Right after the annual holiday gorging of supermarket foods, Hunnypot Live! continued our 12 year anniversary party and dressed the music and entertainment dinner table with new holiday delicacies. Hot Tub Johnnie cut the ribbon for the ceremonies with a musical appetizer of things to come. Jules Shear joined us in the hot tub for tales of his brave utility and then hit the stage to break our hearts with new music and a few choice hits. Maggie Szabo blew in to sing soul music from the great white north, 1 AMVRKA stripped down to pop off melodic raps and Zack Attack and The Neon Windbreakers played some hits from the 90's to help us reminisce with music that helped spawned the Hunnypot Live! life. 11/27/2017
Shear has recorded more than 20 albums to date. He made his first appearance on vinyl with Funky Kings (along with two other songwriters, Jack Tempchin and Richard Stekol). After their second album was rejected by the record label, he formed a new band, the critically acclaimed (but commercially unsuccessful) pop group, Jules and the Polar Bears. This band, with Shear writing and singing all songs, would release two albums (Got No Breeding and f??net?·?ks), merging a tight rock sound with the emerging synth-pop of the early 1980s. Their third album was rejected by their record label but released as Bad For Business in 1996, long after the band had broken up. With Jules and the Polar Bears finished, Shear bounced back with several solo albums. The first, Watch Dog, was produced by Todd Rundgren, and featured such players as Tony Levin on bass and Elliot Easton of The Cars on lead guitar. During the sessions, Shear and Easton struck up a friendship, based on their shared musical tastes, which would lead to various collaborations later on. The album featured the original version of "All Through the Night", which Cyndi Lauper would eventually turn into a top-five hit. The album's opening number, "Whispering Your Name", would reach No. 18 in the UK Singles Chart when Alison Moyet recorded her version of it; Moyet also performed the song on Top of the Pops. Shear then released an EP, Jules, which contained selections from Watch Dog on one side, and two mixes of a club-style dance number, "When Love Surges", on the other side. Shear's next full-length album, The Eternal Return, was a highly polished, synthesizer-heavy effort, produced by Bill Drescher (of Rick Springfield fame). The album opened with "If She Knew What She Wants", which The Bangles would make into a hit. It also featured what would prove to be Shear's only hit single under his own name, "Steady" which he wrote in collaboration with Cyndi Lauper. The single reached No. 48 in the U.S.
Shear would go on to form two more bands, Reckless Sleepers and Raisins in the Sun. He also conceived (and hosted the first 13 episodes of) the MTV series Unplugged.
His songs have been more commercially successful in the hands of other artists, notably Cyndi Lauper, whose recording of "All Through the Night" reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1984, and The Bangles, whose recording of "If She Knew What She Wants" reached number 29 in 1986. In 1988, singer-songwriter Iain Matthews (still using the spelling "Ian" for his first name at the time) recorded an album of Shear's material, Walking A Changing Line: The Songs of Jules Shear, with synthesizer-dominated arrangements. Some of these Jules Shear songs were previously unreleased. Matthews previously recorded Jules Shear songs on other albums.
Shear was the subject of a song by 'Til Tuesday, "J for Jules", after the end of his relationship with that band's singer, Aimee Mann. Shear co-wrote the title track of that album, Everything's Different Now, with Matthew Sweet, and collaborated with Mann on the album's leading single, "(Believed You Were) Lucky", which performed respectably, reaching No. 30 on the Mainstream Rock Tracks and No. 95 on the Billboard Hot 100.
He described his Sayin' Hello to the Folks as a "mix tape" of his favorite songs. "I felt like recording songs that I like a lot that I didn't write," he told Paste's Eliot Wilder in 2004. "I thought it would be good to record songs that didn't have a life but should've had a life. This is my attempt at giving them a life." He and Stewart Lerman, the album's producer, selected 12 songs from an original list of 60. These included covers by Todd Rundgren ("Be Nice to Me"), James Brown ("Ain't That a Groove"), Bob Dylan ("In the Summertime") The Dave Clark Five ("I've Got to Have a Reason") and Brian Wilson ("Guess I'm Dumb").
