Hot Tub Johnnie brought us a whopper of a Memorial Day celebration that just happens to be LA's best event for discovering great music. The night was packed full of ear candy and musical delights. Cerritos based artist Z Chambers arrived in a party bus packed with 30 fans ready to bust out. Z had the room singing along to his choice covers and new material off the just released Fire Of Love EP. Next up was Siobhan Heard who presented a beautiful heartfelt and moving set filled with Soul and Jazz masterpieces from her just released album. Breaking Heights returned to the Hot Tub and reminded us it's possible to soar to new levels. Closing out the night was a very special Los Angeles reunion performance from hip hop Pioneers Delinquent Habits. Ives Irie & Kemo The Blaxican shared a few DH classics and ripped into new material off their just released album It Could Be Round Two. Big love to Scorpion 420, who smoked us out during the sample session side party. Truly an evening filled with family fun and memories that will last forever. 5/29/2017
Z was born on September 24, 1993 in Torrance, California. His appreciation for art at an early age gave him the desire to become a professional singer-songwriter. During his school years, he strengthened his skills by taking part in school performances, choirs and community talent shows. After graduating from Cerritos High School, he pursued higher education by moving to Hollywood and enrolling in the Vocal program at Musicians Institute.
Inspired by the sounds of Justin Timberlake, Michael Jackson and Ne-Yo, Z has a strong love and admiration for great art, and believes that when people stop and notice, art changes the world.
Allow us to introduce Siobhan Heard — the newest addition to the Hunnypot family. Texas-born singer/songwriter, Siobhan Heard, started singing in her father’s church at 12 years old. Using the church to break out of her shell, Heard eventually found joy in studying jazz and classical music academically. Siobhan’s introduction to the creative mecca of Leimert Park, in Los Angeles was a turning point, opening doors to key musical relationships as she sought her unique sound. During this time, Siobhan met the very talented, late Samantha Purple. Purple took an interest in Heard’s talent, and used her resources to develop Siobhan into what would eventually become the flagship artist of Purple’s production company Tha Blazin Star. Love In All Aspects is Siobhan Heard’s debut album, the culmination of over a year’s worth of work, and a lifelong love of song. Perfect for fans of Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill & Sade.
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Born on a hundred degree day in the bone dry San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. There was no wind, not a single cloud. Just a blinding sun. Like a crystal hole in the never ending sky. From producer Ozzy Doniz, rapper Zoh and singer Greg Cahn, comes a musical twist of psychedelic sonic showers tangled in Trap mixed with velvet hooks and grimy soul-baring lyrics. The trio born in raised in Mexico City, Detroit, and Cleveland is LA's newest music immigrants having just released their debut EP, Where We Are to the world in March 2017.
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Hailing from the lower east side Los Angeles urban-Latin hip hop pioneers “Delinquent Habits” was forged in the talent-rich golden era of hip hop. While their self-titled debut release was unleashed in June of 1996, the band had been rockin’ house parties, battles, and any show there was a mic on since their formation in 1991. Ivan S. Martin PKA “Ives Irie”, David L.K. Thomas PKA “Kemo the Blaxican”, and then producer/DJ OG Style, the original members, created together the first four offerings from the band: ‘Delinquent Habits’, ‘Here Come the Horns’, ‘Merry Go Round’, and ‘Freedom Band’ with features from Sen Dog, Big Pun, Hurricane G, Ozomatli, and Mellow Man Ace. The aforementioned albums, sold well over 1 million copies & propelled Delinquent Habits into the scene and onto the road for several tours worldwide putting Delinquent Habits at the forefront of the Latin, hip hop, and underground scenes. Boasting one of the liveliest and truest hip hop shows on stage in over 50 countries, “Delinquent Habits,” highly-anticipated album, It Could Be Round Two, features the return of Kemo the Blaxican and is slated for release nationally March 3, 2017 on Delinquent Habits Records.
Their new album, It Could Be Round Two, is a series of hip hop tracks inspired by the collaboration of Ives Irie and Kemo the Blaxican re-uniting to bring back the original and true form that made Delinquent Habits the cutting edge alternative Latino hip-hop group for the masses. Like a beautiful blend of café con letche, It Could Be Round Two, is the lyrically splendid West Coast Re-Connection of two powerful MC’s delivering once again on an album overflowing with radiantly diverse, rhythms, styles and lyrics. The album also features guest appearances by Sen Dog (Cypress Hill).
