Back from parts unknown (apparently an empty warehouse somewhere) returned our old friends, the hottest young raggae-rock band in the southland, “Rundown.” Manny (guit), Mike (bass), Hector (drum), and Joven (voc/guit) play a choice selection of originals and covers (both traditional and new wave) that not only rock, but grooooove too (think “Sublime,” or “311″). One of my personal favorites to ever grace the halls of the Hothouse, “Rundown” is in the process of completing their newest recordings, and will be playing the Key Club next month. Check them out!

Don’t be a Drama(rama) Queen!

Tonight, “Dramarama” is currently in our Studio M. Nights like these blow my mind just a little bit. What a pleasure and gift it is to work here when the studio is graced by rock and roll professionals such as these, not only to bask in their reflected professional glow, but also to learn a little from them. And what I’ve learned so far is that even if you’ve travelled around the world, played for thousands upon thousands of people, written a hit song, and even played for Ellen (Degeneres) as her special guest on her freakin’ birthday, you can still be a cool, mellow, amiable cat, and even bum a ciggarette to a lowly know-nothing, done-nothing shmoe like myself. Thanks guys.

- Kirk at the Hothouse … where music grows