PADUCAH, Ky. — Twenty-five years. Two-and-a-half decades. A quarter of a century. A long time no matter what you are talking about. So it’s no surprise J.D. Wilkes wanted to celebrate that milestone for his band, the Legendary Shack Shakers. Founder/frontman/multi-instrumentalist Wilkes decided the best way to commemorate a quarter century of making music with his band was - of course - by making more music. But like most long-lasting groups, the Legendary Shack Shakers have had a lot of band members come and go through the years. So a “family reunion” was planned, one that would host past members and the current lineup for celebratory recording sessions. The result is the group’s new full-length offering from Alternative Tentacles, Cockadoodledeux, due out November 5th, 2021. The title is a nod to the Shack Shakers’ 2003 album, Cockadoodledon’t. Though not their debut record, it was the one that broke the group to a wider audience. Its explosive collision of punk, blues and country was perhaps what made the Shack Shakers legendary. Cockadoodledeux, however, is more singular in its focus. Wilkes had been yearning to set his rock ’n’ roll leanings aside and record something new. This time, instead of hopping genres as many of his albums do, Wilkes wanted to explore one genre alone. He wanted to just make a Country-and-Western record.
“Our older albums jump around all over the place, genre to genre, styles that are almost diametrically-opposed even,” he says. “But this record jumps only within country music itself. It's a big-tent genre, really. It has all these little subgenres within it providing endless variety. From Western swing and rockabilly to spaghetti Western and bluegrass and even Tex Mex.” Originally, Wilkes planned to pursue this concept on his 2018 solo record, Fire Dream, but when the sessions got underway, the muse pulled him in a different direction. “Suddenly, I had all these unused country tunes, and I thought, ‘Hey, that could be the new Shack Shakers record,’” he says. “And it made sense to me because family reunions and country music seem to go hand in hand.” In addition to the current members (guitarist Gary Siperko, bassist Fuller Condon and drummer Preston Corn), the original 1990s lineup showed up, and former members like multi-instrumentalist Chris Scruggs (Marty Stuart’s Fabulous Superlatives) and bassist Morgan Jahnig (Old Crow Medicine Show) pitched in, too. Cockadoodledeux also includes performances by a few Kentucky music legends, such as Sun Studio guitarist Stanley Walker (Jean Shepard, “Rockin’” Ray Smith), dobroist Jack Martin (Lester Flatt) and renowned Cajun fiddler “Hillbilly” Bob Prather (Onie Wheeler).
Punk rock icon and founder of Alternative Tentacles Jello Biafra makes a special guest appearance, as well, contributing vocals to the band’s cover of the theme to the TV Western series Rawhide. He first met the Shakers at South by Southwest in 2005 and has since made several appearances with the band, both onstage and on their album Pandelirium. Biafra calls Wilkes “the last great rock ’n’ roll frontman.” Of Biafra, Wilkes says, “It’s just good to be with people who believe in you and are passionate about what you do.” Because of the Covid pandemic, Wilkes uploaded the “Rawhide” tracks to Biafra’s San Francisco studio where he added his wild yelps and yodels remotely. “He killed it,” Wilkes says. The bulk of the recording was done at the Time on the String studio in Paducah, Kentucky. But like Biafra, Jahnig and Scruggs added their parts remotely. “Morgan has a studio of his own, so I sent him the tracks,” Wilkes says. “And I drove down to see Chris and was actually at the studio in Nashville as he laid down steel guitar. Otherwise, everyone else came to Kentucky for the family reunion.” Cockadoodledeux includes a track, “Secret Mountain,” that was originally intended for the band’s first release on Alternative Tentacles. Recorded at Nashville’s famous Woodland Studio, it features Micah Hulscher (Wanda Jackson, Emmylou Harris, Margo Price) on barrel-house piano and former Shack Shakers Mark Robertson, Rod Hamdallah and Brett Whitacre. “Secret Mountain" is a track that got nixed off The Southern Surreal,” Wilkes explains. “It was just too country at the time. But, of course, it’s perfect for this.” Wilkes’s passion for country and western music is apparent throughout the record, his vocal performances resonating with an authenticity that too often is missing from modern country fare. And while Cockadoodledeux may be more musically disciplined than their past albums, songs like “They Won't Let Me Forget” (“They won’t let me forget, all the things I can’t recall”) and “Punk Rock Retirement Plan” (“He likes a square dance instead of a slam dance”) reflect Wilkes’ wickedly hilarious brand of lyricism; a thing that has been winning him fans for quite a while - 25 years in fact. Looking back on the group’s journey, Wilkes remarks, “It’s been 25 years of long-lasting friendships, unfortunate rivalries - amazing experiences. Triumphs. Heartaches. The whole dramatic story arc.” He pauses, then adds, “And I can’t wait for the next 25.”
