2023 got off to a bang with a full. Night ahead of magic from super group, The Sound Of Animals Fighting accompanied by the kings in Hail The Sun. Luckily we got the opportunity to be introduced to Concrete Castles and Record Setter in the same night. The lineup was stacked, and the room was packed. It was a cold one in Dallas that night, but thingS heated up quite a bit once the show got started. Let’s jump into it.
Getting things going were the dudes in Record Setter. Jumping straight into the first song I was sort of blown away. They are like your favorite underground early 2000s emo band that just needed that platform to be seen and heard. Great stage presence and overall, the music was banging. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the bassist run around all over stage. Dude was on one. I really dug every song which is always an up in the air judgement with openers. Great performance.
Following them were Pennsylvania based trio Concrete Castles. Led by frontwoman Audra Miller, this was a new one for me. As I’ve stated before, openers are always so anticipating because sometimes you really find those diamonds in the rough. Concrete Castles is one of those. Very much on that Paramore-esque type sound, I found myself not even taking photos and just watching them give a fantastic performance. They had some electronic infused songs which was cool to hear because of how well female vocals and EDM go together. 10/10 would see again.
Next up was Hail The Sun and boy was I looking forward to seeing Donovan tear it up again. Last time I saw him was Unsilent Night with Scary Kids Scaring Kids when he was fronting with them. He puts on such a great live show and by the pictures I got, very JUMPY on stage which is always exciting to experience and capture. They are such a great mix of post-hardcore and prog metal. His vocals do such a great job of leading a song along to keep it exciting. They went on to play some of my favorites by them – “Relax / Divide” and “Human Target Practice” to name a few. Their 40 minute set was banger after banger. One minute you are vibing and the next you’re making sure your ear plugs are staying in. Can’t wait to see them again.
Finally, we had the pleasure of seeing The Sound Of Animals Fighting hit the stage – super group extraordinaire led by none other than Anthony Green of Circa Survive, Saosin, and L.S. Dunes. This was an exciting one as it was the first time I got to see him live. Lights dim and members start to flood out. It’s kind of crazy but there are about 8 members in the band and each play a role in the set. It started out very ethereal with Matthew Kelly, one of their other vocalist, singing a very soft intro before Anthony came out to wreck some havoc.
Carrying a soft white light bulb that was illuminating his face, Anthony took us on a journey into how talented he really is. He has to be one of the most diverse front men I’ve ever witnessed. Each song took a turn from fast prog metal to slowed ethereal vibes. Spoken word was even being read during songs to add an extra element to the performance. It was a non-stop heavy pounding experience. Stoked I was able to catch one of the many rare occasions of them touring.
Glitter, Glitter Everywhere! Hunnypot's debut show for the year was an explosion of fun and good music, another night we'll always remember. Thanks to Shira and the entire Gritty In Pink team for their activism and support. Listen to the full show podcast style and tell a friend.
#WhereMusicLoversGoToPlay
Gritty In Pink is building a marketplace network, connecting women who work in all aspects of the music business and industry partners and professionals who want to hire diverse women.
Gritty In Pink founder ShiraGirl is an artist, activist, and entreprenuer, with a prevous 10+ year career in experiential marketing and CPG sales- including VP and Director roles- with Pabst Brewing Company, Collide Agency, Truth Campaign, and beverage start-ups Bev and Owl’s Brew. Shira has executed hundreds of brand partnerships and sponsorships, and produced many special events and ground-up festivals.
Shira was a featured speaker at SXSW Festival, and featured press including Billboard, Alternative Press, NPR, and NY Times. She graduated UPenn cum laude, with a major in Communications from the Annenberg School.
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BodaciousThang is a fire-fueled performer with raw vocals and unmatched energy. Hailing from Kinston, North Carolina and debuting as an artist in Kansas City, this queen is classically trained and has turned her musical intellect into a captivating journey that will have you pleading for more.
Her empowering messaging, versatility, authenticity, and comedic influence puts her in the ultimate position to take your timeline and playlist to the next level.