It Could Be Round Two is Delinquent Habits seventh official album release. This 13-track embracement erupts with modes of expression and convincing calibrations. Ives Irie and Kemo the Blaxican’s lyrical skills stretch back and forth between polished poetry saturated within masterful verses, sprinkled with a touch of powerfully blended Spanish, always presenting a balanced collection of intermixture. It Could Be Round Two rouses the listener through atmospheres of philosophy and melodically pervasive paradoxes, pulling the listener out of a tug-of-war co-existence and into an album that embraces relevant issues with deliberately calm perplexity.
Record companies were at first hesitant to take a risk on the new music, but when upstart PMP records decided to release Delinquent Habits in 1996, the result was pure magic. The group's debut single , "Tres Delinquentes" blew up almost overnight, receiving airplay not only on hip-hop radio but rock and Top 40 stations as well. Helping spark a bold new Latino pride, the track eventually landed Delinquent Habits an appearance on the former-NBC show, “Late Night with Conan O'Brien” and sparked tours with heavyweights like Korn, Limp Bizkit and Ice T. In no time, "Tres Delinquentes" became a worldwide hit, selling over one million copies around the globe and pushing the group’s self-titled album to nearly the same figure 2003 brought changes for the band, with Kemo the Blaxican embarking on a solo endeavor which included the release of 3 full albums, garnering the respect of the fans and artists’ alike. At the same time Delinquent Habits, with Ives Irie and selected guests and backup MC’s toured and offered up two more Delinquent Habits albums. Both albums, New & Improved and the most recent Common Man, were offered up independently and kept the band in the spotlight rockin’ stages worldwide; from the largest festivals in continental Europe, such as Sziget Festival in Hungary, to small local shows in L.A., every time showing up for the hip hop lovers, new and old guard alike.
The reuniting on stage and on record of Ives Irie and Kemo The Blaxican for the newest album, “It Could Be Round Two”, marks the first time in over a decade that the two MC’s collectively strike the minds and souls of their listeners. Releasing March 3, 2017, “It Could Be Round Two” features what is the best of two respected and true to the game MC’s. Through the pairing of their raw talents and experiences together and apart, in life and within the music industry, Delinquent Habits has musically, lyrically, and on message created an album that is not only body moving and head bobbing, but also deeply meaningful and revealing of thoughts and perspectives shared by the two lyricist. Together the two paint lyrical visuals that speak to real life and truth on what is in Ives Irie’s opinion, Delinquent Habits most complete offering, both lyrically and musically. While still true to the Latin roots, Delinquent Habits has once again merged other genres such as soul, funk, and rock to create in the bands’ opinion the most diverse album musically to date. Featuring producers, J Matik, DJ Invincible, Ruck N Wiz, and ‘Delinquent Habits’ at the helm as executive producer, ‘It Could Be Round Two is an extensity of dimensionality and incitement, feeding all cravings.
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Some hot punk from Austin's A Giant Dog. This single, off the album Pile came out last year on Merge Records. The band was recently featured on the soundtrack to the Netflix show GIRLBOSS and are on tour now. Los Angelinos can catch them at The Bootleg Theater June 14th. Tell them Hunnypot sent ya!
The incredible HOT SAUCE HOLIDAY drops their official video for the super single GERMS! The bands members are RAMBLES, BOOGIEWHIP, ENIGMA, AXE MONKEY, THE ROOSTER and PENTHOUSE PET CHRISTIANA CINN. Oh wee, as you can see they bring the fun
The piece also showcases members of DISHRAG BURLESQUE featuring JEN MILLER, MIA A. IRIZARRY and KIMBERLY HOWARD.
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!
It's no government secret and we tell everyone; Hunnypot Live! is the best Monday night event. Hot Tub Johnnie launched show #366 with a "green" heavy set and got us to come out of hiding in the bushes for some dancing and smoking. Our guest Adam Wolf told us the secrets of his musical journey and dropped a set of classic and new inspiration. Zosia started the live music with mood melodies, Fabian James "popped" and locked us in, Static & Surrender put our hands up and hearts out with anthemic rock songs, EMAEL "psyched" us out with their complex compositions and FTTSM & Diggy Wiggy rapped the classic and new sounds. Hot Tub closed the night with a dance party. We wiretapped the whole night so you can revisit and listen to the action here: - J. Gray 5/15/2017
Adam Wolf formed Wolf House Songs In June of 2015 with the goal of building a catalog of songs that maintained the highest level of artistry and credibility. Wolf House has built a roster of songs and master recordings by artists including The Turtles, Yoko Ono, Moby, Dusty Springfield, Iggy Pop, Andy Paley, Brian Wilson, Missing Persons, TRIO, The Dead Kennedys, Black Flag, & Husker Du.
