Back a few days ago, Hot As A Pepper played a fun outdoor event called “Fridays by the Fountain” in Fountain Inn, SC.
The attendance was down a little due to Darius Rucker performing a few blocks away at the Charter Amphitheater / Heritage Park in Simpsonville, SC, but that didn’t stop us from doing what we do best – create a fun and funky groove that had people literally dancing in the streets!
In the middle of the show, my daughter, Megan, came up on the stage and performed a song called “Price Tag” with just me on acoustic guitar and Chris Eller accompanying us on drums. It was a joy to share the stage with her. Now, if we can only get her to come sing some backup and a few dance numbers!
Here she is…. Megan Hoyt…
If you would, please be kind and “like” her video on YouTube.
– John M. Hoyt – Bass Guitar / Vocals / Technology / Roadie
Our trusty Allen and Heath ZED22FX mixer was working so well that we decided to replace it… With this:
Mackie DL1608 16 channel, stereo, 6 aux mixing console with iPad for control
Sometimes you just have to mix it up (pun intended) and try something new and there’s not much newer that we can afford than the Mackie DL1608.
The DL1608 is not your typical mixer. They have removed 90% of the knobs, sliders and meters, leaving you with a box that is rather small, with 16 XLR inputs, 6 1/4″ TRS, a pair of XLR outputs, and a headphone jack. The only knobs are the input trim knobs and the headphone level knob.
There are two switches. Do you need any more than that? There is one to turn it on and off and one to shoot some voltage onto the inputs for your phantom powered devices.
EVERY THING ELSE is controlled from your iPad. The entire control surface is gone from the mixer and moved to an app.
You are not locked into just one iPad though. You can keep one docked if you wish, and that iPad can control the thing, as well as record two channels of mix audio (unfortunately, you cannot record all 16 channels like you can on the Presonus or the Behringer digital mixers). Using an inexpensive wireless router, you can plug the Mackie into that, and use several other iPads / iPhones to control the thing.
Here’s our plan:
DL1608 on stage, will reside on my bass amp’s road case. All stage wiring from mics and to speakers will run to the mixer. NO SNAKE running across the floor to pose a health and safety issue to dancers.
An iPad will remain docked in the DL1608 at all times and we will record two channels to that docked iPad. This iPad will be used to control the stage monitor mixes (remember those 6 aux outs? We can have 6 different feeds).
An 802.11n wireless router (Currently a very inexpensive Asus model) will plug into the Mackie and be velcro’d inside my road case.
My wife is our audio engineer who has been doing both front of house and monitor mixes for me for a couple years. She will now use her own iPad to control the Mackie from anywhere around the venue she chooses! NO CONSOLE TAKING UP A TABLE in the middle of the room. No Snake. No chance of someone spilling a beer in it.
Our guitarist and drummer probably want a different mix…. I’ll let them associate their own iPad or iPod to the Mackie and give them permission to affect ONLY their mix.
Should we add in ear monitors at some point, this system will be perfect for that too.
Shakedown cruise is coming this Friday at Rhythm & Brews in Greer, SC. I’ll try to reply or post a new blog post with the results. Oh, and we will be taking the old ZED with us, just in case!
It’s already March, and so many weddings are planned, right down the last detail. The dresses have been purchased months in advance, the cake and catering have been finalized, and even the groomsmen have been fitted for their tuxes.
But have you picked a band yet? You’re not using an iPod on shuffle are you? Or some DJ who was suggested by a friend of a friend?
If you have decided that prerecorded music is for you, at least insure you have a great sound system. Rent one from one of the reputable places around the Upstate that has a subwoofer to make the bass actually something you feel, instead of just hear. That will be certain to help a little.
However, nothing, absolutely nothing, takes the place of a live entertainment! A band brings the energy level up! Especially a group that has a wide variety of styles that will appeal to a broad majority of your attendees.
Hot As A Pepper is such a band! We play a fun and funky mix of dance and rock, with some good old Carolina Beach, country, and even a reggae tune thrown in for good measure.
Our upbeat rock from the past and present is sure to move the younger crowd, while disco, beach and funk will get just about everyone else. For those who prefer country, yes, we can do a couple tunes for them too.
If you would like more information about how Hot As A Pepper can spice up your wedding reception, please give us a call at 864-979-1224 or use the contact form on our website!
Our rates are affordable, our show is exactly what you are looking for, that is, if you want something unique and fun!
Hey everyone, it’s been a while since we posted anything here, and I apologize because I know you have been hanging around, hitting REFRESH over and over wondering why there was nothing new!
Last night HAAP played again on the Wild Wing Cafe Spartanburg stage. What a blast that was! We were pleasantly surprised to see a couple dozen of our friends make it in from Greenville, Easley, Powdersville, Piedmont, Simpsonville and other parts unknown.
What can I say? We’re honored that someone would go out on a cold and rainy night just to see us!