GLITTER TRASH PLAYED THEIR FIRST SHOW IN REDFORD, MI AT THE DOUBLE OO PUB ON JANUARY 30, 2010. THE BAND WAS CREATED BY VOCALIST JENNA JAMES MULLINS, A SELF-TAUGHT MUSICIAN WITH NO PREVIOUS BAND EXPERIENCE. SHE WROTE LYRICS AND COMPOSED A NUMBER OF SONGS AS DOCUMENTED ON “WRECKAGE”, THE BAND’S 1ST SELF-RELEASED ALBUM IN 2011. JENNA CREATED THE BAND AS A DIVERSION AND ESCAPE FROM SOME INTENSE PERSONAL ISSUES GOING ON IN HER LIFE. SHE ENLISTED A NUMBER OF DETROIT AREA MUSICIAN FRIENDS TO GET THE BAND STARTED.
DURING THE EARLY YEARS OF THE BAND, JENNA’S SELF-DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR ONSTAGE CREATED A NUMBER OF PROBLEMS WITH LOCAL MUSIC VENUES. FUELED BY HER ANXIETY AND OUT-OF-CONTROL STAGE ANTICS, THE GROUP STARTED TO GET BANNED FROM A LARGE NUMBER OF DETROIT AREA STAGES, INCLUDING SOME OF WHICH THE BAND HAD NEVER BEFORE PLAYED. THE BAND’S WILD REPUTATION PRECEDED THEM AND WAS TAKING A TOLL ON THEIR ABILITY TO PLAY IN METRO-DETROIT.
IN 2017, JENNA MADE THE DECISION TO MOVE THE BAND FROM DETROIT TO LOS ANGELES. THE BAND ERUPTED BACK ONTO THE SCENE PLAYING A NUMBER OF WILD AND WELL ATTENDED HIGH ENERGY SHOWS. A ROCK HYBRID COMBINING ELEMENTS OF PUNK, CLASSIC ROCK, HARD ROCK, ALTERNATIVE, GLAM, AND METAL.
Dedicated fans of Shiragirl know: she's always going to speak her mind, and she's always going to act on behalf of the things she believes in. Nobody told Shiragirl to show up at the Warped Tour in the early '00s and create a makeshift stage for female punk performers — but she saw a woeful lack of representation and decided to do something about it. Tour organizer Kevin Lyman noticed, acknowledged that Shiragirl was right, and allowed her to host an official stage. Over 200 female-fronted acts would play the Shiragirl Stage - including Joan Jett, Paramore (on their first tour ever), and Justina Valentine (current MTV star on Wild N' Out and other shows) - and it's become an essential part of the history of the Tour.
Shiragirl's advocacy didn't stop there. She's raised money for girls' charities, shot a live video at the Women's March, and pushed hard and effectively for gender equality throughout the music industry. Lately, she's been looking hard at the digital dystopia we've created and asking whether the world we've made with our phones and computers is optimal or even sustainable. "Antisocial Media," her latest single, picks up and extends the critique she began on the trenchant Andi Underground (produced by Tim Armstrong of Rancid). That six-song concept EP followed a rebel against techno-conformity who, in her irrepressible energy and determination to defy an oppressive system, resembles Shiragirl more than a little. "Antisocial Media" has the same punk rock energy and pop immediacy that made the Andi Underground EP such a delight. Expect big beats and buzzsaw guitars, a catchy melody, an irresistible riff, and pointed lyrics about pointless online activities. As always, Shiragirl is irreverent, funny, smart, and swaggering, and impossible not to root for.
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Born and raised in Baltimore City MegaGoneFree is an up and coming independent recording artist. Her uniquely soulful voice and alt-pop sensibility shines through on her hit single "Talking Bout Bri" which has seen viral success and has been streamed globally by Mega's ever growing fan base which is a testament to her superstar potential.
Mega has projects in development, releases planned for 2023 and more than (4M+) fans that follow her across social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, where she has taken off as a social media influencer who has gained popularity due to her charming musical videos and electric personality. The future is bright for this talented artist.