Prior to Wolf House Songs, Adam was responsible for building the Creative and Synchronization departments of several independent publishing and licensing companies and with his recently formed Company Wolf House Songs has had placements in commercials including Acura, Pepsi, Fendi, Fuze, Tory Burch, and Marc Jacobs. Film and TV credits include NCIS, This Is Us, Vampire Diaries, Why Him, The Girl On The Train, The Affair, Scorpion. Adam recently curated the music for luxury culinary line Gaggenau.
Wolf's extensive connections with the film, TV, trailer, advertising, and brands have landed him synchs in projects ranging from thousands of films and TV shows. This, along with his extensive marketing experience, have made him a first call for great innovative ideas for sync. Wolf has been featured as a panelist at such prominent music industry gatherings as SXSW, AIMP, FUSE (Australia), LAMP, the International Music Summit (Ibiza), Folk Alliance (Canada), and UCLA extension. He has also been a judge on the prestigious UK Music & Sound Awards two years in a row.
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Named after her grandmother, a seamstress who fled Poland during World War II, Zosia is the project of Anneke Lada, an LA-based singer, songwriter, and producer. With a diverse set of influences ranging from 90s pop to contemporary folk rock to sci-fi cinema, Zosia creates dark, alternative electro-pop with elements of trip hop and r&b. She began writing songs at age nine in Silicon Valley where she was born and raised by an artist and engineer. While her childhood songs spoke of wide-eyed romance and heartbreak, her music now of ten explores the depths of anxiety, morality, and finding fulfillment. Zosia’s first official collaboration with LA producer/D J Alluxe, ‘Hold On,’ is a driving pop song about the unshakable fear of inevitable ends.
Patrick McCutcheon, better known by his stage name Fabian James (after his grandfather) is a singer/songwriter and producer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who relocated to Los Angeles, California in 2016. Featured on a track titled "Your Love" by fellow Milwaukee DJ duo Antics, the track was remixed by Chicago Native INZO. The remix reached a collective total of over 1,000,000 plays in its first 4 months, and even got picked up in a set by The Chainsmokers. This will be Fabian James's debut Los Angeles show and we are excited to have it be with us at Hunnypot!
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Made up of members of venerable Bay Area rock bands The Trophy Fire, Pine and Battery, and Cold Hot Crash, national award-winning singer songwriter Jeff Campbell was recruited by brothers Adam & John Schuman to write and record new ideas. The result is a body of songs that all 3 were excited enough about to recruit decorated Berkeley producer Jim Greer (The Rondo Brothers, Foster the People) to help them bring their ideas to life. The members’ combined careers boast multiple festival appearances, regular radio play on 3 major Bay Area radio stations, a performance on the Jimmy Kimmel Live show, onstage appearances with and support for Filter, Train, John Mayer and more. The name Static and Surrender was given to the project to symbolize the members' surrender to the static that they felt their individual careers had settled into, and their hopes that joining forces would open new doors for them collectively.
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A Brand, Entertainment Company & Independent Record Label. The brand consist of DeeJay's, Artist & Producers such as, WITT2, West Kavi Bo$$ Boone, Nu She Nu, Jeff Stone, Chill Wize & DJ Ka$h. The brand was founded by Diggy Wiggy. A DeeJay & Producer servicing Clubs, Mixtapes & Shows throughout Southern California. Diggy Wiggy has worked with Ya Boy aka Rich Rocka, Mac Lucci, The Young Giantz, kokane & The Pomona City Movement. The President Big HBizzle has 20 years of experience in Personal Artist Management, Music Production & Music Marketing. Big HBizzle has been state to state making connections with Club Promoters, Artist & Radio Personel. The dynamic dual formed this brand and carefully hand picked some talent to Produce and Market!
