Today’s video pick hails from Indonesia. Young rapper Brian Imanuel, better known to some as Rich Chigga, started his path to fame by creating YouTube videos. Through that very medium, he released his first track in 2015, and then the song you’re most likely to know him for, “Dat $tick.” The video for “Dat $tick,” seen above, made its rounds on the internet earlier this year, with a “Rappers React” video including reactions from Ghostface Killa, Tory Lanez, 21 Savage, and more. Most of the reactions were positive, remarking on Imanuel’s voice and age. Ghostface Killa went on to collaborate on a remix of the song, a video for which was released last month.
The original “Dat $tick” video itself features 16 year old Imanuel and friends emulating a stereotypical music video, complete with a large house, (fake) guns, contract dolly shots, and clips in front of a car. However, Imanuel is dressed like a white dad at Disneyland, fannypack and all. The car is a mid-size SUV, the entire video not about living large, but more a reflection of the actual message of the song, which sheds light on youth gangs and poverty in Jakarta, where Imanuel is from.
A diehard music and pop-culture freak, Rock & Roll Jeopardy contestant, ex-child actress, and voracious pop-culture vulture, Lyndsey lives in Hollywood, California with her cat Pussycow and a white snake named Whitesnake, piles of records, and a vintage television set that is always, always on.
Husband and wife James and Shanna Stein comprise the enthralling LA based duo that is Stein Sang. After meeting through a mutual friend, the two eventually folded into a relationship, and later blended in their musical partnership. This multifaceted partnership contributes to their music, giving them a unique perspective and sound. Self-identifying as “cloud music,” the pair collaborate wholly on their almost-ethereal folk-pop songs. Currently, the pair has one EP out, House of Sticks, three tracks of which have music videos available to watch on YouTube. They have just finished recording a brand new EP scheduled to be released top of 2017. Their upcoming single "Crush (Let's Go To The Moon) was co-produced by Chad Hugo from the Neptunes and is featured on Hunnypot's newest upcoming single compilation.
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Tall As Trees are real, pure, unaffected by outside influences. Their music is different, it is theirs alone. They believe in it, live it. Of all contemporary acts in the world today, perhaps only Tall As Trees do what others would like to do, and that is perform only what they believe in, what they feel, not what others think Tall As Trees should feel. Tall As Trees love you. They will not change their music or style to meet the whims of a frustrated world. You should appreciate this because you know they are pure what more can you ask?
Tall As Trees is the indie rock project of Matthew Clark. Joined by Miah Palmer on drums and Kris Camire on bass, TAT delivers a powerful blend of genre bending, instantly memorable,
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SUZY PARADISE grew up a Florida girl with an insatiable knack for mischief in the traveling surf world. Always Finding herself miles from home and in yet another sticky situation, Suzy quickly learned to garner her self-resilient wit to keep her head above water. Thus, she created “the Lifeguard” - her stronger & more redeeming self. “Suzy & the Lifeguard” is a story of self-empowerment encouraging listeners to follow their hearts and be shamelessly unique.
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Longtime Hunnypot attendees and party professionals Jazlyn and Danielle will be co-hosting this get-down with us. These girls will curate a listening session to please your ears and your dancin' shoes.
"In a world where music seems too often scripted and rehearsed, Gogol Bordello’s unique brand of “Pure Vida” cut against the grain of traditional pop culture and transported their fans back to simpler time where the music itself was all that mattered. And in the chaotic world in which we all seem to live, taking a small break to escape the madness was just what the Doctor ordered."
Gogol Bordello may be one of the most kick-ass (and possibly underappreciated) bands touring the states this year. Inspired by gypsy music and infused with punk and dub undertones, this talented group of wanderers from Manhattan’s Lower East Side have released countless albums, played in hundreds of countries, and inspired thousands of acts around the world to follow their dreams – all while staying true to their original mission. As founder and frontman Eugene Hütz so eloquently puts it, “Gogol Bordello’s task is to provoke audience out of post-modern aesthetic swamp onto a neo-optimistic communal movement to new sources of authentic energy.” Eugene’s take on their music is spot on and truly defines their unorthodox sound and spirit which ultimately makes this band so special.