As the atmospheric river pummels California with a level of rain you’re more likely to see in the United Kingdom, the multitalented Suki Waterhouse kicked off the American leg of her Coolest Place In The World Tour right here in Orange County, California. The British model-turned-actress-turned-entrepreneur is now adding established singer-song writer to her long list of incredible talents. While she’s always been a talented musician, 2022 was truly a breakout year for her musical endeavors. After releasing her debut album I Can’t Let Go (via Sub Pop) and touring with Father John Misty, she’s now headlining her first tour across North America. Starting off in Santa Ana, the tour will zig zag its way through the country, with stops in San Francisco, Portland, Chicago, Atlanta, New York, and back to its final show in Los Angeles. When I heard the show in the OC was her opening night, I knew this was one to catch. Let’s hop into a couple of my highlights.
Supporting Suki Waterhouse at this show was Jane. Jane hit the stage to warm up the crowd. The multi-instrumentalist artist rocked the stage with a keyboard, guitar, what appeared to be a drum loop, and a mic amongst other things. The crowd swayed back and forth as Jane took them through a music journey littered with heavy synths and rolling basslines. In a roundabout way, there were moments in his set where I felt like I was witnessing the second coming of Tame Impala.
Soon after, Suki took the stage and the crowd erupted with excitement. Jane returned as an integral part of her supporting band on the guitar. Suki re-introduced him to the crowd as his first name, Raj, alongside Emilia on the drums, and Michael on bass. Being her first headlining North American tour, I understand why they went with the Constellation Room over the main room, but when she hit the stage, the energy in the room skyrocketed. I haven’t seen so many fans so in love with the acts who headline the small room. While she may only be really leaning into her music in recent years, it was clear that the room was packed with not only fans of Suki Waterhouse music but fans of Suki Waterhouse, the multitalented person. Looking around the packed room, I saw faces light up like Christmas morning as she weaved through her set. Some memorable moments in her set were the songs “Johanna,” “Coolest Place In The World,” and “Nostalgia.” “Nostalgia” was my personal favorite, but the majority of the room latched onto every word and sang along to her encore song, the TikTok viral sensation “Good Looking”. She then wound down her set, took a couple selfies with the crowd using a few lucky fans’ phones (and a polaroid camera), and thanked everyone for such a great start to her first headlining North American tour.
All in all, there was no better way that Suki Waterhouse could have launched her Coolest Place In the World Tour. Not only was this show sold out, out of the 23 dates on the tour, 11 of the dates are also already sold out. Tickets are going fast. Cop yours fast if she’s coming by your city. At the rate she’s blowing up, I don’t know how many opportunities you’ll get to see Suki Waterhouse again up close and personal in a small room.
Thanks to Guitar Girl Magazine for the coverage of Hunnypot Live's 1st event in 2023...
What: Hunnypot Live and Gritty In Pink are starting off the new year right and honoring MLK Jr Day with a live showcase at The Mint LA. Featuring rising TikTok star MegaGoneFree, all girl punk band Shiragirl, hybrid rock band Glitter Trash, and soulful party starter BodaciousThang! Attendees can expect a night of live music, interviews, food, drinks, and an afterparty with Hot Tub Johnnie.
When: Monday, January 16, 2023 at 7 PM PST – Admission: FREE for all ages
Why: Hunnypot and Gritty In Pink are bringing together the local LA community to celebrate womxn on MLK Jr Day. A fun night with a bill of electrifying womxn artists, music, entertainment, and more. Hunnypot Live, known as the place where music lovers go to play!
Who: Gritty In Pink – a female-led platform, on a mission to achieve gender equality in the music industry. They empower women in music through an online community, partnerships, events, and their new marketplace INPINK, recently partnered with Live Nation Women.
Hunnypot Live – is a bi-weekly, Podcast/Concert/Industry Mixer with 480 shows recorded over the last two decades that celebrates music, discusses current cultural musical trends, and shares opinions on the state of the industry. Launched in November 2005, Hunnypot features live in-club performances by some of the most exciting and diverse artists in music today.
