Thursday, December 27, 2012

HK's Look Back At The Year In Music




Oh what a year in music it was- EDM crossed over to the mainstream and becomes the hottest thing in Pop with Skrillex taking home several Grammy Awards, and deadmau5 and David Guetta performing live at the Grammys. To everyone's amazement and a little creepiness Tupac appeared as a hologram.The Rolling Stones marked 50 years as an iconic rock n' roll band with a greatest hits album, two films, a book, two new songs and an announcement of a "50 and Counting" tour. Beyonce and Jay-Z kept the headlines coming with releasing new music, the birth of Blue Ivy Carter, concerts, work on a new album, supporting Obama's re-election and a mega million dollar sponsorship deal with Pepsi. Taylor Swift sold 1.2 million copies of "Red' in its first week, making it the biggest debut of any album this year. One Direction was named "Billboard's Top New Artist of 2012" with a pair of No. 1 albums. Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe" spent nine weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100 chart and was stuck in my head for months. We saw everyone and some who shouldn't be dancing to PSY and his infectious "Gangnam Style". it become the most-watched video on YouTube and is set to break over 1 billion views by the new year.  Adele was rollin' in all things good, with her "21" album (that I must note was released 23 months ago) selling 4.3 million copies in 2012 alone, recovering from vocal cord surgery, winning six Grammys, selling 1.1 million copies of "Skyfall' and becoming a mom. I wonder what she has planned for 2013? 

I know I plan on rockin' the decks and droppin' the beats like a New Years Eve ball  with custom HK remixes on Justin Bieber & Nicki Minaj - "Beauty And The Beat", the hot new one fromMaroon 5 - "Daylight', Rihanna - "Diamonds", and  Pink - "Try". You won't believe what I've done to Ellie Goulding - "Anything Could Happen", Pitbull - "Don't Stop The Party" and the brand new club banger from Ludacris/Usher/David Guetta - "Rest of My Life".  

There's plenty more and it's all coming with the HK flavor. So lock it in for a non-stop throw down on the one's and two's you don't want to miss!

Remember..."If it's hot, if it's new, and it makes you wanna move...you're In the Mix with HK™".

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Lighting Up The Decks and Mixin' Up The Mistletoe




It's finally here. The weekend before xmas. By now I hope you decked the halls, got those last minute gifts like Cassadee Pope and are ready to hang with family, friends and truly take in the blessing of the holiday season. 

For many this year did not go well. Loss of a job, loss of income, loss of a home and everything you own, or for many even worse…the loss of a loved one.  The events of the Sandy Hook tragedy, Super Storm Sandy, the mall shooting in Oregon and the loss of friends and family that happen every day without making headlines is and should be a reminder of just how precious life is. As I wrote under my high school picture years ago…"Live, love and enjoy today for tomorrow is promised to no one". So this holiday season and in the coming year – live more, love more and enjoy more!

In my personal effort to get this energy going I'll be lighting up the decks and mixin' up the mistletoe In The Mix with HK™. So tune in to hear exclusive HK remixes on all your favorite hits. I'm droppin' bangin new beats on Bruno Mars - "Locked Out of Heaven", the hot new dance floor smoker from Ludacris-Usher-David Guetta - "Rest of My Life" and Pitbull - "Don't Stop The Party". And that's just the first set. You'll be beggin' for a towel and water before I even roll out new jams from Sam And The Womp - "Bom Bom", Macklamore & Ryan Lewis - "Thrift Shop" and Taylor Swift - " I Knew You Were Trouble". There's so much going on in this weeks show there isn't enough room in this blog to talk about it. All I can say is you don't want to miss what I've done to RihannaOne RepublicSwedish House MafiaNicki Minaj and I've got a special surprise. I'm gonna inject some HK flavor into a classic rock icon.

Remember…"If it's hot, if it's new, and it makes you wanna move…you're In The Mix with HK™".

Friday, December 14, 2012

MUSIC REALITY!



For the longest time I couldn't bring myself to watch any music competition show on TV. As someone who spends their life discovering, producing, remixing and programming talent – it was just to difficult for me to watch the fate of talented (and in some cases untalented) people be decided by the public at large. As if this was just a popularity contest. No not me! I take this to seriously. 

Then The Voice comes along. Ahh! A show with really talented judges and they actually pick who moves forward in the competition. Yeah! I'm happy! Well for a little while. That is until the Voice hit's the final stage and turns into every other music reality show by handing the voting reigns over to the 1-800 number. 

My bliss of hearing Amanda Brown sing is now over. The joy of seeing and hearing a young prodigy like Trevin Hunt gone. One can only hope Nicholas David will win at this point. Unlike his two remaining counterparts, Nicholas is a true artist in every sense of the word. His unique soulful voice, vibe and musicianship is that of a seasoned pro and every performance draws you in. Terry McDermott can sing. No denying that, but I personally know about 10,000 rock band bar singers who are just as good. The only thing I can say about Cassadee Pope is despite her being a huge public favorite she never should have made it this far. In the majority of her performances she has sung off key and with no dynamic.  She has Blake to thank for getting her this far. Note to sweet Miranda….don't leave those two alone for to long.

I've got nothing but the hottest artists In The Mix with HK™ and a few special gems from the past to heat up your night. For the best music reality tune in this week. I'll be remixing all your favorite hits like…Pitbull - "Don't Stop The Party", Swedish House Mafia - "Don't You Worry Child" and Rihanna - "Diamonds". I'll also be featuring remixes on some new bangers from…  Sam and The Womp - "Bom Bom", Chris Wallace - "Remember When (Push Rewind)" and  Neon Trees - "Lessons In Love"! It's an all out party music jam you don't want to miss!

Remember...if it's hot, if it's new and it makes you wanna move...you're In The Mix with HK.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

GRAMMY NOMINATIONS HK STYLE!