In January 2013 Jules and his wife, artist/songwriter Pal Shazar, released Shear Shazar. Produced by Julie Last, this is the first time Jules and Pal have made a full album together, though the two had recorded duets on Shear's albums before, such as "Here S/He Comes" on The Eternal Return and "Dreams Dissolve in Tears" on The Great Puzzle. This was followed later in the year by another Shear solo album, Longer to Get to Yesterday. In 2014 Shear Shazar followed up on their debut with the five cut EP Mess You Up.
Jules Shear isn’t being cagy when he insists he doesn’t know what the songs on his 13th studio album, One More Crooked Dance (Funzalo Records) – and first since 2013’s Longer to Get to Yesterday – are about. He really doesn’t, at least without being able to consult a lyric sheet, which is nowhere in sight at the moment. With nary a guitar, bass or drum in earshot, Shear didn’t have to wander far from his longtime Woodstock, N.Y., home, corralling locals Pepe (piano), touring partner Molly Farley (vocals) and the legendary John Sebastian (harp) at his neighborhood health food store and somehow cajoling them to join him at his friend’s nearby home studio.
Indeed, Shear will admit One More Crooked Dance is not a young man’s album, but from someone who has lasted over two decades (“I honestly don’t know how long we’ve been together,” he says) with wife and creative partner Pal Shazar, and is now examining that relationship in terms of his own mortality. Of course, Shear will only nod and offer, “I just write ‘em. And let them speak for themselves. And people will think what they wanna think.”
With just piano, vocals and the occasional harmonica interspersed, the 13 personal songs on One More Crooked Dance — its title a sly, Leonard Cohen play on man’s favorite sport — evoke the likes of one-time Woodstock resident Dylan (whose former house Jules can see out his window) Randy Newman, Brian Wilson, Elton John and Neil Young. The spare instrumentation, the effortless harmonies and Shear’s world-weary vocals give the record a gravitas deserving of his 40-plus years in the music business, starting with the Funky Kings (a precursor to the country-rock singer/songwriter sound), moving on to Jules and the Polar Bears and then an impressive solo career, with hits like Cyndi Lauper’s “All Through the Night,” The Bangles “If She Knew What She Wants” and his own “Steady,” a co-write with Lauper. Not to mention catalog mainstays such as Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers’ “If We Never Meet Again”), Til Tuesday’s “[I Believed You Were] Lucky” and Alison Moyer’s Top 20 U.K. hit, “Whispering Your Name.” And he was the host (and co-creator) of the influential MTV Unplugged.
It’s safe to say, in his long and varied career, Jules Shear has never put out an album without guitar, bass and drums, so this is certainly a first, but when he’s asked about his method, he shrugs, “It was something we tried, and it seemed to be working out good,” he said about the stark, minimalist approach. “So we just kept going.”
The plainspoken approach covers the conundrum of maintaining passion while feeling safe, examining the domestic “Rules of the Game,” the things we do to self-medicate (“Painkiller”), “Tangled Up In Blue” love songs (“Be With You” the Elton John gospel plaint of “Looking for Me”), the war of the sexes (“The Hunter and the Hunted”) and the closing one-two punch of the exquisite Beach Boys harmonies in “When It’s Right” and the harp/piano interwoven through “Wrong Again,” the ultimate rejoinder, “You think to me/It’s nothing personal/And you’re wrong again.”
Jules Shear may be coy about lyrics like “The only way you get old is from wishing/Never wishing is a waste of time” (“This Flame”) or tease the primal mind-body dualism of “Half- Hearted Head,” but don’t believe him if he tries to tell you One More Crooked Dance isn’t personal. Or that he forgot what the songs mean. Or the dog ate his lyric sheet. Or whatever story he’s trying to sell you.
Maggie Szabo is a Canadian singer-songwriter who has been winning over audiences worldwide with her stunningly soulful vocals and empowering pop anthems. Hailing from small town Ontario, Szabo is now an accomplished musician living in Los Angeles and is using her music to conquer social injustice.
