This week southern California was under a 24 hour warning for a major earthquake. It seems Hunnypot Live! show #351 might be to blame. Hot Tub Johnnie started the night with a set of no "fault" party music. Lauren Reynaldo gave us the shakedown of her musical journey, Roger Street Friedman's seismic rock n roll cracked the pavement, Melanie Taylor made our bodies wave with her dance rock, Michete caused a hip hop landslide with "P" Waves, Breaking Heights gave us tectonic hop n' roll and Tree Machines kept us on their wavelength in their ring of fire. 10-3-16
- J. Gray
A true Los Angeles native, Lauren Reynaldo got her start in music at the age of 18 thanks to a series of right-place, right-time coincidences. She has worked with large catalogs from the likes of Kiss, Marilyn Manson, Jerry Reed and REO Speedwagon, to underground, indie up-and-comers like Moses Sumney and Webster X, all the way to the fast-paced world of production library music.
If you were to drive down a narrow, winding street, in the funky little town of Sea Cliff, New York, you would never expect that there is a world class, state of the art, analog recording studio in the basement of the grey house with the basketball hoop at the end of the driveway. That house belongs to Roger Street Friedman, and that studio in the basement is where he, along with his band and a whole host of special guests (including Amy Helm, Ari Hest and The Masterson’s) are working on the final touches of his new album, Open Road. In fact, there is a lot about Roger Street Friedman that you would not expect in a typical singer-songwriter. Relocated from Brooklyn in 2012, Friedman has made a long circuitous journey, but he’s finally home, ensconced in the studio he dubs “The Playroom,” for its proximity to where his young son and daughter play in the basement of the house he shares with his wife and family.
His latest effort, Open Road, is bold and adventurous, masterfully reflecting a sense of life as an unpredictable and wondrous journey that he strives to embrace fully in his dual roles as artist and family man. These roles inform and inspire his reborn career as a recording artist. “I’m gonna live my life/With all my might/Make the most of everyday… everyday” he sings, as if shouting it to the rafters. The roots of Open Road are steeped in alt-country, folk, blues, R&B and singer-songwriters like Jackson Browne, Cat Stevens, Don Henley and Paul Simon. The 12 songs here contemplate the trials and tribulations of relationships (“Hideaway,” “Tomorrow”), memories of a childhood that no longer exists (“No Place Like Home”), being a father (“A Son Like You”), the loss of a parent (“Gentle Love of a Mother”), the perils of mass-migration (“Better Life”) and going all out to live your life to the fullest (“Shoot the Moon”).
There is something driving Roger Street Friedman, and it’s not money or fame. He writes, produces and plays music because he loves it, and wants to share that feeling with others. With Open Road, Roger Street Friedman continues to prove good things happen to those who wait… and then seize the opportunity.
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Melanie Taylor decided she was going to be a music business success story when she was a little girl dancing to Michael Jackson songs in her home, and she is presently in the process of willing it to be. Awards, chart debuts, high-profile collaborations, accolades and the like are all part of a grand design that she created by sheer force of will. Strong female role models in the music business are peeking out from behind what has held them back all these years. This is happening just in time for Melanie’s rise in the world of pop music. The singer has prepared for her platform through her involvement in organizations such as the P.A.I.N Foundation, 18 for 18 Project Rescue, the Gracie Awards - programs designed to empower women.
It all started with her mother – a single woman who decided she was going to have a child… no boyfriend, no set details of her plan. She spoke her truth into the universe and willed Melanie into being. Later, she built a business empire with Melanie’s step-father through her fortitude. These things taught the budding entertainer some important lessons.
For much of her life, Melanie was the only child of a single mother who was, by all accounts, a wanderer. She found theater provided her with an extension of her family. Melanie says, "I always considered my audiences like my brothers and sisters, since being an only child and moving a lot as a kid, the stage was really my only consistent home". Melanie’s first album's primarily straight pop/dance style is now morphing slightly into her sophomore album's rock-based vibe.” What has stayed the same, is her “feel-good soulful roots as a vocalist" she explains. She has written most of her upcoming album with producer Troy “R8DIO” Johnson, (Jesse McCartney, JLo, Chris Brown, Will Smith,Solange, 2Pac) and plans to release it later this year
Melanie wanted to create a fun, yet empowered, collection of songs, a la that of one of her idols, Alanis Morissette. “I knew all her songs by heart as a kid,” she adds. That kind off forthright, spirited style of songwriting stuck with Melanie and shows up all over her work, worn like a badge of honor.
