Hunnypot Live sent a copper cassette tape with party music on a mission to the moon. At the last minute scientists loaded up a bunch of Tardigrades in the same shipment and that ship crash landed on the moon. Whatever happens to those Tardigrades, we know they'll be they'll be entertained immensely. Last night Hunnypot Live entertained the less "tardi" of the animal kingdom. A party startup DJ set from Hot Tub Johnnie. Jessica Gramuglia gave an outstanding debut interview about her journey to music supervision and the music that got her there. Emma Charles played epic emotional rock and pop music. Cheer Up Club brown everyone down to their level of snarky puppy rock. Down North tore the roof, walls and floor off the place with funky progressive punk soul music. Chris Truent didn't cut his class or bars while rapping for us and Hot Tub cleaned up the night with another dance party. (8/19/2019)
Jessica Gramuglia, based in Los Angeles but a born New Yorker, got her start in the big apple after receiving her Bachelors of Science in Music Industry from Northeastern University. With a wide variety of experience from records labels, artist management companies, promotions, and live music, she started working with local production companies to supervise their indie films. Chasing her sync dreams, she moved out to LA to accept a role in licensing at Warner/Chappell Music, Inc to later transition over to creative at Warner Bros. Television (Big Bang Theory, Fuller House, The Middle, Rizzoli & Isles etc.) and Freeform/ABC Family (Baby Daddy, The Letter, Monica the Medium, Young & Hungry, etc) later transitioning to live sports and branded content as World Surf League's first Music Coordinator.
She was on the executive board of JHRTS (Juniors in Hollywood Radio & Television Society) who put on multiple events a month ranging from panels, q&a's, mixers and philanthropy. She planned and moderated JHRTS’s first-ever Music Supervision panel. She was also the co-head of Synch This, the top sync music networking group who put on industry showcases, mixers and philanthropy events throughout the year
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It’s said the best singers wear their hearts on their sleeves and this is certainly true of 21 year old
folk-pop savant Emma Charles. Blending acoustic Americana vibes with savvy electronica soundscapes, Emma’s voice is a compelling vehicle for her lyrical tapestry of heartbreak and hope. Growing up in tiny Westport, Connecticut, Emma was deeply influenced by Carole King and Joni Mitchell. She soon spread her wings, earning a vocal scholarship at prestigious Berklee College of Music. Since graduating Emma has thrown herself into live performances, including with mentor Paula Cole.
She also spent much of this year on national tours with Howie Day & Tyler Hilton, announcing herself as the act to watch in 2019. Her debut single “Comfort In The Chaos” has garnered glowing reviews and is on its way to 30,000 streams. Emma has been interviewed for The Huffington Post, Buzzbands.la and Voyage LA. She is currently working with Uber producer Doug Schadt (Maggie Rogers, SHAED, Ashe) and her debut EP will be out later this year.
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Raised on James Brown and Sam Cooke, Anthony Briscoe combines a style and emotional impact reminiscent of Prince in his vocal expressions and proudly steals the spotlight with his ballet-trained dancing while psychedelic-jazz guitarist Nick Quiller dominates the fretboard with a limitless imagination that explores the soundscape from high to low. Bassist Brandon Storms blends slap/pop bass lines with deep synth, and pitch bent solos that parallel guitar leads and Drummer Conrad Real glues together a foundation through impeccable groove and powerful chops, his finesse, intensity, and strength are evocative of Chris Coleman and John Blackwell.
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Bridging the gap between the roots of hip hop and the new generation of rap music, 23 year old hip hop artist and LA native Chris Truent discovered his love for rhythm and poetry at a young age and has been carefully crafting and curating music on all platforms ever since. Working with LA Producer Vinny, the two create music that merges thought provoking lyricism with the current soundscapes of the genre.
“You ever heard of Jimmie Vaughan?”