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Difficult to label, they have been dubbed "indie chamber pop" by San Diego's Tim Pyles of 91XFM and “pushing music to new boundaries“ by David Pack of Ambrosia. EMÆL is an eclectic quintet that has converged many genres of music ranging from their classical roots to indie/alt-pop influences. They have been compared to bands like Alt-J, Hiatus Kaiyote, and Radiohead. Orange County natives, they have shared the unique sound opening for artists such as Young the Giant, Diplo, David Benoit, Kansas, Juicy J, New Politics, Beat Connection and many more. Multi-instrumentalist frontman Emmanuel Ventura-Cruess assembled the band from his most talented friends in 2014. EMÆL has spent the last two years developing their debut album “Glasswork”, working with Grammy nominated producer/mixer Itai Shapira.
Super proud to share our newest current/upcoming single compilation. This is the best way to check out some of the fine talented artists we represent for synchronization licensing at Hunnypot.
Featuring tracks by Michete, Siobhan Heard, Mark Mallman, Barnyard Stompers, Sleeplust, and more, don't dally Stream/Download today!
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Genre: Dreamy Pop
Sounds Like: Lorde, Halsey
Location: Los Angeles, CA/Salt Lake City, UT
Genre: Dream Pop
Sounds Like: Little Dragon, Dirty Projectors
Location: Newcastle, UK
Genre: Experimental Rock
Sounds like: Pixies, The kills, Joy Division
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Genre: Indie Rock Super Hero
Sounds like: "I’m desperate to feel something, to feel something real."
Location: Seattle, WA
Genre: Rap/Dance/Party
Sounds like: 2017 Gay Club Anthem
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Genre: Folk-Pop
Sounds like: Everybody But The Girl, 10,000 Maniacs
Location: Cleveland, OH
Genre: Hip Hop
Sounds like: The New Edition parties with Migos
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Genre: R&B/Soul
Sounds Like: Jill Scott, Sade, Erykah Badu
Location: Texas, but mostly the road.
Genre: Outlaw Country
Sounds Like: Hank III, Reverend Horton Heat
Location: Los Angeles, CA/Salt Lake City, UT
Genre: Dream Pop
Sounds Like: Perfume Genius, Tears For Fears
Location: UK/Sweden
Genre: Fun Pop/Dance
Sounds Like: Kiesza, Robyn (Remix by popular Swedish duo Producer/DJs, ManyFew available)
Barnyard Stompers announce the upcoming release date (May 15th) for their new album Outlaws With Chainsaws Vol. 2. The band's 1st single is their ode to Leatherface's murderess chainsaw ways.
Nowadays, real Outlaw Country is rarely heard on the radio or dance halls. If you want the real stuff, you've gotta look for it. This music lives on within renegades who strive to keep the flame alive - mavericks who eat, sleep, breathe and bleed Outlaw music.
Casey Miller and Megan Wise are the Barnyard Stompers. Forget about every other two-piece band you've ever experienced. Barnyard Stompers is no novelty. It's honest and true, and doesn't very much care for anything that isn't. So if you're looking for authentic Outlaw sounds birthed in the heart of Texas, you've come to the right place.
All the songs can be licensed through Hunnypot, let us know if you'd like to here more.
Hunnypot Live Fyrefest edition. Our internet connection was sporadic, Jack's DJ set CD almost got destroyed, credit card machine was down, every other Hunnypotter was under the weather and we still had a kick butt show. Hot Tub Johnnie started the night with new and old classics, Jack Grisham brought his irreverent humor, statesman personality, musical love, talent and dirty mind in to the tub for a special intimate conversation and DJ set, Perry & Danielle gave us some island pop, Jane Ellen Bryant stopped tracks with her voice and songs, Maureen and the Mercury 5 boogies, swang and marimba'd the Hunnypot crowd and Emily Keener closed the live portion with her powerful presentation of song and emotion. 5/1/2017
Jack Grisham is an American rock musician, raconteur and political activist from Southern California. He is the vocalist for the punk band T.S.O.L. (True Sounds of Liberty), which emerged from the late 1970s Los Angeles hardcore punk rock scene, along with Black Flag, Circle Jerks and Bad Religion. Grisham has also fronted the bands Vicious Circle, The Joykiller, Tender Fury and Cathedral of Tears. He records with T.S.O.L., The Joykiller and the Manic Low.