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Combining venom-filled disses, crass sexual come-ons, and left-field pop culture references with an androgynous gender presentation that is equally inspired by glam rockers, anime villains, and drag queens, rapper and producer Michete is on the fast track to becoming one of hip-hop’s most polarizing and exciting new acts. The dagger-tongued MC is unapologetically queer, delivering punchlines with a genderfluid braggadocio that sets her apart. Drawing influence from a wide range of artists including Kanye West, Peaches, Nicki Minaj, and Kesha, Michete combines a unique lyrical stance and vocal demeanor with chintzy, economic, self-produced beats to create a sound that’s completely unique.
Growing up in Spokane Valley, WA (a city she describes as being a “cesspool of white nonsense”), Michete is a former theater kid who had a natural charisma and an unhealthy obsession with Lady Gaga, honing his performance skills by singing in talent shows, acting in plays, and performing improv comedy all throughout middle and high school. She began dabbling in music around the time she graduated high school in 2010, and in 2014, decided to make a serious commitment to pursuing a career as a rapper. Michete released her debut EP, Cool Tricks, in June of 2015, and received considerable attention and acclaim from journalists and listeners alike, securing a spot opening for recording artist Shamir in Seattle the following September and later appearing on SPIN Magazine’s year-end list of The 50 Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2015.
With the foundation set for a successful career in the music business, Michete plans on releasing the follow-up to Cool Tricks this Spring.
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Born on a hundred degree day in the steaming valley of Los Angeles in the summer of 2015. There was no wind, not a single cloud. Just a blinding sun. Like a crystal hole in the never ending sky. At least that's what we remember..." From producer Ozzy Doniz, rapper Zoh and singer Greg Cahn, comes a musical twist of psychedelic sonic showers tangled in trap mixed with velvet rock hooks and grimy soul-baring lyrics called Breaking Heights.
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Following up Wooldridge and bandmate Patrick Aubry’s critically praised debut EP as Tree Machines from early 2015 and the three stand-alone singles coming out in the waning months of the Summer, the band is gearing up for releasing their debut full length album.
After partnering up again with their Producer Mikel Giffin, the band is in the final steps of production for they new album.
“It really is amazing to work alongside Patrick and Mikel,”Wooldridge adds. “Things click so quickly. We feel like we can almost do no wrong creatively, which is an incredible and freeing feeling to have as an artist.”
Tree Machines will also add a few new members to its live act, with plans to play out during breaks in the album recording process.
“It’ll be exciting to fully get back on the road again,” says Wooldridge. “But first we need to get our bearings out in Los Angeles.”
Further explaining the band’s decision to go west, Aubry continues, “Leaving Kansas will probably turn out to be one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. But I needed it – it’s just too comfortable there. I’d be a fool to say that California has anything different, but at least I know that I won’t be stuck in the whirlpool of Midwest comfort and cheap living. At least I’ll know I tried, and if I fail, I can die happy. Plus, the beach is pretty awesome!”
Aubry sums up his outlook on the band’s future simply, saying, “It feels like we’re just getting warmed up. It feels like we’ve got so much more to write.”
Tree Machines debut full length is in the works
This video pick throws back to 2011 with Doyle and Debbie’s “When You’re Screwin’ Other Women (Think of Me).” Bruce Arntson and Jenny Littleton comprise this parody pair. Think of your favorite parody band, and splice that with an old school country duo, and you’ve got Doyle and Debbie. The hilarious lyrics with Arntson and Littleton’s impeccable acting create a show that leaves audiences laughing themselves sick. The comedy doesn’t mask the pair’s talent, either. Littleton’s voice possesses range and control, perfectly executing the songs in the style needed.
The Doyle and Debbie show first premiered at the Bongo Java Coffee House in Nashville, Tennessee, and have since moved to the Station Inn for regular performances, at which they are currently in the middle of a run of shows. They have played all over the country and on November 10th will be gracing the stage at The Mint here in Los Angeles.
Check out just a few of their commendations:
"...a gloriously tacky send-up of a washed-up country duo." - The New York Times
"Brilliant". "The last time I laughed anywhere close to this hard was at "The Book of Mormon." "...hilarious. Drop-dead funny." - Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune
"90 minutes of goofy perfection — clever, hilarious, wacky and brilliantly performed..."Chicago Sun-Times
"Bruce Arntson and Jenny Littleton are nothing short of fabulous" - Chicago Reader
"...hilarious piece of low-brow inspiration turned into high entertainment." - Nashville Scene
Elizabeth Cook is no stranger to spinning struggle into success. Her two most recent studio albums, each with immense emotion and story behind them, have placed within the top 50 on US country charts. Florida born-and-raised Cook has appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman multiple times since 2012, and has performed at the Grand Ole Opry stage more than 300 times. She has also been nominated for awards four times for her music, twice for her Sirius XM radio show, “Elizabeth Cook’s Apron Strings,” and once for Ameripolitan Music Awards’ “Outlaw Female,” which she won in 2014.
