The intoxicating synthesized electro rock heavy beats of Jimkata swirled all around the dance floor of the iconic Wonder Bar on Thursday night. The long awaited return of Jimkata to Asbury Park had finally come to an end. Formed in 2005 by middle school buddies Evan Friedell (guitar/vocals), Aaron Gorsch (synth/guitar/vocals), and Packy Lunn (drums/vocals), these cats combine inspiring vibes and lyrics, upbeat funky dance beats, along with synthy hooks and big guitars to create their unique blend of what I can only describe as a musical and spiritual journey.
The crowd's anticipation was palpable and they erupted into screams and cheers when they took the stage. After a four year long hiatus, the band's faithful have been itching for the live experience only Jimkata can deliver, and they got exactly what they paid their hard earned money to see. The first heavy beats from Packy's electronic drum machine started the hook for "Wild Ride" and we were off and running. The mixture of all the band's influences are on full display and the organic chemistry of the guys in their element is unmatched. Smiles all around on stage as they witnessed everyone singing along to their infectious pop hook.
"Wanna Go" off their new album was next. The songwriting skills of Evan is unparalleled and really entices the fans to think and feel, experience life and not let anything slow you down. "Feelin Light" is the song that started my Jimkata story, suggested to me by one of my best buds Paul Giza. This song got me hooked the moment I heard it, and I have been a fan ever since. This has everything you need in a song, positive up beat lyrics, put in a blender with funky heavy beats, synthesizers galor and hard rocking guitars, mixed to perfection:
"I remember hearin rock ‘n roll feeling on top, Like there wasn’t nothing that could stop it, No shattered glass could keep my feet from movin', And it brought the light in through the window, Give me that rock feelin so high no ceiling I feel in light, And when the dark night is comin', We feel in light"
My dance shoes were also ready for "Night Shade". This upbeat tune has that catchy pop vibe, mixed with their signature synth rock style. The crowd was jumping around and couldn't get enough. "Ride the Wave" has a little darker and edgier sound to it, and is an example of the band's diversity and is not a one trick pony. It still has the classic Jimkata sound, but also adds a more hard rock sound and lyrics. One of my all time favs, "Die Digital" the title track of the bands 3rd album, blew the audience's minds. This song is a musical masterpiece that brings you on a spiritual journey with some incredibly uplifting lyrics:
"Cause all the best things seem to surface after the worst times, All the worst things seem to come around after the best time, Lose your patience, lose your past, post the present and make it fast, And die digital."
"Jumping out of Airplanes" was up next, each one of the songs on the setlist flows into the next, it's like a rollercoaster you don't ever want to get off, and you keep getting back in line for more. "Weight of Paradise" is another one off the new album written during the pandemic when the band reunited. Evan and Packy had moved to the Los Angeles area and began making music again. These songs are now part of the Jimkata history, added to the humble beginnings back in Ithaca, in upstate NY, playing local house parties and small clubs. The band's unique style can not be compared to any other, the beats, the grooves, mixed with raging guitar solos and synthesizers is something you have to see live and experience for yourself.
As the show progressed we were blessed to hear the title track off the new album "Bonfires". This one has it all, with a message that is so inspiring and uplifting. Reminiscing on old times good and bad, Evan came up with this tune, spreading the positive vibes of understanding we all have a past, somethings we like, somethings we don't, but tomorrow is a brighter day and to never give up. "Bonfires" the song and album are a testament to the bands persistence to keep going and rise from the ashes like a phoenix.
The band encored the show with two songs that mean so much to all the Jimkata faithful, first was "Sweet Glory" which I can only describe as going to church. It is an upbeat spiritual spectacle, which sends chills down your spine and you can feel the hairs on the back of your neck stand up:
"Sweet Glory coming down to take me off the ground. I don't know where I'm going, but I'm not going Down"
And finally was "Release" This song has a real rockin' vibe to it, and really allows members of this power trio to shine. It's rock and roll with a Jimkata twist, so you know the beats are funky, the synthesizers are synthing and the guitars are screaming. What a way to end the night, just a straight electro rock anthem, and left the crowd shouting 'More, More, More'
Jimkata puts on a live musical experience that leaves you feeling alive, free, inspired, and with an ear to ear grin on your face. Evan, Packy, and Aaron deliver the goods, with so many unique blends of jamtronica, funk, electro rock, and synthy grooves, the dance party can't stop. Here is a link to their website to find out all the info you need about them and all their upcoming shows. I highly recommend going through the band's catalog. Every album is life changing music. When these guys come to your town, be sure to come out to a show, you wont be disappointed. Trust me when I say Jimkata is a Can't Miss!
