Bonjour!
Bowling For Soup at the o2 Academy - Newcastle: http://gigape.com/archives/1657
Kate Nash at the o2 Academy - Newcastle: http://gigape.com/archives/1704
More to come soon peeps!
Be sure to check out my other points of call!
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/craig-nelson-photography/125689764148800
My Website: http://www.wix.com/craignelson/musicinfocus
Tuesday, 26 October 2010
Friday, 15 October 2010
Long time...no update
Sorry guys.
Ive been writing for another website so havent been keeping up to date on here. Which i know is very bad. So what im going to do, for as long as im writing for them, ill be updating the blog with links to the articles which im writing and photographs ive taken.
Its been a pretty busy couple of months actually, lots of gigs and lots of photographs and reviews. The website im writing for at the moment is called www.gigape.com.
The Broadcast at the o2 Academy - Newcastle: http://gigape.com/archives/144
Amy Macdonald at Belladrum Festival - Inverness: http://gigape.com/archives/234
Barenaked Ladies at the o2 Academy - Newcastle: http://gigape.com/archives/656
Various Artists at Split Festival - Sunderland: http://gigape.com/archives/848
Mayday Parade at the o2 Academy - Newcastle: http://gigape.com/archives/1196
Sound Of Guns at the o2 Academy - Newcastle: http://gigape.com/archives/1226
Various artists coming up soon including; Bowling for Soup/Fenix Tx/Amy Macdonald/ Twenty Twenty/Pendulum.
Stay Tuned! =)
xx
Ive been writing for another website so havent been keeping up to date on here. Which i know is very bad. So what im going to do, for as long as im writing for them, ill be updating the blog with links to the articles which im writing and photographs ive taken.
Its been a pretty busy couple of months actually, lots of gigs and lots of photographs and reviews. The website im writing for at the moment is called www.gigape.com.
The Broadcast at the o2 Academy - Newcastle: http://gigape.com/archives/144
Amy Macdonald at Belladrum Festival - Inverness: http://gigape.com/archives/234
Barenaked Ladies at the o2 Academy - Newcastle: http://gigape.com/archives/656
Various Artists at Split Festival - Sunderland: http://gigape.com/archives/848
Mayday Parade at the o2 Academy - Newcastle: http://gigape.com/archives/1196
Sound Of Guns at the o2 Academy - Newcastle: http://gigape.com/archives/1226
Various artists coming up soon including; Bowling for Soup/Fenix Tx/Amy Macdonald/ Twenty Twenty/Pendulum.
Stay Tuned! =)
xx
Wednesday, 18 August 2010
Big D and the kids table + Mouthwash 10/08/2010
Location: O2 Academy Newcastle
Photopass wasnt exactly on the door, but someone came down with it after about 5 minutes! So no problem at all there! so straight into the review! Huzzah!
First of all. Just a heads up. If you really dont like Ska music you might not enjoy this review, as these are 3 of the best Ska bands ive ever heard.
Review:
Mouthwash! (i dont know whats with all the !!'s today? maybe im shouting this whole thing!)
I have to start the song 'No Fear' as its still stuck in my head. Its quite clearly their anthem, and as soon as it starts bouncing through the crowd, everyones hands are above their heads clapping. Though the whole set was as thougtful and a pleasure for your ears.
Instruments were being changed and swapped throughout the whole set, energy and movement throughout every member of the band, and every one of them singing along with the lyrics. A definate listen for someone who enjoys their Ska or awesome music in general, and a bit of healthy competition for the likes of Reel Big Fish.
Next up! The JB Conspiracy!
Another talented group of musicians with a bunch of catchy, dance inducing party tunes. Rythmn which bounces through your bones and takes hold of your legs, if your not swinging your arms and legs uncontrollably, you'll be tapping your foot and i bet you cant stop it.
At one point one of the group jumped up over the pitwall and into the crowd began skanking and playing his instrument in the crowd itself before making his way back up onto the stage.