As a proud member of the voting body of the Grammy's I look forward each year to the nominations announcement with both excitement and wonderment. What I usually wonder about is the snubs and surprises. No matter how much you try to figure out what your colleagues were thinking you can't.

Here's the breakdown…Frank OceanKanye WestJay-Zfun.The Black Keys' Dan Auerbach and Mumford And Sons all got six nominations. You read that right…6 nominations. Justin Bieber's Believe and Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded were passed over for Best Pop Vocal Album and Bieber's manager, Scooter Braun, wasn't to happy about it. Taking to Twitter to vent his feelings. Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe" was nominated for Song of the Year (a writers award), but not Record of the Year. She's also up for Best Pop Solo Performance. One of the biggest surprises is the Best New Artist category. There's a lot of young girls who will be wondering why both One Direction and The Wanted (arguably two of the biggest sensations this year) were overlooked. Perhaps the Grammy voters didn't feel either band had what it takes, who knows. But that's only the beginning, wait to you see the Album of the Year category. As with each year there is a lot to question, but than again I could say that about any awards competition. To check out all the nominations go to Grammy.com.

Regardless of who your personal fav's are, I'll be getting directly at it  In The Mix with HK. It's a non-stop music mix with custom HK remixes on Ke$ha - "Die Young", Justin Bieber & Nicki Minaj - "Beauty And A Beat", Pitbull - "Don't Stop The Party" and Ne-Yo's - "Let Me Love You". I promise even more bangers with my reworkings of Ellie Goulding - "Anything Could Happen", Ludacris/Usher/David Guetta - "Rest of My Life", fun. - "Some Nights" and the new one "Give Me Your Hand" from The Ready Set. Bring a towel and dress comfortably cause it's gonna be a smoker!!! 

Remember…"if it's hot, if it's new and it makes you wanna move…you're In The Mix with HK".

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Music's Top Earners



Forbes released its list of highest paid musicians of 2012. Surprisingly, a huge chunk of their denaro is from outside of the recording studio, often picked up through biz ventures or on tour. The rankings are based on earnings from May 2011 – May 2012 and even though his next album Detox hasn't dropped yet, Dr. Dre leads the pack this year bringing home $110 million. Pushing him to the top was Dre's "oh so cool" Beats headphone line. Next up is Roger Waters, the 69 year old founder of Pink Floyd. He made out like a fat cat with a cool $80 million in concert revenue. Also benefiting from being on the road are our next big earners, Elton JohnU2Take That and Bon Jovi. I know what your thinking…Take That – who's that? They are the British boy band whose reunion tour grossed a record setting $61 million for just eight dates at Wembley Stadium alone. Then there is Britney Spears followed by Taylor Swift, who weighed in at number eight with $57 mil. Remember that doesn't include any of the earnings from her just released new album, which sold 1.2 million copies in it's first week of release. Tied with Taylor was Paul McCartney and rounding out the top 10 was Justin Bieber. Apparently having a good set of pipes, endorsement deals, perfumes, acting, product lines, and touring can really jack up that bank account. 

I personally need to buy another lottery ticket to blow up my bank account but I will be musically rich when I'm rockin' the decks this week on In The Mix with HK™. Get ready for custom HK remixes on Maroon 5's new one - "Daylight", Kesha - "Die Young", Flo Rida - "I Cry", Chris Brown - "Don't Wake Me Up", Pink - "Try", a wicked extended HK remix on Swedish House Mafia - "Don't You Worry Child". I've got a whole bevy of smokin' jams and killer remixes, plus my pick to hit.

Not in the listening area of one of our affiliates? Catch the show right here. You can stream or download previous hot shows by going to the audio player just to the right.

Remember…"if it's hot, if it's new, and it makes you wanna move…you're In The Mix with HK™".

Thursday, November 22, 2012

In The Mix with HK Gives Thanks !




Here at In The Mix with HK™ we have much to be thankful for. First and foremost we give thanks everyday for our families, friends, health and all of our HK listeners. Of course, music is always on our list as well. This year we are thankful that Pink chose a music career over her love of gymnastics. She sure showed off her physical prowess during her mid-air number at the 2012 Grammys and then again with an intensely athletic performance on the AMA's. Pink definitely has skills but I am "Raising My Glass" that she was drawn to the beat.  We are always thankful for the music of Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi but now they are putting their fame to use by raising money and serving on the advisory board of the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund. You gotta love artists that use their celebrity status to help others. Thanks to new artists and producers of 2012 like Karmin, Gotye and Skrillex that bring fresh talent and creativity to the airwaves. And thank you Miss Swift not only for a great new album but for loosing that weird "I cant believe I won" expression when you receive an award.

I have a whole lot of award winning beats for you this weekend when I fire up the decks with custom HK remixes on Pitbull - "Don't Stop the Party", Rihanna - "Diamonds", The Wanted - "I Found You", Ellie Goulding - "Anything Could Happen", Swedish House Mafia – "Don't Worry Child", Maroon 5 - "One More Night", Imagine Dragons - "It's Time", Philip Phillips - "Home", Flo Rida - "I Cry",  Chris Brown - "Don't Wake Me Up" and I'm not lyin' when I say that's just getting the party started. So tune into this weekend for an all out needle dropin', beat mixin', style scratchin' throw down on the 1's and 2's. You don't want to miss this one. If one of our affiliates isn't in your listening area click the player to the right  for super hot previously aired shows.  It's your musical thanks for the week!

Remember…"if it's hot, if it's new, and it makes you wanna move…you're In The Mix with HK™".


Friday, November 16, 2012

SEX, SEXY AND SEXIEST


In the latest installment of "sex sells" this week People Magazine released its annual "Sexiest Man Alive" issue. (Just a pat on our own back – we told you a week ago Channing Tatum would get the official nod), Victoria Secrets taped their annual skin parade TV special, Kristen Stewart graced two red carpets in see thru clothing and totally naked pics of Rihanna's GQ photo shoot were everywhere weeks ahead of the magazines newsstand date. I'm just getting warmed up, but without going any further the point is all of these events have taken a majority of the news cycle proving once again, what gets our attention is the same thing that's been working for centuries.

