Photos by Matthew Martinez
It has been too damn long since Megadeth released their critical darling, Dystopia. When that album hit the scenes, oh it was a sign that the ultimate revenge band was back in full force. Unfortunately, I did not get to see them when they toured in support of the album because I was dealing with health issues that kept me sidelined for a while. Then in 2019, it was announced that Megadeth would be on the road with Lamb of God & Trivium, but the pandemic delayed that for a year, and I battled another health crisis, COVID. My spirit and will was strong though, strong enough to beat it by the skin of my teeth and catch the tour. Another has passed, and Megadeth was on the road again, this time with Vegas powerhouse Five Finger Death Punch. Along with Rabit, Rockaholic, Buff Metal, and newcomers Jeremy (Raider Metal) & Johnson (The Metal Sensei), we headed back to FivePoint Amphitheatre. Joined by Mongolian folk metal group The HU, and Texas rap metal warriors Fire From the Gods, we were ready for the symphony of metal excellence.
First up is a group I first caught at the Observatory in 2016, Fire From the Gods. Donning Kobe Bryant’s #8 Lakers jersey, frontman AJ Channer was an energetic MC whose rap style singing helped stir the pot for a long evening. Founding members Drew Walker (lead guitar) and Bonner Baker (bassist) are a spontaneous duo who spew heavy licks that are layered with reggae and hip-hop flow. Walker is a guitarist to keep an eye on in the near future. Rhythm guitarist Jameson Teat and drummer Richard Wicander rounded out the group, bringing killer beats that helped create the first headbangs of the evening. Fire From the Gods was on fire their entire set, creating insurgency with songs like “Soul Revolution,” “Trust,” “The Voiceless,” “American Sun,” “In Spite of Doubt,” “Right Now,” and “Truth to the Weak (Not Built to Collapse).” Though there were some out there that were not feeling them, that is only because they are ignorant to their revolution. Kick the tires and light the fires, for Fire From the Gods have for rebellion.
The following band is an outfit whose style of folk metal is spreading across the globe like a brush fire. The HU come the capital of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, looking to give Irvine something unique, unlike any folk metal ever heard before them. Using the art of throat singing and traditional Mongolian instruments that are electric, the HU dazzled the crowd with their hypnotic showmanship. Gala, Jaya, Enkush, and Temka have proven to be one of Eleven Seven’s secret weapon. The metalheads of Irvine could not get enough of them, especially with songs like “Black Thunder,” “Tatar Warrior,” “Yuve Yuve Yu,” “Wolf Totem,” and “This is Mongol.” Ready to release their newest album with Better Noise entitled Rumble of Thunder, it was exciting to see them live for the first time. They will be returning to Irvine in October with Slipknot and Ice Nine Kills, and I will be there to embrace the HU.
Calling all members of the Jake Rattlehead clan, Megadeth is about to take us to “Hanger 18.” That to me is one of the best openers they have ever done. Founder/frontman Dave Mustaine is a force not to be reckoned with. Having beaten throat cancer, he is back with a vengeance, raging on his Flying Vs and putting out is his sinister singing, as if he has come for the kill. Co-lead guitarist Kiko Loureiro is a master shredder, own each classic Megadeth solo and riff as if he wrote it himself. Ever since he took over for my boy Chris Broderick, he brought some jazz fusion/progressive style of playing that match anything Mustaine throws at him. Drummer Dirk Verbeuren was a hurricane of wailing perfection, while bassist James LoMenzo (who officially returned full time this year) hammered away at our ears with his powerful bass beats. As the band is about to release their long-waited 16th studio album, The Sick, the Dying…and the Dead!, Megadeth made the live debut of the first single, “We’ll Be Back,” in which a roaring response followed. This was followed up with classic thrash goodies like “Sweating Bullets,” “Dystopia,” “Trust,” “Symphony of Destruction,” “Peace Sells,” and the iconic “Holy Wars…The Punishment Due.” Would have liked to have heard from the new record, but I consider that a small taste of bigger things to come from Megadeth. The ultimate revenge band saviors the reception of the Irvine metalheads, as vengeance still tastes sweet to them.
