If you were looking for concert to rock out to on February 16th, Mayday Parade’s 11th anniversary tour of their self-titled album was the place to be. I immediately knew the moment I saw the announcement that this was a show I needed to be at. With special guests Real Friends and Magnolia Park, this lineup was sure to go off. To top it off, the Dallas show was sold out, so we had quite the night ahead of us.
Starting out the show was Florida natives, Magnolia Park, and as expected, they absolutely crushed it. I first heard of them late last year and was able to catch them at Unsilent Night in December. I knew I needed to see them again. They played all their top hits, and the crowd was loving it. They also broke out a cover of Fall Out Boy’s “Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down Swingin’” and delivered an awesome performance of it. My favorite song of their set had to be “Sick of it All” which was their closer. Josh, their lead vocalist, was jumping all over the stage giving me some great action shots. Loved everything about it.
Next up was Real Friends, a band that I hadn’t seen live in almost 4 years. At that time, I was just getting started taking photos, so it was nice to catch them on this tour. I have been a fan of this band since probably 2015 and since then, they have continued to rock it. Cody Muraro brings such a great energy to the stage and has one of those awesome pop-punk voices in the scene. They played some of my favorite songs including “I’ve Given Up”, “Me First, and “Mess”. I forgot how much I really enjoyed listening to them after seeing them that night. Being up close and in the action really brought back some great moments! To close out their set, they played one of their more recent songs, “From The Outside”, and it was a fantastic ending to a great set.
And lastly, we had Mayday Parade which was just about to take the stage. At this point the entire venue was jam packed and it was almost a chore to make it through the crowd. It’ always a treat getting to see this iconic band that we all grew up listening to, so I get why this show sold out. They came out and Derek Sanders started singing the words to “Oh Well, Oh Well” and the crowd went wild. They were all wearing black suits and the stage was set up with almost a Victorian themed setup with colorful pained windows and soft candle lights to create the backdrop. It was a super unique way to set the stage and the music complimented it well. They went on to play some of my all-time favorite songs from their self-titled like “Stay”, “You’re Dead Wrong”, and “When You See My Friends”. And of course, it’s not a Mayday Parade show without “Miserable At Best” and their finale song, “Jamie All Over”, so we were lucky enough to get those ones too.
Overall, I can’t wait to see these bands again because they are all crushing it. It was a 10/10 show, and you'd be best served to see this one live when they roll through your town!
Valentine’s day, the day of love, is the perfect day to attend a Faye Webster concert. Faye has been on her I Know I’m Funny haha tour with her band, and they recently performed at the beautiful (and packed) Seattle venue Neumos on Feb 14th. Neumos is perfectly sized for a show like Faye’s, it’s big enough to hold a large crowd with a main floor and balcony that overs looking the stage, but small enough to make the music experience intimate. Let's dig in to the show.
Kate Bollinger, an up and coming indie pop songwriter-singer from Richmond, VA, opened the show with a mix of songs from her many EP’s and single releases. Under the shimmering disco ball, Kate’s cool laid-back performance got the crowd grooving. Throughout her set, I found myself bobbing my head and dancing to her ultra-smooth melodies. Looking around Neumos, the near-capacity crowd was also mesmerized and one could tell they were digging what Kate was putting out. Bollinger's definitely a star on the rise, so keep a watch out for her as I'm sure she'll be breaking out in a big way in 2022.
After Kate Bollinger's beautiful performance, the crowd was ready for the headliner, Faye Webster. Before getting on stage, Faye and her band got on the mics backstage and goofed around making laughing sounds, like “Haha.. Haha.. Haha.. Haha…” the crowd stood in silence not really sure of what was happening. Then suddenly the lights went down and Faye and her band took the stage. Opening with “Better Distractions”, the first song on her new album I know I’m Funny haha. It was followed by a few more songs from the album and then Faye took a small pause to interact with her fans, wish them Happy Valentines, along with sharing some of her fun road stories.
The audience asked Faye about her Yo Yo, which she has been known for carrying around with her, and someone from the audience gave her flowers for Valentine’s Day. She then started telling the the crowd how she had picked up a new hobby on the road and had been playing Super Smash Bros on her Nintendo Switch, which also doubled as an iPod listening to the game soundtracks on loop. Webster then began to play a special track covering the song “7 PM” from the game Animal Crossing. The iconic track was elevated by her amazing melodies, a touch of jazz guitar and keyboard, creating a funny yet nostalgic performance. Very fitting to the name of her album and tour.