I'll be keeping the steam turned up high this week when I bring you another bevy of custom HK remixes all mixed together in a non-stop party mix that's sure to make your evening hotter. Be sure to tune in for eargasims on Rihanna's latest - "Diamonds", Kesha - "Die Young", Ne-Yo - "Let Me Love You" and the emotional dance floor banger from Usher - "Numb". I'm also gonna put a sexy sonic meltdown on One Republic - "Feel Again", Pink - "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)" and Chris Brown - "Don't Wake Me Up".  And consider that all foreplay cause I'm gonna keep the beat going with new jams from Swedish House MafiaChristina AguileraThe Ready SetEllie Goulding and much more. Hot Chelle Rae will be stopping by for an interview and to talk about what's ahead and there's even more surprises. So tune in this weekend for a non stop master mix of all the hits like you've never heard them before!

Remember…"if it's hot, if it's new, and it makes you wanna move…you're In The Mix with HK™".

Thursday, November 8, 2012

HK Remixes the American Music Awards


It has been 40 years since the first American Music Awards were handed out. The AMA's were created by Dick Clark for ABC when the networks contract to air the Grammy Awards expired. Talk about a power play. Go ahead, take your award show to another network… we'll make our own. Yeah, take that.!!  In doing so, a whole new concept for award shows was ushered in. Unlike the Grammys (which I am proud to be a voting member of ) the AMAs are awarded for outstanding achievements in the record industry for only American artists and the votes come from the music buyers (you the consumer) rather than music professionals and voting members of the Recording Academy.

You can cast your vote right now for any of 20 categories at vote.abc.go.com. Then see the results on the AMA's on Sunday November 18th at 8pm ET on ABC. The big race to watch is this years Artist Of The Year category. It's a tight battle between some of Pops reigning royalty - Justin BieberDrakeMaroon 5Katy Perry and Rihanna. While Dick Clark Productions is planning performances from the best the recording industry has to offer, I have been mixing and remixing those hits into a stellar  lineup just for you in this weeks In The Mix with HK™.

Get ready for custom HK remixes on Rihanna - “Diamonds”, Maroon 5 - “One More Night”, Justin Bieber - “As Long As You Love Me”, Chris Brown - “Don't Wake Me Up”, Ke$ha - "Die Young" and Imagine Dragons - "It's Time". I'm also gonna put a bangin' new beat to The Script - "Hall of Fame", Fun. - "Some Nights" and Christina Aguilera - "Your Body". And if that's not enough to help you get your swerve on I'm gonna drop brand new tracks from Pink - "Try", Kelly Clarkson'slatest - “Catch My Breath”, Nicki Minaj - “Va Va Voom” and Pitbull - “Don't Stop the Party”. I promise the party gets popin' In The Mix with HK™! So tune in this weekend for a non-stop master mix of all your favorite hits like you've never heard them before!

Remember…"If it's hot, if it's new and it makes you wanna move…you're In The Mix with HK™".



Thursday, November 1, 2012

The Stars Are Coming Out For Sandy Relief




 It's easy to take jabs at the stars for things like who is dating who this week or OMG! did you see how much weight she gained, or why did she shave her head? But one thing has always stood out with the music industry - when there are people in need they are ready to stand up and help. NBC-TV will air a special to raise funds for victims of Hurricane Sandy through the American Red Cross on Friday, November 2nd at 8pm (ET). Slated to perform are Christina AguileraJersey stalwarts Bruce Springsteen and Bon Jovi, New Yorker Billy Joel and Sting. In this celebrity driven minute by minute society where it seems nothing is off limits if it gets your name or face in the press, it is wonderful to see the musical community band together for a worthy cause. This is what music talent and star status should be about...entertaining and effecting change for the positive.

The horrific damage of Hurricane Sandy touches me personally. In addition to many years working in New York City, I grew up in NJ, and have fond memories of time spent at the Jersey Shore. I just recently returned this past summer to attend a family wedding and walked the boardwalks of the shore towns now totally devastated. Here at In The Mix with HK™ we are keeping those effected by Hurricane Sandy in our thoughts and prayers and we hope to lift their sprits by keeping the beats positive and pumpin'. 

This week I have custom HK remixes on Maroon 5 - "One More Night", Ne-Yo - "Let Me Love You", Flo Rida - "Whistle", Ellie Goulding - "Anything Can Happen", Fun - "Some Nights", Kesha - "Die Young", Taylor Swift - "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together", Rihanna - "Diamonds" as well as chatting with Karmin about their next possible single. So tune into In The Mix with HK™ this weekend for a non-stop mix of all your favorite hits !

Remember..."If It's hot, if it's new and it makes you wanna move...you're In The Mix with HK™"

The Red Cross is accepting donations at 1800-RED-CROSS, redcross.org or by texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 for a $10.00 donation. 

Thursday, October 25, 2012

The Stars are Endorsing the Candidates — And HK is Endorsing the Hits!


Unless you are living under a rock it’s hard not to notice that we are in the final days of a presidential election. The stars have taken notice and stayed true to their everyone wants to know what I think celebrity philosophy by endorsing their fav candidate. Here is a small sample of how it has been shaking out. On President Obama’s side we have Katy Perry, Bruce Springsteen, John Bon Jovi, JZ, Beyonce, and Sarah Jessica Parker. Ms Parker showed her support by hosting a $40,000 a plate dinner at her home. What do you get to eat at a $40K a plate dinner? I don’t know about you but I would need an all you can eat lobster tail buffet with a new car thrown in to carry home the leftovers. Then there’s the Romney camp that includes Kid RockKelsy GrammerJeff FoxworthyGene SimmonsDenis MillerClint Eastwood and Ted Nugent. Somewhere in all this talent are the makings of a serious musical collaboration.