After a remarkable Megadeth performance, the Las Vegas metal brawlers that are Five Finger Death Punch. This group usually gets a bad rep for some strange reason, but if you have not seen them live yet, then shut the hell up and read on. Having just released their ninth album, AfterLife, FFDP took no prisoners that night, starting with “Inside Out.” OG frontman Ivan Moody brought supremacy to his voice as he commanded respect with his words. After many years struggling with addiction, Moody has fought back and is still throwing out cunning jabs & crosses to the crowd. Though he is not without a soft side as he brought out his daughter to sing to her “Happy Birthday,” and I admit, that was a sweet display of love on stage. The twin guitar attack from rhythm man Zoltan Bathory and lead Andy James was exciting to see. This is my first seeing James in the group (replacing Jason Hook), and he did not disappoint. The YouTube sensation has made his mark with FFDP, and the crowd loved him. Bassist Chris Kael (wild beard in all) and drummer Charlie Engen were dominate on the rhythmic beats that displayed the signature Five Finger power everybody loves to hear. The many years on the road have not worn down the Vegas warriors. From “Trouble” to “Wash It All Away,” “Welcome to the Circus,” “Jekyll and Hyde,” “Bad Company,” “Lift Me Up,” “Wrong Side of Heaven,” “Burn MF,” “IOU,” “Under and Over It,” and “The Bleeding,” the band landed their KO shot.
For a Wednesday night at the FivePoint Amphitheater, it was an excellent night for heavy metal. The Metal Assholes, as I now dub us to be, enjoyed every second of the show. The only thing that was strange to me and I am pretty to everyone else was why did Megadeth open for Five Finger Death Punch? Ehh! Who am I to question the decisions of Mustaine? He is a master of the thrash, a legend even. So, I just went with the flow and the flow was blissful. Fire From the Gods filled the hip-hop void, while the HU took me on a strange journey that opened my mind. As for Megadeth and Five Finger, so good so far, but so what!? They got our six, and we will have theirs for years to come. To Five Finger Death Punch, Megadeth, the HU, and Fire From the Gods, I salute you. Horns up!!!
Doll Machine made her Hunnypot Live debut 8/8/22. The same day she shot her Day In The Life Of video for SPIN. It was an unforgettable night for everyone in attendance. Check out the full SPIN piece here. Full show audio here.
HOT LAVA flowed through the club all night long and we celebrated through it. Another unforgettable podcast/concert/party! Go ahead and give it a listen. #WhereMusicLoversGoToPlay
Jackie Westfall (MUSIC SUPERVISOR, SuperMusicVision, Noise/Racket & Red Bull), a LA based music supervisor who has worked on hit tv shows (Minx, Sex Lives of College Girls, I Love that for You, 9-1-1 Lone Star, Panic, Halston); mainstream and indie films (Boys in the Band, While We’re Young, Mistress America, Clementine); ads (Apple, Carnival Cruises, Toyota, Grammy Awards) and more. Handling creative to music clearances in record time.
In her spare time, she volunteers for the Guild of Music Supervisors and is always working on a mixtape.
As fearless as she is fiery, Teddi Gold has got enough glitz and glamour to fit right in at a jazz-y underground haunt or on-screen in some Golden Age Hollywood production. Yet, she’s also got the spirit to make a statement worthy of a TED Talk.
She’ll craft a dance floor banger only to shake up the melody with her own foley sound effects. In one breath, she’ll sing about piña coladas and tiny umbrellas. In the next, she’ll ponder the breakdown of a loved one.
Attracting acclaim from The Line of Best Fit, Earmilk, UPROXX, Popdust, The 405, LA Weekly, and more, she continues to shapeshift at light speed. In 2019, the single “Video Games” paved the way for her Vol. 1 EP. In addition to widespread praise, she landed on Spotify’s coveted Fresh Finds and Pandora’s Top Hits Playlist. Pandora’s Next Big Sound also proclaimed her a “promising artist.” Maintaining this momentum, she joined forces with producer Jon Buscema, Drew Alexander and Jack Ventimigilia and further shaped and sharpened her unpredictable and undeniable pop on Vol. 2. Now, the singer and songwriter envisions a wild world as empowered as it is entrancing. She opens this world up with the singles “Confetti” and “Bossa Nova Baby” ft. Mi$HNRZ and more to come.
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TIF, making the tunes.