We made some new friends last night too, got a few new “likes” on our facebook page, and even a gig inquiry. And very important to us, the management and staff seemed to like us and not only paid us, but I think we will be playing there again in 2013!
We’ve brought on board a new drummer, Chris Eller, who made his debut at last night’s gig. Chris is a pretty alright guy who knows his chops and seems to play well with others.
You can read more about him on our member profile page!
Next up – New Year’s Eve at The Lighthouse on Keowee in Seneca. We will be helping to ring in the new year there! Come on out!
What’s the advantage of hiring “Hot As A Pepper” over a DJ?
1. UNIQUE – there’s nothing unique in the music you already have on your iPod or CD. The artistry and talent that world class musicians bring to their performance is priceless, and becoming more rare all the time. Live solos on guitar, keyboards, bass and drums won’t happen with a DJ. Not to mention the Vocal interaction of a Front man during a song getting everyone involved with the song!
2. CREATIVE FLEXIBILITY – in real time, when they have to, live bands can extend, shorten, re-arrange, vamp, transpose pitch, modify tempo, and alter lyrics of songs to fit requests and respond to “spur of the moment” dance situations. Sometimes these tools literally save the day. DJ’s can’t do these things.
3. MEMORABILITY – a phenomenal, live performance will be talked about for many years, especially when they keep an entire audience engaged for hours. But who will remember a DJ after a month?
4. ENERGY & EXCITEMENT – most people rarely, if ever get to experience the raw energy and excitement of a sizzling, live performance up close and personal and when they do, they hit the dance floor with passion from the get go. But the DJ; standing at the table, rarely moves
5. ENTERTAINMENT VALUE – how entertaining is it to watch someone wearing headphones and pushing buttons?
6. COST – a DJ may save you money, or will he/she? You will likely spend $200-$750 for a DJ – But that’s just for one or two persons. A reputable live band will run $500-$1,500, but that’s for 4-5 talented musicians and a show! Comparatively, that’s a very good value.
7. REPERTOIRE – the Hot As A Pepper song list is adaptable – it allows us to pace the crowd and engage the crowd with relatable songs for the moment! A live band is not necessarily limited in what they can play. Everything we play, we make our own. If that means staying true to the original – we do that… but if it means dressing it up for fun, we can do that!
8. COMPLETE PACKAGE – if there’s any song(s) the band doesn’t currently do that you want, You can request it us to play on mp3/CD. So with our live band, you have absolutely everything!
This is the time of year where parties abound! Whether it be for the occasion of a Family reunion of some sort, a sports team’s important game or the three biggest holidays of the year; there are more than your fair share of reasons to host an event that will certainly uplift everybody’s spirits and enhance the mood for all.
Now, I can’t begin to tell you what kind of food to serve as each type of soirée is suited best by a different type of menu. I can’t tell you who to invite because lets face it… only you know who you want there.
Neither can I tell you where you should have it. Do you have your own party barn? Back 40? Favorite watering hole? Perhaps you’d consider renting out a site.
Is this thing gonna be formal? Themed? What’s it’s purpose? Do we bring Dates or will cousins suffice?
I gotta tell you… You sure have stirred a lot of questions and I’ve only got one answer: Hot As A Pepper is the band you need to call! Between the professionalism of the musicians and the experience there isn’t anything this group of guys hasn’t seen. We can play it… Make it FUN… AND ensure that the poor soul that decides to miss your event will be sorry!
Contact us for the times and dates you have in mind before someone else does!! ….namely that person whom you weren’t going to invite – you think they’d invite you to their’s???
We play parties in the Greenville South Carolina area and all over the Upstate. If your event is big enough, we’ll travel to you!
In this day & age with so many outlets it’s something that every business, public event, persona and even individuals must be acutely aware of!
Well, Hot As A Pepper is very self-aware, so we’re gonna take a minute to examine some of what’s being said about us. We’re starting with LinkedIn:
Mark Rodeffer has endorsed your work as Musician / Manager at Hot As A Pepper!
Dear John,
“I recommended John and his band, Hot as a Pepper, to play at an event in downtown Simpsonville and they were a huge success! Although I didn’t get to enjoy their performance much that night, the feedback I received from everyone was outstanding. Even the Mayor commented on how great they were and that we should go ahead and book them for the event next year! Doesn’t get any better than that.”
Service Category: Writer/Editor
Year first hired: 2012
Top Qualities: Great Results, Good Value, Creative
Lee Ann Carter has endorsed your work as Musician / Manager at Hot As A Pepper!.
Dear John,
“This the the best Upstate band in the biz!!! Fun, high energy, great selection of songs…if you want to get the party started Hot As A Pepper is who you need to hire. Very professional, John and the rest of the band members put your satisfaction first. He will take the time to know exactly what your event is, work hard to provide the type of music and “vibe” you are looking for and if you aren’t sure what direction to go, John has the experience and know-how to offer suggestions, ensuring your next party or event is a success!”