A quality shock and awe moment, and just shows the joy which the band find in playing to a crowd. Just as good as Mouthwash and another quality opener in what was fast becoming a great show.
Enter *Big D and the kids table*
The music is clear, melodic and beautifully thoughful and well crafted. Every note is there for a reason, and the lyrics scored through the middle to highlight the talent in the player of each instrument.
David McWane is the coolest guy ive ever seen in my life. He held the crowd in the palm of his hand with laugh out loud funny stories and a geniune rapport with the crowd, he positioned himself as the best front man ive ever seen preform live.
Playing up to every member of the crowd and every camera pointed at him, its obvious that he is a natural born preformer. The music channelled through him into the crowd, every member of it, with a smile on their face, mirrored by the massive grin on his face while he preforms.
A talented band, with catchy upbeat tunes, an awesome ending to an awesome show.
http://www.myspace.com/mouthwashlondon
http://www.facebook.com/thejbconspiracy?ref=ts
http://www.myspace.com/bigdandthekidstable
Photopass wasnt exactly on the door, but someone came down with it after about 5 minutes! So no problem at all there! so straight into the review! Huzzah!
First of all. Just a heads up. If you really dont like Ska music you might not enjoy this review, as these are 3 of the best Ska bands ive ever heard.
Review:
Mouthwash! (i dont know whats with all the !!'s today? maybe im shouting this whole thing!)
I have to start the song 'No Fear' as its still stuck in my head. Its quite clearly their anthem, and as soon as it starts bouncing through the crowd, everyones hands are above their heads clapping. Though the whole set was as thougtful and a pleasure for your ears.
Instruments were being changed and swapped throughout the whole set, energy and movement throughout every member of the band, and every one of them singing along with the lyrics. A definate listen for someone who enjoys their Ska or awesome music in general, and a bit of healthy competition for the likes of Reel Big Fish.
Next up! The JB Conspiracy!
Another talented group of musicians with a bunch of catchy, dance inducing party tunes. Rythmn which bounces through your bones and takes hold of your legs, if your not swinging your arms and legs uncontrollably, you'll be tapping your foot and i bet you cant stop it.
At one point one of the group jumped up over the pitwall and into the crowd began skanking and playing his instrument in the crowd itself before making his way back up onto the stage.
A quality shock and awe moment, and just shows the joy which the band find in playing to a crowd. Just as good as Mouthwash and another quality opener in what was fast becoming a great show.
Enter *Big D and the kids table*
The music is clear, melodic and beautifully thoughful and well crafted. Every note is there for a reason, and the lyrics scored through the middle to highlight the talent in the player of each instrument.
David McWane is the coolest guy ive ever seen in my life. He held the crowd in the palm of his hand with laugh out loud funny stories and a geniune rapport with the crowd, he positioned himself as the best front man ive ever seen preform live.
Playing up to every member of the crowd and every camera pointed at him, its obvious that he is a natural born preformer. The music channelled through him into the crowd, every member of it, with a smile on their face, mirrored by the massive grin on his face while he preforms.
A talented band, with catchy upbeat tunes, an awesome ending to an awesome show.
http://www.myspace.com/mouthwashlondon
http://www.facebook.com/thejbconspiracy?ref=ts
http://www.myspace.com/bigdandthekidstable
Wednesday, 11 August 2010
Amy Mcdonald: 07/08/2010
Location: Belladrum Festival 2010 (Inverness)
I was already working the festival anyway, so i thought if im there i may aswell get some shots, Amy was headling the mainstage on the Saturday night so i thought it would be a good opportunity to crack out the long distance lens and take a few. Got into position towards center stage and waited for the set to start. The sheer quality of her voice was evident from the first note of the first song, through the the final of the last song. Theres a reason her songs are so popular, and i now know firsthand why she is reviewed so well for her live music also. Every song was belted out with the confidence of a veteran preformer, and sounded as good if not better than the studio recorded versions of the songs. She played through her barrage of hits including; 'This is the life', 'Mr Rock and roll', and 'Dont tell me that its over'. Her originality showing through, and her stage presence kept every eye in the crowd on her.