Intertwined amongst this Independent Recording Artist’s and Choreographer's creations are several aspects of Los Angeles lifestyle, with the addition of soulful RnB and vibrant Pop inspired components. Throughout her evolution as an artist, TIF has absorbed various forms of training in the fields of vocal recording, choreographing, and modeling from Musician’s Institute and several institutions for the growing span of over 10 years. Additionally, an official business partner with several roles for Vision Talent Agency and a Choreographer/Social Media Manager for Werking Girls.
Supporter’s are evoked by the sounds of all TIF Tunes, a true hybrid of mesmerizing nostalgia and undeniable bliss. Healing energies are embedded in these frequencies. Current releases include the alluring single, Self Love SZN.
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Soloist, singer, guitarist. Mad Chelco plays multiple instruments, shooting beats and recording loops in real time. Mixture of pop, reggae and rap with melodies in English and Spanish. Modern day flavors of Argentina.
Louis Cole releases a brand new single and shares the flyest new dance moves. Personal favorites include "PFIZER BOOGIE", "RIDLEY SCOTTZ", "THE FORK n' KNIFE". "APEX PREDATOR", "DOWNHILL SKI FLY SWATTERZ", "SHADOW DOGZ", "CREDIT CARDZ", "RE-HEATERZ" and "PLANKTON SLAPS".
Learn them all for the next Hunnypot Live dance party. Quality Over Opinion album out October 14th via Brainfeeder.
-HOT TUB JOHNNIE
Summer. A holiday season with its own special competitive spirit. For artists, every release is in contest to be someone’s song of the summer. The get ready, go out, stay lit track that stays on repeat throughout years hottest months, claiming stake in the precious memories of someone’s 2022. Teddi Gold’s early summer submission is a Covergirl sized wink to a game where the participants can touch anything but the floor. And with this beat, you might understand why.
Hitting the dancefloor with “The Floor is Lava” (ft. Coolio) spinning might make you blaze up in a way you didn’t quite mean to, if you’re prone to attempt the moonwalk or busting any sort of daring moves. The bouncy beat slides from one unstable surface to the next, finding balance in spiraling techno theatrics and sultry demands that keep your attention throughout the song. The funky zooms layered with Teddi’s heavy, teasing breath, builds to her squeaking “the floor is lava” before delivering what I would consider to be the hottest feature of the year.
If you don’t ever find yourself wondering what Coolio is up to, then you need to start. Earlier this season, I could not escape “Return of the Mack” and if Mack Morrison can have his revival, Coolio surely is overdue for his day in the sun. His feature shines in “The Floor is Lava”, bringing that signature slick-backed coolness to an icy hot track. His “let’s get campy baby” bar perfectly capitulates the essence of the song. “The Floor is Lava” is a carefree ode to the hot nights, blazing bangers, and refreshing visits with familiar friends that turn the heat up on everyone’s favorite season.
-Robyn Dee
Loving, the indie alt rock group, has been a familiar favorite of mine for years now. Their unique rock n’ roll mixed with melancholy style was a delight to listen to live. As is usually the case, arriving early comes with its perks. Upon arrival I was allowed to watch both Loving and their opener, Sam Burton, rehearse their sets, giving an exclusive peek behind the curtain. Both groups had a style that needed to be uniquely tuned in, including the precise reverb of the acoustics. To which the HQ’s technicians were happy to fine tune. The energy of the venue was - new age rock which included a bar, “llama” vending machine, and of course a disco ball.
Opening the show was Sam Burton, joined by Haylie Hostetter as backup vocals, Noel Friesen on keys, Pierce on drums, and a special appearance by Loving’s own Jessie Henderson on Bass. The ragtag group of musicians performed covers along with originals by Sam Burton. The group kept the vibes calm and rhythmic sticking with the theme of the night. A few songs of which were led by Hostetter, which gave a new presence to the audience as well as performers. Burton’s style is a mix of alternative and underground folk, which soothed the crowd as they patiently awaited the main act.