For the final song, Faye Webster's band exited the stage leaving her alone for a solo acoustic performance of her song “Half of Me”. The place went completely quiet and everyone just listened to her lovely voice. It was a perfect way to end the show, and one that I am sure will stick with me for quite some time.
It’s interesting to see Yelawolf in a light where he brings more pure rock into a song. While he does have some great down beat tracks, they typically lean more on the vocal lines he raps. What I really enjoyed about “Rock & Roll Baby” is the way Yelawolf took his down beat soul like rock vocals and intertwined them with the twangy electric guitar of Shooter Jennings. As far as the music video goes, I think the music really complimented the message that was being conveyed throughout this video. The narrative of a son watching his mom trying to live out her version of a "rock & roll dream", while at the same time placing both in a scary situations, was captured perfectly and highlights the power (and pain) of this song. The other side of the video where Yelawolf and Jennings are performing outside of the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas was a great contrasting element and one I think pulled everything together as the video concluded. Overall, I really enjoyed "Rock & Roll Baby" and it's accompanying music video. Different for Yelawolf but I liked it, and am sure you will to!
- James Coffman
John Anderson aka DJ Hot Tub Johnnie has been spinning parties and throwing epic events for over 20 years. His DJ moniker "Hot Tub Johnnie" began with his infamous pool party events that began at Coachella, Sundance, and SXSW. When Hot Tub is behind the decks, he delivers a crowd pleasing collection of party treasures, crossing many decades and genres across the board. He's known for his strong ability to read the room, and understand the mindset of an event. Satisfying participants with an eclectic musical blend is his expertise. Whether your needs are big or small, Hot Tub Johnnie is here to help. Give him a call to discuss availability and pricing for your next Special Event, Wedding, or Corporate Gathering.
John Anderson
Hunnypot Unlimited
310-351-0336
janderson@hunnypotunlimited.
Hip Hop took center stage in Los Angeles at Super Bowl LVI. Among the star-studded line up of artists Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Dr. Dre, 50 Cent, and Mary J Blige was Los Angeles’s pride and joy – the one and only Snoop Dogg. It was a particularly eventful week for Snoop. Besides opening the Pepsi halftime show alongside his longtime partner in crime Dr. Dre, the 50-year-old rapper also acquired the infamous Death Row Records on Wednesday and released his 20th album BODR (Bacc On Death Row) on that very label on Friday. They say hip hop is a young man’s game. Back in 1993, when Snoop Dogg broke out onto the scene with his debut album Doggystyle (also dropped on Death Row), I’m sure he would have agreed. But now I think it’s fair to say that while there’s a ton of new fresh blood in the scene, heavyweights like Snoop are reminding us that the art of hip hop, which they pioneered, is now a middle aged artform. Let’s hop into a few of my favorite joints off BODR.
The album starts with “Still Smokin”. It’s an intro skit of Snoop Dogg telling an associate that he had a dream that he was back on Death Row. A few seconds later, we’re hit with that classic 90s gangsta funk beat as Snoop blesses us with a one-verse song where flexes his 160 million net worth, rolls up the chronic, and reminiscences about the early innovators on Death Row – Pac, Suge, and Nate Dogg. This one makes you feel like it’s 1995 again. Palm trees. Low riders. 40s of Old English. The whole deal.
The second track is my favorite on the album. Another single verse, “Gun Smoke” is no-holds-barred-gun-bar-barfest. If you were to just see this verse transcribed on paper, you would see hints of 21 Savage, G Herbo, or even Dutchavelli. Snoop’s pen on this song is an ode to the street hip hop of the 2010s and 2020s as shows that even one of the pioneers in the game can be as versatile as anyone. On the track, “Doggyystlyin,” he also takes it back to the old school laidback effortless gangsta flow we saw him perfect on “Murder Was The Case.” He drips his gang affiliations and his hood over a dark beat and funky bassline. Snoop may not always rap like this. But when he does, he’s seriously good at it.