For more information on Jimkata, click HERE
Hunnypot Live is teaming up with our friends from We The Plugg to bring you the Official Industry Party of the BET Awards Weekend. Join us June 29th at Los Globos, doors at 8 PM. Hot Tub Johnnie will be hosting the festivities with special performances to be announced. FREE HUNNYPOT INDUSTRY GUEST LIST, HIT UP JOHN ANDERSON DIRECTLY. Look your best and we'll see you there.
HOSTED BY THE LEGENDARY HUNNYPOT MAN ABOUT TOWN "HOT TUB JOHNNIE" ALONG WITH DJ-QBWOY OF POOM POOM TUESDAY & BLISS!
AS SEEN ON TMZ, SHADEROOM, XXL, THESOURCE, BDS RADIO & POWER 106! ATLANTA'S "WETHEPLUGG.COM" IS GOING LIVE IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA , ON JUNE 29TH 2022.
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM.
THIS IS A RED CARPET EVENT SO COME DRESSED TO IMPRESS! (NO EXCEPTIONS) (FORMAL ATIRE REQUIRED).
THIS IS NOT JUST A SHOW THIS IS A PARTY! 80% DJ'S AND NETWORKING 20% SHOWCASE, 100% A PARTY
8:00PM - HOT TUB JOHNNIE (DJ SET)
10:00PM - SONNY 12K (DJ SET)
10:30PM - BRAND B feat. COMPTON MENACE (10 MIN)
11:00PM - BANKS 1433 (10 MIN)
11:30PM - XHAANIA (10 MIN)
11:45PM - THE INDIGO KID (15 MIN)
12:00PM - DJ PROPER/BLISS (DJ SET/HOST)
1:00AM - DJ SLICK (DJ SET)
A living music legend rolled into town last week and delivered exactly what the sold out Belly Up Tavern music fans wanted – a fantastic night of old school rock n’ roll. Mike Campbell, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee as a member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, is proving rock and roll is alive and well with his fantastic band Mike Campbell and The Dirty Knobs. The upbeat guitar-driving blues, southern rock, and country Americana vibes truly showcase Campbell’s talents as a songwriter and guitarist. But they also carry on the spirit and celebration of the late great Tom Petty. If you love Tom Petty, then I can guarantee you will love what Mike Campbell is doing with his Dirty Knobs project.
Campbell started his side band project over twenty years ago with guitarist Jason Sinay, bassist Lance Morrison, and drummer Matt Laug. In a 2001 Rolling Stone interview, Campbell described the Knobs as,”…rougher-edged [than Petty’s material] …slightly over-driven, less polished, lots of Sixties influence…It’s something I probably should have done a long time ago, but I didn’t ’cause I was wrapped up in the Heartbreakers.” The Knobs debut album Wreckless Abandon was released in 2020 but COVID deterred opportunities to tour. Now on tour supporting the release of their outstanding sophomore record External Combustion, the band finally has their chance to perform their original tunes live, bringing their tunes to life for excited audiences around the world.
The Belly Up live set started with an announcement by Campbell that although original Heartbreaker drummer Stan Lynch had been filling in temporarily (regular drummer Laug had prior commitments in Europe), Lynch was “under the weather but gonna be okay”. Instead of cancelling the gig, Campbell proudly introduced Phil Jones was filling in! Jones performed with Campbell on Petty’s solo album Full Moon Fever (1989) that included memorable classics “Running Down a Dream”, “Free Fallin”, and “I Won’t Back Down”.
Although the band kicked off the night off with “Running Down a Dream”, the setlist mostly highlighted the Knobs excellent original material. Favorites off the new album were the catchy up-tempo rocker “Wicked Mind”, “External Combustion” conjured up a bluesy Led Zeppelin feel, “Dirty Job” with a driving AC/DC riff, and “Brigitte Bardot” was a swamp stomping banjo boogie with a “Folsom Prison” type beat. Another fun moment was the hilarious light-hearted tune off the first album “Fuck That Guy” (check out the great video) with the audience yelling the callback “Fuck That Guy!”.