Perry & Danielle is a two-piece pop group from Honolulu, Hawaii with lead vocalist/ keyboardist Danielle Oda and vocalist/drummer & percussionist Perry Sekigawa. Together, Perry & Danielle make a dynamic duo in the music they create, drawing on personal experiences and turning them into a song. Their sound contains smooth, piano-based instrumentation with soulful melodies, creating a twist on pop-alternative- soul.
The duo released their first EP under the name “CommonGround” in August 2013, and is currently working on a new self-titled EP under “Perry & Danielle”. The un-ending love and support they received in Hawaii encouraged them to expand their music outside of their home, making the big decision to move to Los Angeles, California in May 2014.
Since moving to Los Angeles, Perry & Danielle have performed at venues/events such as Hard Rock Cafe, Los Angeles Theatre Center, House Of Blues, and the 2016 NAMM Show to name a few. They were also a finalist in the Kollaboration Los Angeles 2015 Showcase.
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Twenty-five year old songstress, Jane Ellen Bryant, is “right in the thick” of that “big decade of your life,” as she calls it in the title track of her EP, Twenties. It’s that decade full of the best of times, the worst of times, the first real jobs, and the first bona fide heartbreaks that lead us to the cardinal steps of self discovery. Her music is saturated with the raw, authentic emotions that we all experience during this roller coaster ride as a twenty something. Yet these lessons, trials, and rowdy good times speak to people of all ages and stages of life. Jane Ellen Bryant delivers a timeless collection of songs, and the three song EP, which will be released this July 8 is just a taste of the depth that’s to come. Bryant was born and raised in the Live Music Capital and she’s soaked with the mystical, rare sound that comes from the heart of Austin It’s this new, fearless sound that attracted the attention of producer Chris “Frenchie” Smith, who has worked with Jet, Santana, and The Toadies just to name a few. “I’ve experienced many inspirational moments in record production over the last 20 years,” says Frenchie, “but she raised the bar. I had never produced a singer this strong.” He goes on to say that Jane’s music is “capturing the madness of youth, the manic perils of opening up about heartbreak, all while bringing the listener in more and more by telling the truth. What I look for in an artist is believability, and whatever Jane is performing, I believe it.”
MAUREEN & THE MERCURY 5 blend raging Rockabilly, sultry Blues, and toe-tappin’ Swing into a sound for fans of IMELDA MAY, BRIAN SETZER, AMY WINEHOUSE and even THE YEAH YEAH YEAHS. M&M5 have appeared in Paris with NICO DUPORTAL and SANSEVERINO; in Los Angeles with DICK DALE, DEKE DICKERSON and BIG SANDY; and at the infamous Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood with members of Quiet Riot, Cheap Trick & Kiss. And despite Maureen’s bad girl image, (captured in cartoon by Artist Adam Huntley) she is still a favorite at Disneyland, performing to 1000’s every month.
M&M5’s songs are also making quiet a splash on American television, as heard on LIFETIME CHANNEL and COMEDY CENTRAL as well as network TV. The title track GIMME MO! Was cowritten with Rock artist JESSE BLAZE SNIDER (son of TWISTED SISTER’S DEE), and the classic I WANT YOU TO BE MY BABY is sung hilariously in English, French, Spanish, Chinese and Japanese, with guest stars NBC TV crooner DOUGLAS ROEGIERS, Japanese Rockabilly sensation EITARO SAKO and retro music royalty JASON EOFF on keys (The Outta Sites). Co- Produced by SCOTTY LUND (BLACK EYED PEAS, RIHANNA, DRAKE) and SYLVAIN CARTON (BEATS ANTIQUES), GIMME MO! brings “Retro Nouveau” to Pop & Rock Radio.
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Emily Keener is a seventeen-year-old singer/songwriter from Wakeman, OH. Since her exciting journey into the Top 12 on NBC’s The Voice, Emily has been writing and recording diligently in an effort to capture the energy of this most transformative year.
Emily started playing the guitar when she was 11 years old and began writing songs when she was almost 12. A natural curiosity and passion for music quickly got her performing frequently and writing constantly. Almost 6 years later, she has written over 100 original songs and released three EPs and two LPs. Her songs are distinctly original, and the ideas she manages to express in them belie a soul that seems to be much older than seventeen. Before training with renowned vocal coach Joan Ellison and master guitarist Tony Schaffer, Emily was entirely self-taught and thrived on the time she spent locked away with a guitar and a notebook.