That question started my morning out on the sand in front of the Outrigger Waikiki Hotel a week ago. A visiting couple was beyond ecstatic to tell me that they flew out to Hawaii with the sole purpose of watching Vaughan perform at Blue Note Hawaii. The blues legend was here for a two-show run.
As the lights went down that night in the venue, Jimmie Vaughan confidently stepped on stage with his slicked-back hair and trademark Tex-Mex Fender Strat in his hands. Accompanying him were Mike Flanigin on organ and Jason Corbiere on drums; veteran performers themselves, they rounded out the Jimmie Vaughan Trio, a musical powerhouse that hearkened a sound from a foregone era of Texas blues.
The night would pay homage to Vaughan’s life and legacy, and his own musical heroes that helped shape his career. With his band at his side, they played for over two hours with songs from Vaughan’s solo career, his previous band (The Fabulous Thunderbirds), as well as his favorite covers from decade’s past. Vaughan also took us back to a little spot called the Rome Inn in Austin, with a heartfelt rendition of the fan favorite, “Texas Flood,” in honor of his late brother, Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Before breaking into a cover of the Phil Upchurch classic, “You Can’t Sit Down,” Flanigin sat behind the keys and recalled tales of Vaughan’s childhood. How he would ride his bike to the local Dairy Queen with a quarter in hand to play the song on the jukebox five times in a row. Vaughan has always been about the spaces between notes. There was a moment when the lights dimmed, he put the guitar to his side, and sang the ballad, “I’m Still in Love with You,” from his latest album, Baby, Please Come Home. The song was dedicated to his wife, who was smiling ear-to-ear behind me in the audience. As an added surprise was the guest appearance of Sue Foley, a prolific blues singer and guitarist from Canada, who traded solos with the Trio using her pink Fender Strat.
Towards the end of the show, the Jimmie Vaughan Trio played homage to The Fabulous Thunderbirds with their classic hit, “The Crawl.” With the audience on their feet and singing along, Vaughan lifted that Strat behind his head and summoned a flurry of notes I didn’t believe was humanly possible.
Music lovers of all ages got up off their seats. Mothers danced with their daughters in the aisles and couples embraced, twirling each other hand-in-hand. It was proof that, even after five decades, Jimmie Vaughan still has that fire burning inside and notes that have yet to be played. His Trio is no blues revival band, but a refreshing homage to a timeless genre sure to be playing for years to come. If the Jimmie Vaughan Trio is passing near your town (or even a string of remote islands a few thousand miles away), don’t miss it.
Welcome to Operator Music Band's "Mondo" in their new video and single.
The New York band just released their newest single "Mondo", with shades of art-pop experimentalism and electronic minimalism the dance-pop song blends the analog old sound with the newer digital ones. The video directed by Vanessa Castro translates perfectly all this elements presented in their music, bringing a nostalgic 80's feel to it and a resemblance to the works of the band Kraftwerk.
The lyrics of "Mondo" deeply touched me because of the social critique it does to the modern world and mental health. We currently live in a world where money comes first and then our passions, in a world where we doubt our abilities and because of that many times is hard to move forward. So the band suggests you to "step back from time to time to critique your perspective on the subject" because it is "all a state of mind".
Operator Music Band is Hunnypot Approved!
-Renata Vontobel
Being a concert photographer has its perks. It also comes with a fair share of challenges that most fail to recognize. Sure, we get up close and personal with our favorite bands for the first three, but in many cases are then rushed off to no man’s land where actually enjoying the show we are covering is challenging at best. Fortunately for me, Saturday night’s show at Warehouse Live featuring Cinderella’s Tom Keifer was the exception to the rule. Add in world-famous radio personality Eddie Trunk, and a great show gets catapulted to a whole new level. Let's go!
Kicking off Saturday’s show in Houston were Las Vegas natives (and rock and roll psychopaths) – the Electric Radio Kings. A relatively new band, these guys kicked some major ass in ways I can’t begin to describe. Their band was all rock and roll but featured an updated sound that seemed to transcend many different genres over the past 30 years. ERK engaged the crowd from the very first note until their final bow and were the perfect fit for a Tom Keifer show. These guys are incredible and well worth the price of admission on their own.
