Here’s an outtake of the video…Joe Mazzeo, of the Grumps, warming up before performing for the video.. He is playing his Jackson through a Ceriatone Chupacabra 50 watt head through his Marshall 4×12 cabinet with Celestion Greenbacks.

Photo by: Joven Calingo / Model: Destiny Monique

Photo by: Joven Calingo / Model: Destiny Monique

Here is the video from the photo shoot in studio M here at Hothouse Rehearsal Studios.

Thanks to Joven Calingo (Photographer), Destiny Monique (Model), Tiffany Dang (Hairstylist/MUA), Chris Sabanpan (Photographer Assistant) and Sherwin Binguan (BTS Videographer).  See more photos here.

To learn more about Joven and Fotoconcerto check out his website at http://www.fotoconcerto.com

Besides some of the best sounding and equipped music rehearsal studios Hothouse Studios was also designed to accommodate the specific studio dimensions photographers ask for.  Call us at 562.945.1300 to book your next photo shoot or rehearsal.

Studio 1 | The Auditorium

Let’s go all the way back to the academic definition of music rehearsal first: “Rehearsing a musical composition often involves repeating some passages over and over again until everyone in the ensemble (band or group of musicians) masters them.” Well that’s the core of rehearsing, its main foundation… the one that no matter what, you should always comply to.    

But music has changed much since these academic days, now rehearsing exceeds these acts, and combines more tasks in itself.   

First you should agree that a focused band is the main requisite for a decent rehearsal.  
Secondly, be aware that a group rehearsal (or ensemble rehearsal, as stated in the opening definition) is not your practice room or music instrument class!  Don’t go into the rehearsing studio to develop your individual skills or train your finger position and so on… that’s homework mate! Musicians should be prepared for rehearsing as a group and reviewing the tracks over and over is practically the only way to achieve the sound that you want.   

Ø      Discussion and Analysis 

But rehearsing isn’t all about playing the part or song silently from start to stop. The meaning of rehearsing hides another concept vital in today’s bands: Discussion and Analysis.  

When you train a track or a part of it, let’s say from the bridge to the chorus, over and over you are perfecting it, and most of the times “perfection” is about getting it right and playing it smoothly… but there are cases in which, during rehearsal, minor changes to the tracks can happen. A slight change on a note’s duration or its pitch can occur when musician calmly discuss and present their point of view on that segment of music being analyzed.    

So it’s all about maturing your own product, and that comes in many shapes and flavors. As stated above you can perfect the way all of your band members play their part of the songs, you can perfect the way vocals and back vocals line up and double themselves on the chorus, and many more slight corrections like these, but another thing you can mature is the way the band performs. That’s where the stage-like rehearsal comes into play.   

Ø      Show Rehearsing

A common practice for bands (and a really important one for bands) is Show Rehearsing. This is, playing your entire concert song list, from start to end and even the “encore” if you’re feeling lucky. This will point out mistakes and problems in your band that you don’t want to experience live and also helps you to test the concert song list.

Which problems are these you say? Just play the entire song list and you’ll see.

The drummer is tired because track 3 is up tempo and is followed by another really fast tempo song. The bass player needs to switch to percussion in track 6 which leads to enormous waiting time (crowd’s hate that), and it gets worst, where you find out that playing all the tracks sequentially can be hard work. So by using these practices in rehearsing you’ll definitely get near to perfection, which is the purpose of it.

But remember a crucial aspect: mastery of technical skills DOES NOT replace feeling when playing. 

In the other hand, besides Show Rehearsing you have several styles and types of rehearsing and some common practices.  

Ø      Common Practices 

For drum players you should always use a metronome while rehearsing difficult songs (particularly if at the start you’re not feeling the tempo, or if the signature is a composite, i.e.: 7/4, 5/4, 3/4, and so on).  

Bass players and drummers should build up a strong concept of rhythm section. If need be they could take some time on their own and practice the bass lines and rhythms. And then accordingly to you own band formation, there’s several ways to enhance your performance.  

Lets’ divide these practices into a small list, with sub-topics: 

Ø      Rhythm section 

As stated, both bass and percussion elements (drummers, conga players, etc…) should work considerably close. That makes a band consistent and the groove becomes solid. 

Work with metronome if any of the musicians is not feeling the tempo, but be sure to disconnect it when everyone is groovin’.