With the guidance and support of her family and friends, fellow musicians, and many zealous music-lovers, she continued to grow in and experiment with her artistry. At 15, she recorded “East of the Sun”; an original EP backed by the amazing musicians of Norwalk, OH that once made up “The Womacks”. A year later, she suddenly found herself in front of millions of people on national television with her astonishingly well-received debut on Season 10 of The Voice. She had the honor of performing the songs of some of her greatest inspirations, including “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” by Elton John, “Big Yellow Taxi” by Joni Mitchell, “Still Crazy After All These Years” by Paul Simon, and “Lilac Wine” by Jeff Buckley. After advancing to the Top 12, Emily arrived home with a newfound sense of self as she walked directly from the plane into the studio at Waveburner Recording. Now, a few months later, she is ready to unveil her latest work and prove that this year is just the beginning.
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Long time Hot Tubber Larken Phillips aka L-Boogie will celebrate his birthday with a special DJ set. Ancient Sumerian texts tell of a man with boogie so pimpaliciously slick, that the world could not withstand the weight of his almighty funkification. He was born in a maelstrom of smoke and fire, schooled by the legends of Shaolin, and set upon this world to seek that mighty groove, tweak it till it’s smooth, straight up freak and bust a move.
This legend of boogie was deemed too powerful by the elder gods of groove, and so it was decided to seal his spirit away. For thousands of years the spirit of this titan of twerk lay dormant only to be awoken for a single night each year, for if his boogie lasted any longer the cosmos could be torn apart by his vociferous vibrations.
Lo and behold: the great L-Boogie hath arisen from his slumber! Payeth him tribute with dope-ass dance moves & belligerent bong rips, lest ye soul be cast into darkness until he riseth once more.
![Siobhan Heard - Before Breakfast [Lyric Video]](/media/k2/items/cache/a549e13d40e787f171ad57b349382ed8_Generic.jpg)
Siobhan Heard was once like the rest of us. She has the voice but was too shy to share. It was until her father gave her the first opportunity to sing solo at the church at the age of 12, where she grabbed onto the opportunity and broke her shell since. Now, she is the semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition (R&B/Hip Hop).
The “Before Breakfast” singer is a Texas-born singer-songwriter, who academically studied jazz and classical music. Her turning point in Los Angeles was when she met the talented, late Samantha Purple, who discovered Siobhan’s unique sound and made her the flagship artist of her production company Tha Blazin Star.
Song and music inspired Siobhan “when [she’s] down and hold [her] steady when [she’s] in danger of floating away.” But don’t “you laugh and try to squash [her] accomplishments down,” because she deserves better than that.
Her hope for expressing herself through music is that “when you hear [her] music, you get a piece of the joy it gives [her]”. Now take a listen and see the joy it brings YOU! Or, you could come on out and listen to yourself on our May 29th party!
You are totally missing out if you haven’t heard of (The) Savages. These young ladies’ music videos are guaranteed thousands of views, and this one with CDE Films has already got more than a million. This song though.
“Shit you know it , money ain't a issue”. We are talking about throwing cash into the air. “Yeen heard imma savage, Yea it's money over niggas,” They’ve got “Swagg jazz, big titties, nice ass,” but you’re “never gettin this pussy if yeen coming with no cash”. Don’t play with them. Let that cash talk. They got “no time for that [they] need jacksons”.
(The) Savages were performing in Murfreesboro, Tennessee a few days ago, and we heard them from all the way in California. Layered with catchy beats and keys, the girl squad is setting us up with party spirit. FaceTime, Gucci, shopping sprees, designer… They’ve all got that, and sure know how to set the mood!
Check them out, but don’t get too surprised if you see yourself moving to the beat.
I might be selfish for choosing to write this article in a manner that I would want to read if I were looking to be inspired by an article covering the ASCAP Expo — but I genuinely believe the words I am about to share with you are rooted in the foundation of success. Not just in the music biz, but success for every aspect of life including the most important one of all; personal development. Don’t worry, I’m not about to go all “Tony Robbins” on you. Well, that’s not entirely true. Let’s jump right in.