Now on to the main attraction, Cinderella’s Tom Keifer. As on many occasions, I’m standing in the photo pit at Warehouse Live when I see Tom Keifer and the band making their way to the stage. The crowd goes crazy as the band huddled up for their pre-show ritual. From the very beginning you could feel the calm before the storm that was just about to be unleashed on Houston. Even though the lights were dim you could see the confidence in Tom and his band - this was going to be good!
As of recent, Keifer seems to have a new-found energy that is literally infectious. From the start of the show when the lights came on to the bands opening notes on “Touching the Devine”, fans in Houston could just feel it… Keifer was back and feeling better than ever. Then just as the song came to an end, the familiar beginning of 1986’s “Night Songs” filled Warehouse Live and it was off to the races from that point forward. After saying a few words and letting us know that “it was going to be a good night”, Keifer and company hit the gas and launched into one of my personal favs, “Coming Home”.
Keifer’s band was firing on all cylinders and were playing like they had something to prove (not to us but to themselves). Most that have followed Cinderella know Tom has had some vocal issues in the past (including numerous throat surgeries where he was told he might never sing again). I am here to tell you that Keifer is proving them all wrong as he sounded better that ever. The intensity he showed throughout the entire performance was so incredible. Tom put his heart & soul into an blistering 16-song set and it paid off in spades. Throughout the evening, the band played a lot of classics including a debut of the first single off their latest album Rise - slated to drop on Sept 13th. “The Death of Me” was plain badassery and I cannot wait to hear the whole album in its entirety.
While Keifer’s first album outside of Cinderella was a solo album, the forthcoming album is truly a group effort and Tom noted “everyone in the band plaid a part”. And if Saturday’s band chemistry was any indication of things to come, fans are in for a real treat as this band is legit. I loved this show for many reasons other than the fact that I’m a huge fan of Tom Keifer. The intensity that he showed after being in this business for 35 years+ was incredible and his voice said “IM BACK” to the legions of fans in attendance on Saturday night. Keifer & Company was better than ever and performed like a well-oiled machine - everything just clicked. This is definitely one show you don’t want to miss!
Skyxxx is showing off his "Hotboy" side on his new video.
Skyxxx's new super catchy song "Hotboy" is what the rapper calls "the bridge of classic rap and the new era", fusing timeless bars and the 21st century swagger. The video has a big influence of the modern hiphop but with a retro feel to it as well. In the video he dances through a hotel complete with throwback decor, surrounded by beautiful women as he declares, “I’m a hotboy,” with a whole lot of swagger and style.
The Orlando-based rapper is one of the newest additions to Warner Records, having "Hotboy" as his debut single on the lable. From corner battle rapping as a kid, and earning early viral success with “Bangk” in 2013 to the release of this sizzling new video singned by Warner Records.
Hunnypot approves this HOT new artist!
-Renata Vontobel
Skillet, the Christian metal band from Nashville, has been putting out inspiring and powerful music for decades now. Since its inception in 1996, the band experimented with their sound at times, seemingly to find its place. Grunge, Alternative, Electronic, and of course Hard Rock were all styles Skillet dabbled in over their history. Their most recent release, “Victorious”, is a continuation of this strategy, only bigger. For me, they have found themselves.
It took me a few spins to truly grasp what husband and wife duo John (lead vocals, bass) and Korey Cooper (keyboard, rhythm guitar, synthesizer, backing vocals), Jen Ledger (drummer, backing vocals), and Seth Morrison (rhythm guitar) have woven together this time around. There is so much going on within each track that you find yourself being drawn to listen intently to absorb all they are offering here.