Where: The Mint LA 6010 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90035
Who should attend: The local LA community, music lovers, music industry professionals, and entertainment outlets.
It’s been almost 14 years since I first learned about the enigma that is Lush One. When I first found the battle rap scene via Grind Time Now, he had already carved his place in history as a pioneer in the scene. Known for his charismatic introductions, vivacious bar reactions, and drippy attire, Lush One continues to be one of the best hosts to ever hold a battle together. Thanks to Hunnypot, I’ve had the opportunity to cover some of the events he’s been directly involved with. Check out my photos/reviews of Ruin Your Day’s Ruin Your Show here, Rap Off’s Rap Off Live LA Event here, and GTX’s The Prelude here.
Over the years, Lush has booked some of the most exhilarating battles and has thrown events in conjunction with some of the most elite artists in the world, but it’s all come at a price. That price was his battle with addiction. Throughout his career, the man’s been through it all: the ups, the downs, the lefts, the rights, the truths, the lies, the friendships made, and the hearts broken.
Now 2 years and 9+ months sober, Lush One lives to tell the story. “Ski Lift” is a metaphorical and visual tale of a dysfunctional life playing in the snow. Over an eerie Chase Moore produced beat, Lush raps “Cocaine on the glass / I’m a sniffer / I’m looking at the man in the mirror”. He reflects on his bad decisions but yearns to be free at least. While having a disquieting undertone throughout the song, moments of hope shine through.
Lush One is a testament to that, which is what makes this video so powerful. His story of overcoming addiction serves as an inspiration to all of us. After facing his demons, he’s brought a battle league back to California (salute GTX Battles), is now a permanent fixture on the No Jumper podcast, and is blessing us with another project, Horacio’s Ski Resort. On the day he dropped this video, Lush One turned 41. He posted on his Instagram that there was a point in life where he didn’t think he would make it past 18, let alone 25. Well, here’s to 41, Lush! Keep up the great work. We’re stayin’ tuned for Horacio’s Ski Resort.
If Sophie Powers isn’t yet a major star, she soon will be.
On December 8th, Powers was the second in a three-act bill also featuring Extra Large Holiday Card and headliners Wicca Phase Springs Eternal at the venue 1720 in downtown Los Angeles. She took the stage leading off with “Clearview”, her collaboration with UK artist NOAHFINNCE.
The Canadian teen is completely confident on stage, morphing between copping a punk rock attitude and exhibiting true vulnerability while singing sitting cross-legged on the floor.
She had no problem interacting with the audience, leaning in to make eye contact. Sophie asked the crowd if the liked they outfit she designed and then she asked if they would buy it. Speaking of which, Powers came out wearing a Targaryen-colored wig with long braids and a green and white two piece.
She bounced.
She twirled.
She sat.
She seemed very much the teenage-performer she is, even though her strong lyrics belie her age.
And then something happened.
As part of her set list, Sophie Powers covers “Heart Shaped Box” by Nirvana. All of a sudden, the bouncing teenager disappeared. Hugging herself disappeared. Cute disappeared. Fierceness took over. Her voice raged.
Sophie Powers showed her range. She showed her cross-genre abilities. The kind of abilities that make someone a star.
THE SET LIST
It was a muggy Wednesday night in Dallas, Texas but that wasn’t going to stop people from making their way to the Southside Ballroom for a nearly sold-out show to witness the magic that is Modest Mouse. I remember hearing “Float On” on the radio in the car with my mom driving. To say I was able to be up close and personal with them was bound to be a super cool moment. The artist Mattress accompanied them on their 20 year anniversary of The Lonesome Crowded West Tour.
Mattress was set to take the stage and by my surprise it was just him (and his music pad). Already getting it started in an interesting but not so surprising way for a Modest Mouse show I’d say. I can honestly say it was 100% not what I was expecting as far as sound goes, but man was the crowd into it. I can’t figure out the best way to explain it but it’s a mix of 90s electro mixed with spoken word poetry. This man was full sending it all on stage. Never did I think I’d find myself in a room experiencing anything like it but it was definitely a memorable moment to say the least.