While the stars are out supporting the candidates, I will be supporting your favorite hits. As this Weeks In The Mix with HK™ promises to be a show of Presidential proportions! Look out for custom HK remixes on Christina Aguilera – “Your Body”, Flo Rida- ”I Cry”, Ellie Goulding – “Anything Can Happen”, Usher– “Numb”, Kesha – “Die Young”, Carly Rae Jepsen -  “This Kiss”, Maroon 5 – “One More Night”, Taylor Swift– “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”, andNicki Minaj – “Pound The Alarm”. And that is just getting the party started. So tune in this weekend for a non stop party throw down you don’t want to miss!

Remember…”If It’s hot, if it’s new and it makes you wanna move…you’re In The Mix with HK.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

The Ladies Are Doin' It!

Female artists have always been a wicked force in the music industry. But lately they are relentlessly pounding out the hits. Ladies ruling the charts and airwaves include Christina Aguilera, Ke$ha, Pink, Carly Rae Jepsen, Taylor Swift, Rita Ora and Cher Lloyd. All of this estrogen will be mixed and remixed into a diva stew of musical perfection on this weeks In The Mix with HK™. 

 Since the boys on the block don’t like to be outdone, I'll be spinning exclusive remixes of Fun - "Some Nights", Maroon 5 - "One More Night", the brand new bomb from Usher - “Numb”, Chris Brown - "Don't Wake Me Up", One Direction - "Live While We're Young", Ne-Yo - "Let Me Love You", and the new banger from club titans Swedish House Mafia - "Don’t You Worry Child". Tune into In The Mix with HK™ this weekend for a non stop party throw down you don't want to miss!


Remember..."If It's hot, if it's new and it makes you wanna move...you're In The Mix with HK™"

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Who Should Go Topless If Their Song Hits #1




Number one with a bullet is the most coveted chart position for any artist on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. For the past five weeks Maroon 5 has held the top spot with their hit "One More Night". Nipping at their heals for the past four weeks is PSY in the #2 spot with "Gangnam Style". For as many weeks, PSY has promised to perform topless if his song gets to the summit. I can think of several artists on the Hot 100 that would better serve this topless stunt and make legions of fans even happier. Many of whom are featured in this weeks In the Mix with HK™. Off the top (no pun intended) of my head, Christina Aguilera, Ke$ha, Pink, Rihanna and Nicki Minaj come to mind. For the ladies...Adam Levine, Ne-Yo and Enrique Iglesias. Certainly I'm not insinuating that this is what these artists of integrity should do. Although, I think Xtina and RiRi have already come close. I'm just sayin'... maybe a better idea would be for PSY to give money to a favorite charity if "Gangnam Style" hits number one. Giving is always good.

I will be giving you exclusive HK remixes that are on the money in this weeks In The Mix with HK™. It's gonna be off the hook with One Direction - "Live While We're Young", Maroon 5 - "One More Night", Flo Rida - "Whistle", Chris Brown - "Don't Wake Me Up", Ne-Yo - "Let Me Love You", Ke$ha - "Die Young", Taylor Swift - "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together", Christina Aguilera - "Your Body" and Bruno Mars - "Locked Out Of Heaven".

Remember..."If It's hot, if it's new and it makes you wanna move...you're In The Mix with HK™". 


Thursday, October 4, 2012

Music Stars Fighting, Kissing, and Fizzling!

It has been an interesting week in music celb news. I can sum it up by saying: "we all knew that was coming", "RiRi what are you thinking" and "who cares". Reports have surfaced that Nicki Minaj flipped out at Mariah Carey during a recent filming of American Idol. A new video has surfaced and although the audio is poor, it sure sounds like Barbie is yelling, "If you got a problem, handle it!... I told them, I'm not f---in' putting up with her f---in' highness over there." Ahhh, just another day in dueling divas paradise. Then we have the Rihanna and Chris Brown incident where she allegedly removed his shirt (just an added touch) before they started making out and dancing at a NYC club. This reconciliation must be a result of how well Breezy treats RiRi???? And now for the "who cares", which I will try to make as brief as possible- apparently Kanye West's great love for Kim K has lost its heat. So sad.

I can tell you what will be hot and smokin' this weekend and that is all your favorite hits custom mixed just for you on In The Mix with HK™! So be sure to tune in to In The Mix with HK™ for a guaranteed hot and heavy, turn up the volume party!

Look out for exclusive HK remixes of  Christina Aguilera - "Your Body", Maroon 5 - "One More Night", Ne-Yo - "Let Me Love You". Flo Rida - "Whistle", Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen - "Good Time", Justin Bieber - "As Long As You Love Me", Kesha - "Die Young" and Nicki Minaj - "Pound The Alarm". And that is just gettin' the party started!

Remember..."If It's hot, if it's new and it makes you wanna move...you're In The Mix with HK™". 



Thursday, September 27, 2012

Katy Perry Is A Firework!

Katy Perry's career continues to light up the sky as Billboard names her "Woman of the Year"! The music industry bible bestows this award to a "trailblazing female recording artist" each year. With Perry's HUGE success it must have taken the BB powers that be about....hmmmmm.... a minute to name Perry the winner. Katy is the only women to hit No.1 on the Hot 100 with five tracks from the same album (Teenage Dream). Her album sold 2.5 million copies in the US alone and was on the Billboard 200 chart for over a whooping 100 weeks! Sixty-nine of those weeks she simultaneously had at least one song in the Top 10 on the Hot 100 singles chart as well. Way to go Katy! 

 While Ms. Perry blows up the music scene, I'll be killin' it In The Mix with HK™ this weekend with all your favorite hits remixed and re-amped.