While I’m personally a fan of the harder street version of Snoop, one of the biggest reasons he’s aged this well is his stylistic/emotional versatility. He has jams like “Coming Back” where he can rap over a feel-good beat that you’d likely play at the family cookout by the pool. “Coming Back’s” hook is assisted October London who wraps the song together with his feel-good melodies. Assisted by TI and Sleepy Brown, Snoop Dogg delivers another uplifting motivational track with “Gotta Keep Pushing”. On this track, Sleepy Brown sings, “Keep your head up and move // Love will always come through // You gotta keep pushing on”.
There’s a few other notable moments on the album. The Game makes an appearance on “Jerseys In The Rafters” and DaBaby continues to shine in his prime on “Pop Pop”. From front to back, Snoop proves he’s still got it. The fact he can lift you up emotionally on one track but gun you down on another track proves he’s only refined over the years. It’s been almost 30 years since Doggystyle, and he’s come full circle and is back on Death Row. I’m really excited to see what else the new Death Row owner has in store for us in the not-so-distant future...
Hope you had a great Superbowl and Valentines Day. Looks like our 2/21 HUNNYPOT LIVE at THE MINT show is going down as planned, finally the 1st for 2022. I couldn't help falling in love with this brand new Yung Gravy & Dillon Francis ft. T-Pain single/video tailor made for my Hot Tub Johnnie party moniker. See ya soon, bring your floaties.
-Hot Tub Johnnie
Like mana from heaven, The Haxan's latest video dropped into my lap this morning and it is amazing! "All The Roses" seems to check off all the boxes and then some in a world where much of the new music we are exposed to these days is cookie-cutter, over processed garbage. Ash Costello and Matt Montgomery continue to ascend the mountain and are going to be a force to be recokned with in the not-so-distant future. Do yourself a favor and check out their latest, "All The Roses". And once you do, let us know what ya think of their sound and video in the comments!
- Matthew Belter
Continuing our 20 year tradition of identifying and sharing the hottest and most meaningful new single releases. Check out and follow Hot Tub Johnnie's favorite singles released this year. Updated weekly, Hunnypot Approved!
If you would like to hear Hot Tub's party favorites from previous years, look no further:
Last year, just days before two highly anticipated triumphant October hometown shows in Los Angeles, System of a Down (SOAD) was forced to postpone. Unfortunately lead vocalist Serj Tankian had tested positive for Covid. The L.A. dates were rescheduled for February 2022, along with two new shows added in Phoenix and San Diego. I was fortunate to attend the October SOAD concert in Fresno just prior to the postponed L.A. shows. It was an incredible show (see my review of that HERE). After seeing that crazy good Fresno show, with co-headliner Korn, I was definitely excited for the opportunity to see these two top shelf rock bands again. Especially since it only required a 30-minute drive to the Viejas Arena on the campus of San Diego State, as opposed to the 5-hour trek to Fresno last year.
Exploding into the low tuned piledriving funky beat of the opener “Here to Stay”, it was clear Korn was bringing their “A-game” to San Diego. Lead singer Jonathan Davis and the boys brought an extra gear of energy compared to the show last Fall. Perhaps they were all fired up for the release of their new album, Requiem, which was just three days away. Korn gave the audience a taste of the new album with “Start the Healing”, a tune at first listen seemed to have all the important Korn elements -mid-tempo driving beat, heavy as shit guitars, intense aggressive vocals. Other highlights were Davis’ bagpipe intro for “Shoots and Ladders”, and a few lesser played but sick tunes like the upbeat “Ya’ll Want a Single” and the sing along classic “A.D.I.D.A.S.” (shortened version, better than nothing). The show climaxed perfectly with the tune that started it all, the first single off the very first album, “Blind”. Borrowing from Davis’ famous introductory phrase on this song , the new Korn album is out February 4th…”ARE YOU READY?!” I am!
A System of a Down show is an intense memorable experience. With over 40 million records sold worldwide, the band’s catalog is deep, dynamic and inspiring. Serj is back strong after his bout with Covid, and as expected, the band delivered a wildly entertaining show and connected in a special way with the audience. Not seeing a need to rehash the show in detail again, I decided to explore the phenomenon of why this band remains fiercely popular and continues to sell out arenas 17 years after their last studio album? What is it about this band that seems to resonate with music fans? I spoke directly with many of System’s loyal fans to seek insights:
Patrick, from the Instagram fan site “Victims of a Down” (with an impressive 39k followers), says “SOAD stands the test of time. Their songs and messages are even more relevant today as they were back in the 2000s. Raising awareness for the Armenian genocide and the situation in Artsakh shows how important that band is. Now only to me and fans but for a whole country and generations to come.”