Soon after Mattress left the stage, the lights got dim and music dropped. At this point there was very little room in the ballroom to navigate anywhere. If anything was learned that night, it was that Modest Mouse still has a massive fan base, especially in Dallas. Members start making their way on stage and then Isaac Brock walks up to the mic. Knowing we are hearing the full album; most people sat back and enjoyed the show. It’s always cool getting to hear a full album from front to back live and Modest Mouse delivered.
The lights were honestly impeccable to say the least. I loved that the drum lights illuminated the whole kit because most of the time drummers stay hidden. Each member was highlighted on stage. Hearing Isaac’s vocals live was a trip. After all these years he still sounds as good as he does on the records. The 18-song set, and 4-song encore were truly an incredible experience. You could tell in the room that Modest Mouse still knew how to put on a good show and draw a crowd – something that is hard to maintain the test of time. I’m glad I got to capture a super cool moment in time for them and hope for many more years of success in their career!
In anticipation of the release of his new project, Geezyworld 2, OhGeesy has been hitting the internet with a slew of singles to maintain the high level of buzz around his name. It was just a few weeks ago where I got the opportunity to cover his appearance at The Vermont in Hollywood, CA. That day, OhGeesy dropped the visual for “Gallery”. That visual has now crossed the million-view mark on Youtube alone, not even counting the streams/across all other platforms. On 12/12/2022, OhGeesy hit the fans with another visual, this time for his brand new single “1st Day of School”
Over yet another Ron Ron (also formerly of Shoreline Mafia) produced beat, OhGeesy throws together another solid hook reminiscing about the good feeling of the first day back in school. With an R-rated twist, OhGeesy’s got girls twerking in the classroom, lean in his cup, homies rolling up weed on their notebooks, and a strap in his bookbag. The video cuts between the classroom and a yellow school bus where OhGeesy and company can be found partying like a bunch of high schoolers up to no good.
Shout out to Kuno for directing and Saadmoon for editing. They really captured a mischievous nostalgic vibe with this one. It’s great OhGeesy has these guys on his team to help compliment his edgy party music with equally rugged visuals. These guys continue to kill it on OhGeesy’s projects. Peep this video and stay tuned for Geezyworld 2.
- Kris Kuganathan
Our final Hunnypot Live Podcast/Concert/Party for 2022, truly a night of euphoria.
12/12/2022 Photos by J. Gray, Mastered by James Coffman
Benjamen Janey is part entrepreneur, digital designer, musician, and Founder of Spooler.co. Spooler is a tech-driven apparel company that utilizes technology to help people take control of what they wear. Janey's ever simple idea of customizing apparel for celebrities and tourists on Venice Beach has expanded to 13 countries world-wide, and spawned collabs with recognizable brands such as Tootsie Roll, Nike/Jordan, Sesame Street, and multi-platinum artist Lil Flip (and our own Hunnypot Live Merch).
In his book, The Making of An American Hip-Hop Tycoon, Janey and co-author Jennifer Oliver O’Connell put a spotlight on Janey’s entrepreneurial journey and how his background in the Hip-Hop industry continues to drive the inspiration and innovation for his corporate ventures.
The book also provides a blueprint and inspiration for upstart designers, founders, and entrepreneurs by bringing attention to specific success principles, summarized through valuable, “Life Lessons” in every chapter.
A combination inspirational memoir and how-to guide business guide, The Making of An American Hip-Hop Tycoon appeals to multiple audiences and is an essential tool across various industries.
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A Nashville-based musician, Josh Mack paints from a broad musical palette. The Middletown, Ohio native’s sound combines the rich storytelling of folk, the raw emotion and grit of blues, and a rock & roll edge. These influences are top-coated with a layer of psychedelic haze to create an atmospheric, multi-layered listening experience that has drawn comparisons to famed contemporaries like The Black Keys and Queens of the Stone Age.