Then for the ultimate special surprise – Joining the band for the encore was none other than original Heartbreaker bassist and San Diego resident Ron Blair (1976-1981, 2002-2017)! The crowd went nuts as they jammed Petty favorites “Listen to Her Heart” and then “Fooled Again (I Don’t Like it)”. What a great show! My only regret was that Lynch’s illness prevented a grand reunion of all three original Heartbreakers. D’oh! But nonetheless, my heart is full of gratitude realizing how special it is to see our old school rock heroes still performing wonderful shows and creating new amazing music. Go check out Mike Campbell and The Dirty Knobs’ music catalog and look for a tour date near you!
Be well and keep rockin’ - Greg Vitalich
Hunnypot Live #464, an ambitious night of over a dozen live performances. We did it!
KEYON DA HUSTLER
CAMPAC
SHAM BLAK
XHAANIA
KEKE NOVA
DUECE FLAME
KARIMA JAY
CAMPAIGNE
LASANI RENEE
ANDRE WRITER
DAYNA MADISON
SPADE SMOOVE
CASHMIERE
ISAAC BROWN
#WhereMusicLoversGoToPlay 6/13/2022
Co-founder of Fader Magazine; co-founder of the 1200 Squad; nominated for MPS Mixshow Power Summit (MPS) Mixshow Promoter of The Year; nominated for MPS Executive Of The Year; developed, co-managed, and executive produced recording artist MIMS. Co-founder Digiwaxx Media.
Digiwaxx Media was established and founded in 1998 by Cory "CL" Llewellyn and Andrew Edgar in Greensburgh, NY.
The company was created with the fundamental philosophy: to give all artists more power and revenue. Through the WAXX system artists were able to have access to thousands of DJ’s at their “finger tips”. This system was beneficial because it leveled the playing field for major and independent artist and it allowed any artist to get DJ’s to promote their music to both create and enhance their fan base. This then would assist them in selling their music through DIGITAL means directly to new and established fans. The concepts synchronized and DIGIWAXX was born.
Digiwaxx began with the vision of being a Digital Distribution platform that would allow artist to eliminate the “middle men” and allow them to promote their content directly to DJ’s and sell their content directly to fans alike.
Today Digiwaxx the perfect combination of a modern Music & Artist Promotion Service, Creative Marketing Agency and Digital Music Platform that sits at the nexus of cutting edge music, people, technology and culture.
The company currently works with major labels Warner, Universal, and Sony Music Groups, along with a long list of established independent record labels. In addition Digiwaxx serves as an agency for various corporations including Adidas, Nike, Puma, Beats Audio, Monster Products, Samsung, Blackberry, HD Radio, Chevrolet, Levis, and others.
Amazon Events | Entrepreneur | Open Format DJ | Public Speaker | Artist Management | LA Based
Xhaania (Pronounced ZA-NEE-AH) is a singer, song writer from Los Angeles, California with Jamaican heritage. Xhaania grew up listening, singing and dancing to reggae music throughout her childhood, one of the foundations of her unique sound. In addition to reggae music, much of Xhaania's inspiration comes from R&B, Gospel, Rap and hip-hop.
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Duece Flame is an independent rap artist from Houston, TX who moved to Los Angeles to further pursue his music career as he effortlessly runs the show for his music and record label, Come Up City Records. Duece writes, produces, engineers, mixes and masters everything himself. In 2020, Duece Flame released two projects, Headspace and Got Flame Vol. 2.
This year, Duece Flame is returning in a dynamic way with lots of music videos, single releases, short films and more. His most recent release, Bakery, has both a music video and short film to accompany the release of the single. Duece Flame truly lives up to his name - his raps are fire and his beats are hot enough to scorch the earth with its unique Southern bass-laden spacey sound. He is just warming up and only getting hotter
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Sham Blak is street wisdom and love expressed through modern boom bap. Sham Blak is hitting his stride and is most definitely in his bag; like Mary Poppins, there’s something for everyone in said bag - the “old heads” will love the purity and connection to hip hop’s roots, those who enjoy trap music will connect with Sham Blak’s ability to uniquely tell tales of redeemed hood life, and the vibe-centric turn-up kids will connect with his infectious energy. Sham Blak is a bridge - he is able to stay rooted in the community that created and shaped him (Southeast San Diego) while branching out to connect with people across the spectrum of life circumstance and experience. Sham Blak’s “lit and intentional” vibe ensures that listeners will turn up while simultaneously being challenged to think, whether his effervescence is being communicated through headphones, the system in your whip, or from any number of stages he’s performed on. Opening for artist like G Perico, Neff the Pharos, AFRO, Big Twin and Psycholess of the Beatnuts, Slum Village and Kool Keith
The music is the vehicle, but Sham Blak’s vision can’t be contained in one medium; his Waves in the Tide imprint seeks to take the energy and acclaim garnered through his music as a means to introduce and offer “at risk” youth a relationship to the vast mysteries of the ocean and to marine life in hopes of teaching young people how to heal themselves through a connection with nature. The ocean provides a meditative context in which young people from otherwise restless backgrounds are able to be still and reflect - two important ingredients to heal trauma. Sham Blak’s entrepreneurial spirit and community focus places him in the conversation with artists like Nipsey Hussle, Westside Boogie, Young Dolph and more. With the intelligence developed through surviving and thriving in South East San Diego and the discipline earned from his time in the Army, Sham Blak’s progress is both grounded and accelerated - join the movement, you don’t want to miss it!