The album opens with a couple of motivational songs. Upbeat, straightforward, and punchy, “Legendary” and “You Ain’t Ready” offer the idea of being the best you can. Stoke that fire within you. You are in control. Both are primed to be classic crowd participation songs live and set the tone for what’s to follow.
As we proceed to the album’s title track, “Victorious” it emerges as one of the most intriguing of the lot, and one of my personal favorites. Strings open the song, leading into a punchy electric rhythm slowly gains momentum as John begins delivering the lyrics. Soon, this massive sonic boom of a chorus emerges, with John and Jen overlapping their vocals atop of this musical mountain they’ve created. What’s interesting is as how uplifting this tune is musically, while the lyrics themselves are very different. Sung from the perspective of someone mired in depression, they’ve managed to combine a sad story, with a very musically uplifting tune.
The album continues with more powerful tunes, with some different flavors here and there. “This is the Kingdom” has a bit of Imagine Dragons in it’s DNA, “Rise Up” barrels along with a Marylin Manson flavor, and “Never going Back”, a flat-out ass-kicker that will get all the fists in the crowd up for sure. The album finishes with “Back to Life” which could be the most traditional hard rock tune on this record. It could have easily led off the record, but I find it sits nicely here a solid exclamation point and the end.
Strings, piano, soaring choruses, big drums, fat guitars; this record has something for any heavy music fan. If you think you’ve heard Skillet before, you might be surprised where they are today. I can say again, this is one big heavy album with something for everyone. You might find this is a surprisingly satisfying group of songs. I did.
As always, rock on my friends! Hunnypot Approved! Overall Rating: 8.6 out of 10
Artist: Skillet LP: Victorious, Release Date: Aug 2nd, 2019, Label: Atlantic Records
Chela's new single - "Heart O' Hearts" Set on capturing hearts, Australian-Filipino synth-pop goddess Chela returns with her new single 'Heart O’ Hearts'
Chela, catchy vocals, her carbon counterpart and range of synths...
Chela’s second release on Goldroom an R.A.C's LA label Minerva Music, Heart O’ Hearts is synth-pop at its glittering best. Opening with a driving drum-beat and an infectious tropical groove, Chela’s honest vocals build to the chorus, where she exclaims 'Beat hard with the best that you have before I dare to give you up.'' Chela explains that the track was inspired by inner conflict resolution, stating that it’s about the good vs. the evil, the positive voice in one ear reckoning with the negative on the other side. "It's a mantra for quieting down the dark side of yourself," she says.
Sean The Star Emperor shines in the single and video for "Sandstorm".
Mixing hiphop and dance-pop elements "Sandstrom" is the perfect party song to brighten up your night. The style of this particular track feels like Todrick Hall meets Lady Gaga, as it has a lot of attitude and great strong vocals at the chorus. The song also has a positive message to always keep trying even though sometimes life is giving you a hard time, and the best way to keep up is dancing to the sandstorm.
Sean The Star Emperor's energy takes all your attention to watch the video until the end, he is upbeat, fun a a great singer. From all the way from Space to Hunnypot Video Picks "Sandstorm" is Hunnypot approved!
-Renata Vontobel
Making. Underground. Raw. Shit. This is exactly what Murs & 9th Wonder set out to do on their most recent collaborative effort, The Iliad Is Dead & The Odyssey Is Over. Over the past 15 years, these two haven’t disappointed on their collaborations, so I was super stoked when this project dropped. It’s also important to note that 9th Wonder enlists the help of his in house production super-group, The Soul Council, throughout the project. Let’s jump into a few of my highlights of this project.
The pair kicks off their 7th collaborative album with their intro track, “The Hulk”. On most hip-hop projects, the producer is the leadoff hitter. They typically lay down a continuously building beat to introduce the lyricist, but Murs wastes zero time as he starts rapping out the gate only a split second after the beat dropped. With a multisyllabic technical flow, Murs covers a wide array of topics, reminding the listener that he’s a 20-year seasoned lyricist in the game, claims no one is fucking with Los Angeles’ tacos, and expresses his disapproval of the current presidential administration.