To synth players or organ players, keep an eye on the tempo and the rhythm section and learn their breaks and tempo changes.

If you’re working with vocals and background vocals be sure to reserve some rehearsing time to this.  Many times the chorus needs to change because of background vocal integration.  

Also, a new trend is to use effects on the voice, so if that’s your case, choose some nice gear (foot pedal) and some powerful harmonizer effect machine, and rehearse that part over and over. (You don’t want to mess up effects in real time).

 Ø      Wind instruments 

Wind sections should always work together (reeds and brass), and if you have/can, work with the piano score (transposed to your instrument, of course) and keep it well rehearsed. If needed take some time to rehearse this section alone.

Just a final note for those that play solo or play solos in their band. Solos take a huge time rehearsing and should be done in your own individual studio time or at home. When rehearsing with the band be sure to have your solos worked out. 

For an First Rate
Audio | Video | Rehearsal Experience
Call Hothouse Studios
“Where Music Grows”

Hothouse Rehearsal Studios, 11823 Slauson Ave., Unit 41, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670, USA  562.945.1300

Let Music Fill the Air

This holiday season all of us here at Hothouse Studios want to celebrate and share our peace and joy with everyone by wishing you and all those you love the greatest holiday season ever, full of good cheer and thanksgiving.

We are thankful to all of you who supported us throughout the year and made us the #1 neighborhood rehearsal facility in Southern California.  We are grateful for your allegiance and look forward to our continuing relationship.

 We are committed to providing you with our time honored service and support. 

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

California Jamming Band

On Camera Rehearsal

If you are familiar with the Movie School of Rock, you can imagine how an on camera rehearsal could benefit a band.  This type of rehearsal is pre-planned, with someone bringing in the video camera.  If possible, a TV should be brought in as well to watch the video right afterwards.  What are the benefits of doing an on camera rehearsal?

Ø  It’s an official dress rehearsal which includes being dressed. 

Most bands don’t do “dress rehearsals” that include being dressed for the part but if you are videotaping, even if just to review everything, the clothes should be included.  You never know when you will need filler for a music video later! 

Ø  The moves you think are cool may not be/you think you are moving and your feet are glued to the floor.

Another big reason for the on camera rehearsal is to make sure everyone looks good jamming out.  Many times, a band is into their music and it looks great but occasionally you will have that one band with that one guy that is over the top and insane compared to the rest of the band, like Jack Black’s character in School of Rock, for example.

Ø  To Avoid Clichés

There are so many “rock” clichés that avoiding them all is impossible.  With that said, trying to avoid some of the egregious ones is an important part of your presence.
By videotaping, you can tell whether you or your band mates are doing anything too weird and zany.  Often times, you will do things and not even realize it while on stage. 

Read the entire “On Carmera Rehearsal” article here in the Band Toolbox.

Hothouse Studios is more than a top notch rehearsal facility, we are a music career learning center and the Band Toolbox has over a 100 articles in it on various subjects relating to succeeding in your music career.  Enter the Band Toolbox here.

For an First Rate
Audio | Video | Rehearsal Experience
Go to Hothouse Studios
“Where Music Grows”

Hothouse Rehearsal Studios, 11823 Slauson Ave., Unit 41, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670, USA  562.945.1300

Giving thanks is good for your health. Decades of research has shown that adults, who feel gratitude more often, have better social connections, optimism, and energy.

On this Thanksgiving Day we take time to appreciate all of the good things we have in life.

With our sincere gratitude we thank all of you, the incredible people in the Hothouse studio community.  Thank you for filling the studios with your magnificent music.  We wish you all a successful life.  May your hearts and home be full of divine blessings on this Thanksgiving Day and thereafter!

Hothouse Studios continues our commitment to Giving You, the most creative, friendly and professional rehearsal facility in the world.

The Staff at Hothouse Studios
Wishes you and yours a wonderful holiday.
Thank you for your business!
Don, Kirk and Richard

The Abellera family and Hothouse Studios has been building our relationship, since we opened the studio doors 7 years ago.  I can remember JoJo bringing the kids in to jam for the first time.  Justine was only 11, Bryan was still a baby and A.D. had just become a teenager.   Boy did they have fun.  The kids were so excited.

Now Bryan is playing the drums, Justine is right out front leading the group on guitar and vocals and JoJo (dad) is still playing those bass lines.  Watch this video of them covering the Bruno Mars song “Just the Way You Are”.

