Web exclusive: Beta Male, Hello Tokyo, DJ Rusty
by Joshua Stahl May 7, 2008

 

Beta Male, Hello Tokyo, DJ Rusty
Spin Nightclub
May 3

Indianapolis’s good-time band Beta Male and hot New York group Hello Tokyo shared the bill last Saturday night at Spin. DJ Rusty Redenbacher (of the Mudkids) set the tone for the evening by skillfully mixing classic ’80s tunes by the likes of INXS, Tears for Fears and Devo. The only things missing from this totally awesome flashback were “Frankie Says Relax” T-shirts, cans of New Coke and my hair.

But seriously folks … Despite a few gremlins in the house PA system, both bands delivered powerful performances.

Beyond the Spandex and glam rock stage antics, Beta Male is a rock and roll tour de force. Led by the pulsating drumming and lyrical stylings of P. David Hazel, the boys and girls of Beta Male continually wowed the crowd, dipping into their ever-growing repertoire of original material, tantalizing the audience with their sexy swagger.

Passionately backed by Vess Ruhtenburg (guitar) and Tyler Bowman (bass), Hazel and company raucously ripped through versions of soon-to-be instant classics like, “Mirror Ball,” “Make Haste” and fan favorite “Husband’s Girlfriend.”

Hello Tokyo, on tour to promote their new CD, “Sell the Stars,” sauntered on stage, with drink in hand — ready to party! Fresh off their appearance at the 500 Festival, the Big Apple power-pop band, fronted by fiery siren Kat Sugar Plum, rocked the Spin audience with relentless energy and a barrage of power cords, echoing guitar riffs and an ass-kicking backbeat.

 

Comments on Web exclusive: Beta Male, Hello Tokyo, DJ Rusty

by Hack | May 9, 2008

RoseFudge, what is the problem exactly? Three out of five members were mentioned by name. If Josh had excluded Tyler or Vess, I would've still commented on it. However, don't you think it's a little weird that he failed to mention the only two females in the band? LATENT SEXISM, I say. I merely stated a fact - that there are two other members in the band and we ALL play instruments - and you want to start talking trash to me all incognito and shit? That's real classy. I don't care if don't like being actually entertained at a live show, that's your prerogative. But if you want to talk some shit, why don't you stop being a coward and come at it like an adult, maybe get a conversation going? Closed-mindedness is not flattering, darling. Anyway, P David created this project to entice, enthrall and titillate. This is what Beta Male is and it's not going to change. Go eat a biscuit. biscuit eater.

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I'm sorry, this IS sexist.
by P. David Hazel | May 9, 2008

I shouldn't even honor this idiocy, and yes, sexism, with a response, but here goes. I wrote almost every musical part in Beta Male's songs. I put no less passion into the guitar or keys than the drums and shakers. The individual parts are all fairly simple but nuanced. The keys are every bit as integral and complicated as the bass lines or guitar parts. Oh, wait...one of our best bass lines is played on a keyboard...by a woman!! Didn't notice, eh? But surely, one with a hula hoop couldn't possibly handle that! This is rock and roll, stupid. It's not that hard. What it does need is a good bit of style, confidence and X-factor. These women bring more to the table than most guys around town who learn a few notes on their instruments and look at their shoes. Those guys aren't left out of their band's reviews. Allison and Jess are great musicians, to boot, though some anonymous people here on the Nuvo boards seem unable to notice that we're laying down some great parts while we're all, (including the guys, hello!), shaking our asses. How coordinated of us! It has really been an eye opener to me, having women in my band. You think it's pouty of us to bring this up, but it really is sexist and ignorant to not be able to even see what is in front of your face. Women bringing up sexism is "pouty"? If they were black you would have said 'entitled', I'm guessing.

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by rosefudge | May 9, 2008

oh im sorry alpha hack, the writer obviously was referring to the passionate musicians on stage and not the egg shaking monotone booty shaking thats ripping this tour de force apart.>

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by attendee | May 9, 2008

boo hoo, you guys played a great show(my first one) isnt that good enough? no need to pout

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by Jess Hack | May 8, 2008

Beta Male is also passionately backed by myself and Allison Hazel. We both play instruments, it truly is awesome!

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