Heading into the second track, “Cancun 08”, 9th Wonder regains control with a layered vibey intro that I was actually expecting on the intro track. He tee’s off Murs as he delivers a laid back swaggy braggadocio flow where he delivers undeviating battle bars. Pookie Blow and $ilk Money assist in delivering the 2nd and 3rd verses of the song. I’ll definitely be digging on SoundCloud to find more from Pookie Blow, as the female Los Angeles native definitely dropped the hardest verse on the track.
Another standout track is “My Hero” which might be my favorite jam from the whole album. Assisted by Heather Victoria, Murs taps into his conscious roots to tell a dark story of a young woman named Alexis. He tells us about her journey from abandoned foster child to abused prostitute, peeling back the curtain on modern day cases of human trafficking in the United States. 9th Wonder also delivers a near peak performance with clean production that draws the listener’s attention in paving the way for Murs’ vocals. If you’re looking for a prime example of effective storytelling in hip hop, this is the one.
Some other notable moments - Murs enlists Rapsody and Reuben Vincent to help on “High Noon”. The major standpoint on this track is the first verse where Murs and Rapsody split the verse and switch off, bar for bar, and line for line. Reuben Vincent ties the verses together with potentially the best chorus on the album. “Night Shift” also takes us back to some of the OG Murs projects where he loops together well-crafted verses with a repetitive chorus over a smooth and not overly complicated 9th Wonder beat. 9th Wonder & Murs slow it down a little bit on the love affair, “Give Me A Reason”, just to ramp it back up with the screwface inducing “Super Cojo Bros,” assisted by GQ & Cojo. The song placement here and throughout the entire project is articulate and thoughtful.
If you’re a fan of lyrical and meaningful hip hop, I highly recommend you give this album a listen. But before you jump into the full length version, I suggest you hop on over to MursTV on Youtube and watch the mini movie which serves as a continuous music video for the following tracks – “The Hulk”, “My Hero”, “Fuck Them”, and “Cancun 08” (Video Link Below). Once you catch this vibe, I’m sure you’ll jump right into the full-length audio project.
As always, rock on my friends! Hunnypot Approved! Overall Rating: 8.5 out of 10
Artist: MURS LP: The Illiad is Dead and the Odyssey is Over, Release Date: August 9th, 2019, Label: Murs316
INDICA is an LA-based hip-hop artist. Not too long ago, he released his anticipated EP, entitled, “RETROMODERN”, through the Tommy Boy label system to rave reviews.
‘RETROMODERN’ takes listeners on a joyous ride through a futuristic soundscape littered with club-friendly singles and feel-good vibrations.
The 7-track project contains relatable storylines, auto-tuned vocals, and new-age swag. Also, the EP possesses boomin’ instrumentations flavored with alternative hip-hop, neo-funk, and electro-pop elements. ‘RETROMODERN’ was produced and engineered by Andrew Luce, known for his viral remixes of Jeremih‘s “Birthday Sex” and Kid Cudi’s “Day ‘N’ Nite” singles.
Throughout the EP, INDICA keeps listeners engaged with his sun-kissed California vibe which oozes out of every line. Also, a tad bit nostalgic texture sinks in when he displays his post-modern-day signature flow. With tempo and instrumental changes from track to track, “RETROMODERN” brings an array of grooves which feels totally relaxed. Also, the EP entertains from beginning to end with its fun narratives, feel-good vibe, and party atmosphere. The bubbly entertainer’s music fuses the popular genres of R&B, hip-hop, electro-pop, funk, and soul music.
Do your life a favor...plug in your earbuds & headphones or turn up your stereo and feel the vibe of INDICA's new album, RETROMODERN. Focus tracks are "Intoxicated", "Retromodern" and "Time Machine". Hunnypot is proud to be Indica's official sync representative controlling both Masters & Publishing, ask us about LICENSING!