On November 17th, Gogol Bordello set up camp in Southern California for night of musical mayhem that challenged the mind and inspired the soul. Whether you were a long-time follower of their movement or just started listening to their music, there was something for everyone who attended Thursday evenings show at The Observatory OC. Kicking off the evenings festivities was a cool local band called One Less Zero. Sara Wright's energy was infectious and easily fired up the Orange County crowd with a groovy sound and positive vibe that kicked some serious ass. This band is solid and definitely a "must-see" band when they are back in the area after this tour. After a short break, Gogol Bordello took the stage and immediately spun the near-capacity crowd into hyper-drive with their first tracks of the night, "Art of Life" and "Never Young". These were in my opinion the perfect songs to kick off the show and set the stage for an amazing night of music down in the OC. Next up was "Not a Crime" off of their 2005 album, Gypsy Punks: Underdog World Strike. Probably one of my favorite Gogol Bordello songs and took energy levels to a whole new level at the venue. Within seconds, crowd surfers were up and a mosh pit had formed on the Observatory's tightly packed floor. It was pure unadulterated pandemonium and the fans loved every minute of it. For the next 2 hours, Eugene Hütz and company absolutely killed it with twenty more classic Gogol Bordello songs that spanned their entire discography (including a few new tracks yet to be released). Throughout the show, Gogol Bordello's amazing chemistry was showcased by an unbelievable group of musicians including the ever-talented Boris, Pasha, Fredo, Sergey, Thomas, Pamela, Vanessa, and Pedro. I am sure it's not easy to pull off a show like this with so much talent on stage at any given time, but this group pulls it off and does so in fine fashion. Gogol Bordello wrapped up their magical set with two classics, "Alcohol" and "Baro Foro", which put the perfect bow on an incredible night of music at The Observatory.
Seeing Gogol Bordello live was an event not to be missed, and definitely lived up to all of my expectations. If you were one of the lucky ones that came out to see them Thursday evening, you undoubtedly walked away drenched in sweat after a night of non-stop partying with over a thousand of your closest friends. Those in attendance were treated to an incredible stage show (including accordions and violins), amazing musicians (9 to be exact), and a evening of pure mayhem from one of the most intoxicating live bands I have seen all year. Eugene Hütz and company gave it their all for their legions of loyal fans and ensured everyone in attendance got exactly what they came for. And from the smiles on plastered on everyone's face as the show came to an end, this was definitely the case. In a world where music seems too often scripted and rehearsed, Gogol Bordello’s unique brand of “Pure Vida” cut against the grain of traditional pop culture and transported their fans back to simpler time where the music itself was all that mattered. And in the chaotic world in which we all seem to live, taking a small break to escape the madness was just what the Doctor ordered.
For tickets to Gogol Bordello’s final shows of 2016, please visit click here. As you would expect, they are going fast and most shows are expected to sell-out soon. Get yours tickets today and be part of the madness that is Gogol Bordello.
Stay Frosty and Rock On!
Hunnypot Live #354 performer Katie Burden just released a new music video for the song “Run For Your Life.” If you missed the live performance, don’t worry, we got you covered. Check out the audio stream from the November 14th show here. Whether you heard the song live at Hunnypot, during our live stream, or not at all, you should check out the “Run For Your Life” video. Burden told Nylon Magazine that the inspiration for “Run For Your Life” came from German thriller film Run Lola Run. She described it as “one long chase scene.” Her own video component for the track is a significantly shorter chase scene (barefoot, no less!), bringing to life the ghouls that lurk under our beds, in our closets, and outside our windows.
