Known for his collaborations with Eric Clapton and Roger Waters, Doyle Bramhall II, aka DB2, is a distinctive left-handed guitarist, who plays his instrument strung upside down, and bends strings downwards.
Influenced by his late father, the legendary drummer Doyle Bramhall, DB2 had lifelong collaborations with Stevie Ray and Jimmie Vaughan. At the age of 18, he played with the Fabulous Thunderbirds with the Vaughens, then later formed the Arc Angels with Stevie Ray’s drummer Chris Layton, bassist Tommy Shannon along with Charlie Sexton. In his Flesh tour with Waters, he replaced Pink Floyd's lead singer and guitarist in the Pink Floyd songs. That’s flair.
DB2 is finally matching his impressive guitar skills with his songwriting knack, by putting his life stories in a complete package in 2016. Rich Man is DB2’s first release since 2001, playing multiple roles as singer, guitar player, songwriter and producer of his fourth studio album.
Shot in just two hours at a LA recording studio Lucy’s Meat Market, the video features the ever finest drummer James Gadson. The lines call to “recognize the consequences of your own behavior.” Enjoy your four minutes of blues power with retro graphics in the above video!
Our next video pick comes from the band, Babes. Their new video for “Wild Dreams” stars famed fitness and flexibility figure Jujimufu, with art by Protobacillus. The video showcases Jujimufu’s unique approach to fitness-- making it fun. He kicks, flips, and spins his way through psychedelic art. Coupled with Babes’s easygoing track and positive quotations from Jujimufu framing the screen, the video is a pleasant romp into the potentials of the human body.
The five piece is made up by siblings Aaron, Sarah, and Zach Leigh, and Jeffrey Baird and Bryan Harris. “Wild Dreams” comes from their full length album Untitled (Five Tears), currently available on SoundCloud, iTunes, or wherever you listen to music. Succinctly summed up by the band, “We play love songs cuz we feel bad and it makes us feel good.” If you find yourself feeling bad but don’t have the time to learn how to play an instrument or sing, give Babes a call on their hotline, 470-BABES-77 to talk.
Hot Tub Johnnie will be DJing at The Satellite on Monday, October 24th. Musicians Kosha Dillz, Mars and the Massacre, Black Crystal Wolf Kids, Pablo Dylan, and Alastair will be performing at this free event. With the vast range of sounds on tap, this show is bound to have something for everyone.
The Satellite is located at 1717 Silverlake Blvd in Los Angeles. The free show is ages 21+ and doors are at 8:30p.m. with show time at 9. Though the party will be going until 2a.m., make sure you get there in time to see these amazing artists. For more information, visit the event page here.
Kosha Dillz:
“His tracks, mainly produced via Jesse Shatkin (Sia, Murs, Santigold) have landed in various placements from Bud Light Superbowl commercials to the upcoming Sundance 2016 select The Skinny. He is even a playable character in NBA 2k11 / 2k13alongside Drake and Snoop Dogg, and his music has appeared on every website from Brooklyn Vegan to Billboard Magazine. He raps in Spanish, Hebrew, and English.”
Mars and the Massacre:
“Formed in early 2013, the group of martians has already gained a strong following in Los Angeles, being known particularly for their entrancing and unpredictable live shows. Members switching instruments is a common sight at a Mars and The Massacre show, as are bowed guitars, strange 1950s sci-fi samples, television sets, projectors, remote controls as picks, fake blood, and even fire dancing.”
Black Crystal Wolf Kids:
"Inspired by the audience participation of the Flaming Lips, the anything-goes attitude of The Henry Clay People, and the over-the-toppedness of 80s tribute bands like Fast Times, Black Crystal Wolf Kids are the world's first indie-rock tribute band, paying costumed, sing-along-encouraged homage to the best music of right now (from MGMT to Phoenix to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs) as well as indie's storied past (Pavement; the Pixies; et al)."
Pablo Dylan:
"Pigeons and Planes, recently called Mulholland Drive "A New Anthem For The Kids" As a producer, LA-based artist Pablo Dylan has worked with OG Maco, A$AP Rocky, D.R.A.M., and Raury, but his favorite band is The Clash and he names Kanye West as an influence. His skill set and eclectic taste inform a sound that wouldn't have made any sense 10 years ago."
Alastair:
"Originally from Glasgow Scotland, Alastair has almost as much whiskey as he does electronic music running through his veins. His inventive style vaporizes minds on dance floors throughout San Francisco, Burning Man and beyond. Alastair tastefully blends the sounds of smooth Deep House with the rolling melodies of Tech House, dirty synth-driven Techno and unique flavors of Indie Dance/Nu Disco. This makes Alastair's sets a complex and vivid journey every time he takes the controls."