Cook’s storied past takes a hard left with her June 2016 release, Exodus of Venus. She says, “I’m not trying to be the good girl anymore, and that brought some joy to all of it. I almost care more – or different. These songs are more poignant. They’re honest, and all about compassion or grace. For myself, and from a place of experience. Not that any of it was wrong, but I look back and have pride for all that happened and what I’ve survived.” Check out her video for “Slow Pain” now, a smoldering track with vocals that are mysteriously enchanting and slightly reminiscent of Stevie Nicks. Elizabeth Cook is currently in the middle of a Fall US tour.
Nashville rock band Kings of Leon is back again with their seventh studio album, WALLS. Set to release on October 14th, 2016, their second single from the album, the titular track, "WALLS" now has a video out. Featuring lead singer Caleb Followill, this gentle ballad speaks to vulnerability and heartbreak. The literal closeup with Followill is an intimate metaphor as he croons his way out of the walls around him onto a dusk highway ride.
After getting their start in 1999 with southern rock, blues, and country influences, Kings of Leon has evolved to include an alternative rock sound in their music. After their boom of commercial success with Because of the Times and Only by the Night, the band took home a total of three Grammy awards out of 7 nominations. KOL have been Hunnypot favorites since the beginning!
“JackEL”, has been turning heads with his music since the very young of age of 14. JackEL began his DJ career early, spinning in his home town of Edmonton in Alberta, Canada. He soon began performing in different cities internationally to build his brand, including “The March Madness Festival” in Atlanta GA; “The Knitting Factory” in Boise, ID; “Tao Beach Club” in Busan, South Korea; “The Revolution Lounge”, “Dirty Blondes”, “Club 21”, “Three Kings Hookah Lounge”, “Tao Beach” and “Ultra Violet” in Las Vegas, NV; “Eccles Conference Center” in Ogden, UT; “The Epicenter” in San Diego, CA; “Club Red” in Tempe, AZ and “Club Congress” in Tuscon, AZ.
As a Producer, he collaborated with well-known Rapper MIMS at the age of 15 on the track “Too Young To Die”, and continues to collaborate with MIMS, who is known for the hit singles “This Is Why I’m Hot” and “Move If You Wanna”. As a DJ he performed in Las Vegas at “Dirty Blondes” in Planet Hollywood. At 16 JackEL moved to Vegas to pursue his musical career. He soon met Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, and because of his Producer and DJ skills, was invited to be the opening act for them at the “March Madness Festival” in Atlanta, Georgia. Soon after, JackEL began an another high profile collaboration with Three Six Mafia member DJ Paul and the two artists have been working on the completion of DJ Paul’s upcoming EDM album.
JackEL has also performed international gigs, playing for two standing room only crowds at “Tao Beach Club” & “Club Kudeta” in Busan, South Korea. After finishing his Canadian Tour of Edmonton, AB and Vancouver, BC, JackEL began working with DJ Fame, voted ‘The Best Nightclub DJ of Las Vegas 2014’ by the Las Vegas Review Journal and the resident DJ for Hip Hop artist Dizzy Wright, who JackEL also produces original music for. 2015 JackEL Headlined at Las Vegas Hemp Festival along side “Chanel West Coast, Tommy Chong, Afroman & also Dizzy Wright”. Meanwhile traveling back and forth to Jamaica to finish his Smooth Jazz EP titled “Breathe Easy”, featuring Grammy Award Recipient Skip Martin. In 2016 JackEL headlined at “The Joint” inside the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. Also established his Record Label/Artist Collective “FVYDID” who’s members continuously tour internationally.
With so much already accomplished at such a young age, JackELs future is very bright, and contains much more anticipated high quality art.
Capyac is a self-proclaimed “dance music act with style” and “surreal dance band.” These descriptions prove to be apt in their succinct way. There’s no better summation for them than that, and their video for “Speedracer.” With an aesthetic that looks like a high-fashion editorial had a lovechild with Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance” music video, “Speedracer” ranks high on the list of videos that will stick in the front of your mind for days to come.
Directed by HELMUT studio and assistant director Jinni J, the video’s shiny black morphsuit-clad dancers (choreographed by Billie Secular) are fun to watch interact with Capyac and frame the video’s lyrics and instrumentals, which combine to form a gentle song of desire. Watch the video above and let Capyac take you to the motorway!