After quickly becoming one of the most sought after songwriter/vocalists for DJs and notable film and TV placements, Szabo’s latest work has focused primarily on her solo project and was written in some of the most beautiful and exotic places on earth, including Greece, Amsterdam, London and Thailand.
‘Don’t Give Up’ is the first single off of Szabo’s upcoming EP, entitled Worthy. It’s a beautifully authentic and heartfelt song dedicated to transgender youth around the world who live in fear and suffer from rejection and exclusion. ‘Don’t Give Up' showcases an emotional rawness rarely found in music today, whilst addressing a subject which is imperative within today’s society. With soaring layered vocals, Szabo sings an uplifting and encouraging message of hope and acceptance. The single features a driving rhythm section and gospel inspired backing vocals, creating the perfect empowering anthem for those in need. 'Don’t Give Up’ was written and recorded in Los Angeles along with Stefan Lit (One Direction) and Chaz Mason.
The powerful and poignant narrative of ‘Don’t Give Up' is reflected in a exquisitely cinematic video, that follows a girl who is struggling with her gender identity and the pressures of conformity in high school. Szabo’s ultimate messages to fight for social justice and equality, “people are people, love is love. Society needs to stand up” professes Szabo. “I can’t stand by and watch millions of transgender youth live in fear for their safety, outcast from their homes and marginalized by society simply because they are struggling to understand their gender identity. I want to stand with them.”
Szabo’s successes to date include over 13 million views on YouTube, extensive media coverage from high profile outlets such as Perez Hilton, Yahoo Music!, PopCrush and Huffington Post, as well as being featured on multiple airline playlists and numerous notable film and TV placements. She recently was the featured vocalist on the album for German electronic DJ Schiller, who has so far sold 7 million albums worldwide.
With a quickly growing fan-base and a social media following that tops some of the nation’s most established pop artists, Szabo has effectively used the internet to showcase and market her songs to the world and her dedicated fans. ‘Don’t Give Up’ is set for release worldwide September 2017.
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A duo whose music combines the sensibilities of pop, Americana, and hip-hop, while their lyrics celebrate the common struggles of American life, 1 AMVRKA (pronounced "One America") was formed by Jesse Scott and Rudy Maya. Scott is a vocalist and lyricist who scored a hit in 2014 with the track "FML (F My Life)," while Maya is a producer, instrumentalist, and composer who has worked with Rihanna, Anahi, and Rye Rye. The two paired up and began writing material together, taking the name 1 AMVRKA to reflect their desire to make music that would help unite a divided nation by offering something for everyone. In 2016, the duo had landed a record deal with Capitol Records, and in December of that year they dropped their debut single, "Raised in the Wild." A number that reflected the struggles that played a frequent role in Jesse's life, "Raised in the Wild" fared well on streaming services, and a follow-up, "American Muscle," followed in February 2017. ~ Mark Deming
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From the depths of suburbia comes ZACK ATTACK AND THE NEON WINDBREAKERS, a fun-loving and high energy band dedicated to playing their favorite 90’s rock cover songs! With hits from artists like Nirvana, Green Day, Blink 182, Bush, Weezer, Hole, and The Goo Goo Dolls, ZACK ATTACK AND THE NEON WINDBREAKERS is sure to get the party rocking & singing along!
ZACK ATTACK AND THE NEON WINDBREAKERS are: Greg – guitar/vocals, Mike – guitar/vocals, Amy – bass/vocals, Adam – drums
Check out 1 AMVRKA's video for "American Muscle". Groove to this great Pop/Hip-Hop track, the song would make any hard working American feel touched and teaching to us about becoming better and taking care of each other. Jesse Scott and Rudy Maya formed 1 AMVRKA (pronounced One America) and created their hit "FML" (F My Life) back in 2014. After scoring a deal with "Capitol Records" the duo is back with another banger, "American Muscle" and together with the rest of their Album, titled "ONE AMERICA" they is ready to entertain you.