Thank you JoJo, A.D., Justine and Bryan, it warms our heart to be part of your life’s experience. 

Justine Abigail/Vocal-Guitar-16yrs old, Bryan on drums 8yrs old and their Father Jojo in the Auditorium at Hot-House Studio..:)

Pictured here: Joe | Shem | Richard | Doug | Burleigh | David | Chris

Friday, Ambrosia locked out “the auditorium” and it was like a bit of heaven dropped by for the day.  The guys showed up for rehearsal one at a time which was perfect, cause I got to personally greet Shem, David, Burleigh, Chris, Joe and Doug as they arrived.  They were all so gracious and welcomed me into their group. 

Like all the seasoned players that rehearse here, set up was a breeze. The guys are completely organized and through planning and practice they know exactly how to set themselves up.  Mixing the sound board was cake because they told me exactly what they needed.  Preparedness it’s a characteristic I’ve noticed in all the successful people I meet. 

When the music began it was like listening to the stereo.  Each song alive and breathing, each note precise, each vocal harmony on the button, each song so balanced.  I left the door to the hallway open all day so I could enjoy the music.  

During rehearsal breaks I really got to meet everyone.  The conversations were like the ones I have with my childhood friends, so easy with no pretense. Joe and I even talked about our families from Spain that was very a very cool connection. 

Everyone that dropped by noticed the quality of the songs and the musicianship and asked me “who is that in the studio”.  For the privacy of the band I always just say “some real professionals aren’t they awesome”. 

It’s amazing how fast time passes when you’re listening to good music while you work and I was sad to see the guys leave at the end of the day.  It sure seemed like Burleigh could sense this and he assured me they would be back because the guys told him they loved place. He even gave me a hot off the press, one of kind Ambrosia T-Shirt. I was stoked. 

Thank you guys for the friendship. 

• Joe Puerta — vocals, bass, guitar
• Christopher North — keyboards (primarily Hammond organ and Chamberlin), synthesizers, backing vocals
• Burleigh Drummond — Drums, percussion, vocals, bassoon
• Doug Jackson – guitars, backing vocals
• Shem Von Shroeck – vocals, percussion, guitar, bass
• David Cutler-Lewis – keyboards, synthesizers

Learn more about Ambrosia at their artist page here.

Studio 1 "The Auditorium" at Hothouse Studios

Final rehearsals for the Brazilian Street Carnaval were held yesterday in the auditorium and the studio was overflowing with rhythm and energy.

The drum beats and the dancing is infectious and it spilt over into all the rehearsals here at the studio. Everyone was coming and going with a little dance in their step and telling us what a great rehearsal they had.  Positivity is that way.

Join our close friend David de Hilster as he puts on the 13th Annual Brazilian Street Carnaval at the Promenade Downtown Long Beach, Ca on September 19, 2010.  Gates open at noon and the event closes at 9pm.  This year’s theme is Brasil Moderno.

It’s reasonably priced, it’s all day, there will be two parades, 3pm Rio Style and 5:30pm Tri-Electrio, where everyone can join in.  The entire Promenade will be filled with food and cultural booths. A giant stage with have continual music and dance performances.  You won’t want to miss this event. 

Read the press release below and for detailed info go the Brazilian Street Carnaval web site.

13th Brazilian Street Carnaval Returns to the Downtown Long Beach Promenade September 19, 2010

Long Beach, California, August 18, 2010 – SambaLá Samba School and Contemporanea Drums announce the 13th installment of the Brazilian Street Carnaval taking place on Sunday, September 19, 2010 from noon to 9 pm on the downtown Promenade in Long Beach California. This year’s event features a Rio-Style Parade at 3:30 pm, a Trio-Electrico Parade at 5:30 pm, and Brazilian bands, food, and booths all day. Headlining the entertainment for this year’s event is SambaLa Samba School, Made in Bahia, Pagode with Cupim. Other groups include Samba 4 U Bloco, Capoeira Centro Sul, Natalia & Daniel, Raiz Brasil Dance Troupe, TMA Music, and Zumba. Proceeds for the event benefit children in Brazil via the charitable organization “Casa do Caminho” located in Rio de Janeiro state. Organizers have rolled back prices to help out in this recession dropping $5 off prices from 2 years ago.