Unlike Brangelina Hunnypot Live! would never break up with you in the tabloids. Monday night we filed for separation from a droll life and brought entertainment to the masses
Camryn took custody of our ears and hearts (she also wore a cool Queen shirt), Ediblehead fed our faces with a mediation of disco punk, Pega5u5 took flight and took alimony from listeners, Jackel and guests were reconcilable to the audience and Hot Tub Johnnie presided over the whole night with sick beats. 9-19-16
Fueled by the rush of adrenaline that comes from performing live, 17-year-old singer/songwriter Camryn showcases her siren-like voice and straight-talking lyrics with a spunky blend of guitar-driven rock and pop. She began putting her songs on YouTube in 2010 and released a series of independent singles, including 2013's "Lovesick," which earned Camryn the distinction of becoming the youngest indie act to chart a song in the Billboard Top 40 since LeAnn Rimes in 1997. She developed a loyal fan base while performing in front of hundreds of thousands of people during her extensive worldwide touring, including solo shows and opening European and U.S. tours for the likes of One Direction and Cody Simpson.
Now, Camryn returns with a new 5-song EP entitled, New Dynasty. Full of in-your-face vocals, crunchy guitars and epic choruses, the EP co-written by Camryn showcases her evolution into an artist that has not only found her voice, but her power. As the title suggests, there is a new generation poised to break out into the world and Camryn's ready to make her own bold statement.
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The mind-bending, soulfully electro, punk-house-pop of Ediblehead is the culmination of a transformative journey for two musicians: the critically acclaimed Los Angeleno artist Robby Rockit, and the prodigiously multi-talented chanteuse Eva Zeva. The winding path to forming Ediblehead helped both musicians connect to the wellspring of their creativity. The result is infectiously catchy debut album, Animal Lick Stick.
Robby Rockit was the founding member of the lauded space rock band West Indian Girl, which was signed to tastemaking electronic and dance label Astralwerks (Primal Scream, Chemical Brothers, Hot Chip). Eva Zeva was a lifelong singer who kept her vocal talents tucked behind a veil of shyness while she explored fashion and the fine arts. They met at a private party gig West Indian Girl was playing in L.A., and Rockit felt an immediate karmic connection with Eva. The two found themselves reinventing West Indian Girl for that group's third and final album Shangri-La.
Ediblehead was formed to bring music that is bright, vivacious, and playfully dynamic. "There is a childlike energy that informs what we do, it's about letting go and having fun, "describes Eva Zeva. She and Rockit lead us through the twelve tracks on Animal Lick Stick as zany toastmasters with a multitude of techno genres, crazy pop hooks, and guitars meshed with electronica. The album was engineered, produced, and mixed by mastermind Robby at his home studio in Los Angeles, with additional work done at the West Hollywood studio of esteemed producer Matt Sorum (Guns and Roses, Velvet Revolver, The Cult), assisted by producer/engineer Francis O' Reilly.
Ediblehead performs as a five-piece band with full visual effects and original, out-or-this world costuming to mesmerize fans. "Ediblehead is like a beat-infused candy-colored rainbow with a message of self-belief," says Robby Rockit. "If you let go of fear and doubt, all doors will open up."
With their respective careers, the two brothers, Mr. Rogers and Pharroh had already established a dedicated fanbase. Mr. Rogers over the past few years became a staple in California's electronic music scene, playing festivals (such as headlining slots at Lucidity, Stilldream, and Raindance) all around the area. On the other side of the spectrum is Pharroh, who has made his roundabouts in the underground hip-hop circuit. He's shared the stage with GZA and has gone on to score the soundtrack for the Afro Samurai video game and collaborate with TalibKweli. Eager to connect with a larger audience, they came together and fused their fanbases to deliver PEGA5U5. Their freshman LP The Flock, which featured collaborations with The Fungineers, Joanna, Cellojoe, and more, established a unique sound that left listeners craving new releases. With their hiatus coming to an end, make sure to follow them on their social media links below to keep up with the duo.
“JackEL”, has been turning heads with his music since the very young of age of 14. JackEL began his DJ career early, spinning in his home town of Edmonton in Alberta, Canada. He soon began performing in different cities internationally to build his brand, including “The March Madness Festival” in Atlanta GA; “The Knitting Factory” in Boise, ID; “Tao Beach Club” in Busan, South Korea; “The Revolution Lounge”, “Dirty Blondes”, “Club 21”, “Three Kings Hookah Lounge”, “Tao Beach” and “Ultra Violet” in Las Vegas, NV; “Eccles Conference Center” in Ogden, UT; “The Epicenter” in San Diego, CA; “Club Red” in Tempe, AZ and “Club Congress” in Tuscon, AZ.