 Look out for exclusive HK remixes of Nicki Minaj - "Pound The Alarm", Usher - "Scream", Demi Lovato - "Give Your Heart A Break", Enrique Iglesias featuring Sammy Adams - "Finally Found You", Pink - "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)", Maroon 5 - "One More Night", Linkin Park - "Burn It Down", Andy Grammer - "Fine By Me", Ellie Goulding - "Lights", No Doubt - "Settle Down", Calvin Harris featuring Example - "We'll Be Coming Back", Kelly Clarkson - "Dark Side", Justin Bieber - "As Long As You Love Me", Karmin - "Hello" and Matchbox Twenty - "She's So Mean". Remember..."If It's hot, if it's new and it makes you wanna move...you're In The Mix with HK™".

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Karmin - Rolling Stone Cover!

Congratulations to Karmin on making the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine. It couldn't have happened to a nicer, talented and hard working duo!

Friday, September 21, 2012

Bruno Mars Funny or Die Video

The Concert Season Ain't Over Yet!


The biggest concert season of the year is undoubtedly summer. That said, don't dismay, cause some of your fav stars are still on the American leg of their tours or haven't even started them yet. Pop sensations that you can catch live and in concert include: Lady Gaga, The Biebs, Madonna and Rihanna. Just this week, Pink announced "The Truth About Love Tour" will be kicking off on February 13. With her latest smash, "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)", squatting at #1 on the Billboard's Radio Songs chart and a catalog of get on your feet hits, that is gonna be one of many concerts to lay out the denaro for.

I'm getting ready to drop the needle on Pink's new one and all the hits. So tune into In The Mix with HK™  this weekend when I'll be spinning your favorite jams in a non-stop music mix party you do not want to miss!

Your speakers will be blowin' up as I crank out exclusive HK remixes of  Pink's - "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)", Michael Jackson featuring Pitbull - "Bad", Maroon 5 - "One More Night", Linkin Park - "Burn It Down",  NeYo - "Let Me Love You", Karmin - "Hello",  Cher Lloyd - "Want You Back", Flo Rida - "Whistle" and more.

Remember..."If It's hot, if it's new and it makes you wanna move...you're In The Mix with HK™". 

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Albums Are Droppin' and The Hits Are Poppin' In The Mix with HK


November is usually the hottest month of the year for album releases and 2012 will be no different. Rihanna is set to drop her seventh studio album in November. This will be the fourth year in a row that she has released new tunes prior to turkey day. No one can say RiRi is slackin'. Look out for her new single from that album to hit as early as next week. Rihanna isn't the only artist who has been spending long nights in the studio. Christina Aguilera's new CD, "Lotus" will also be landing in stores in November and her first single "Your Body" will be available this Friday! But move over ladies.... it is Pink who is winning the drop your album first race with "The Truth About Love" slated to hit the shelves on September 18th. I can't wait! It is like Christmas in Autumn.

Poppin' and droppin' the hits is what I will be doin' this weekend. So turn in to In The Mix with HK™ where I'll be spinning all your favorites in a non-stop music mix extravaganza!

Look out for exclusive HK remixes of  Pink's - "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)",  Andy Grammer - "Fine By Me", Nicki Minaj - "Pound The Alarm", No Doubt - "Settle Down",  Maroon 5 - "One More Night", Matchbox Twenty - "She's So Mean", Enrique Iglesias featuring Sammy Adams - "Finally Found You", Kelly Clarkson - "Dark Side", Karmin - "Hello" and Usher - "Scream".

Remember..."If It's hot, if it's new and it makes you wanna move...you're In The Mix with HK™". 

Friday, September 7, 2012

Summer Is Hanging It Up But The Hits Just Keep On Calling


Each year Billboard rates the top “Song of Summer” by ranking the over-all performance of hit songs between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Maybe Alexander Gram Bell wouldn’t hav
e guessed it but I bet you can. Taking the number one spot as Song of Summer is… Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me Maybe”. Keeping the give me a jingle theme going, Maroon 5 and Wiz Khalifa rang in at No. 2 with “Payphone”. But it is Ms. Jepsen who is keeping those accolades off the hook. Carly has already taken home The Teen Choice Award for her infectious summer smash and the “Call Me Maybe” video is up for best new artist at this year's MTV Video Music Awards.



Talkin’ infectious beats, I’m mixing up an all out party jam just for you this weekend. So turn in to In The Mix with HK when I will be throwin’ down all your favorite hits on the 1′s and 2′s!
The music will be as hot as these last days of summer with custom HK remixes of Calvin Harris/Ne-Yo - “Let’s Go”,  Matchbox Twenty – “She’s So Mean”,  Kelly Clarkson - “Dark Side”,  Madonna – “Turn Up the Radio”, Rihanna – “Where Have You Been”, No Doubt – “Settle Down”, Marina and The Diamonds – “Primadonna”, Karmin- ”Hello” and Mariah Carey’s new one “Triumphant”.

Remember…”If It’s hot, if it’s new and it makes you wanna move…you’re In The Mix with HK”.


What is your favorite song of the Summer?

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Their Late, Their Late for a Very Important ....Concert!


Photo credit: Getty Images | Madonna performs during her MDNA tour in Nice, France. (Aug. 21, 2012)
 
"Give Me All Your Luvin" was not exactly how Madonna fans felt last night, after waiting two and a half hours for the start of the first American leg of her world tour. It was more like give me all your booing... and that is exactly what the Philly fans did. The material girl apologized when she finally hit the stage, saying: "We had many changes to make from Europe to America and I wanted the show to be perfect for you because my fans deserve it and quite frankly I deserve it". Madonna isn't the first artist to be late for her own concert. Kanye West had fans chanting "Kanye sucks" when he started a 2:45 am concert at 4:25am. That's right, AM... as in the morning. I hope there was plenty of redbull to go around. Then their was the time Lauryn Hill made her fans wait three hours only to say she was "worth the wait". Yeah......I'm pretty sure that didn't make the "best apologies of all time list.
 