When she is finally caught by the monsters, she’s trapped in the ground, in yet another nightmarish scenario, buried to her neck in the dirt like a modern version of Samuel Beckett’s play Happy Days. However, a tarp covers her and she soon morphs into one of the monsters herself. The psychedelic pop-rock track lends to this frantic fight for survival, this dreamscape some may be all too familiar with from their own nightmares.
“Run For Your Life” is off Katie Burden’s September 2016 album, Strange Moon, available now via Cautionary Tail Records.
Punk band Priests released a new music video earlier this month for their song “Pink White House” off their upcoming record. It’s a romp through DIY scenes and scenarios, from camera repair, to supermarket shopping, to an aerobics tape, all culminating in murder, muggings, and a dinner party food fight. The track is best described as noisy and fun, matching the eclectic nature of the video, which was directed and edited by Priests member Katie Alice Greer.
Formed in Washington DC in 2012, Priests created their own record label, Sister Polygon, to release their music. Their first three releases came from Sister Polygon Records, their fourth through Don Giovanni Records, and their fifth (upcoming) will return to Sister Polygon. The label is run out of two members of Priests’s apartments and houses, and seeks to give smaller or “weirder” acts a platform from which to release music. It has since released multiple artists and currently boasts a full roster of bands. Priests’s next release, Nothing Feels Natural, through Sister Polygon will be on January 27th, 2017.
This video pick comes at you from Swedish DJ and music producer Christian, known here as Chris Tall. This project is a disco-infused take on modern pop music. We’ve selected the track “Roller Skater” as our video pick. The track already has 150,000 plays on Spotify!
Angel Olsen is not who you think she is. In her latest album My Woman, she exhilarated and totally shook off the harsh label of her “country-folk sad-sack lost in a forest,” incorporating punchier pop tunes.
Fearless and gritty, the folk rock star is sassily flirty roller-skating in her lime green jacket and silver glitter wig. Opening with the line “I ain’t hanging up this time / I ain’t giving up this time,” she swoons us with the raw affectionate punch of her determination. She sways around in a bar, glides around a roller skating rink, working the food counter -- all she wants is your undivided attention, so she can “end all this pain right here” right now.
Olsen was born and raised in Saint Louis, adopted as the youngest of eight kids. Her fantasy about her parents growing up in the ’30s and ’50s reflects in the video that echo American glamour and rock and roll in the 50s: the bad girls of rock reminding you about the obsolete gender roles of “Woman.”
With America’s divided views now, perhaps a taste of Olsen’s raw touch on female’s charms will get you back on track.
This video pick is off The Orwells’s upcoming album Terrible Human Beings: “They Put a Body in the Bayou.” It is their second single off the album so far, and their third official studio album. “They Put a Body in the Bayou” is a video that may appeal to those keeping in touch with the current political climate. It deals with the realities of modern politics and even the hypocrisy of it. Lead singer Mario Cuomo takes the place of the loud, angry politician, getting the supporters literally frothing at the mouth.
Hailing from Elmhurst, Illinois, The Orwells are cousins Mario Cuomo and Dominic Corso, twin brothers Grant and Henry Brinner, and Matt O’Keefe. Friends for years, the band formed in 2009 and was signed to Autumn Tone records. They have since toured with Arctic Monkeys, performed on Late Show with David Letterman, have had their song “Who Needs You” featured in a commercial for Apple and on the popular video game “Grand Theft Auto,” and other notable features and performances since their early graduation from high school in 2013. Their upcoming album will be released on February 17th, 2017 by Atlantic Records.
The Orwells are currently on tour on the West coast this month, with dates culminating the month in the UK.