Catch 1 AMVRKA at The Mint, performing live at Hunnypot's 12 Year Anniversary 11/27
BNTLY was formed by the siblings Adam and Julia Feldman and Adam Levy. The band has influences ranging from 70s soul/funk, classic and alternative rock to the current wave of jazz-oriented hip hop. Their newest single is "Wolves" which they will preform during their live appearance Monday Feb. 5th 2018 Hunnypot Live at The Mint. Watch the band go undercover and infiltrate a toy company in search of drugs. It's a high concept adventure and lots of fun.
Sleaford Mods is a beat driven Punk Duo from the U.K. The Band features Jason Williamson and Andrew Fearn. Their single B.H.S sheds light on the crash of one of the biggest chain stores in the U.K. that resulted in over 22,000 employees losing their jobs and pensions! The full album is awesome and worth your attention.
We made it back just in time from our overseas shoplifting trip and started the two part celebration of 12 years of Hunnypot Live! Hot Tub Johnnie stole our ears and hearts with a criminally great set of music to start the night. Steven Briggs funny boned us, long time Hunnypot hero John Cate gave a star studded and studly song farewell to LA performance before he books back to Boston, Paper Chains gave us strong bonds of beats, Pom Poms joined us in the hot tub for an interview early and then took the stage to Pom Pummeled us with rock n roll, Serena Foster adopted us all in to her musical dance cult and Grace Blue blew us away with their electronic duo dancing music. No Anniversary is complete without a closing dance party and we did just that. 11/13/2017
Steven Briggs has a unique, high-energy style of music and comedy that keeps his audiences on their toes. His amusing anecdotes are enhanced by his use of beatbox sound effects. Steven's debut album can regularly be heard on Sirius XM Radio. When Steven is not entertaining audiences across the US, he is performing overseas for our troops in Egypt, kuwait, Iraq, Italy and many more.
John was born in Liverpool, England, to American ex-pats who later settled in the Boston area.
John toured early on as a bass player with the fusion outfit Zamcheck, which featured Mark Zamcheck (Downbeat Magazine’s “Up and coming jazz pianist of the year”) on keyboards and Michael Levine (Film composer and “Kit Kat” jingle writer) on violin. Zamcheck toured with Gary Burton and Pat Metheny and performed at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1974.
John later embarked on a business career which included work as a founding principal with eMusic where he conceived the industry’s first-ever digital rights licensing strategy (WSJ) that was rolled out to labels and artists including Rykodisk, Phish, Elvis Costello and many others. John was also a founding principal of TuneCore, a digital music delivery service for independent artists, now the largest distributor of online music in the world. John also developed the market entry strategy for Audiam, a new digital music publishing company. John currently works as a full time performing and recording artist with the van Gogh Brothers and Voices of van Gogh featuring Scarlet Rivera (Bob Dylan) and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member John Durrill, and as a principal with his music publishing and media advisory company, American Music Partners.
John is a prolific songwriter. He has written more than 1,000 songs and recorded 12 albums since returning to music in 1996, two of which have been released by Blue Rose Records in Germany. Producers include Anthony J. Resta (Elton John, Collective Soul, Duran Duran, Shawn Mullins) for “A Whole New Day”, “X”, “The Wonder Show”, “Livin in the Moment”, David Minehan (The Replacements) for “Wild Way”, “X” and “A Whole New Day”, and Rob Fraboni (Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan for “Two Brothers”.
John’s songs are featured in film, network television and on DVDs, including such projects and programs as “NCIS”, “Justified”, “American Idol”, “Num3ers” and many others.
John created and hosted the highly successful Americana Showcase at the original House of Blues in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which ran for 8 years. John also worked extensively with legendary promoter Billy Block hosting Western Beat Entertainment showcases Boston.
John appears regularly in Los Angeles, his new hometown, with Voices of van Gogh and in Boston with his long-time band, the van Gogh Brothers.
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Paper Chains is an indie pop band from Los Angeles featuring Stereo Diamonds and Jonnyontherocks.