Hunnypot is Th' Legendary Shack Shakers official Publishing sync representative, ask us about LICENSING! - John Anderson
For Camryn, the adrenaline of bungee jumping off a building is a feeling she wants to have every day. This MTV "buzzworthy" pop/rocker has been in the music scene since 13, and landed herself a management deal at eight with her own demo. Bold, unapologetic and fearless, she rocks out in her guitar-driven tracks like a badass and just debuted her "New Dynasty" EP.
The New Dynasty EP co-written by her is a bold statement of Camryn's evolution into an artist with her own voice and power. In her track "Machines," her vocals and chorus empowers and steams up the energy in the entire room. "The idea of ‘and we do it like machines’ is my way of saying ‘I’m going full steam ahead with my music – who’s coming with me?!'" says Camryn. The "Machines" video showcases how she leads us to revolt from oppressive forces, breaks out into the world and take back their own power with her crew. Her determination and drive is nothing to be missed.
Camryn didn't let the fear shut her down. It inspired her, and now she has 1.7 million Facebook fans reached. What do you do with fear? Listen for yourself and let her music inspire you. Make sure you come to see her perform live with Hunnypot on September 19th, 2016, Monday, 8:45pm at the Mint.
Can't make it? Stream it live on HUNNYPOT LIVE!
Matisyahu has teamed up with Jewish rapper Kosha Dillz, to bring this Semetic anthem as a protest against recent attacks toward Jewish and Israeli people. The music video, set in the desert, features the two artists, performing soulfully as dancers accompany them in the background. Kosha Dillz is the son of immigrant parents from Israel and strongly identifies with his Jewish heritage by rapping in both Hebrew and English. Also identifying as a Jewish artist, Matisyahu was inspired to speak out against anti-semitism because of an event that happened in his life.
When asked about the song, Matisyahu explained, " 'Dodging Bullets' started as a reference to the anti-Semitic attacks against Jews and Israelis by the BDS movement but its meaning extends beyond that. It is in reference to an event that occurred to me last summer in which the BDS chapter in Valencia, Spain applied pressure to a Spanish festival demanding that I write a letter or make a video of political intention in essence denouncing the state of Israel. When I refused to reply as they demanded I was thrown off the festival just days before the event and while I was already touring in Europe.
This particular “bullet" backfired on the BDS movement as Jews and Non Jews spoke up about the injustice of the only publicly recognized Jew on the festival line-up being called out to promote a political agenda. The outcry from fans of all backgrounds grew loud enough that even the country of Spain itself denounced the festival for giving into the BDS movement and as a result the festival asked me to perform again. My band and I accepted the re-invitation and performed in front of tens-of-thousands of peace loving concert goers while approximately a hundred BDS "bullies" created a pyramid of antagonism trying to block my view of the fans while waiving large Palestinian flags, continually giving me the middle finger, and throwing shoes at me all while holding signs reading insults like “Naziyahu.”