When Loving entered the stage, you could feel the ambition in the room. With a floor and bar filled with amped fans, the group was ready to rock. Although the band only has two albums currently released, this didn’t stop them from keeping a rotation of emotions throughout their set. The band even gave those at the show, a glimpse into an unreleased song titled “Uncanny Valley”. Their ambient instrumentals juxtaposed with existential lyrics is why I love Loving. Their mellow and almost nostalgic backing track seems to always show intentions of a relaxing, blissful song, yet upon further investigation, this could not be further from the truth. Looking into songs like “Nihilist Kite Flyer” and “If I Am Only My Thoughts” (both off the album of the same name), one can begin to understand that the group’s music is far from cheerful. It in fact packs a unique punch of that of an existential crisis.
As the closing of the show grew nearer, fans demanded more. They would not leave empty handed. Loving returned to stage to perform one of their most popular tracks “Visions”, which to be completely candid, I had to put the camera down to fully appreciate the beauty of this song, which I was magical to see performed live. Yet, Loving wasn’t finished, and neither were the fans. The group concluded the show by bringing Sam Burton back to stage to perform one last song. Loving along with Sam Burton and friends, are groups to look out for as their new releases seem to continue to spread their influence and their unique, one-of-a-kind sound. I can tell you without a doubt, they deserve a listen.
It has been said that taking care of business will get you far in life. Many disciplined artists truly understand that. Jeanetta Blue, businesswoman also know as Jaee The Artist, was born April 23, 1996 in St. Louis, Missouri. As a child, she was back and forth from LA to STL. Jaee mentions "The music business in my experience is 90% business and 10% music. All I can say is teamwork really will make the dream work. My dreams are now reality. I tap into energy with my work. My music will either leave you inspired or make you want to set boundaries in your current situation. Either result is a win."
Jaee creates music from the heart. Who better to explain the way a woman thinks and behaves than another woman? Jaee The Artist connects with women from life and first hand experience as a woman. She uses this to heal past traumas buried deep in the emotions of women and helps the fellas better understand their role in the experience. The goal is for the fellas to feel comfortable loving, understanding and connecting with a woman. Whether it's his mom, aunt, niece, cousin, sister, daughter, wife, friend or partner. Jaee The Artist is deeply rooted in her feminine energy, but balances out with her masculine energy.
Hunnypot is proud to be JAEE THE ARTIST's official sync representative both Masters & Publishing, ask us about LICENSING!
We publish all of our top secret documents here.
Hunnypot Live #468 warrants kudos. Photos and full show audio available here!
Katy McIlvaine is a Los Angeles-based music supervisor with over 10 years of industry experience. Katy supervises under her company Alphabet Supe and is the owner of Dawn Patrol Music, a sync licensing catalog.
Katy’s career in music started at mOcean where she worked on trailers. She then transitioned to TV as a creative coordinator for Warner Bros. Television, working on shows such as The Big Bang Theory, The Middle, Mike and Molly, and Longmire. She also worked as a music coordinator at Format Entertainment on shows such as Empire, Marvel's Agent Carter, Quantico, and Power.
In 2020 Katy started Dawn Patrol Music, a catalog of independent artists, so that she could work more directly with musicians who are trying to navigate the sync world. Her supervision credits include Sister of the Groom starring Alicia Silverstone; Trust starring Victoria Justice; the indie feature Accommodations; and most recently, Peace in The Valley, premiering at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival.
Arizona-based indie rockers Ring Finger No Pinky provide a sound that punches you in the face and challenges society with angry riffs and smart lyrics. Fronted by lead singer Griffin Brown and drummer David Erickson, the pair bring a much-needed energy to jump start the post COVID world.
While channeling revolutionary bands of the past, the rockers add their own unique edge and viewpoint. The Ring Finger No Pinky (RFNP) sound is inspired by The Stooges, Nirvana, Parquet Courts, the Oh Sees, Death Grips, and King Krule. But they are RFNP. You decide.
Although relatively new to the scene, their passion is infectious. They sold out their first shows including playing a coveted Phoenix New Year’s Eve party to a sold-out crowd at Crescent Ballroom. Their energy has led them to play gigs with Bastardane, Playboy Manbaby and more. 2022 also marked their debut at SXSW, where they made a splash playing multiple shows on 6th Street.
The band is preparing to release their debut EP in late 2022. Get ready to join in the sonic anarchy with Ring Finger No Pinky.
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Genre-defying recording artist, composer and producer Doll Machine has been electrifying stages with her unique and culture-challenging performances.