"Dream Theater's marathon set at The Tobin Center for the Performing Arts was truly one for the ages and probably the best live show I have seen all year (out of hundreds that I have attended in 2016). Wednesday’s "Astonishing" performance left no doubt as to why Dream Theater is considered one of the most talented and creative group of musicians on the planet today. "
If you are a fan of Dream Theater, it comes as no surprise that they are still on top of their game. For others who may just getting to know them, there is so much more to learn about a band who has touched so many and given so much over an incredible 30-year career. From their early days when they were known simply as Majesty to present day, Dream Theater has continued to create a distinctive brand of progressive rock that engages the mind and inspires their followers all around the world. Consummate story tellers, Dream Theater has a unique way of enlightening their audience through their incredible passion for music – an art that is very rare (and underappreciated) in this day and age. On November 9th, Dream Theater had the pleasure of bringing their latest story, The Astonishing, to life for a beloved group of fans at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts in San Antonio, TX.
For those that have not attended a concert at the Tobin Center, it’s important to understand why performances at the HEB Performance Hall are different than your typical everyday concert venue. As Aaron Zimmerman, VP of Programming and Marketing notes, “Where other venues were designed simply with capacity in mind, the H-E-B Performance Hall was designed so the acoustics could adjustable to suit the specific needs of each performance type, consistently producing an enveloping acoustical experience. The accommodating and modest seating capacity of 1,738 (or 2,100 with flat floor) supports intimacy between stage and audience, allowing the sights and sounds of every show to resonate with clarity.” Taking this into consideration, there may not be a better theater in the United States for Dream Theater to perform The Astonishing in its entirety than in this world class venue on the banks of the historic San Antonio River.
Prior to the show getting underway, Dream Theater always takes some time to meet their most loyal fans in a special VIP Meet and Greet. What was different about this session (vs. other commercial VIP events) was that the band actually took time to interact with each of their fans personally. Fans of all ages and walks of life had a chance to interact with Dream Theater up close and personal. Some got autographs from their favorite band members, others had their unique Dream Theater memorabilia signed (one fan bringing in an Ernie Ball MUSIC MAN JP6), and most took advantage of the cool photo-op with the band. Fans were never rushed, and the band seemed truly humbled by the outpouring of love and support received throughout the event. I’ve been to several Dream Theater M&G sessions over the years, and each one has been unique based upon venue location and fan base. For die-hard Dream Theater fans, this is a “bucket list” type of an event that should not be missed under any circumstances.
For those who are unfamiliar with Dream Theater’s 13th studio release, The Astonishing, it’s an epic concept album that takes listeners on a futuristic journey to the year 2285. Real music as one knows it ceases to exist and is instead replaced with artificial noise created by machines called NOMAC’s. Struggling against the tyranny of The Great Northern Empire of the Americas, the Ravenskill Rebel Militia work tirelessly to resist the oppression using the magical power of music in hopes of turning back the clock to a time where music is ultimately appreciated again. The 34-track double CD is one of Dream Theater’s most ambitious releases to date, but fails to disappoint even the most discerning Dream Theater fan. The storyline is captivating, the characters are relatable, and the music is by far some of the most imaginative Dream Theater has ever released. Those in attendance at Wednesday night’s show were in for a night of unbelievable music they would not soon forget.
As the lights finally dimmed in the HEB Performance Hall, the near-capacity crowd rose to their feet and greeted Dream Theater to the Tobin stage with a raucous standing ovation. Giant floor to ceiling LED screens captivated all in attendance as the NOMAC’s descended from the heavens as “Dystopian Overture” kicked the night into immediate hyperdrive. As the instrumental winded down, front man James Labrie entered stage left and immediately launched into one of The Astonishing’s most incredible tracks, “The Gift of Music”. From that point on, it was no holds barred as the virtuosi of Dream Theater amazed and delighted their legions of fans with some of the most technically proficient music I have ever seen performed in a live setting. Bassist John Myung and Drummer Mike Mangini played out of their minds the entire evening, while keyboardist Jordan Rudess did things with his keyboard that should not be humanly possible. James LaBrie’s vocals were spot on the entire evening, nailing The Astonishing’s multiple characters flawlessly as the storyline progressed throughout the show. And then there was guitarist John Petrucci. He never fails to amaze on his 7-string with lightning fast riffs that seem to come as effortlessly as the sun rises and sets. Petrucci’ s performance Wednesday night was breathtaking, and there is no doubt that he is one of (if not the) most talented guitarists on the planet today.