Sham Blak is an artist first, and his mastery of the craft of emceeing is evident in his content, cadences, and delivery. Sham Blak’s music will move you and his stage presence will make you a life-long fan, whether your taste focuses on bars, production, vibe or message. Sham Blak has an industry-ready sound and style with the hustle and heart of independent hip hop; tune-in, it’s about to get SPOOKY!
I went from memorizing all the songs on every karaoke game on the playstation 2 when I was little, to releasing multiple singles and an EP series H.I.M Vol. 1. I write my own lyrics to every single song I release, sometimes being in my zone and writing a song in less than 30 minutes.
I love doing different genres and love working with artists who have a passion for the art of music like myself. I am a mother of 2 wild ones and a business student. To get the full scope of who Karima Jay is I highly encourage everyone to listen to my lyrics. I get really personal and expose a lot about myself through my songs.
- Karima Jay
"Not bound to any one style, this world is to big for one perspective" - CamPac
CamPac believes this to be true, with a sound not aligned with traditional Hip/Hop, Cam's mixture of hard hitting 808's and relaxing synthesizers create a truly unique experience . As producer and songwriter, Cam's skillset and love for various genres give us a different perspective on how we reflect on our world.
Hot Tub Johnnie threw an epic Hunnypot Memorial Day gathering. Steller interviews and live performances by Gussie Miller, Eva and the Vagabond Tales, RYN, and Rora Wilde. Full show Audio and Photos at the links above.
Gussie Miller has always been musically gifted. From a young age, he was singing, performing, and playing a variety of instruments. Throughout the course of his musical career, Gussie Miller has won over the hearts of music lovers from all walks of life.
A native of Columbus, Ohio, Miller is a graduate of the Fort Hayes School Of The Performing Arts, Miller went on to sing on CD's by Cher, Lavern Baker and several TV shows. During the 90's Miller's songs was licensed for use in such network shows as "Family Matters" "Doogie Howser M.D." the short lived Glenn Fry TV show "South Of Sunset".
While working with Marcus Miller, Gussie was asked to sing on the score for the TV show "Everybody Hates Chris" by Miller, and later in 2007 was also featured in a solo vocal spot in the Chris Rock movie "I Think I Love My Wife" performing the Marcus Miller composition "Could Be The One" which caused a stir online as people searched for the new song, that was in fact, only a short music cue.
From the alleyways of old town Riverside, CA come the sounds of old world folk-pop that broke free from the early ages of music and skipped through time to find its way into our modern world. Throughout the journey, stories were turned into songs, forming Eva and the Vagabond Tales.
The Vagabond Tales is a multi-instrumental music project centered around the songwriting of Russian born Eva Mikhailovna. The songs combine western, old folk, and ragtime into a musical melting pot, creating an alluring sound that transcends time and continents.
“The Vagabonds” (as Eva refers to her musicians) accompanying her live are long time members Jake Pflum (percussion), Alan Arteaga (banjo, electric guitar, ukulele), and Jasmine Capitulo (accordion). As the music continues to extend its fan base across the United States and with the release of Uncharted Ocean this spring, the band will continue touring, and performing around the west coast with plans to head east in the summer and fall. They are currently doing a residency at Disney in Anaheim, CA where they can be caught playing their songs as well as some special takes on some Disney classics.