This kind of behavior only seeks to create more animosity and anger, which is what I felt initially during the performance. At some point however, I began to "dodge these bullets of hatred" and found myself feeling a deep sense of empathy for mankind and God. The song 'Dodging Bullets' in turn is not just a political statement geared at the BDS movement or the Israeli/Palestinian conflict but one of an existential and spiritual revolution, whereby one is able to dodge the bullets meant to knock you off your true life's mission as a human being on this planet: to love with all of your heart, soul, and might!!! And to turn bullets of hatred into the music of the soul "
Kosha Dillz will be performing at Hunnypot Live at the Mint on September 5. 7pm, all ages, and free.
Madeline Spooner delivers her hauntingly beautiful vocals over top of experimental electronic music on the live video for her song "Had To Let It Go". Coming from a small town in the midwest, she has adapted her background for acoustic storytelling into a mixture of electronic and organic instrumentation.
As a two-time first place award winner for the American Songwriting Awards, executive director Joseph Paulos highly lauded her by writing, “Madeline’s vibrant pop sound with psychedelic twists and turns keep listeners wanting more. We believe she is going to redefine the independent music scene.”
Madeline will be performing at Hunnypot Live on August 22, 2016 at the Mint. 7pm all ages and free!
Kloe is everything we wanted to be when we were 21: she's unfiltered, parties like an animal, has the coolest friends and, plot twist, is only 19. Wise cracking and beyond her years, Kloe's new video features drinks, dancing, and heartbreak in a hodgepodge of teenage debauchery that is somehow both sensitive and totally catchy. Her musical style reminds us of a mix between the sugary-sweet weirdness of artists like Grimes and the serpentine edginess of songwriters like Lorde. But, our favorite part, is the way in which she owns her image. As described in Nylon magazine, she lives a "#nofilter life," complete with frequent cursing, wild story-telling, and brutal honesty. We can't wait to see what she does next!
It happens to the best of us: we hear an awesome song at a party, dance the whole time, and then wake up the next morning and completely forget what it was called. Well, we have a solution. Just for you, we have made a Spotify playlist of all our best party tunes from 2016. Whether you're trying to find a song you heard at a Hunnypot Dance Party or just want our recommendations for some great upbeat tunes, we've got you covered.
We'll start Posting 2017 playlist soon, give us a follow!
Down-under style Psychedelic rock is showcased in King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard’s latest video for the song “People-Vultures”. Coming from Australia, this band combines surf, garage, and psychedelic rock in a way that is totally unique. Their new album, “Nonagon Infinity”, flows seamlessly from one song to another, utilizing similar riffs to seem never-ending. “People-Vultures”, the second single from the new album, uses the same riff as “Gamma Knife”, the first single.
The Video, released on May 6, portrays the band as a part of one giant vulture, defeating anyone who comes across them, all while playing their instruments. It’s the same kind of fun, trippy style that anyone would expect from these guys. Make sure to give it a watch.
Little spark, great flame. When there is a flicker for storytelling, the group DJ Inappropriate jumps on it and fires it up with music.
Fueled by popularity with 4 million streams on Spotify and 6 million views on youtube for the track "Allahu Akbar," DJ Inappropriate got themselves onto the viral music list of last year, the track with the most shares in proportion of users' streams. They were also "hijacked by extremists as a battle cry during deadly attacks" according to UK DailyStar. This year they are feeding flames to their success by putting out songs like "Smoke Weed Everyday." Great riff in banging pulses with awesome mixing, you get the idea.
DJ Inappropriate did not copyright their songs, but rather kindly asked people to credit them appropriately. This clever and funky video with people of different shape and color breakdancing was done by Youtuber Spikz. It is not to offend anyone or incite hatred, but just to share some fun.
Thanks, Obama!
Reuben Sears can’t stop telling people about music he loves. It started with mix-tapes for girlfriends in high school, transitioned into planning and DJ’ing wedding receptions, and finally landed him a gig as a music supervisor at Buddha Jones for movie, tv and video game trailers. He has worked on hundreds of campaigns over his 5 years at Buddha Jones including Jack Reacher: Never Go Back, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, Bloodline, and Far Cry: Primal. In addition to theatrical campaigns, Reuben also co-music supervised the Blu-Ray creative content for the Warner Brothers films Man of Steel and Gravity. In 2014, he got to moonlight as Music Consultant on the independent film, The One I Love. Reuben loves Karaoke, baseball, car stereos and chocolate milk.