Rose from Chula Vista explained that she loved SOAD in high school, but eventually viewed them as cheesy. Now in her 30’s she describes a renewed appreciation for the band, with their social messages and unique sound. “Their music gives me the chills!”, she said excitedly.
Mike from Oxnard proudly proclaimed, “Their music is timeless, and their performances are always unique and powerful.”
George from Ontario, “SOAD won’t follow a formula in their music, and they sing about literally anything. One song can be screaming facts about the prison system while the next song is talking about pulling tapeworm out of you.”
I had great conversations with many fans who are now in their 30s and 40s who grew up with SOAD during the post millennia glory years. Perhaps back in the day, some had been young naïve fans who simply loved rocking out to new heavy music. Now older and wiser, they now realize and appreciate the deeper wisdom intertwined in the music. But many fans seemed to be longtime loyalists from the very beginning. Their deep passion for the band burning bright and hot as ever.
The fan connection is real, tangible at every SOAD show I’ve attended – you can feel it in the air, thick as a Louisiana summer day. The energy and passion fans possess for System of a Down is truly special!
Be well and keep rockin’ - Greg Vitalich
Forty-three years since their debut album, British heavy metal heavyweights Saxon continue to roar full steam ahead with creativity. Last year while the world waited for the pandemic to subside, Saxon released Inspirations, a collection of kick-ass classic rock covers revved up the Saxon way. Now the legendary leaders of the 1980’s New Wave of British Heavy Metal are primed to release their 23rd studio album Carpe Diem on February 4th.
Co-founder and front man Biff Byford co-produced the record with accomplished metal producer Andy Sneap (Judas Priest, Accept, Testament, Megadeth). Sneap also mixed and mastered the album, which successfully captures the essence and spirit of Saxon while adding a crisp contemporary production touch resulting in Saxon sounding as bold, genuine and heavy as ever. “We don’t sound like an old band on records”, says Byford, “because we’re not sitting back on our past success, we’re always trying to make a great album.”
For accomplished bands with a strong legacy of success, releasing new material inevitably means being scrutinized with high expectations against a deep catalog of classic hits. The song that best stands up to these high expectations is the album’s first tune, the title track, "Carpe Diem (Seize the Day)". Released November 2, 2021 (including a video), this track has everything Saxon fans will love; a mysterious keys/war drums prologue pulling listeners back to ancient Roman Britannia and Hadrian’s wall, a monster drum fill intro by Nigel Glockler, a fast and nasty dual-guitar riff, superb vocal performance by Byford and a melodic gritty chorus shouting “Carpe Diem, Seize the Day”!
"It all starts with the riff,” says Byford, "if the riff speaks to me, then we’re on our way. It’s a very intense album, and that’s all down to the fact that the essence of a great metal song is the riff that starts it, and this album has loads of them."
The second single released January 11th, “Remember the Fallen”, is a memorable anthem addressing the current pandemic. “I wanted to write a song about Covid, about the people that have died, and give my perception of how it seemed to happen” offers Byford. “Certain aspects of it all are quite mysterious, and of course, it hasn’t finished yet, has it? We should all remember those who have died as a group of people not really knowing why they died, because the information wasn’t there.”
Another interesting element to this album, and “Remember the Fallen” specifically, is the backing vocal dynamics contributed by Byford’s son Seb Byford. Instead of simply layering different Biff Byford vocals tracks for a standard harmonizing effect (which can sound too mechanical) it was refreshing to hear a different voice providing the harmonies – a nice element I enjoyed with this album. Biff (on bass and vocals) and Seb (on guitar and vocals) released an album last year under the name Heavy Water, but it’s cool Seb finally collaborated with dad on a Saxon album.
“Carpe Diem” is Latin for “seize the day” and Saxon continues to seize every possible moment by continuing to produce great classic metal albums we can all appreciate. How many great bands from the 80’s are as active and productive as Saxon in 2022? Not many! Enjoying the same steady lineup for over 25 years, the band is a well-oiled pure metal machine showing no signs of slowing down. Their latest effort truly distills the frustrations and angst of the last few years (band member health scares and Covid) into an intense collection of 10 riff heavy, fiercely aggressive, melodic tracks that will certainly please classic metal fans. Seize the day and get this album!
Be well and always keep rockin’!