Rising pop artist, ryn is taking the industry by storm. With a wildly outspoken style and attitude, nothing can hold her back. ryn has shown her star quality from the young age of 3. Constantly dancing and working the stage, ryn knew that she belonged in the spotlight. She discovered her passion for songwriting at age 16. 200 songs later, ryn has a newfound talent on the piano and a mastery in lyricism.
ryn sings for all the people who stand up and fight back. Being such an expressive and loud child, ryn was always told to keep quiet. ryn's purpose in the industry is to spread the message of never letting other people tell you who you are or what you should be. She wants to be the voice for the people who have been told to stay in their lane to conform to the norm. At one point in her life, even ryn fell victim to these outside voices telling her how she should act. After years of being the inauthentic version of herself, ryn found freedom in her songwriting, singing, and performing. Pulling inspiration from industry icons like Adele, Dua Lipa, and Cher, ryn creates music to express her mind and let her truest self shine through.
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Rora Wilde is an artist in Los Angeles CA. Originally from The Rio Grande Valley, she began singing at the young age of 6 and fell in love with music. She studied cello in school, and taught herself piano and guitar. At 13, she discovered songwriting and has been performing live ever since. The singer played any stage she could get her hands on; coffee shops, bars, clubs, theaters, etc. Over the years, Wilde has explored different genres like alternative rock, synth pop, indie folk and even country-chasing a sound that truly represents her as an artist. Wilde rocked a residency under C3 at the Historic Scoot Inn for all of 2019, while also smashing sets at downtown clubs like Swan Dive, Cheer Up Charlie’s and Spiderhouse.
The Forecast in Toronto called for rain and cold for the Megadeth, Lamb of God fronted event. Thousands of metal fans packed into the Budweiser stages, filling the lawn and readied for a cold soggy moshfest… Then the metal gods smiled down and instead of rain, unleashed a concussive barrage of epic metal for a 5hr onslaught with the flames from the stage warming the mosh pit of fans that came to celebrate the Metal Tour of the Year.
Before the skies could begin to darken In Flames took the stage. The Swedish band fronted by Anders Fridén lit into their 8-song set. Björn Gelotte grinding out their classic hits “Cloud Connected” and “Take This Life” as well as newer songs like “Call My Name” of their 2019 release I, The Mask. They revved up the motor of the audience, priming them for what was to come.
Trivium was up next. I always love when you see a band enjoying themselves on stage. The grind of night after night, playing the same songs gets to many artists but the guys in Trivium were having a blast and pulled the audience into their great energy. Matt Heaffy powered into “In the Court of the Dragon” riling up the crowd. From reports Matt wasn’t at 100% and "Throes of Perdition" and "Feast of Fire" were replaced from their normal setlist with "Strife" and "Pull Harder on the Strings of Your Martyr" due to Matt being sick. He powered through the set with no hint of not being at full power. Corey Beaulieu on guitar and Paolo Gregoletto on Bass traded spots on stage making sure they gave the audience a full show while Alex Bent crushed the beat on drums. A solid 7 song set, start to finish.
While Megadeth was the more seasoned headliner Lamb of God brought the firepower from the start. Exploding onto the stage front man Randy Blythe opened the set lit ghostly behind a kabuki curtain. From the drop the pyrotechnic lit up the now night sky and the explosions didn’t stop. The crowd behind me was whipped into a frenzy and the moshing felt like a rushing tornado. Mark Morton’s searing guitar was joined on the Canadian tour by Machine Head’s Phil Demmel who had previously filled in for bassist John Campbell during another stint with Lamb of God. His form blended perfectly with the band and Campbells thundering bass was matched by Art Cruz powerful drums and their combined rhythms thrilled the crowd. The massive 12 song set lasted over an hour and a half leaving the audience exhausted but still ready for the headliner.
Megadeth’s set was more focused on performance than visual cacophony. Dave Mustaine is always clearly the center of attention and he did not disappoint. The new lineup has James LoMenzo back on bass after the exit of Dave Ellefson features Kiko Loureiro on Guitar, who has been with the band since 2015 and Dirk Verbeuren on drums who joined the band in 2016. Still unclear who will be featured on the new album, but Mustaine was pumping that up all night. Having seen Megadeth a dozen times over the years I have never seen Dave this content. He seemed very much at peace and was having fun with the audience all night long. The setlist was highlighted by the addition of “Angry Again” off the Black Scorpion Soundtrack which hasn’t been in their touring list for a while. Classics like “Symphony of Destruction” and “Sweating Bullets” had the audience singing along while “The Conjuring” whipped them into a frenzy. They close out the show with “Peace Sells” and “Holy Wars…Punishment Due” ending epic evening and sending the drained audience out into the night. Easily one of the best metal shows start to finish in quite a while.