Hilariously saucy, Steel Panther are more than just a group of psychotic heavy metal musicians. They also live the exaggerated on-stage personae that parody the stereotypical 1980s "glam metal" lifestyle. This time they decide to take down Cheap Trick’s “She’s Tight” and make it their own, featuring cameos of the original band’s frontman Robin Zander.
Pillow fights spit feathers, Steel Panther’s videos flares up with fly people. Paris-Michael Jackson (King of Pop’s daughter), Bobbie Brown (who claims to be Lexxi’s mom now), Tony Palermo from Papa Roach are all cameoing in the video!
The band says, “‘She’s Tight’ is Steel Panther’s ‘sexified’ version of the Cheap Trick song”. It was a dream came true for Michael Starr when his hero Robin Zander agreed to appear in the video.
Don’t miss this cover of the 1982 track with skin that’s left out of the classic hit, with hints of sexy highlights.
Greta Kline is a sort of kid-wonder, posting upwards of 45 albums and EPs on Bandcamp and releasing her first album under the alias Frankie Cosmos, Zentropy, by age 19. Additionally, by this time in her life she had already had a stint as bassist of the indie-synth band Porches with boyfriend/lead singer Aaron Maine. Their relationship is one which many Frankie Cosmos-aged fans like myself ogle over, and the cross references between their music definitely helps. Now 22, her aesthetic is that of a cutesy twelve-year-old boy, but with a touch of the muted, New York “sad girl” that makes her music so endearing. Through her social media presence I felt like I personally knew her, and when I entered the venue and found her socializing amongst the crowd it was pretty surreal.
Her two openers gave me mixed feelings. I definitely enjoyed Soar, but also felt like their sound was more of the Girlpool-esque angsty girl rock that is popping up all over the indie scene right now. Iji received much more mixed reviews amongst my friends. They’re a spunky disco surf-rock type band, with a Growlers type aesthetic and a keys/guitar combination that somehow reminded me of Vampire Weekend. In contrast with Frankie Cosmos they were surprisingly happy and upbeat, and when they brought Frankie on for a set the crowd turned into a small party. However, they were too sugary-sweet for a lot of my friends, and after coming home and listening to their music afterwards, I have come to feel the same way.
However, Frankie was infinitely better than I expected. Not that I was waiting for anything bad, but I expected the somewhat low-key performance that I see from so many other lyrical indie-rockers today. Instead, she was upbeat, quirky, and playful. She stood on her tip-toes to get to the mic, and her go-to dance move was a straight-legged hip-rocking sway between outstretched fists, mixed with a bunch of spins and hopping around. In short, she danced like a sugar-high twelve-year-old, and I couldn’t stop grinning. She played all her hits, starting with the new and then (to the audience’s delight) working her way towards the old. She was charming, charismatic, and performed with an honesty that complimented an intimate venue like the Starline Social Club perfectly. I left feeling uplifted, refreshed, and in a genuinely good mood. I will definitely be seeing her the next time she comes through town.
Veronica Irwin (Hunnypot Editor at Large)
@vronirwin
Photo Credit: Zach Gomez
Producers Chase and Moksi (Dutch duo) collaborated on a song released at the beginning of September, “For a Day” which they’ve just released a music video for at the end of last month. The label mates under Amsterdam label Barong Family, star in the video directed by David Eilander and produced by Stefanie van Vonderen.
The concerted effort features videography full of tension as a young couple struggles to find love while their opposing crews face off and try to keep them apart. In Chase’s own words, “Have you ever come across a beautiful person that you instantly fell in love with—only to accidentally swipe left? And a day later you’ve already forgotten all about them. With this song we’re keeping their memory for a few minutes longer.” Chase and Moksi’s team up is “a match,” and we can only hope they release more collaborations in the future.
Thanks to Robbins Entertainment for sharing, we can help you license, just ask. - John Anderson
Need something to do on Saturday afternoon? Drag yourself out of bed and head to The Zoo’s patio! Art, live painting, a DJ set by our own Hot Tub Johnnie, open mic, BBQ, and tons more fun! What else could you ask for?
The Zoo is located next to The Mint, at 6006 W. Pico Blvd in LA, and there is no cover! Join us and special guests Dean (@IsaacIrvinMusic) and Melinda West from @SugarRumTantrum from 3pm-9pm on Saturday, October 8th.
Our next video pick is William Control’s newest video, “The Monster.” William Control, fronted by William Francis of late punk band Aiden, is at it again with upcoming EP, The Pale. It’s the first of a series of EPs that will culminate as an album project titled Revelations. The dance track “The Monster” shares traits from its predecessors in the William Control catalogue, including catchy rhythm and lyrics. New fans will notice a gothic theme to the music, but in an accessible way. Everyone has their monsters, within and without, and as such can likely find something to vibe with in this song. Old fans of William Control will be excited to dance along to this track.