Here's the good news - you won't have to wait a single minute to hear all your favorite hits and new jams cause I've taken your requests and mixed them up into an all out non-stop party throw down. So tune into  In The Mix with HK™  this weekend where the hits are always right-on-time!
 
The decks will be smokin' with custom HK remixes of  Flo Rida - "Whistle", Chris Brown's - "Don't Wake Me Up", Calvin Harris/Ne-yo - "Let's Go", Wallpaper - "Best Song Ever", Afrojack and Shermanology - "Can't Stop Me", Carly Rae Jespen - "Call Me Maybe",  Pitbull - "Back In Time", Linkin Park - "Burn It Down" and  Breathe Carolina - "Hit and Run".
 
Remember..."If It's hot, if it's new and it makes you wanna move...you're In The Mix with HK™". 

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise!

Taylor Swift-Connor Kennedy  US Weekly

Who would have thunk Prince Harry would allow naked pictures to be taken of himself while whooping it up in Vegas? Apparently the whole "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" thing isn't 100% guaranteed. Harry is back in Scotland today to meet with his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth and his father, Prince Charles. Do you think Harry brought along his vacation picks to share with the fam? My guess is the Vegas trip was a whole lot more fun than this little family pow wow. Another shocker from an industry that has no secrets, rocker Chad Kroeger of Nickelback and pop/punkstress Avril Lavigne announced their engagement. We didn't even know they were dating! Congrats and big kudos for keeping the romance on the down low. Well it was no surprise that Taylor Swift broke the record for most digital downloads in a week by a female artist with her new blow off ballad "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together". The surprise is that she and her new squeeze, Conor Kennedy, crashed a family wedding and were asked to leave, not once but twice, according to the mother of the bride. What is NO surprise is Swift's publicist response to the incident: "There is no truth to that".

I have a whole lot of musical surprises in store for you this weekend on In The Mix with HK™.  So get ready for a woofer thumpin' HK throw down.
Your speakers will be blowin' up with custom HK remixes of Carly Rae Jepsen / Owl City - "Good Time", No Doubt - "Settle Down", Calvin Harris - "Let's Go", Karmin - "Hello", Nicki Minaj - "Pound The Alarm", Kelly Clarkson - "Dark Side", Rihanna - "Where Have You Been", Linkin Park - "Burn It Down", David Guetta featuring Sia - "Titanium", Pink - "Blow Me", and Ellie Goulding - "Lights". It's going to be better than crashing a Kennedy wedding party when I'm blazin' the airwaves with all these hits and more!
Remember..."If It's hot, if it's new and it makes you wanna move...you're In The Mix with HK™". 

Friday, August 17, 2012

Flo Rida "Whistles" His Way Past Carly Rae


After holding the No. 1 spot on Billboard's Hot 100, Carly Rae Jepsen has been blown down to No. 3 by Flo Rida's "Whistle". This is the third time the Florida native has been king of the hill. Flo's other hits to make the big climb were "Low" and "Right Round". Jepsen shouldn't be too wind blown, as she still holds the title for most weeks at number one this year. Carly's hit "Maybe" did the No. 1 squat for a impressive nine weeks. Now that is something to "whistle" about! Look out Flo, this certainly isn't the last we've heard of Miss Jepsen. Her new album "Kiss" is set to drop September 18th.
 
I'm going to be droppin' ALL the hits on "In The Mix with HK" this weekend. Get ready to turn up the volume for custom HK remixes of Rihanna - "Where Have You Been, Kelly Clarkson - "Dark Side", David Guetta featuring Sia - "Titanium", Breathe Carolina - "Hit and Run", Karmin - "Hello", Fun - "We Are Young", Demi Lovato - "Give Your Heart a Break", Pink - "Blow Me", and Chris Brown -  "Don't Wake Me Up". Keep that garden hose handy cause the roof is on fire this weekend when I'll be throwin' down all these hits and more.
 
Remember..."If It's hot, if it's new and it makes you wanna move...you're In The Mix with HK". 

Thursday, August 9, 2012

HK and Karmin say "Hello" !


In April of 2011 Amy Heidemann and Nick Noonan of Karmin blew up on the scene. It was their version of Chris Brown's "Look At Me Now" which caused a viral YouTube sensation and subsequent props from hip-hop heavy weights that sent their career soaring into hyper drive. An MTV critic raved about Amy's rapping skills saying "Homegirl is a master emcee. Seriously. Don't let the Charlotte-From-Sex-And-The-City-facade fool you - this girl can THROW IT DOWN. No offense, Busta Rhymes, but I think this girl just schooled you". Not only can she spit, Amy can sing, write and play the guitar too!  After their little blogosphere explosion they performed with The Roots at Tufts University and made an apperance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show . All of which lead to a signing with Epic Records. Their first release "Brokenhearted", which Amy says tells the story of how she and Nick first met, has gone platinum and the second single "Hello" is sprinting up the charts. Not bad for two small town crazy kids in love who, not that long ago, worked as a wedding singer and wrote raw music in their living room with a guitar and a wooden box for a drum.

Hear Karmin's new single "Hello" and learn more about the dynamic duo as HK chats it up with Karmin on "In The Mix with HK" this weekend.

This weekends show is going to be an all out party throw down with custom HK remixes of Pink - "Blow Me", Maroon 5 - "Payphone", Katy Perry - "Wide Awake" and Kelly Clarkson - "Darkside", I've also got a whole new take on Usher - "Scream", Avicii vs Lenny Kravitz -"Superlove", and the brand new one from Elton John's best bud  Madonna - "Turn Up The Radio", The Wanted - "Chasing The Sun" and Nicki Minaj - "Pound The Alarm".  And that's just getting the decks warmed up. I will be pounding out all the hits HK style just for you this weekend!

Remember..."If It's hot, if it's new and it makes you wanna move...you're In The Mix with HK". 