Setlists
LAMB OF GOD
· Memento Mori
· Ruin
· Walk With Me in Hell
· Resurrection Man
· Now You've Got Something to Die For
· Contractor
· 11th Hour
· 512
· Ghost Walking
· Vigil
· Laid to Rest
· Redneck
MEGADETH
· Hangar 18
· Dread and the Fugitive Mind
· Angry Again
· Conquer or Die!
· Dystopia
· The Conjuring
· Sweating Bullets
· Trust
· A tout le monde
· Symphony of Destruction
· Peace Sells
· Encore – Holy Wars… The Punishment Due
After a two-year hiatus brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Swedish pop sensation Tove Lo (pronounced “Too-veh Lu”) is finally back in concert! Assisted by Phoebe Ryan, the two singers blessed The Observatory oc in Orange County with two back-to-back sold out shows. These two shows served as the warmup as Tove Lo readies herself for the full launch of her tour through the USA back to Europe down to Australia and back through Europe again. Considering it was her first live show in two years, I knew this was a special occasion that I couldn’t miss. Let’s jump into both sets of the night.
Opening the night was USA’s own Phoebe Ryan. The American singer hit the stage and warmed up the crowd as she sang over her electrifying beats. While I wasn’t familiar with much of her music, it’s safe to say she killed it and the crowd was really into her. She also opened for Tove Lo on her 2016 tour through the USA, which explains why fans in the building were very familiar with her catalog. She perfectly tee’d it up for the next set with her venue-shaking synthy pop vibes.
The venue lights dropped as anticipation for Tove Lo grew. Tove Lo’s Lady Wood vagina symbol behind the stage slowly illuminated as screaming fans welcomed her to the stage. Backed up by a live band, Tove Lo emerged with a bang. Working her hips all night long, Tove Lo put on an exhilarating performance. I was really impressed by the movement and non-stop dancing all set long. Some of the highlights were when she played her classic songs such as “Bad As The Boys” and “Talking Body”. She began to end the night on an extremely high note with her 2014 life-changing breakthrough single “Habits (Stay High)”. I have never experienced The Observatory liked this. Every fan in the venue sang along word for word and would not let her go after that one. After begging for an encore, the fans were rewarded with her new 2022 single “No One Dies From Love” as she finally thanked the crowd and bowed out for the night.
These two sold out back-to-back nights in Santa Ana are a testament to Tove Lo’s cult following. Defying cultural norms, Tove Lo has garnered this following leaning into her sexuality and paving her own path with a grungier take on pop music. Onstage, Tove Lo stays in control and puts performance first. I cover a lot of shows and while I always enjoy them, this one put things in perspective. Tove Lo’s work ethic makes the competition look lazy. She puts 110% into her craft; in the studio and on the stage, and it really shows. Keep an eye out for her if she comes to a city near you! It’s a high energy show you do not want to miss.
On Saturday April 30th, The Black Clouds sold-out the iconic Asbury Park music venue know as The Saint. The loud and rowdy crowd gathered early, eagerly anticipating to be blown away by their heroes. Once underway, The Black Clouds began raging so hard the capacity crowd whipped into a frenetic mosh pit while the bands intense sound literally shook the walls of The Saint to their core. And no wonder, the hard heavy sounds of the band could be heard for blocks in all directions.
Formed in 2004 on the Jersey Shore, The Black Clouds have been serving up a mixture of hard rock, grunge, punk, and heavy metal, for almost 20 years and have cultivated a sound unlike any other out there. They bring a '90s rock vibe with a modern twist, ushering their music into new territories. I have to say, the songwriting skills of founding member and frontman Dan Matthews mixed in with the rest of the band's musical chops are what separates them from the rest. The band hits hard, but also has melodic choruses and harmonies scattered into their aggressive edgy sound.
The original lineup included Dan Matthews on guitar and vocals, Rob Blake on guitar and vocals, Cory King on Drums and vocals, and Gary Moses on Bass. As we know bands go through lineup changes and with a couple of albums under their belt, Rob and Gary have moved on. Joining Dan and Cory in the current lineup is Neil Hayes on guitar, Dyland McLarnon on bass and vocals, and a new addition Rudy Meier on guitar and keyboard. Unfortunately, Cory broke his foot recently and while he is on the mend, Bob Paulos is now filling in for Cory on drums. Bob is in another band with Dan and his wife Jamie called Shut Up. Wishing Cory a speedy recovery, cant wait to see him back behind the set on stage where he belongs!