Josh is a prolific songwriter and recording artist who has assembled a digital catalog of over 40 songs since 2018, and who has published songs for sync licensing. A seasoned live performer, Josh has developed a reputation for his spellbinding guitar work, helping him to blossom into one of Music City’s most intriguing young artists.
h2the is an LA based producer and artist who merges 80s synths and layered beats, brought to life through dynamic visuals and sound.
The h2the live band brings the songs to life with some of h2the’s favorite musicians, including Buwi (bass), Tal Vaknine (harp), Calireiki (reiki bowl), Sounten (op1 & vox) and generally a few guest vocalists.
“Brilliantly blending 80’s synths with an new cutting edge sampling style, rising hip hop/experimental producer h2the released his debut single titled “Taste Of The“, a teaser/cut-up off his new beat tape exclusively available on cassette!” – UGHH
URB Magazine wrote that “[h2the] is something else…in a profound kind of way,” calling his sound titillating and “juicy for the ears,” while The Village Voice described his productions as “adventurous and banging.”
2DOPEBOYZ and Vibe Magazine’s allhiphop.com have also noted h2the’s rap flips of 80?s inspired sonics. It’s the producer as auteur as every track takes you through the emotional space of the artist, like Kanye or Godard.
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French-Moroccan artist, IAO Carla awakens an unseen dimension, a musical realm that empowers our soul, with a deep passion in storytelling through groovy percussions and heart soothing melodies. Inspired by her Oriental and Hebraic roots, in her works Carla explores spirituality and the meaning of life. Self taught musician who turned to music to heal.
Her music is successful in elevating people’s moods and her vocals soothes the Soul.
Everything she touches, whispers, screams, taps... She awakens it, roughly and lovingly.
Born around classical music, traditional Moroccan chants and hymns.
As we enter December and the Christmas/Holiday time, we want to remember what makes this time of year so special. Spending quality time with family, friends, and loved ones. Going out and enjoying the holiday spirit and decorations while wearing season attire. Coming together to sing merry songs with one another. Giving gifts and donating to charity to help make others happy. When you think of these topics, of course a death metal music festival is what comes to mind. Xibalba wanted to through a huge death metal festival for a good cause hosted at the Belasco Theatre in Los Angeles, CA. Bringing family and friends together, with members of the audience dawning their battle vests, while coming together to sing brutal lyrics in harmony. What made this event so special is that this was a non-ticketed event. Xibalba just requested that you bring an unwrapped new toy to donate, and you would be allowed to enter the show for free. With a ticket price of knowing you are helping make a less fortunate families holiday time more special, who would not want to come out.
The first band that I was fortunate enough to see was Undeath, and these guys were ready to tear the Belasco apart. Opening their set with “Rise from the Grave,” lead singer Alexander Jones let out some vicious guttural vocals. Flanked by guitarist Kyle Beam & Jared Welch playing the crunchiest of riffs that let everyone head bang. With bassist Tommy Wall holding down the low end, it was drummer Matthew Browning’s flurry of double bass beats that got the crowd moving. Not only was the mosh pit the craziest I’ve seen from any concert in a long time. Fans were continually jumping on stage and stage diving throughout their entire set. If you wanted to be up close and personal with the band, you had to strap yourself in for war as you moved in the chaotic ocean that was the crowd. Dodging flying torpedoes of human bodies from all sides. Playing a set that consisted of songs like “Lord of the Grave,” “Necrobionics,” “Grave Osmosis,” “Brandish the Blade,” and closing with “Lesions of a Different Kind.” Undeath brought out the brutality in every crazed maniac in the crowd.