With roots in electronic, hip hop, pop, jazz, and punk, doll machine brings forth a new level of artistic authenticity and self expression. She’s co-written with Grammy-nominated Telepopmusik, house legend DJ Robbie Rivera and is currently working on a collaboration with Grammy-winning artist, Really Doe. She’s also the co-founder and creative director of monthly Japantown residency Multi-Player.
Catch doll machine at her next show and look for her upcoming feature in SPIN Magazine this August
Article written by Brandon “B-Mac” McCarthy; Photos by Matt “Rabit” Martinez
It has been over 3 years since my last visit to Avatar Country. When the pandemic shut the whole world down, access into one of my favorite places to worship heavy metal was locked up as well. In case you guys do not know what the hell I am talking about, it is about my love for the Swedish metal outfit that brought a dark, whimsical sense of humor and honor to the popular genre. The songs, outlandish costumes, and the leader singers warpaint made me want to become a citizen of Avatar country. A couple of years ago, Avatar released their eighth studio album, Hunter Gatherer, and it brought ordered chaos into an already chaotic world. It was a bummer that touring was not happening around that time, but now they are back with a vengeance. On the hunt with fellow metal outfits like Light the Torch and the Callous Daoboys (who we unfortunately missed). Last stop on the tour was Santa Ana’s own Observatory. So, Rabit, Rockaholic, Amanda (aka Harley A. Gentleman), and I headed over there to join the hunt.
After the Callous Daoboys did there thing, the venue really started to light up as Light the Torch took to the stage. Led by the ever-popular metalcore frontman Howard Jones, Light the Torch burned very brightly with their set. Jones is still a ferocious monster on the microphone that made him a household name in the metal community when he was fronting Killswitch Engage. Bassist Ryan Wombacher not only hammered down some sweet, melodic bass riffs, he conquered the mic as he sang backing vocals as well as an occasional lead or two. Lead guitarist Francesco Artusato brought alternative metal swagger to the guitar, performing compelling riffs that bolstered Light the Torch’s presence at the Observatory. Drummer Alex Rüdinger of Whitechapel is the newest member, and he gels in nicely as he brings some thrash quality behind the kit. For nearly 45 minutes, Light the Torch guided our path to a righteous trail of killer tunes like “More Than Dreaming,” “Calm Before the Storm,” “Let Me Fall Apart,” “The Bitter End,” “Death of Me,” “Living With a Ghost,” “Becoming the Martyr,” “The Safety of Disbelief,” “Wilting in the Light,” and “Die Alone.” Really hoped they would play a couple of tunes from when they were known as Devil You Know, but still, Light the Torch was exciting to see per usual.
After a 30-minute intermission for a set change, the venue goes dark, the siren goes off, and there was Avatar. Huddled in a semi-circle to address their subjects, Avatar got things going that way with both “Colossus” and “Let it Burn.” Then, they dispersed to their regular stations for “Silence in the Age of Apes” as horns started to go up. Frontman and chosen leader of Avatar Country, Johannes Eckerström, was a sort for sore eyes. Brandishing different costumes while steering the ship through stormy weather, Johannes was both a rage machine and melodic jester. The guitar duo of Jonas “Kungen” Jarlsby and Tim Öhrström were like tornadoes, gusting up powerful riffs and devilish solos that satisfied every citizen of Avatar Country. John Alfredsson continues to be thunderous on the drums, striking each cymbal and snare with great strength & determination. Notably absent from this show was bassist Henrik Sandelin, who had to leave the tour due an undisclosed family emergency to the best of my knowledge. Either way, they had his bass licks playing on track and it still sounded sweet. All through the night, Avatar rampaged through Santa Ana and slayed the fans with their tasty songs. From “Bloody Angel” to “Child,” “The Eagle Has Landed,” “Paint Me Red,” “A Secret Door,” “For the Swarm,” “Torn Apart,” “Puppet Show,” “Tsar Bomba,” “A Statue of the King,” and one my personal favorites “The King Welcomes You to Avatar Country,” the set got it all. After a quick breather, Avatar wrapped up the night with a three-song encore that included “Going Hunting,” “Smells Like a Freakshow,” and the iconic “Hail the Apocalypse,” and that made the fans go nuts and mosh in the end.