Each member of the band brings this no fucks given attitude to their playing, a rarity nowadays with cookie-cutter bands all sounding the same. These guys play with passion, and grit, and send the audience on a wild roller coaster. If you like down and dirty rock and roll this is your new favorite band. Their rock star personas and earth-shattering guitar sounds are exactly what you need after a long week at the office and need to blow off some steam, in the mosh pit.
The band has been working on their fourth studio album and the first from the band since 2017. The concept of the new album came from the forced isolation of the Covid 19 Pandemic. Not only being isolated in day-to-day life but also not being able to rock on stage for their fans, and trying to see the light into a brighter future. Long time friend of the band and a New Jersey native artist now living in upstate New York, Mike Lach has just put the final touches on the album cover, so stoked to see it when the album is released soon.
The new album is called Time Never Stops and its a hard-charging rock, shot through with swirling psychedelia, enduring hooks, and sophisticated vocals. “It’s a motivational record, but it’s also honest and dark,” says Matthews. “This was the first record where I wrote so collaboratively. Dylan and I found our writing meshed really well— we love to mix the harmony with the heavy. We’re huge fans of Seattle bands like Nirvana and Soundgarden, but also the Beatles and the Beach Boys.” Credit - TheBlackClouds.com
The Black Clouds has paid their dues, touring the country, playing for raucous crowds from coast to coast. Putting the work in the studio, writing new material, keeping up with the times, but never losing themselves. Staying true to their sound and their fans. These guys live by their own rules, and live by their own code, Play Loud…….Play hard…….and leave every post-modern music trend quivering in the dust….
Check out the band's website www.TheBlackClouds.com for all the info on their new album, and upcoming shows. These guys bring the ruckus, if you are looking for some heavy hard rock and roll The Black Clouds got you covered!
Metal powerhouse Mastodon rolled into San Diego and delivered an incredible show bursting with heaviness, passion, technical proficiency, and stunning psychedelic visuals utilizing vibrant lasers and a huge video backdrop. Over 1,000 music fans filled the packed Observatory North Park to witness one of this millennia’s top metal bands in their prime. Mastodon has been around since 2001, with early material leaning more towards death metal and heavy progressive styles. Over their 20 year journey, the band has evolved with increased cleaner vocals and harmonies, and more digestible but heavy as shit grooves while retaining a nice touch of progressiveness and all the fierceness. Perhaps this evolution meant losing some hardcore fans of their early stuff, but the band has steadily connected and grown their fanbase over the years. The latest Mastodon release, Hushed and Grim (released October 2021) is a critically acclaimed hard metal gem. The band’s eight studio release is a fantastic double album fusing metal, prog, thrash, with heavy grooves and outstanding musicianship. Seeing many of these songs performed live was one of the top highlights so far of the 2022 concert season.
Mastodon’s live show exploded out of the gate with the opening track on Hushed and Grim, “Pain with an Anchor”, sung by drummer Brann Dailer. The band lineup of Dailer, Troy Sanders (bass/vocals), Brent Hinds (guitar/vocals), and Bill Kelliher (guitar/vocals) were firing on all cylinders with a thundering rhythm section dialed in sweet and tight and pure technical guitar mastery at its best. Seeing musicians who have played together for 20 years so locked in is just amazing musical magic. The touring keyboardist João Nogueira also played a critical part banging gritty chords and providing the harmonic intricacies required for the versatile dynamic Mastodon sound.
With eight songs in the set off Hushed and Grim, the show clearly intended to showcase the new material– which I had no problem with since the album is still in my heavy rotation. However, the song that stood out and anchored the show was the 10 and half minute epic “The Czar”, off the 2009 release Crack the Skye. As mystic keyboard intro inspired an approving roar from the crowd. In front of a huge video backdrop displaying colorful artwork of classic Russian onion domes, the band takes us on an interpretive cosmic four-part tale involving the mysterious Rasputin and the last Emperor of Russia Czar Nicholas II. Each part could be a song of its own and it was quite memorable to witness its’ brilliance live.
Mastodon will now journey across the Atlantic and take part in all the epic European music festivals in June and July. Upon their return they start a killer 20-city tour supporting Ghost in late August and September. Plenty of chances to see Mastodon live this year – I can’t recommend them highly enough!
Be well and keep rockin’ - Greg Vitalich
We're flashing back to 2003 when The BellRays released their classic album The Red, White & Black for this Hunnypot Approved video pick.