It Didn't Rain In Sugarland

The amazing country duo Sugarland, consisting of members Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush, made their Minnesota stop on the "In The Hands of Fans" tour last night. All day long before the concert there was rain and wind and cool temps, but by the time pregnant Jennifer and the rest of the band took the stage at Mystic Amphitheater , the clouds had parted and there was a beautiful sunset about to be part of the concert set-list. I'm sure this was a welcoming thought for Sugarland as they try to put behind them the terrible tragedy of last summer's concert in Indiana.

Jennifer Nettles is known for that beautiful and powerful voice as well as her physicality on stage, but now that she is with child and expecting in November, she was certainly less physical than in past shows. And speaking of children, a 4 year old by the name of Avery Evans joined by her mom, came on stage and got to sing "Baby Girl". They were winners of a radio station contest. Avery has been battling cancer at St. Jude's and even though her original diagnosis some years ago was terminal, she has defied all odds. Jennifer's down home goodness and stage presence really shined during what could have been an otherwise awkward moment.

The entire concert was pretty laid-back and their choice to put so much programming in the hands of the fans goes to show just how far the power of the blogosphere has become. They truly gave the audience what they wanted and created a sense of in the moment decision making, by selecting songs based on audience signs, twitter and their websites.  Looking at all the people around me and especially the young girls in my row singing every word to every song, I'd say Sugarland connected with their audience.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Macy's Glamorama 2012

Every year Macy's puts on the perfect melding of music and fashion via their show called Glamorama. Each year there's a different theme to the show featuring various fashion designers and great music. The  music is almost always a knockout via live performances and pre-recorded mash-ups. This is a high-brow marketing blitz put on to highlight their upcoming fall fashions, but it's really a great night of music and entertainment - all in the name of local charities in each city where the show takes place.

Talk about a win-win-win. Macy's shows off it's upcoming fall line, the audience gets a great night of entertainment, and all proceeds from the sale of tickets to the evening go to great causes in Minneapolis, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco. I say evening, cause the massive production starts with the show and performances on stage, and ends with the after party. Now take it from someone who has attended almost every after party there is, including the Grammy Awards (many times). This party is not to be missed. If you've never made it to Glamorama get your butt there! I promise you'll have a good time and do some good.

Here's a taste of this years show from Minneapolis starring Karmin and Robin Thicke. You can hear my interview with Karmin this coming weekend In The Mix with HK.

Just click on the photos to enlarge.







Saturday, August 4, 2012

Everything's Getting Remixed


Robert Pattison was mending his broken heart at co-star Reese Witherspoon’s Ranch after his girl, Kristen Stewart, had an affair with director Rupert Sanders. Everyone is hoping the couple can work out their differences. Especially the film company who would love another happy hand holding promo tour for the upcoming “Breaking Dawn- Part 2" flick to be released November 18th. MTV is also cheering for a reconciliation, as Robert and Kristen are scheduled to be co-presenters at MTV’s Video Music Awards on Sept. 6. 


Speaking of the movie industry, the famous directors of the Matrix Series, the Wachowski Brothers, are no more. As it turns out, one of them is now a Wachowski sister! During a promotion for their latest film “Cloud Atlas”, the once Larry Wachowski, wearing a lovely grey dress and pink dreadlocks, introduced himself, no herself as Lana. So it is now the Wachowski Bro and Sis. I know what your thinking - this must be a Hollywood promo stunt. Well, apparently Larry has been slowly undergoing many processes over the last 10 years to change his sex. I didn't see that one coming when I got lost in the Matrix.


While on the topic of change, Snoop Dogg, after a visit to Jamaica, has announced that his new name is Snoop Lion. This transformation came on the recommendation of a Rastafarian High Priest and I’m guessing a little “ya mon” Jamaican herbal influence as well. 


I have some serious "smokin" hot new beats for you this weekend In The Mix with HK!


Get ready for HK custom remixes on David Guetta / Sia – “Titanium”, Linkin Park – “Burn it Down”, Afrojack & Shermanology - Can't Stop Me", Maroon 5 - "Payphone", Coldplay – “Paradise”, Rihanna - “Where Have You Been”, Pitbull – “Back In Time”, Calvin Harris / Ne-Yo – “Let’s Go”, Madonna’s brand spankin' new one – “Turn Up The Radio” and Nicki Minaj – “Pound The Alarm”!


And that's just gettin' the party started!!!  So tune in this weekend to hear all your favorite hits remixed, reamped and rebooted for a non-stop jam HK style. 


Remember..."If It's hot, if it's new and it makes you wanna move...you're In The Mix with HK". 

Thursday, July 26, 2012

HK Bares All


What is up with celebrities and their naked photos and sex tapes? The newest member of the "I Have No Clothes on Photo Club" is Carly Rae Jepsen. First, Carly Rae denied that she was the topic of nude internet pics, then denied that she was the star of a sex tape. Now a new report suggests that actual nude photos of the pop songstress were hacked from her computer. Hacked from her computer??? No way! Am I having deja vous or have I heard this story before?  I think I can speak for all of us when I say "We have heard this one before".

Now I think that Carly Rae is the sweetest thing next to cuteness but I'm just sayin'... Carly joins a long list of celebs including Chris Brown, Rihanna, Vanessa Hudgens, Ke$ha, Paris Hilton, Hayley Williams, Kanye West, Scarlett Johansson, Amber Rose, Christina Aguilera, Mila Kunis,  Snooki, Kim Kardashian etc. etc. etc., who allegedly (actually) have had naked pictures and/or sex tapes exposed (pun intended) to the public. Well, Call Me Crazy but Maybe celebs who are so upset about their privates going public, should stop storing buck naked photos of themselves on their computers. I must be brilliant!!! Then again, where would Kim K be now if she didn't have that sex tape?

Well, I can tell you where you should be this weekend and that is In The Mix with HK! I have all of your favorite hits seriously exposed, blown up and remixed HK style for a non-stop groovefest.