We live in a very noisy world. No, I am not talking about downtown Los Angeles rush hour traffic noise — where everyone honks at everyone but does nothing about it noise (try pulling that off in New York City, where people actually do something about it), I am talking about noise in the sense that we have so many options to choose from. From streaming services (Netflix for the win) to production software, email automation software, grocery delivery services and just about everything else in between; how do we know what the right option is? Well here’s some cold hard truth; none of it matters. Why? Those are all external variables that amplify, or expedite what it is that you’re doing, when success, get ready for a cliche; is an inside job. The 2017 ASCAP Expo was full of amazing people, sponsors, and energy, but these are the top themes for success that I discovered through all the wonderful people that spoke.
Everyone who spoke, regardless of what field or avenue their success came from, humility shined brighter than any variable. We all love what we do, there is no doubt there — but I think we all fall victim (myself included) to either comparing ourselves to the success of others, or worse; obsessing on HOW they got there, and the path that worked for them. Each one of us has our own story, our own obstacles to overcome, our own moments of doubt, moments of success and moments where we want to jump ship. But then, we remember. We remember that our gift, our purpose, the very reason we all jumped on this rollercoaster in the first place comes from the fact that we have the best job in the world; to create. To inspire through our creations, have it be our words, our voices, our piano melodies or our instrumentals; we are the expression of self. Love is the language of the universe and through music, we are able to spread that message and influence parts of the world, or even, parts of ourselves that we never thought we could. There is a difference between thinking you’re the best and simply being the best. Those who think their the best, walk in a room with a sense of entitlement and say “no one in this room can provide me any value, they should feel lucky that I am here.” Whereas those who know they're the best say “I know I am the best, how can I be of service to everyone in this room and expect nothing in return?” Here’s the kicker, you think both are ego right? Well, you're right, ego is always a part of us, we cannot kick it the curb, but we can rewire it to serve others. Love all, serve all.
Gratitude would be the next biggest key to being successful in this business. I sat in on a panel titled “ The making of Justin Bieber’s Purpose.” On the far right sat, Stevie James, the youngest of the group, in the middle sat Big Taste, who was a few years older (24 I believe) and next to him sat Poo Bear, the oldest of the producers. Chelsea Avery, SVP of A&R at Scooter Braun Projects sat on the far left and was the one asking the questions. From Bieber’s 2013 Album “Journals” to his most recent album “Purpose” was a long, 3-year process that each member of the panel discussed. Each, a story of their own, involving the capacity in which they were involved in the project and what it meant to them. Although they literally created the music and lyrics (amongst a handful of other people and let’s not forget Justin he hustles harder than anyone) they never took credit for their work. Seriously, I’m not joking, they didn’t. They were simply just happy to be a part of the journey in and of its own. Okay yeah, I know you’re probably thinking “well I too would be grateful if I got to work with Justin Bieber!” And you’re right you probably would. But did you ever stop to think that maybe the reason they got the opportunity in the first place, is because of the simple fact they feel with every cell in their body that they are lucky to just create in general? That they were always just grateful, period? As human beings, we experience every single emotion all at once. If we want to be sad, we can be sad, if we want to be thankful, then we can be thankful. We have the ability — and the right might I add, to amplify whatever emotion we want. Remember that. Oh and here’s a blunt note on the matter: whenever you’re feeling high and mighty, don’t. You didn’t create Soundcloud, or Spotify or Apple music. Or the program you’re creating your music on. You didn’t create YouTube of Facebook or the damn computer you’re doing all of this on. So be so damn grateful that you have all these tools accessible to you, that you want to cry. Seriously, think about how fortunate we are for just those things alone!
Whether it’s your musical career, part-time job, significant other, and yes, even your mother; listening is a major key to success. Let me add another point to that; listening with the intent to understand, not waiting for the other person to finish so you can add your 2, or sometimes even 99 cents. Let me say that again: listen with the intent to understand, not so that you may speak when the other person is done. Everybody doesn’t just want to be heard, they want to be understood and that, can only be done when we listen to understand. The same goes for your music. How? Well, it’s simple — your music speaks to you. Not to get all spiritual but it’s true. Music is an energy and it’s one that has the power to move mountains. If you ever find yourself frustrated with your work, simply take a set back (literally) and create some space between the two. Take a couple deep breaths if you have to and give it another go! Listen objectively, and the answers will come to you. This concept is especially important when dealing with multiple personalities, behavior patterns and ego of a team. Regardless of your position, or if it’s just two of you — take a step back from a situation where progress isn't being made and come back with the intention of coming to a solution even if it means swallowing your pride. A little saying my team and I have is “it doesn’t matter who’s right or who’s wrong, as long as we get there.”