After Dream Theater nailed The Astonishing’s 2-Act set, they returned to the stage for a “surprise” encore of greatest hits that until recently was not part of the show. Tobin Center guests were treated to three additional songs including “As I Am”, “The Spirit Carries On”, and crowd favorite “Pull Me Under”. As most in the audience were totally caught off guard by the encore, it took the energy in the room to a whole new level for the remainder of an already mind-blowing show. The audience seemed to be electrified as each song progressed, with everyone in the HEB Performance Hall out of their seats and singing along to classic Dream Theater. For those in attendance, the encore was a perfect way to cap off an amazing evening of live music and brought even bigger smiles to all the die-hard fans in attendance.
After the show, many enthusiastic followers (who have seen Dream Theater on multiple stops this tour) noted that their performance at The Tobin was one of the best they had seen all year. Some believed this was due in part to experiences gained on the first leg of the tour, while others believed that the intimate setting of the HEB Performance Hall allowed Dream Theater to bring The Astonishing to life in a way that could not have been done within a normal concert setting. Regardless of the reason, their marathon set was truly one for the ages and probably the best live show I have seen all year (out of hundreds that I have attended in 2016). Wednesday’s "Astonishing" performance left no doubt as to why Dream Theater is considered to be one of the most talented and creative group of musicians on the planet today.
Dream Theater continues their 2016 trek across America supporting The Astonishing. Tickets and VIP Packages for the remainder of their North American tour dates (as well as their upcoming European Tour Dates) can be purchased HERE.
Until next time,
Stay Frosty and Rock On!
STRFKR has been one of my favorite bands since tenth-grade-me would list them alongside MGMT, Vampire Weekend, Passion Pit, and Phoenix as my top 5. As cringe worthy as my music taste at the time was, STRFKR is one of those bands that has stuck around in my “recently played” playlist ever since. Though slightly cheesy with their synth-pop dance beats, the band is one which is self-aware and carries with them lyrical depth and technical skill. To say the least, I was excited to see them live and was more than ready to dance the whole way through.
Not surprisingly, (after all, Pitchfork has described their stage presence as straight-up electric) the band lived up to my expectations. The show started in a playful manner, as ten people in full astronaut suits stood against the backline and stared blankly at the audience. A few minutes later, the band entered, one at a time, all dressed in full black mechanic-like jumpsuits except Joshua Hodges, who was dressed in a blonde wig, fishnets, and a sequined tight blue dress. The astronauts then broke their stoic poses, jumping and dancing through the rest of the first few songs and firing off confetti cannons as they went. After that, we all knew this show was going to be a party from beginning to end.
The only time the show stopped was so a dressed-in-drag Hodges could make a statement on the political climate, avoiding the election itself to say they would do anything in their power to make the show a safe space. The crowd surged with cheers, yelling back at Hodges about their love and appreciation. After that, everyone in the crowd treated each other as a friend, not only dancing with those they came with but the strangers around them as well. Security guards were taking videos and pictures for fans from behind the barricades, and threatening to stage dive. It was a party all around. The band members stayed mostly stoic, rocking side to side and switching instruments with each other every so often.
The show ended with the return of our beloved astronauts, shaking their butts and waving at members of the audience with no shame. Multiple of them crowd-surfed, the last of which did so upon a giant blow-up flamingo. Hodges or Glassford would occasionally crack a smile, but all four members still kept their casual, “I know I’m a rock star but I don’t care” demeanor. They’re quirky, for sure, and yet non-stop fun. Their show is inoffensive, theatrical and enjoyable the whole way through. Focusing on their best-known material, even the passive fan would be entertained. Overall, their show represented what a feel-good, alt-pop show should be.
Photo Credit: Andy De Santis