Service Category: Music/Entertainment
Year first hired: 2012
Top Qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert
Now on to the UBER Popular Facebook:
Cindy Shaffer I would like to thank all of you guys for coming out and playin for us. Y’all are wonderful and I think Guard Your Life Challenge has their official band. We will be calling on you all again. Thank again we had a wonderful time.
Barbara Rolfson Bryant Thanks for the entertainment. Ya’ll are awesome! Can’t wait to have you back next year!!
Clifford J. Sieber You guys were amazing. Thanks so much for rocking Phi Sigma Kappa’s semi-formal.
Joey Sanders Craft We really enjoyed last night at Macs Speed Shop!! Thank you guys for doing everything yal did!!! Look forward to next time.
Wow… Usually people hate it when they are being talked about… But hey, Not us!! Give us a call, an e-mail, or a note on our Website Here or our FaceBook page Here! Our goal is to give you the BEST entertainment experience and be ABSOLUTELY concerned about what you have to say about it!
– Curtis Butler – Percussionist for Hot As A Pepper
Hot as a Pepper found themselves with an opportunity to help contribute to a great cause: Guard Your Life Event that took place in Downtown Greenville, right up alongside of the magnificent “Fall For Greenville” festival.
Playing at a charity event is always a dicey proposition: Who are the benefactors? What is the reputation of the Organization? Where are the funds going? And most importantly – Who else is lending their credibility to this event?
All these questions were answered in fashion as to lead Hot As A Pepper to feel that this was one event we needed to be associated with. And you gotta know – we had a GREAT time!
Kudo’s to Macs Speed Shop– what a great Venue… Such great folks there! From the Hostess with the mostess, Pedro, & John – all the way to the guys plugging away tirelessly in the Kitchen! All we can say is – you guys ROCK at being HOSTS! Special thanks go out to Misty for taking such good care of us after the show! 😉
The event raised several hundred bucks, all for a great cause. Mac’s benefited from some new faces that will be sure to return (mmm… Brisket Quesadillas…) and a whole lotta folks had a really great Time!!!
Keep checking back here and on our Facebook Page for updates as to where & when we might be next!
Until then!!
– Curtis Butler
Here’s a little something from that show to start your week off too…
Our rendition of Huey Lewis & The News’ “Working for a Livin'”….
There are parties you look forward to and others, well… let’s face it – you just don’t know WHAT to expect! – Am I right?? Well, when Hot As A Pepper was contacted to play an event for the SC Paralegal Association at the Greenville EMBASSY on Verde, we thought Uh-Oh…. But – hey, we just surmised that EVERYONE likes to have a good time, Right?? Do they EVER!!
We had a BLAST… these are some hard working people who; by day, surely do not get enough appreciation for all the effort they put in, but what can be said but that they CERTAINLY know how to dole out the appreciation! These Guys and Gals know how to simply have fun!
Hot As A Pepper would have to admit that This gig was one for the memory books! Even though the long day had taken it’s toll on a few; most of the attendee’s stayed on and really let their hair down, danced and sang along as each song was played effortlessly by this seasoned group. From requests and acappella renditions to Rockin’ & Groovin’, there wasn’t a song that didn’t have someone’s toes tapping or singing along!
We had so much fun we were asked to play their 2013 event; invited to play a private party and are going to be actively plugged to be regulars at a local watering hole! Sounds like a successful night if you ask me!
Don’t miss out on your chance to see & hear Hot As A Pepper – or better yet, BOOK them while you can! You can use our CONTACT FORM or call 864-979-1224 for more information.
The air may have been a little cooler, the Beer certainly was flowing cold & freely… but Hot As A Pepper was burning up the stage at the “Sippin’ In Simpsonville” event. We would like to extend a special thanks to our good friend Mark Rodeffer for having invited us to be a part of this exceptional Oktoberfest fundraiser event for the Arts.
The crowd was thoroughly entertained with new tunes & old… with slow dancers & rockers… I think there were even a couple attempts at shagging!! The only thing that was missing were our accordions! Then there may have been a REAL fire going on! All in all, this fun event came off without hitch at all. Heck, we even accepted the rain since it was kind enough to wait until we were done!!
Hot As A Pepper was really thankful and appreciative of the generosity of those who had organized this event and a very special thanks to the very accommodating and complimentary officer (you know who you are) for being such an encouragement during set up & tear-down.
Are you planning an event? A private party? A Club Owner/Manager looking to get a Band in that will bring the right atmosphere for fun? Look no Further – we’re here!! Our calendar is beginning to take shape as we received good leads and referrals for future gigs while Sippin’ in Simpsonville – Don’t you get caught in the rain with your glass empty; call Hot As A Pepper and Let’s Get it Started!!!
You can use the CONTACT FORM or call 864-979-1224 for more info!