Up next was a band that has been making waves in the death metal scene for the last couple years, that being 200 Stab Wounds. As an ominous overture played over the speakers, the band prepared to unleash hell onto the Belasco. Lead singer and guitarist Steve Buhl roared the opening lyrics to their song “Phallic Filth.” Guitarist Lance Buckley fingers were on fire as they flew over his fret board ripping through the songs. Bassist Ezra Cook helped brought the heaviness in tandem with drummer Owen Pooley. Once again, the crowd could not be contained to just the floor, as body after body would jump on stage and hurl themselves back into the crowd. Some were caught, some were not, but no matter what the stage divers jumped up with a fiery passion of excitement. 200 Stab Wounds played a fierce set consisting of songs like “Slave to the Scalpel,” “Drilling Your head,” “Skin Milk,” “Tow Rope Around the Throat,” “Masters of Morbidity,” “Release the Stench,” “Itty Bitty Pieces,” and closing out their set with “She Was Already Dead.”
Stepping onto the stage was one of the more tenured bands of the day, that being Skeletal Remains. This band brought a heavier and thrashy sound in my opinion. Looking like Cousin It with his hair completely obscuring his face, vocalist and guitarist Chris Monroy opening their set with a ravenous song called “Illusive Divinity.” Fellow guitarist Mike De La O weaved his guitar solos into each song with perfection. Bassist Brian Rush was flying across the neck and strings of his instrument with ease and comfort while non-stop head banging. Drummer Pierce Williams kept the beats blasting in the faces of the crowd as he pounded away on the double bass. Playing songs like “Beyond Cremation,” “Traumatic Existence,” “Tombs of Chaos,” “Devouring Mortality,” and ending with “Congregation of Flesh,” Skeletal Remains kept the crowd roaring back at them through the entire set.
This festival has been going on since 2 o’clock, and the fans have been going ballistic all day long. By the time the final band was setting up, you could feel the energy was starting to waiver a bit in the crowd. Xibalba was about to hit the stage, and they had a mission to wake the crowd back up. As the slow creeping opening to their song “La injusticia” started to creep into the ears of the crowd. You could feel an energy shift. As vocalist Nate Rebolledo walked on stage, the guitars came in with heavy riffs and attack to them. Nate commanded the stage, and his first line of lyrics woke the battle-weary crowd at the Belasco back up. As everyone caught their second wind, the mosh pit opened fiercer than it had been prior. Guitarist Jensen Huncle and Brian Ortiz traded off licks that ignited the headbangers and air guitarists. Bassist Martin Stewart and drummer Jason Brunes made sure there was a solid beatdown beat playing throughout the set that let the crowd killers throw their fist and kicks in the air.
Once again, the crowd was not satisfied to just be going crazy in the audience. Fan after fan would jump on stage, only to hurl their body back into the crowd. Because of the chaos of the mosh pit, fans would try and run up the side stage stairs, which had security on their toes the entire set. At one point a rogue fan went to pat Nate Rebolledo on the back before jumping into the crowd, and Nate lost his balance and fell into the crowd. Ever the showman, Nate kept singing and performing as the crowd caught him and kept him trapped in the audience for the rest of the song. This crowd had been moshing for hours, but that wouldn’t stop them from going crazy during Xibalba’s set for songs like “Bright Sun,” “Cold,” “Años en infierno,” “Cursed,” “Hasta la Muerte,” and “Stoneheart.” During their final song “No Serenity” the crowd stole the mic from Nate and passed it around from fan to fan until the song was over. One fan even let out some Lorna Shore style pig squeals when they got their hands on the mic.
Throughout the day we had the heaviest of music to listen to. People going crazy in the mosh pit, throwing fists and kicks. People flying over the crowd. Just looking at the chaos this way, you would think that this was just a normal metal festival. Xibalba took a moment to remind us why we were there. This was a non-ticketed event. No one paid money to get in. All anyone needed to do was bring an unwrapped toy to donate to charity and you were allowed into the show. Metal heads get a bad wrap for looking scary, menacing, and appearing like they hate the world. But this festival was a great reminder that metal heads are still just people. People who care about others. We come together to enjoy live music, sing the songs we love, take joy in being surrounded by people who share our same musical interests. Its just a little more chaotic than some other kinds of shows. I met so many people that were happy to be attending this show, to see the bands, but also to be able to attend by helping people who are less fortunate. I do hope that more concerts may take this motto to heart in the years to come.