Your best friend says “ come visit me in New York, I live in SoHo.” You, living in Los Angeles want to take a road trip, pack your car and start driving to New York. Eventually, you make it there and even make it to SoHo but you have no freaking idea where your friend lives because she never told you what her address was. Unfortunately (or fortunately) this is how most of the world works. They have a general idea of where they want to go but have no GPS coordinates to get there. If Sally (this feels like a standardized test math question involving apples) gave you her address, you would end up 3 feet in front of her apartment. Success works like that too.
I am an artist manager with an entrepreneurial background. I treat my artists like a business, like a startup actually. There are many messages and takeaways from my experiences and others like me, but here are two that are very close to my heart.
Never leave customer (or in this case fan) unanswered (thanks, Eli Chmouni)
Where do you want to end up, and how do you take the steps to get there? The first is kinda a side note that I think is very important to all those reading this; never leave a customer (fan) unanswered. If a fan engages, engage back. If they have something rude to say, drown them with love — there is already enough hate in this world. The second is super SUPER crucial. Where do you want to go? Is your goal to sign to a label and sell millions of records / win a grammy? Okay cool, track your steps backward. Are you an amazing singer/songwriter but a subpar producer? Swallow your pride and work on what you’re already incredible at. Outsource your production to someone who's extraordinary in that field. Are you an amazing vocalist who can’t write? Okay cool, again, collaborate with an amazing writer who wants to see his/her works come to life. Yes, things change but remember the GPS example, it’s a major key to keeping yourself focused. Are you here to make it, or are you just here to make music?
It’s 05:30 am. You’ve been in the studio or your office for 18 hours and you’re exhausted. You’re super proud of what you’ve accomplished and you know that there’s a 90% chance tomorrow is going to be another 18 hour day and to be frank, the next 3 years are probably going to be the same. So, naturally, you snap a photo and post it on Instagram with an assortment of subpar hashtags including #hustle. You peak at your normal 87 likes and get a few comments from your homies that toss you some praying hands and a “keep at it, bro.”
This is where I tell you to stop. For the love of Chuck Norris; STOP. While you’re showing off how hard you work, some kid on the other side of the world is taking all that energy and cracking out 10 times the results you are. Sorry, but it’s true. I am not saying don’t be proud of what you do, but keep it for yourself and for your team. Let your results speak for themselves, your process is your own. We’ve all heard the line “Hard work beats talent” which, I will agree with. However, when you’re talented and you work hard, that’s a deadly combination. Work hard in silence, let your success make all the noise.
But wait, there’s more! (Paul Williams inspired)
Here’s secret rule #6
We tend to think that our lack of success comes from a lack of resources. It’s 2017 and we have Google, so let’s toss that excuse out the window. Let me be very VERY real with you; or as Stevie Wonder said do you want me to be Stevie or do you want me to be Frank?” Can we all take a moment and agree that he’s the f*cking man?
There are millions of people trying to do the exact same thing you are. I live in the heart of Hollywood, within a 5-mile radius there are probably 10,000 people trying to do the same thing I am, and the same thing my artists are trying to do. Hell, a better half are probably more talented and better funded. If you walk into our (I live with my artist) apartment/office you will see a whiteboard that says: “How badly do you want it?” This is a daily reminder that we moved out here to be remarkable; to be extraordinary; we came out here for greatness and we will not accept anything less. And by attending the 2017 ASCAP Expo, so did you. So I leave you with this thought…
Although I am sure you met a ton of amazing people, remember that YOU and only you alone hold all the keys to your success. Everything you’ve ever wanted does not lie with you shaking the hands of others, but rather, you shaking hands with the person you are striving to become. Yeah so maybe you need to shake the hand of the CEO of Republic Records to get that deal. But ask yourself this: is the current version of yourself ready for that? If yes, then literally go walk into the office and demand (kindly of course) that you speak with Monte Lipman and won’t settle for anyone else. Trust me, when you want something that badly your eyes say it, your soul screams it; the universe conspires in helping you achieve it. If the answer is no, then go chase that version of yourself and bridge the gap between the two.
You’re already half-way there, I promise :)
“Our purpose lies not within the product we create, but rather the process in which we are consumed by; the process in which we surrender ourselves to.”
- Tomer Greenfeld obo Hunnypot Unlimited