Ora The Molecule is a music collaboration between a Norwegian born singer songwriter and a Japanese born electronica producer. The band consist of 5 members, Henry on Saxophone, JJ on trumpet, Henry on drums, Nora vocal and keyboard and Ichiro on bass. They have released one EP and are currently in process of recording the first album
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Hailing from the North of England, Jennie Chapman currently resides in Los Angeles, California, consumed by Wanderlust.
Jennie’s aim is to produce only the purest, most honest form of expression. Raised by a singer and a music management mogul, her influence is a mix of California folk and deep English powerhouse, drawing comparisons of Joan Baez, Adele and Lisa Hannigan. She creates songs from the heart, never failing to leave a crowd silent.
Despite the ominous name, Los Angeles band Bloody Death Skull is fiendishly adorable. Swirling together electrified ukulele, childrens toys, sound effects, and instruments over the classic chord structures that launched early rock and soul, BDS makes fun music rooted in the 50s & 60s with a punk mentality and surreal storytelling lyrics that (sweetly) break some taboos. Backed by a band that ranges from three to twelve members, Daiana Feuer sings about love, day dreams, the cosmos, animals, television, dead things, bad things, cute things, and being stuck in the mind of a teenager forever. Imagine The Shirelles meets Roky Erickson on a playground in outer space.
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The Absurd was founded in Los Angeles, 2015, by Detroit troubadours Ben Foerg and Josh Loney under the belief that the most sure-fire way to financial success is through the currently booming music industry.
Under the name Ben Foerg & The Absurd, the duo came to Los Angeles in search of success and prosperity, instead finding poverty, loneliness and desolation. Just when all seemed bleak, a light at the end of the tunnel poked through and from it emerged disillusioned ex-Mormon drummer Colin Jensen. It was from this brew of contrarian personalities that The Absurd was born.
Though they steadfastly believe that genre distinctions are a false creation of the white male patriarchy, critics have described The Absurd as a psychedelic, heavy and melodic rock band that "makes you want to drop something heavy." Fans have described the band by saying "imagine that Pearl Jam and Bob Dylan had a millennial lovechild."
When asked how they would describe themselves, The Absurd was unavailable for comment.
Since their inception in late 2015 and the release of "The Trigger Happy EP" earlier this year, The Absurd have quickly risen from playing the darkest corners of the city's bar scene to some of the premier venues in Los Angeles and beyond. With an undying love of music, an unwavering skepticism of nearly everything and an unparalleled (and possibly unhealthy) ambition, The Absurd is rapidly becoming an LA staple worth raising a glass to.
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The Slit is a fierce blend of aggression and angst packaged neatly in nuggets of throttling guitar rock; a tumultuous, pummeling titan, equal parts Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, with a psychedelic metal tinge and punk tendencies. Their tracks are exceptional, but you have to like heavy, grinding rock to appreciate it the whole way through.
The Slit is a band that combines elements of classic rock, metal, punk, grunge and psychedelia into a very unique style. They define what it means to fire on all cylinders all throughout their songs. But whether opting for maximum aggression or pulling back on the reigns a bit and dropping in an infectious melody, you would be hard-pressed to find a single moment of weakness.
Kwesta is a South African rapper and songwriter. He began his interest in poetry at a young age and in 2003, had already formed his first group with some friends. This rap group, called “Ghetto Fellaz”, and later, “The Juvenylz”, never found much success. At the age of 16, he dropped out of high school to pursue music, and was soon found by Africa’s Most Southern Record Company (AMS), which allowed him to have access to recording facilities.
Kwesta’s third studio album, DaKAR II, was released on February 26, 2016. One of the singles off of this album, Ngud, was recorded with fellow South African rapper Cassper Nyovest. This song layers, deep vocals, with an infectious beat, and on point verses. The video adds to the party vibe of this artist by incorporating party scenes, and pretty girls. This song is a jam that will get you dancing.