As a Producer, he collaborated with well-known Rapper MIMS at the age of 15 on the track “Too Young To Die”, and continues to collaborate with MIMS, who is known for the hit singles “This Is Why I’m Hot” and “Move If You Wanna”. As a DJ he performed in Las Vegas at “Dirty Blondes” in Planet Hollywood. At 16 JackEL moved to Vegas to pursue his musical career. He soon met Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, and because of his Producer and DJ skills, was invited to be the opening act for them at the “March Madness Festival” in Atlanta, Georgia. Soon after, JackEL began an another high profile collaboration with Three Six Mafia member DJ Paul and the two artists have been working on the completion of DJ Paul’s upcoming EDM album.
JackEL has also performed international gigs, playing for two standing room only crowds at “Tao Beach Club” & “Club Kudeta” in Busan, South Korea. After finishing his Canadian Tour of Edmonton, AB and Vancouver, BC, JackEL began working with DJ Fame, voted ‘The Best Nightclub DJ of Las Vegas 2014’ by the Las Vegas Review Journal and the resident DJ for Hip Hop artist Dizzy Wright, who JackEL also produces original music for. 2015 JackEL Headlined at Las Vegas Hemp Festival along side “Chanel West Coast, Tommy Chong, Afroman & also Dizzy Wright”. Meanwhile traveling back and forth to Jamaica to finish his Smooth Jazz EP titled “Breathe Easy”, featuring Grammy Award Recipient Skip Martin. In 2016 JackEL headlined at “The Joint” inside the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. Also established his Record Label/Artist Collective “FVYDID” who’s members continuously tour internationally.
With so much already accomplished at such a young age, JackELs future is very bright, and contains much more anticipated high quality art.
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ZaZa has been active in the music industry since the age of 14 and has headlined and hosted numerous shows around the U.S., including her own west coast House of Blues tour. She has written and released many songs both as a solo artist and as half of the former rap/pop duo Cash and ZaZa. Her passion for songwriting and music doesn’t stop at her own performing. In addition to writing for herself, ZaZa has written successful songs for many reality tv personalities including Asia Monet Ray from Lifetime’s Raising Asia and Toddlers and Tiaras star Eden Wood.
She has also made her way into the commercial modeling world, having been a spokesmodel for Epilator Central, Trailer Girlz TV, and more. Recently, she started hosting her own entertainment and music talk show on WCOBM network Las Vegas.
JackEL and ZaZa will perform the new single "Just Fine".
Our latest video pick is “Trouble” by Moonshine Man. This new video with Robbins Entertainment appeals not just to the Southerner, but the “Country Boy/Girl” in all of us, from anywhere. It’s a lighthearted, fun three minutes full of horses, campfire hangouts, a good old acoustic guitar, and plenty of shenanigans. Even for the self-professed country music haters, Moonshine Man’s jaunty “Trouble” can get the leg bouncing and head bobbing along to the catchy beat and relatable lyrics. Watch and see if Moonshine Man can get out of trouble!
If you dig this track, let us know, we can help license it.
Our next video pick is “Big Dick” by Russian rave band Little Big. Off their second full-length release since their 2013 inception, Funeral Rave, “Big Dick” is chock full of bright, 80s-inspired clothes coupled with both tongue-in-cheek erotic innuendos and blurred out insinuations of, well, big dicks. The bright colors and humorous imagery create an overall unforgettable video that pairs well with the song’s lyrics and catchy rave accompaniment. Regardless of whether or not you have a dick, you’ll be singing or humming this song all day.
Directed by Alina Pasok and Ilya Prusikin and produced by Alina Pasok and Denis Glazin, the video from earlier this year joins Little Big’s already-full catalog of videos (as well as their most recent, “Hateful Love”). After only three years, Little Big is already making international headway. Currently, the band is on tour in Eastern Europe and Russia.
Today’s video pick is D’Aftaparti’s “Rip It.” This new group is out of Cleveland, Ohio. Though they’re fresh on the scene, their music hits the ground running. “Rip It” is the first single off their upcoming freshman album release in early 2017. In collaboration with Visible Art, a Cleveland video production company, D’aftaparti’s latest video effort follows their first video, “Work Hustle Grind” which was released two months ago.
Where “Work Hustle Grind” was full of tight rap verses and guitar licks by Billy Morris, “Rip It” is its natural follow-up, with catchy lyrics and an easygoing vibe. The video itself encourages a good time, predominantly in a party setting. The familiar scenes to any partygoer are entertaining and encourage at the very least, some head bobbing and foot-tapping along to the catchy beat.