The band was formed when Stereo and Jonny relocated from Brooklyn, New York to Los Angeles in 2014. Mixing Art, Fashion and Rock n’ Roll, they draw from their diverse backgrounds into an exciting multimedia experience.
Stereo Diamonds’ (known as a stylist/creative director for Conquer Loud) sexy but smart vocals cut through battling guitars and synths over driving dance rock beats. This wall of sound is created live, without pre-recorded tracks giving the band freedom to push musical boundaries at any time.
Jonnyontherocks (known for his band Rocky Business and production of BC Kingdom) writes and produces perfection with this project.
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The world of her music is the important point. Her songs begin and end, as all songs must, but they never truly vanish. They are, in some respect, like the bubbles in that second glass (just arrived) of champagne—rising, rising, and rising just once more until they empty into the air and become, well, the atmosphere we breathe. Yes, Pom Poms make that. It is neither nostalgic nor new. It is not retro or future. It is music outside of linear measurement. Yes, it is timeless. And isn’t that the ultimate goal? Take “Betty,” for example. “The minute we finished writing ‘Betty’ we knew something was special about that song,” says Marlene Gold of Pom Poms, the “we” referring to her songwriting partner and producer Billy Mohler. “We were so proud of ourselves. We can churn out a lot of songs. We have that wonderful dynamic of just being inspired by each other. But when ‘Betty’ came around, we were like, ‘What are we going to do with this? We’ve got to do something with this song!” The entire world of Pom Poms was built, if not in a day, then out from that moment ‘Betty” was born. The mercurial task of harnessing a sound so distinctive so soon in the life of a group (let’s not call them a band) is rare. So the two of them raced to follow that white rabbit around every turn in the magic maze. All was possible. Things were clicking into place. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. “A tree fell on my car,” recalls Marlene. “I was done. I didn’t know what was left. That’s when I decided I would create something only if I felt like it. That became my motto. ‘I am going to do this only because I want to.’ I was going to put myself into everything. Wherever I was going to land, I was going to land. I just needed to survive. I had no choice.”
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Serena Foster is a singer/songwriter from Los Angeles. She started singing at age five, began writing music and words on guitar at age nine, and writing music and words on piano at age sixteen. She was born and raised in a musical family.
From 2012 to 2015 she worked with two time Emmy winning composer/producer, Lars Deutsch. Serena released two singles, "More Than Friends" and "Silly Games” in 2015, with Mr. Deutsch, as well as some jaw dropping music videos to go with the songs.
Currently, Serena in the studio finalizing a brand new radio hit album with the very talented producer Raz Klinghoffer, whose work can be heard on television shows such as "American Horror Story," Ink Master" and "The Flash." Serena is also working with J2Producer who has produced and remixed songs for artists such as Beyonce, Shakira, LL Cool J, The Pussy Cat Dolls, and Cassie.
Serena has teamed with Fenton Music Management as her new representation and could not be happier to be represented by Rob Fenton. “In The Night” was the first single from her new sound, released April 7th, and is summer jam you can't get out of your head!
July 29th, she released a heart themed record titled "Hollow" that is garenteed to get you feeling some things in your chest! The music video for the record came out August 2nd, and is stunning piece that touches on a serious topic of domestic violence that Serena is an advocate about.
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"Grace Blue" is an alternative-pop music duo based in Los Angeles, California.
The music duo, that consists of vocalist Grace Mogz and keyboard player Joseph Arazi, have decided to move to Los Angeles this past May in order to pursue their passion and hunger for music.
Their debut music video for the single "Our Eyes" was released June 4th and had reached over 100,000 YouTube views, followed by their self-titled debut EP, that has been released July 29th.
Their music is a combination of dark emotionally driven vocals, alongside catchy, up-tempo alternative-pop.
Rex Orange County - Loving is Easy (feat. Benny Sings) & Film by Chris Ullens is a collab match made in heaven. Rex Orange County is Alex O'Connor, a self taught pop singer/songwriter. Alex grew up in the outskirts of London in Haslemere, Surrey. Alex has already accomplished so much for being 18 years old!