Amy Mcdonald photo set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624558386301/
I was already working the festival anyway, so i thought if im there i may aswell get some shots, Amy was headling the mainstage on the Saturday night so i thought it would be a good opportunity to crack out the long distance lens and take a few. Got into position towards center stage and waited for the set to start. The sheer quality of her voice was evident from the first note of the first song, through the the final of the last song. Theres a reason her songs are so popular, and i now know firsthand why she is reviewed so well for her live music also. Every song was belted out with the confidence of a veteran preformer, and sounded as good if not better than the studio recorded versions of the songs. She played through her barrage of hits including; 'This is the life', 'Mr Rock and roll', and 'Dont tell me that its over'. Her originality showing through, and her stage presence kept every eye in the crowd on her.
Amy Mcdonald photo set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624558386301/
Not Advised + They Sink Ships : 04/08/2010
Location: 02 Academy Newcastle
Hi lo mon amigos. Straight in no troubles!
Review:
Forever Living Dead. The quality of the band was way beyond what you would suspect for the first warmup band at this sort of gig. I was really impressed with the complexity of the songs they were breaking out, multi-layered, strong lyrics against shredded rock guitar riffs. Comparable to the harder stuff which Funeral for a friend have produced.
Forever Living Dead Set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624655556400/
Next up. They Sink Ships. Powerful and thoughtful lyrics against a pop punk drum line hurried along by high speed guitar riffs, firmly positioning themselves in the pop-punk mold, and they pull it off well. So though you may not find anything which sets them apart from the pack. Theyre enjoyable to listen to, and surely thats the point? The song "Tired Eyes" is a quality tune and you can feel a bit of a Say Anything-feel to the song whilst not changing from their upbeat pop-punk style.
They Sink Ships set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624655623218/
Main band! Not Advised. I was a little disappointed at first when the band came out, as that was when we realised that the main frontman Jim couldnt sing due to a problem with his voice, so another member had to step up to the plate. It’s a testament to the quality of the tunes that they still sounded as good whilst the main frontman wasn’t singing them. 'The Worlds Not Ready' a song someone like the Lost Prophets would be happy to have in their setlist. A pop-punk anthem that vibrates around the academy as its sung back to the band by the crowd, "i found a way to keep you coming..keep you coming back". The rest of the set just as quality, filled with party anthems and brough alive by the energy within the band. Quality.
Not Advised photo set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624530968527/
http://www.myspace.com/foreverlivingdead
http://www.myspace.com/theysinkships
http://www.myspace.com/notadvised
Hi lo mon amigos. Straight in no troubles!
Review:
Forever Living Dead. The quality of the band was way beyond what you would suspect for the first warmup band at this sort of gig. I was really impressed with the complexity of the songs they were breaking out, multi-layered, strong lyrics against shredded rock guitar riffs. Comparable to the harder stuff which Funeral for a friend have produced.
Forever Living Dead Set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624655556400/
Next up. They Sink Ships. Powerful and thoughtful lyrics against a pop punk drum line hurried along by high speed guitar riffs, firmly positioning themselves in the pop-punk mold, and they pull it off well. So though you may not find anything which sets them apart from the pack. Theyre enjoyable to listen to, and surely thats the point? The song "Tired Eyes" is a quality tune and you can feel a bit of a Say Anything-feel to the song whilst not changing from their upbeat pop-punk style.
They Sink Ships set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624655623218/
Main band! Not Advised. I was a little disappointed at first when the band came out, as that was when we realised that the main frontman Jim couldnt sing due to a problem with his voice, so another member had to step up to the plate. It’s a testament to the quality of the tunes that they still sounded as good whilst the main frontman wasn’t singing them. 'The Worlds Not Ready' a song someone like the Lost Prophets would be happy to have in their setlist. A pop-punk anthem that vibrates around the academy as its sung back to the band by the crowd, "i found a way to keep you coming..keep you coming back". The rest of the set just as quality, filled with party anthems and brough alive by the energy within the band. Quality.