Look out for custom HK remixs of Pink - "Blow Me", Maroon 5 - "Payphone", Rita Ora  "How We Do (Party)", Flo Rida - "Whistle", Justin Bieber - "Boyfriend", Gym Class Heros featuring Ryan Tedder - "The Fighter", Afrojack & Shermanology - Can't Stop Me", Breath Carolina - "Hit and Run", Grouplove - "Tongue Tied" and Wallpaper's - "Best Song Ever".

And that's just gettin' the party started!!!  So tune into In The Mix with HK this weekend and get ready for some serious party makin' beats.

Remember..."If It's hot, if it's new and it makes you wanna move...you're In The Mix with HK". 

Monday, July 16, 2012

The Kid Can Still Rock!

Compared to his last concert tour this was a stripped down (pun intended) version of a Kid Rock show with no sexy dancers, mayhem and stripper poles. Throw in it was outdoors and the sun was blazing, meaning no added energy from lights or pyrotechnics and for anyone else it could have been hard to pull off. Well I gotta tell you, Kid Rock who is now north of 40 (as he so aptly pointed out in the song entitled "F**king 40") almost started a wildfire at the sold-out Mystic Amphitheater Sunday. From the opening note of "Devil Without A Cause" to the closing note of "Born Free" in the encore, this crowd of over 6,000 never sat down. It was hot, it was sticky, the sweat was pouring off of everyone and not a single person stopped yelling, singing along or dancing with the Kid. Now that's a party!

Kudos to Kid Rock's ten member Twisted Brown Trucker Band which featured a veteran line-up and included Minnesota's own Shannon Curfman. She joined his tour in 2011. Big ups to the boys on the sound board as well. As a Producer/DJ/Remixer and someone who has spent his whole life dealing with sound, you know I can be picky about where I hear a show or see a movie. And I gotta tell you the only thing tighter than the band was the sound system. I'm talking perfection. Right in the pocket good.

Some may have missed the sexy goings on that Kid Rock fans may have come to expect, but I totally dug the mature – I'm here to rock you out talent that you only see in truly gifted veteran performers. At one point in the performance Kid Rock played guitar, drums, did a mean scratch set on the DJ set-up and even tickled the ivory. Pop stars of the month take note, Kid Rock started out as a wana-be white rapper in the early 90's. I still have his original demo tape that was getting shopped around back then. It made it's way to me when I was an A&R Executive at Tommy Boy Records. That first phase of his musical career didn't really kick in, but that was because he had yet to fully evolve. When you look at the arc of Kid Rocks musical journey it's really quite interesting. He started in rap. Moved to rock. Segued into country and then magically pulled together everything he loves better than anyone. The ultimate old-school hip hop, detroit r&b, southern rock mash-up is the makings of a great Kid Rock Song and show.

Not only can this Kid still Rock, but he never sounded better. To put it in his own words.."Not bad for sober and in the daylight".

Saturday, July 14, 2012

It's Gettin' All Kinds of Sexy In The Mix with HK


There's an old expression..."sex sells". Sex, Sex Sex. Well, some things never change. USA Today just released this week's best selling books. Toping the list are the erotic tales by E.L. James.  Coming in #1 - is "Fifty Shades of Grey", #2 - "Fifty Shades of Darker" and #3, you guessed it, "Fifty Shades of Freed". While literary lovers are cozying up to sultry books, the stars are burning up the Billboard top 20 with a few tantalizing hits of their own. Here we find Flo Rida's "Wild Ones" with Sia chanting the "G" rated part of the lyrics - "hey I heard you were a wild one, If I took you home it would be a home run". Usher keeps the fires stoked with his hit "Scream", singing: "If you want to scream - "yeah", let me know and I'll take you there". Rihanna is looking for love in "Where have you been" as she belts out  "I've been everywhere man looking for someone who can please me... love me all night long". Maybe she should hook up with Usher?????
 
This weekend I'll be keepin' the beats going all night long with sexy HOT custom HK remixes of Flo Rida - "Whistle" (can we say suggestive lyrics), Maroon 5 - "Payphone", Afrojack & Shermanology - "Can't Stop Me", Wallpaper - "Best Song Ever", Justin Bieber - "Boyfriend", Grouplove - "Tounge Tied" and Rita Ora  "How We Do (Party).
 
And that's just gettin' the party started!!!  So tune in this weekend and get ready for a steeeeamy summer throw down.
 
Remember..."If It's hot, if it's new and it makes you wanna move...you're In The Mix with HK". 

Friday, July 6, 2012

HK And The Stars are Crankin Out the Jams


Big music stars have been in the studio and are crankin out the jams. Christina Aguilera has been gettin' busy hittin' the high notes. She is working on her new album with producer Max Martin. Max has churned out hits for Xtina's one time rival Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson and Katy Perry. She is hoping that the Swedish hit maker will bring his magic to her latest endeavor. Look out for the first single off Christina's album to drop in August. Pink has also been in the lab working on her latest album, "The Truth About Love", slated for release on September 18th. The first single, "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)" dropped this week. Lets not forget our fave Detroit homie, Eminem. He's been laying down tracks for his eighth disc. We are happy to report that he will, once again, be working with his mentor Dr. Dre for what is certain to be some seeeeeerious beats.
 
If you want to hear serious beats this weekend tune into In The Mix with HK for a wicked musical meltdown. This week I'll have custom HK remixes of Kelly Clarkson - "Darkside", Katy Perry - "Wide Awake", Carly Rae Jepsen - "Call Me Maybe", Gotye feat. Kimbra - "Somebody That I Used to Know", and Rita Ora - "How We Do (Party)".
 
And that's just a fraction of what you'll hear. It's gonna be a nonstop party this weekend on In The Mix with HK so tune in for a serious HK throw down.
 
Remember..."If It's hot, if it's new and it makes you wanna move...you're In The Mix with HK".