The video, directed by Terrence Matlin, accompanies its track in following Francis’ journey into the inner self. The black and white video even gives off a noir feeling, from Francis’ troubled stares into bathroom mirrors to the mysterious, anonymous stranger, and nighttime drives through bustling streets and tunnels. Watch until the end to see Francis and fellow bandmates Ben Tourkantonis, Kenneth Fletcher, and Ian MacWilliams find their dark(er) sides!
The Pale EP releases on October 14th. William Control will be playing a brief run of Synths and Sinners tour dates in Chicago shortly following the release.
Eccentric and defiant, the Grammy-nominated Colombian electro-cumbia band starred a poised and confident young warrior in their latest music video “Soy Yo,” proud of herself being unique, and unbothered by judgments from the outside world.
Through the media and commercials, people are constantly brainwashed by monopolies, big brands and narrow beauty standards. This video is certainly a self-confident booster that celebrates diversity in harmony, countering the mainstream standards. It reminds us of the importance of our inner peace and beauty.
As Bomba Estereo's Li Saumet reveals to Billboard, both the song and the video addresses topics of “bullying and intolerance, issues that worry all of us.” Directed by Danish director Torben Kjelstrup, who won the open-submission idea contest for the music video, brought out additional missive: We should be proud of our true selves, because we are all special in some ways. Why bother feeding to everyone’s taste?
Be sure to check out the music video. Pay attention to the serious recorder-playing skills and killer dance moves of the little girl rocking in overalls!
This week southern California was under a 24 hour warning for a major earthquake. It seems Hunnypot Live! show #351 might be to blame. Hot Tub Johnnie started the night with a set of no "fault" party music. Lauren Reynaldo gave us the shakedown of her musical journey, Roger Street Friedman's seismic rock n roll cracked the pavement, Melanie Taylor made our bodies wave with her dance rock, Michete caused a hip hop landslide with "P" Waves, Breaking Heights gave us tectonic hop n' roll and Tree Machines kept us on their wavelength in their ring of fire. 10-3-16
- J. Gray
A true Los Angeles native, Lauren Reynaldo got her start in music at the age of 18 thanks to a series of right-place, right-time coincidences. She has worked with large catalogs from the likes of Kiss, Marilyn Manson, Jerry Reed and REO Speedwagon, to underground, indie up-and-comers like Moses Sumney and Webster X, all the way to the fast-paced world of production library music.
If you were to drive down a narrow, winding street, in the funky little town of Sea Cliff, New York, you would never expect that there is a world class, state of the art, analog recording studio in the basement of the grey house with the basketball hoop at the end of the driveway. That house belongs to Roger Street Friedman, and that studio in the basement is where he, along with his band and a whole host of special guests (including Amy Helm, Ari Hest and The Masterson’s) are working on the final touches of his new album, Open Road. In fact, there is a lot about Roger Street Friedman that you would not expect in a typical singer-songwriter. Relocated from Brooklyn in 2012, Friedman has made a long circuitous journey, but he’s finally home, ensconced in the studio he dubs “The Playroom,” for its proximity to where his young son and daughter play in the basement of the house he shares with his wife and family.
His latest effort, Open Road, is bold and adventurous, masterfully reflecting a sense of life as an unpredictable and wondrous journey that he strives to embrace fully in his dual roles as artist and family man. These roles inform and inspire his reborn career as a recording artist. “I’m gonna live my life/With all my might/Make the most of everyday… everyday” he sings, as if shouting it to the rafters. The roots of Open Road are steeped in alt-country, folk, blues, R&B and singer-songwriters like Jackson Browne, Cat Stevens, Don Henley and Paul Simon. The 12 songs here contemplate the trials and tribulations of relationships (“Hideaway,” “Tomorrow”), memories of a childhood that no longer exists (“No Place Like Home”), being a father (“A Son Like You”), the loss of a parent (“Gentle Love of a Mother”), the perils of mass-migration (“Better Life”) and going all out to live your life to the fullest (“Shoot the Moon”).
There is something driving Roger Street Friedman, and it’s not money or fame. He writes, produces and plays music because he loves it, and wants to share that feeling with others. With Open Road, Roger Street Friedman continues to prove good things happen to those who wait… and then seize the opportunity.