We've been partying to this single for a while now. Sophie Tukker are a New York-based musical duo consisting of Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern. Their catchy song "Best Friend" provided the soundtrack to the advertisement introducing the next generation of iphone X. We think you're great.
Come check out Paper Chains at Hunnypot's 12th Anniversary! Paper Chains is an indie pop band from Los Angeles featuring Stereo Diamonds and Jonnyontherocks. One of their newest single's "I Want to Believe" will have your body grooving. They have a super dope Rock n' Roll/Sultry type of vibe. You won't want to miss them live Monday, Nov. 13th Hunnypot Live at The Mint. You'll be glad you came.
Could this be the next Hot Tub Hunnypot theme song? VIC.O is a Nigerian artist with a very interesting an humorous style. The song "After Party" has been played at the Hunnypot party received a great reaction, this sing along has provided a lot of fun. So wrong is right.
Hunnypot Live! presented another mischievous night of entertainment. Hot Tub Johnnie soaped up and fogged the windows with a scary good rock set. Hunter George (Aquaman) gave us his "origins" story, left the flaming bags of dog poop for amateurs and blew up the whole damn thing with his killer DJ set. Dr. Madd Vibe (Angelo Moore) & The Missin' Links stole all the candy from lesser musicians and delivered sweet treats for the ears. Sumo Princess returned for the champions belt and "toilet papered" The Mint with their hard rock happening. Tabitha "egged" us with riffs to raise the dead and Hot Sauce Holiday were devils knights in disguise for all of the spooky spirits.
Happy Hunnypotoleen indeed. 10/30/2017
Recap: J.Gray
Photos: J. Gray / R. Taalbi / B. Alvaarez
Hunter George is a Multimedia Producer/Composer in the entertainment industry. Evan serves as the Executive Director with the Guild Of Music Supervisors, working with many of the top Music Supervisors, Studios, Labels, & Publishers in entertainment.
His latest credit includes the television series 'Training Day' by Bruckheimer TV for CBS/WBTV. Working with veteran Music Supervisor John Houlihan, Whom he has worked closely with since early 2015.
Hunter has Produced multimedia content for for comic book legend Stan Lee, Sanrio (Hello Kitty), XJapan, Madison Square Garden, New York Comic Con, Comikaze Expo, E3, Purplehaus Music, J2 Films, Sonic Fuel Studios, Skee TV, Huf, Diamond, Hypebeast, Elite Daily, & Many More.
In 2009 He Started Can1live, a multimedia production collective. Can1live acts as a house for all his creative endeavors. He is currently producing his second studio album titled ‘r0ut1nes.exe’ which is A follow up to his debut 'Golden Ratio’. The album is due out in Fall/Winter 2017.
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Angelo Moore began his career in the early l980s as lead singer, saxophonist, and creative force behind the legendary band, Fishbone. Fishbone’s ability to blend social commentaryand humor with a blazing fusion of rock, punk, funk, jazz, ska, reggae, gospel and R&B led to their recognition as one of the most notable acts in American music. After over 25 years in the biz, Moore continues his role as frontman of Fishbone. The band has released l0 full-length albums. They have created the music for movies such as “Last Action Hero” (Arnold Schwarzennager), “The Mask” (Jim Carrey) and been featured with roles in movies such as “Idlewild” (Outkast) and “I’m Gonna Get You Sucka” (Keenan Wayan). Angelo has additionally collaborated with the likes of Little Richard, Curtis Mayfield, George Clinton, Rick James and Spike Lee to name but a few.
A versatile artist, Angelo performs under the guise of his wildly energetic alter ego, Dr. Madd Vibe. Linking poetry, performance and music, this visceral artist’s solo performances range from pure spoken word and movement to playing the Theremin and various saxophones as well as reciting poetry accompanied by the Dr. Madd Vibe Aukestra. Stemming from his experiences growing up as a “fly in the buttermilk” in the predominantly white suburbs of Los Angeles, Angelo Moore addresses “Real Racism,” “Social Corrosion,” “SpiritualOvertones,” “Family Affairs,” “Personal Satisfactions and Suffocations” and the human condition in a world gone mad. Dr. Madd Vibe brings a spiritual and cathartic dimension to his performances in the tradition of innovators such as George Clinton, Sun Ra and Jean-Michel Basquiat.
