The Hotel Year

By Katey Khaos

up-and-comers-the-hotel-ye-copyWho says punk’s dead? The Hotel Year fans the punk rock flame with upbeat, catchy tracks that are sure to bring back fond memories of your younger years ~ at least it did for me!

The Hotel Year is Christian Holden (bass/vocals), Zack Shaw (guitar/vocals), Chris Hoffman (guitar/vocals) and Sam Frederick (drums). Their influences range from old-school favorites like Saves the Day and The Early November to many 90s post punk bands and even some 2000s teen angst bands. Most of the members had been involved in previous bands before deciding to combine their efforts into a single project. “We all went to high school together ~ and we all had chemistry, which was obviously good for us.”

The band agrees that “We don’t have a specific name for our fans. Until recently, we would have called our fans by name ~ because we could ~ because no one knew who we were.” Their fans are dedicated and growing in number daily. At their local shows, there is always a crowd up front singing back to the band, word for word. Many of the lyrics are off The Hotel Year’s newest album, It Never Goes Out, which features nine tracks ~ each showcasing the band’s tremendous talents.

“Our biggest accomplishment would have to be this album because it came so naturally to us. There was still a lot of work put into making it, and I think we are all proud of it.”

The first track I listened to was “Our Lives Would Make a Sad, Boring Movie,” and I was instantly hooked! It, as well as the entire album, is available for free download (or with a donation) at thehotelyear.bandcamp.com.

www.facebook.com/pages/The-Hotel-Year/122102214502266

*****

GMB

By Bruce Elliot

up-and-comers-gmb-copyHey you jive-ass mothers ~ John Shaft here, the black private dick that’s a sex machine to all the chicks, and I’ve got the word for all you turkeys. There is a new cool in the music biz, and their name is GMB, aka Great Minded Brothers. Can you dig it? These cats are the coolest Pop/Hip-Hop-Rap/Dance group around, and they’re from the heart of Worcester, baby. My man Basil Fletcher (B-Macks) and his partner Anthony Warren (A-Dub) grew up just two blocks from each other, and have been recording, free-stylin’, singing, rapping, and writing since they were ten! Now they’re ready to unleash their musical vision upon the world. You dig?

B-Macks takes his musical inspiration from The Notorious BIG, while the fun-loving A-Dub leans more towards the pop sounds of Michael Jackson. Together they create a sound that’s smoother than Super Fly’s ride and more fun than a trampoline at the Playboy Mansion. With the help of producer Masiah and A-List Music Group CEO Daniel “Lincoln” Bloh, the pair is set to release their killer debut single “Throw Ya Legs Back.” The song features razor-sharp lyrics and a stronger hook than Ali, baby.

With a new album on the way, GMB are more determined than ever to make it. “We want to make it from here…it would be great to open the door for our city, and to put it on the (hip/hop) map.” Meanwhile, they will never forget Worcester. “We will definitely stick to our Massachusetts roots.  You can never forget where you come from, and this city made us who we are today.” So check my Great Minded Brothers at www.gmbhits.com, because they are bad mother f– (Shut your mouth!) Hey, I’m just talkin’ about Great Minded Brothers. Can you dig it?