Everyone is invited to parade in one of the two parades that take place on the downtown Promenade in City Place between 5th Street (at Wal-Mart) to Broadway. There is a $10 fee to parade in the Rio-Style parade and costumes are for sale, for rent, or you can wear your own with approval by the parade director. The parade will include 150 dancers, 25 drummers, a float, a sound car, and dozens and dozens of beautiful samba dancers in feathers and bikinis. Costumes are being designed by Long Beach Carnaval Artist Doris de Hilster and choreography by top samba dancer and instructor Valeria Ruggieri, both of who exhibited their skills this year to over 40 million people world-wide in the 2010 Rose Parade in and around the Jack-in-the-Box float.

This year’s carnaval theme is “Modern Brazil” (Brasil Moderno) which is features in the Rio-Style parade with the theme song composed and sung by Brazilian Renni Flores with the drum arrangement by Rodney De Assis. The theme song can be found on the internet at song.carnaval.org.

The Trio-Electrico (Bloco) parade requires the purchase the purchase of a T-Shirt along with admission ($25 in total prior to the event, $30 at the gate). Those with the T-Shirt can fall in line behind the sound truck and follow the fun and dance moves. The Bloco T-Shirts were designed by Rio resident Igor Leal who is a carnaval artist and composer living in Rio de Janeiro.

Attendees are invited to bring new small or medium-sized toy for Casa do Caminho charity in Brazil.

General admission is $15 prior, $20 at the gate. Bloco T-shirt admission is $25 prior, and $30 at the gate with VIP all-points passes going for $50 prior and $60 at the gate. There are private tents available for groups of 10 also available at $500 prior to the event. Seniors and students get a $5 discount. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.carnaval.org or by calling 562-508-4504.

For more information call 562-508-4504, email contact@carnaval.org, or visit www.carnaval.org. The Brazilian Street Carnaval takes place on Sunday, September 19, 2010 from noon to 9 pm and will be located at 205 The Promenade North in Long Beach, California 90802.

Recently a review was posted on the Google Reviews site about the way Hothouse conducts itself. All the accusations are flat out false, and we know that if you have interacted with the Hothouse on any level you would agree.  Now we need you to help us get the word out and tell people who might be reading this review from “Rueben” the truth.  We encourage Rueben to call and discuss this experience he has had directly.  Here’s the review:

Review:
they dont care about you like they say??
By Rueben – Jul 28, 2010

Hothouse Rehearsal Studio 11823 E. Slauson Ave #41, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
I’m sick and tired of this place, they always seem to double book and I get screwed. I have talked to numerous bands that rehearse here and they say the same thing and these guys just dont care. They pretend to with all their hoopla on their website but they just want money. I dont know why all the bands that come here put up with it, there are other places even across the street that probably would not do that. I am taking my rehearsals elsewhere and I suggest you do the same. If you want to be treated with respect go some where else. If you want to see so called celebrities go some where else as well because in the last couple years I have never seen anyone that they say rehearses here. Richard probably suckers them in to get them on film.
and the link:

Our Response:
1. Hothouse is thorough in our booking procedures to ensure double bookings do not occur. When a rare double booking has occurred we have immediately made amends to the band and given them their next rehearsal session free.

2. You talk of numerous bands unhappy with us? We pride ourselves on having many bands that have been rehearsing at Hothouse since day 1!!!  They love the community, the facility, and the staff.  We thank them.  They know we truly care. 

3. You attack our website? You say we are motivated by money, pretty strong accusations.  Rueben, if you have “ever been” to Hothouse Studios you would never say the things you say!

4. At the Hothouse our staff treats all of our customers like celebrities and we honor them.  We are happy to be of service to them. And yes many “celebrities” use our studios and we honor their privacy.

5. Hothouse Studios does care, if Rueben has a problem, we encourage him to call and discuss his problem with the owner Richard at (562) 945-1300 anytime.

Rueben, perhaps you should find something better to do with your time, than using a false name and posting negative comments.

Watch your Karma… you may want to take down the review…

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Please either comment on this blog post or on the Google Review site.  Post about your experience, then share it with the community and the managers at the Hothouse.

Your time and patronage is appreciated, we know that you have many choices when it comes to rehearsal studios, but have selected Hothouse as your “home”.

Don, Kirk and Richard
The Staff at Hothouse

P.S. If you ever every have a problem or issue at Hothouse you can always call the owner Richard Morales direct at (562) 945-1300 any time of the day and I will take care of the problem immediately.