets” follow, and it’s here you can hear the band begin to develop into that Dokken formula we all know and love. The version of “Felony,” which made it onto the debut record, surprisingly pales compared to the one presented here - very upbeat, raw, and fast. Interestingly, the “Conception” live album broke the seal on the song “Hit and Run,” and here we’re treated to an early demo that’s still as upbeat and melodic as what they used to put out live. One of the fascinating things about albums like this is the decisions made about songs from conception to the final product.
Here’s the scoop: If you are expecting to hear these songs with the polish and punch of “Under Lock and Key,” it’s simply not going to happen. Instead, we’re treated to a peek into the inner workings of a fledgling Hard Rock band, as they were, 40+ years ago. It's important to remember that what you have here is the music of a hungry, raw band searching for themselves (not unlike those of us growing up at that time as well). A hardcore Dokken fan from day one will go weak in the knees after taking The Lost Songs: 1978-1981, for a spin. It's just what the Doctor ordered during these unprecedented times and most will enjoy this as a catalyst to remember our formidable years, when we were growing up right alongside bands like this. Good times.
Be well, and keep washing your hands!
As always, rock on my friends! Hunnypot Approved! Overall Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Artist: Dokken LP: The Lost Songs: 1978-1981, Release Date: August 28th, 2020, Label: Silver Lining Music
There is a fine-line between reminiscing and living in the past. With metal music, we all think back to "The good ole days" when we first heard our heroes we love to this day. Relentless, powerful, full of energy, there was no stopping them. Would they carry the torch forever? Time can be a ruthless opponent for most, but I'm here to tell you there's one metal legend in particular who has managed to kick time in the nuts and continue without losing a single step.
Of course, I'm referring to former Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider. He and his new band will be releasing a new live album in the coming days, and I'm here to tell you this man is nothing short of amazing on this album. With his being on the scene for more than 40 years and being a fan of his since I first laid ears on the classic tune Under the Blade in '82, this man still sounds astoundingly good. With one of the most recognizable voices in metal, he takes his over-the-top persona, comedic wit, and lays it all out on this instant classic.
In 2018, Snider released a solo album entitled For The Love of Metal, which was in itself was a top-notch release, and paying homage to it here, there are no less than EIGHT songs from that record on this one! The two opening salvos "Lies Are a Business" and "Tomorrow's No Concern" are all you need to hear to understand how Snider's iconic voice fits so well with today's metal. Bloodcurdling barking, the essence of thrash, a very clean and natural recording, and a band that's tight as a drum left me wanting more and fast!
Of course, the next tune was from the way-back machine, the title track from Twisted Sister's 1983 album, You can't stop Rock and Roll. I've never heard it sound better. From here, I was hooked. There's truly something here for Metal lovers of any generation. Twisted Sister classics, "Under the Blade," (the version here gave me chills) "The Kids Are Back," "We're Not Gonna Take It," and "I Wanna Rock" are interlaced with barn-burners "American Made," "Before the Storm," and "Roll over You," from the latest solo album. There's nothing more fascinating to me than hearing "I Wanna Rock," and then this band bursting into the new "For the Love of Metal"… Snider has indeed scooped up everything great from back in the day, blended it with some compelling new stuff, and created an impressive collection here.
But wait, There's more! Included here is an excellent cover of AC/DC's "Highway to Hell," "The Fire Still Burns" from Twisted Sister's 1985 release "Come out and Play," and a hidden gem from Dee's band Widowmaker "Ready to Fall." A great song from a very underappreciated album from back in the day, that fits well here. Finally, there's also a new studio track entitled "Prove me Wrong," another new shredder that brings it full-circle.
Here's the bottom line, if you a fan Dee Snider, Twisted Sister, or anything metal for that matter, you'll love For The Love of Metal Live. Plain and simple, it pays homage to the past while staying current with some of the most vicious, raw, unapologetic metal out there today. This is one bad-ass live album that, for me, is going to be on repeat for a long while. As always, be well, and wash your hands!
As always, rock on my friends! Hunnypot Approved! Overall Rating: 9.5 out of 10
Artist: Dee Snider LP: For The Love of Metal Live, Release Date: July 31, 2020, Label: Napalm Records
I first came across Pop Smoke about a year ago when I first heard “Welcome To The Party” off his debut mixtape, Meet The Woo. Singles like “Welcome To The Party” and “Dior” catapulted him out of obscurity and into the mainstream as one of the leaders of New York City’s rendition of the drill movement.