Not Advised photo set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624530968527/
http://www.myspace.com/foreverlivingdead
http://www.myspace.com/theysinkships
http://www.myspace.com/notadvised
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
Hey guys. Just an update on a few bands
Ive kept tabs on all the bands ive photographed just so that i can keep you guys up to date. So ill give you a rundown of any interesting developments for any of the bands, whenever it happens. Starting.....now:
Francesqa: Released their new EP 'We Lived' currently ranked at no6 on the UK Rock Chart on Itunes. Definately worth a download folks. 5 songs £3.95, and quality throughout. 'Ghosts' the single an absolute peach which is currently getting requested a bucket load, with good reason, on channels such as Kerrang!
Buy me here.
Out OF Sight: Released their debut album 'Where Do We Go From Here'. I hope they have started as they mean to go on. As these guys can be as big as their ambition takes them. 10 tunes. Pure gold. Starting with the upbeat and feet moving party tune 'You Know What I Mean'. Leading straight into 'This Is What Livin' Really Feels Like' my favourite song of the album. As ive already noted, amazing live, and recorded to keep the same spirit.
House Party? Get Out OF Sight on. Lose control. Dance. The quality continues throughout, never letting up, get me to the dancefloor!
Buy me here.
Thats it for now.
http://www.myspace.com/outofsight
http://www.myspace.com/Francesqa
Francesqa: Released their new EP 'We Lived' currently ranked at no6 on the UK Rock Chart on Itunes. Definately worth a download folks. 5 songs £3.95, and quality throughout. 'Ghosts' the single an absolute peach which is currently getting requested a bucket load, with good reason, on channels such as Kerrang!
Buy me here.
Out OF Sight: Released their debut album 'Where Do We Go From Here'. I hope they have started as they mean to go on. As these guys can be as big as their ambition takes them. 10 tunes. Pure gold. Starting with the upbeat and feet moving party tune 'You Know What I Mean'. Leading straight into 'This Is What Livin' Really Feels Like' my favourite song of the album. As ive already noted, amazing live, and recorded to keep the same spirit.
House Party? Get Out OF Sight on. Lose control. Dance. The quality continues throughout, never letting up, get me to the dancefloor!
Buy me here.
Thats it for now.
http://www.myspace.com/outofsight
http://www.myspace.com/Francesqa
Mike Fantastic + Chasing Jayne 12/07/10
Location: O2 Academy Newcastle
Up the steps. Into the Box Office. On the guestlist. Not the Photopass list. Amazing.
Run into the venue looking for someone who might be a bands PR guy or band manager, ask one of the guys at the merch stall, and it turns out to be the bands managers, who goes down and sorts it for me.
Review:
As i spent a bunch of time waiting i actually came up onto the floor halfway through the first act.
Next up. Chasing Jayne. The songs started well and got steadily better and better, more rythmn and originality coming into play, and at one point a Dragonforce-like guitar duet during "Dreams on the horizon" which was as awesome as it was unexpected. Sending a ripple throughout the crowd, and i just had to txt a couple of friends about the rockin' ear candy. As with the previous band, the best song by them on the night was a cover, but instead of a copy they got more inventive, this time 'Pokerface' by Lady Gaga. A rocked and sped up version which complimented both the band and song itself. All in all a tidy set, and im looking forward to shooting these guys again.
Chasing Jayne photoset: http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=193978&id=195234445100
Final warm up were Alone tonight. With a frontman with a bit more stage presence than the other previous bands, not that the previous guys werent, he just seemed to engage more with the crowd. This is shown within the photos below. The music was pretty tight and was obviously well rehearsed, and unlike the previous bands their highlight was actually one of their own songs. 'My Best Worst Enemy' a tidy live rock song, with a strong rolling rythmn and beat.