The BellRays dug up this unreleased video and shared it officially to the world. A great and still relevant Tony Fate era blow out.
Seeing The BellRays live is a revelation of what the rock music should be: an aggressive and soulful guitar-driven music that you feel in your guts. The BellRays have been channelling the true spirit of rock and soul since 1990, with this being their fourth blood-letting release. As expected this record oozes a genuine passion, combining the best of a '60s soul review with the fury of garage rock's greatest. Just imagine a young Tina Turner fronting the MC5 and you'll be getting close. But make no mistake, front woman Lisa Kekaula is no mainstream soul singer. Although her warm traditional R&B vocal stylings are big, lush and beautiful, her ferocity is uncompromising. When her rock growl rumbles the floor, you best pay attention, there are no options available. This is a band preaching the continuation of the rock-n-roll tradition in all its purity, anger and visceral power. The BellRays are on a self-professed mission to save rock music from itself and they need a witness.
Zach Hanner - Star-News Correspondent (9/7/2006)
You may never have heard of The BellRays, but you've most likely heard their music. This Riverside, Calif., quartet is going to make sure you don't forget who they are once you make the connection.
For the uninitiated, The BellRays' Revolution Get Down served as the manic soundtrack for a recent Nissan Xterra Commercial and provided the group with some national exposure to complement their critical acclaim. But it's never been about becoming famous for these four.
Tony Fate joined the band in 1996 after moving to Los Angeles from Indiana in search of a more happening rock scene. "There wasn't much going on in the Midwest, and things were happening everywhere else," Fate said. "I came to L.A. because there's no snow out here."
Fate began playing clubs right away and soon met fellow musicians Bob Vennum and Lisa Kekaula. "Bob was in a few bands that my bands played with and we got to know one another pretty well," Fate said. "He knew Lisa because they worked together, and I eventually started writing songs for them. They had The Bellrays going already so I was writing and doing studio stuff with them while playing in another band called The Gray Spikes."
But when that act folded, Fate signed on to play guitar while Vennum moved to bass duties. "It was really electric," Fate said. "We had gotten together to record this old Saints tune called Nights In Venice for a Saints tribute album and it sounded so good we just felt like we should keep it going."
Fate's sizzling guitar and Vennum's chunky bass complemented each other nicely. But while this duo managed the melodies, Kekaula commanded the stage as lead singer. One rock journalist described the band's sound as "Tina Turner fronting The Stooges," a pretty accurate metaphor.
The band adroitly combines the basic elements of heavy rock and Motown soul, seamlessly shifting across genres and inviting comparisons to the Detroit act that first set out to commingle these styles, The MC5. In fact, Kekaula fronted a recent MC5/DKT reunion tour and also won a Grammy for her vocal work with DJ act Basement Jaxx.
With their latest release, Have A Little Faith, the band, currently sporting Craig Waters on drum kit, solidifies its hold on this rock/soul combo sound. "We've always done the harder, punk style of music and we've also done the softer, soul songs but for some reason people didn't want to hear the soul stuff so much," Fate said. "This time around, Bob produced the album and tried to showcase the soul a little more, whereas the other records kicked off with harder rock songs."
The record kicks off with a smokin' shot called Tell The Lie and shifts through all the gears as the band shows its dynamic range. The title track slips in to Curtis Mayfield territory while tracks like Snotgun and Detroit Breakdown rev up the volume and kick out some headbangin' jams. But the record can only hope to offer a semblance of what the group's live act delivers.
The band tours internationally for several months each year, hitting both coasts and Europe, a continent where fans clamor for their wound up sound. And while it might sound like they've got it good, critical acclaim and solid selling European tours don't ensure that there's going to be another album.
"It might seem like we're in an enviable position but we've been the 'next big thing' for about eight years now," Fate said. "After a while, you're not the 'next big thing' but somehow we've managed to maintain a presence. Distribution is a problem and the radio stations just won't play us, even the alternative ones."
Perhaps it's the hard-to-define nature of the band's music that prevents writers and industry types from pigeonholing them in to one market, a practice that's become a serious weakness of the music business.
But odds are that The BellRays will keep making their brand of rock and drawing new fans from all over the globe.
For Fate, the American industry could take some cues from the way that Europe sells music. "They really keep that culture going in the papers and every media outlet," Fate said. "But here it's really kind of dead. The hard thing is trying to get your music out to people who are tuning in to stuff from all over the world. We pack houses in Europe but it's hard to get a gig in L.A."