Unfortunately, the 20-year old’s life was cut short on February 19, 2020 after being shot twice during a home invasion in the Hollywood Hills (a suburb of Los Angeles, CA). During this time period, he was hard at work putting together his debut album. After his passing, 50 Cent stepped up to plate in the role of Executive Producer to finish the task and get Pop Smoke’s music out to the world. This video, "The Woo" (feat. 50 Cent & Roddy Ricch) released on what would have been Pop Smoke’s 21st birthday, gives us a good sampler of what is on his posthumous debut album, Shoot For the Stars, Aim For The Moon.
In traditional commercial hip-hop sense, Roddy Ricch and 50 Cent can be found surrounded by beautiful women, fast cars, and bottles of champagne. But in the corner of the room, there’s a collection of TV screens, and on each of those screens displays old music videos, live shows, and raw tour footage of the late Pop Smoke. Roddy and 50 deliver a very modern “2020” hip-hop flavor in both of their verses. You almost wonder how much Pop’s going to contrast with his counterparts, but when he starts that final verse of the song, you almost think 50 was delivering another verse of his own. But no, it’s Pop. Dropping references to “Candy Shop” and “Hate It or Love It” in a slightly melodic tone, two things become abundantly clear: First, 50 Cent was a huge influence on Pop Smoke, and it makes sense why 50 jumped up to the task. Secondly, Pop intended to make an album that showed us more sides of himself than just a drill rapper. Its rumored Pop Smoke has up to 400 pieces of unreleased records, so my hope is we can see more of this stuff down the line.
Rest In Power, Pope Smoke
- Kris
With the sudden passing in 2014 of lead vocalist and founding member of the Techno/Industrial Metal band Static-X, Wayne Static, it was widely assumed this pioneering powerhouse would fade away forever.
"The unexpected thing tragedy gives us is the opportunity to rebuild."
These are the first words you hear on the new Static-X album, Project Regeneration Vol. 1. Fitting both then and now. Since in today's world, it seems we are rebuilding our sanity and fighting for that sense of normalcy daily, The phrase also rings true in the context of Static-X and it's sudden end. It's time to rebuild.
This album drops on the heels of a massive world tour last year (cut short by the pandemic like so many others) celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut album, Wisconsin Death Trip. The tour also introduced fans to the mysterious masked figure Xer0 filling in for the late Wayne on vocals. The shows were electrifying, widely acclaimed, and ultimately revitalized interest in the band from a wider audience—the perfect momentum builder to set the stage for this fascinating release.
Project Regeneration Vol. 1 boasts the return of the original Static-X lineup; Tony Campos (bass), Koichi Fukuda (guitarist, programmer, and keyboardist), and Ken Jay (drums). They have joined forces with new frontman/producer Xer0 and put together their first recordings since 2009. The album features bits and pieces of the last recordings and unused vocal tracks of deceased frontman Wayne Static. They did an outstanding job here. The essence of Static-X is very indeed prominent on this album with the sound they became famous for on full display here!
The first track "Regeneration" is an intro of sorts, paying direct homage to Wisconsin Death Trip's "I'm With Stupid" with some of their classic sampling, seemingly to get us primed for what's to follow. "Hollow" hits with our first taste of this oh-so familiar sound and pays perfect homage to what was. Wayne's vocals are displayed here in classic Static fashion, and you are instantly transported into the past… or the future, for that matter! What they did here is nothing short of amazing.
Next up is "Worth Dyin' For", which brutally executes that classic Static sound with Wayne's vocals interlaced with new frontman Xer0's. Seamlessly stitched together in the same precision as Xer0's stage mask, the album steamrolls from here. The sound they became famous for is back in all its glory as the album progresses, and "Terminator Oscillator" is a perfect example of this. The intensity, the energy, the power of the band on display once more. This song is one massive upbeat behemoth of a tune, exclusively sung by Xer0, and feels like a peek into the future of what's in store from this band. Realistically, both singers are at the top of their game here, rounding out the delivery of a top-notch record. If this is what Static-X means by rebuilding and regenerating, I'm on board.
If there is one takeaway from this record, it's Static-X certainly have not mellowed with age. The brief nu-metal/industrial scene in general came and went in a heartbeat, but did yield some classic stuff (i.e., '90s Korn and Rob Zombie). Static-X was a massive part of this genre, and with this reawakening of their unique sound, they ensure they are won't soon be forgotten. They certainly have not strayed from their roots here. Older fans of Static-X will love this record, and newer fans who hear this for the first time will wonder how they managed this long without Static-X in their life. Every track is hard-hitting, gritty, industrial metal at its finest. It is music you can both dance to and head-bang to at the same time. I've listened to this record over and over the past week and cannot put it down. Give this album a try. It will not disappoint.
"The unexpected thing tragedy gives us is the opportunity to rebuild."
It's Static-X.
It's Evil Disco.
It's Rebuilt.
All Photos: Greg Vitalich Photography