Between l997 and 2010, his solo efforts have spawned literary books and comic books that come equipped with soundtracks and the full-length album entitled “Dr. Maddvibe’s Medicine Cabinet” in which he wrote and played all of the music and instruments. Angelo has also created a Dr. Maddvibe orchestra with whom he has directed and performed in venues in the United States and in Europe.
Angelo Moore has taken his spoken word and sound power to the stage throughout
Los Angeles based, bass and drum duo Sumo Princess is the brainchild of bassist/ vocalist Abby Travis (The Go-Go’s, Eagles of Death Metal, Masters of Reality, Farflung, The Bangles, Beck, KMFDM, Elastica) and drummer/cohort Gene Trautmann (Queens of the Stoneage, Eagles of Death Metal, The Miracle Workers, The Twilight Singers, Mark Lanegan, Drag News, Mojave Lords)
After working for 30+ years, as a gun for hire: Travis got sick of being appropriate and tasteful so she started creating a new, post political, music from her gut. Sumo Princess has the balls of teenage rebellion with the experience and chops of two alt rock music veterans. Travis and Trautmann have been friends since the 1980’s when she was in The Lovedolls and he played drums with paisley undergound stalwarts The Miracle Workers. The sound they are creating draws heavily from their misspent youths with direct lines to the Residents, Butthole Surfers, Devo, Black Flag, acid during the Reagan administration and legendary LA punk rock clubhouse Rajis.
Improvisation and strange vocal stylings are main ingredients in Sumo Princess’ work. When singing, Travis seems to take on different characters in each narrative. This is big departure from her earlier, more personal, solo work. (Cutthroat Standards & Black Pop, Glittermouth, IV, The Abby Travis Foundation) Through filtering her bass guitar through a myriad of strange pedals, she creates a new sound she calls “Artcore”
Travis is surprised that such reactionary, non results oriented work is resonating so deeply with fans: “I started this band to preserve my own sanity”, Travis says, “My initial goal was just to play at my brother’s club. (Dave Travis/ Café Nela) I’m amazed at the audience response we are getting.”
Trautmann says: “When Abby asked we to play in Sumo I was stoked because I knew her musicianship and drive would challenge me to better my own playing and to do things I wouldn’t normally do in the standard rock paradigm. We’re really hitting marks across the spectrum of style and I like it like that. Also I get to sing and play orchestral percussion, which is awesome.”
Look for the debut Sumo Princess release in ‘17.
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Tabitha is a new Heavy Rock band formed out of the ashes of two of the members' previous bands (The Binges, BOOST), but now is solidified as a trio. Okai sisters Mayuko and Tsuzumi play the guitar and bass, respectively, and are joined by Stephen Perkins of Jane's Addiction and Porno For Pyros on the the drums. While the sisters are originally from Tokyo, Japan, Tabitha calls Los Angeles home.
Hot Sauce Holiday is for everyone that wants to kick over their office desks and start dancing. We are for the eccentric outsiders, the burners, and the lovers. Join us in taking on the banality of convention.
Hot Sauce Holiday is a five piece cabaret rock band from Los Angeles. Their live shows emphasize crowd participation and a great deal of improv. Bongo-solos, skits, poetry, and dance numbers have been known to break out. They have been known to feature burlesque dancers, hula hoop artists, and scandalous routines involving Playboy playmates. Genre-wise the sound varies from song to song drawing influence from 60's psychedelic and folk, to early punk, 80's electro, disco, and even a bit of barbershop. The song lyrics are surreal and witty with every band member trading off on vocals or singing in harmonies. In addition to over 20 originals the band has a variety of party cover songs they are able to play ranging from George Michael to Motorhead. So leave the outside world behind you for a couple hours and come experience the originality, joy, and chaos that is Hot Sauce Holiday. Hunnypot Approved good time guarantee!