It is always fun when I enter Avatar Country. It is definitely a place that sets me free, and they take good care of me. I was a little bummed about missing Callous Daoboys, but I have no doubt they killed it and we will see them down the road. As for Light the Torch, it was a revival for my heavy metal soul for I have not been to too many shows this year. Therefore, when Rabit and I do go, we make it an evening worth remembering, just like that night. To Avatar and Light the Torch, I salute you. Horns up!!!
It was complete Palladimodium when the triple-bill of Hatebreed, Black Label Society, and Anthrax stormed The Hollywood Palladium on July 29. Forgive the pun, but the sold out Friday night show was everything any metal lover could have wanted. And more.
The festivities started right around 7pm when Hatebreed took the stage. They are not your typical opener. The Connecticut-based band has been pounding out their brand of metal for over 25 years. Jamey Jasta on vocals led the way augmented by the twin attack of Frank Novinec and Wayne Lozinak on guitars and backing vocals. The powerful rhythm section of Chris Beattie on bass and Matt Byrne on drums had hearts thumping inside each audience members’ chest. If you missed them here, they’ll be back in southern California as headliners at the House of Blues in Anaheim this November.
Next up: Black Label Society. While there have been more than a few Society members, this current line up has been together for long enough to be tight, powerful, and loud in the most metal way possible.
BLS is of course led by the one and only Zakk Wylde. The bearded wonder handles lead vocals and lead guitar in Black Label Society and his mic stand also serves as a pulpit. And by stepping up on a riser for each solo, Father Zakk brings the religion of metal to the masses. He’s a sight to behold with bare arms, full kilt (he was wearing shorts underneath), and combat boots. Standing on a platform makes the already imposing guitarist even more impressive as he swings his “Wylde” blond hair to and fro. The Thunder God Thor has his hammer and Zakk Wylde has his axe. And he wields it like no other. Or since Wylde switches out guitars for almost every song, should it be “wields them?”
Although Wylde is without a doubt the “mane” focus of BLS, the contributions of Dario Lorina on guitar, John Deservio on bass, and Jeff Fabb on drums can’t be understated. This is a strong, riff-based band that brings the heaviness. But Zakk is a man of many talents and as we all know, he’s a multi-instrumentalist, so it was great to see him behind the piano for “In This River”, his tribute to Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul from Pantera. But this being BLS, the piano that had just provided such moving music became another platform for Zakk to stand upon during an epic behind the head duel with Dario during “Fire It Up.” BLS ended the evening with “Stillborn” although their great set was anything but.
Somehow, it doesn’t feel like forty years since Anthrax exploded on the scene. Maybe because the thrash metal stalwarts don’t seem at all jaded. Their energy, passion, and humor were all on display. Their set didn’t start until the crowd was fully understood who was about to hit the stage courtesy of a video that featured celebrities paying tribute to the band with a montage of quick cuts at the end with each one saying “Anthrax!”
Then the video screen hit the floor and Anthrax was let loose on the Palladium. The moshing began and if you didn’t know what type of music was being played, lead singer Joey Belladonna was more than happy to tell you that you were in for a night of Thrash Metal. This band has fully embraced the genre title and revels in it.
Frank Bello was an uncaged smiling, head banging, jumping bass player who was everywhere on the stage looking like he couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. On drums of course is Charlie Benante, one of the best metal drummers anywhere. Which is why he, along with Zakk Wylde, will be part of what’s being called a Pantera tribute coming soon. On lead guitar is Jon Donais, an excellent player who is slightly less animated than Ian or Bello, which is not a knock at all. Those two aren’t at 11, they’re more like 12.
Although Belladonna is the lead singer, the case could be made that Scott Ian is the face of Anthrax. While his trademark tuff of chin hair is now a whitish-gray, that is truly the only sign of age. From the shorts and F-you socks to the middle finger skull ring on his pick hand, Ian may be an elder statesman of Thrash, but he refuses to grow up. And that’s a good thing.
This being a 40-year anniversary celebration, all of the big numbers were played. That being said, the band still had the ability to add something unexpected to the evening. On the penultimate song, Chuck D came out for vocals on “Bring The Noise.” The crowd went crazy and did exactly what the song called for. When the show finally ended, it was obvious that The Hollywood Palladium audience had been pummeled for almost five hours by some of the best that metal has to offer.