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Melanie Taylor decided she was going to be a music business success story when she was a little girl dancing to Michael Jackson songs in her home, and she is presently in the process of willing it to be. Awards, chart debuts, high-profile collaborations, accolades and the like are all part of a grand design that she created by sheer force of will. Strong female role models in the music business are peeking out from behind what has held them back all these years. This is happening just in time for Melanie’s rise in the world of pop music. The singer has prepared for her platform through her involvement in organizations such as the P.A.I.N Foundation, 18 for 18 Project Rescue, the Gracie Awards - programs designed to empower women.
It all started with her mother – a single woman who decided she was going to have a child… no boyfriend, no set details of her plan. She spoke her truth into the universe and willed Melanie into being. Later, she built a business empire with Melanie’s step-father through her fortitude. These things taught the budding entertainer some important lessons.
For much of her life, Melanie was the only child of a single mother who was, by all accounts, a wanderer. She found theater provided her with an extension of her family. Melanie says, "I always considered my audiences like my brothers and sisters, since being an only child and moving a lot as a kid, the stage was really my only consistent home". Melanie’s first album's primarily straight pop/dance style is now morphing slightly into her sophomore album's rock-based vibe.” What has stayed the same, is her “feel-good soulful roots as a vocalist" she explains. She has written most of her upcoming album with producer Troy “R8DIO” Johnson, (Jesse McCartney, JLo, Chris Brown, Will Smith,Solange, 2Pac) and plans to release it later this year
Melanie wanted to create a fun, yet empowered, collection of songs, a la that of one of her idols, Alanis Morissette. “I knew all her songs by heart as a kid,” she adds. That kind off forthright, spirited style of songwriting stuck with Melanie and shows up all over her work, worn like a badge of honor.
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Combining venom-filled disses, crass sexual come-ons, and left-field pop culture references with an androgynous gender presentation that is equally inspired by glam rockers, anime villains, and drag queens, rapper and producer Michete is on the fast track to becoming one of hip-hop’s most polarizing and exciting new acts. The dagger-tongued MC is unapologetically queer, delivering punchlines with a genderfluid braggadocio that sets her apart. Drawing influence from a wide range of artists including Kanye West, Peaches, Nicki Minaj, and Kesha, Michete combines a unique lyrical stance and vocal demeanor with chintzy, economic, self-produced beats to create a sound that’s completely unique.
Growing up in Spokane Valley, WA (a city she describes as being a “cesspool of white nonsense”), Michete is a former theater kid who had a natural charisma and an unhealthy obsession with Lady Gaga, honing his performance skills by singing in talent shows, acting in plays, and performing improv comedy all throughout middle and high school. She began dabbling in music around the time she graduated high school in 2010, and in 2014, decided to make a serious commitment to pursuing a career as a rapper. Michete released her debut EP, Cool Tricks, in June of 2015, and received considerable attention and acclaim from journalists and listeners alike, securing a spot opening for recording artist Shamir in Seattle the following September and later appearing on SPIN Magazine’s year-end list of The 50 Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2015.
With the foundation set for a successful career in the music business, Michete plans on releasing the follow-up to Cool Tricks this Spring.
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Born on a hundred degree day in the steaming valley of Los Angeles in the summer of 2015. There was no wind, not a single cloud. Just a blinding sun. Like a crystal hole in the never ending sky. At least that's what we remember..." From producer Ozzy Doniz, rapper Zoh and singer Greg Cahn, comes a musical twist of psychedelic sonic showers tangled in trap mixed with velvet rock hooks and grimy soul-baring lyrics called Breaking Heights.
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Following up Wooldridge and bandmate Patrick Aubry’s critically praised debut EP as Tree Machines from early 2015 and the three stand-alone singles coming out in the waning months of the Summer, the band is gearing up for releasing their debut full length album.
After partnering up again with their Producer Mikel Giffin, the band is in the final steps of production for they new album.
“It really is amazing to work alongside Patrick and Mikel,”Wooldridge adds. “Things click so quickly. We feel like we can almost do no wrong creatively, which is an incredible and freeing feeling to have as an artist.”
Tree Machines will also add a few new members to its live act, with plans to play out during breaks in the album recording process.
“It’ll be exciting to fully get back on the road again,” says Wooldridge. “But first we need to get our bearings out in Los Angeles.”
Further explaining the band’s decision to go west, Aubry continues, “Leaving Kansas will probably turn out to be one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. But I needed it – it’s just too comfortable there. I’d be a fool to say that California has anything different, but at least I know that I won’t be stuck in the whirlpool of Midwest comfort and cheap living. At least I’ll know I tried, and if I fail, I can die happy. Plus, the beach is pretty awesome!”
Aubry sums up his outlook on the band’s future simply, saying, “It feels like we’re just getting warmed up. It feels like we’ve got so much more to write.”
Tree Machines debut full length is in the works
