Hip-Hop Lives Here
Hip-Hop Lives Here
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Boston-based alternative rock band, Hands of Spite, entices listeners with a single off their upcoming record. Building momentum as they release their newest EP, “Inchoate,” on January 24, 2023, the band is excited to share their single, “What Do You Say,” with fans all over the world.
“It’s a taste of what they’re going to get,” exclaims Hands of Spite. “This single is a cool song because it’s one that started with a guitar riff and then the rest of the band really helped developed it into a full-fledged thing. The sound blends different styles, not focusing on any one genre.”
Hands of Spite creates music that is best described as introspective, strong, and riddled with a sense of humor. “There’s a playfulness to our music,” shares the band. This lightheartedness comes in contrast to the heavier elements of their music, which addresses concepts such as isolation and loneliness.
Conceptually, “What Do You Say” uses lines as a call and answer, adding contrast throughout the song. “What are we shooting for? Where are we moving? What’s happening with us” it asks, inviting the listener to wonder the same. “The energy we’re trying to get across is a little aggressive. Hopeful. Forward moving. We want listeners to be excited to listen to the rest of our album,” shares Hands of Spite.
Band members Austin Bullock (guitar/vocals), Sam Gelston (guitar/vocals), Zac Stein (drums/vocals), and Nate Belton (bass) blend their individual influences and styles to create the strong sound of Hands of Spite. “It’s important that we play what makes us feel good. In our case, it’s a mish mosh of genres from mid-90s punk to emo hard rock. Who we are is what we’ve been through as listeners and artists. Within a year of playing, we found our sound through our shared genres.”
Austin contributes his background of classic rock and lofi/garage rock; Sam brings punk and grunge to the table; Zac makes noise with his robust knowledge of rhythm; and Nate sets the tone with bass notes from his hard rock and metal influences (that Zac also shares). All together, the group is a force of sound to be reckoned with.
Listeners who enjoy Nirvana, Alice In Chains, and The Meat Puppets would be wise to take a listen to the newest EP by Hands of Spite. “Our EP is driving—it speaks a lot to isolation and understanding. It was developed during a time we had to be introspective (COVID).” One track off the EP, “Teal,” describes what it means to be stuck alone and how people cope through it. “Talk About It” opens the conversation to our needs and feelings. “‘Lips’ is a demented love song,” jokes the band. “What Do You Say” addresses questioning and understanding yourself. Lastly, “Still Wonder Why” is a reflection piece—what have you done and where are you going?
“A cool part of the EP is the songwriting process. We really came together as a band,” explains Hands of Spite. “Our EP recordings are good, but when we play together it’s a different energy—faster, harder playing.”
The band is eager to perform more live shows both locally and on tour this year. “If people walk away with one thought, it’s that this is only the beginning. We believe in what we’re creating and we have love and respect for everyone in the group. People can feel what we feel when we’re playing.”
Make sure to stay connected to Hands of Spite on all platforms for new music, videos, and social posts.
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Thomas Siliato—the rapper best known as “TommyGun”—delivers the catchy fresh rap track, “SHAME,” produced by beatsbybeau. The upbeat single comes from his recent album, The Young Don Part I, which highlights his Italian roots and heritage.
Born in Long Island, New York, and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, TommyGun began making music as a teenager. “I was inspired very quickly to get on the mic,” shares TommyGun, of his early rise. “‘TommyGun’ was a nickname given to me back in middle school. In high school, I started rapping and stuck with it,” he adds.
One of TommyGun’s biggest influences is Mac Miller. “When he died, I took it up a notch,” he says. “I met him at his concert and had dreams of meeting him again and making song with him.” Unfortunately, TommyGun can no longer see that dream be realized after Miller’s passing, but he’s more fueled than ever to be someone Miller would have appreciated.
Gathering inspiration from great rappers and multiple genres from hip hop to jazz to old-school 90s rap, TommyGun delivers a strong, thoughtful sound. While TommyGun prefers 90s rap, he’s not afraid to dabble in what’s popular. “People like a beat more nowadays,” shares the rapper. “I try to mix it up and stay with the times.”
Of his recent album, TommyGun’s single, “SHAME,” has received the most praise. The song is not meant to be a deeper song—it’s designed for having fun.
“What’s funny about this song is I liked the Dallas Cowboys. They lost in the first round of the playoff this year, and I was so heated the way they went out. I went out and made music. It was a disgrace—that’s the first thing I thought of. It’s a damn shame. When I heard the beat, I took it and ran with it,” explains the rapper. “It’s about how hard it is trying to accomplish anything through the grind.”
TommyGun wants his single to remind listeners that things don’t always turn out the way you planned them. “Sometimes, it’s just a shame, but you’ve got to rock with it and bounce back,” he adds. “Everyone’s been through that and can relate.”
Writing music isn’t a process set in stone for TommyGun. Sometimes, he’ll listen to beats until one “speaks” to him. “With ‘SHAME,’ I came up with the chorus first,” tells TommyGun. “Then I picked up on the verses from there, letting out thoughts and feelings to the song. I wrote it all in about an hour.”
In general, songs take TommyGun about two hours to write. This one flowed out naturally in half the time. “I like the ones that come out quick,” he adds. “That’s how I know I was in the pocket—in the zone.”
Fans of TommyGun’s latest album appreciate the flow throughout the record. “They like how I mix it up throughout the album. It’s not the same type of beats/vibe. It’s a mix of everything. There are harder beats, like ‘SHAME.’ Then I finish the album with a love song. It hits all the different parts of your feelings.”
TommyGun’s recent album is part one of a hopefully three-part series. “I’m Italian—Sicilian,” explains TommyGun. “I like old Mafia movies and things like The Godfather. I like how there’s a part one, two, and three. That’s the type of vibe I intend to do.” Another project on the horizon for the musician is his upcoming music video, scheduled for filming at his local San Gennaro festival at the end of the month.
Make sure to stay connected to TommyGun on all platforms for new music, videos, and social posts.
YouTube for Album, The Young Don Part I
YouTube for “SHAME”
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