Enter the main band. Mike Fantastic. You may have heard the name before? Where from you ask? Though they are pretty young as a band they have already been on TV. They appeared on ITVs Britains Got Talent 2010. Getting through the first round, but evenually being dropped before the semi finals which were live on ITV, where im sure they would have shone.
The first thing you notice about the band is their dress sense. Bright coloured clothes, hats and geek glasses. Mirrored by the waiting crowd as they had been selling the bright thick rimmed glasses throughout the first 3 acts sets. Next thing is the confidence of front man Owen Sheppard, who kicks out their awesome brand of self styled GUNK (Geek - Funk).
Mike fantastic come at you with downright awesome Keyboard rythmn and a pounding bassline which leads you through the set. Its like 3OH3! only alot less annoying. Crystal clear lyrics even with the distortion on the mic. I will normally choose one of the songs during a set as a highpoint, but the set was so polished and every song perfected to a T, means i cant really choose. I would just advise you to check these boys out, as its like Owl City without the depression, and who doesnt need that in their life?
Up the steps. Into the Box Office. On the guestlist. Not the Photopass list. Amazing.
Run into the venue looking for someone who might be a bands PR guy or band manager, ask one of the guys at the merch stall, and it turns out to be the bands managers, who goes down and sorts it for me.
Review:
As i spent a bunch of time waiting i actually came up onto the floor halfway through the first act.
Mirror Signal Manouvre. First thing i felt here was a bit of an Arctic Monkeys vibe, strong bass and drum line, and the song 'better than woodpecker' is a catchy melodic tune, but doesnt have the magic or extra something of the tunes the Arctic Monkeys produce again and again. The next song did sound prety good, as it was a cover, of 'Foundations' by Kate Nash, which they sung and played well, changing just enough for it to be worthwhile, and was probably the best of what i heard from them.
Next up. Chasing Jayne. The songs started well and got steadily better and better, more rythmn and originality coming into play, and at one point a Dragonforce-like guitar duet during "Dreams on the horizon" which was as awesome as it was unexpected. Sending a ripple throughout the crowd, and i just had to txt a couple of friends about the rockin' ear candy. As with the previous band, the best song by them on the night was a cover, but instead of a copy they got more inventive, this time 'Pokerface' by Lady Gaga. A rocked and sped up version which complimented both the band and song itself. All in all a tidy set, and im looking forward to shooting these guys again.
Chasing Jayne photoset: http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=193978&id=195234445100
Final warm up were Alone tonight. With a frontman with a bit more stage presence than the other previous bands, not that the previous guys werent, he just seemed to engage more with the crowd. This is shown within the photos below. The music was pretty tight and was obviously well rehearsed, and unlike the previous bands their highlight was actually one of their own songs. 'My Best Worst Enemy' a tidy live rock song, with a strong rolling rythmn and beat.
Enter the main band. Mike Fantastic. You may have heard the name before? Where from you ask? Though they are pretty young as a band they have already been on TV. They appeared on ITVs Britains Got Talent 2010. Getting through the first round, but evenually being dropped before the semi finals which were live on ITV, where im sure they would have shone.
The first thing you notice about the band is their dress sense. Bright coloured clothes, hats and geek glasses. Mirrored by the waiting crowd as they had been selling the bright thick rimmed glasses throughout the first 3 acts sets. Next thing is the confidence of front man Owen Sheppard, who kicks out their awesome brand of self styled GUNK (Geek - Funk).
Mike fantastic come at you with downright awesome Keyboard rythmn and a pounding bassline which leads you through the set. Its like 3OH3! only alot less annoying. Crystal clear lyrics even with the distortion on the mic. I will normally choose one of the songs during a set as a highpoint, but the set was so polished and every song perfected to a T, means i cant really choose. I would just advise you to check these boys out, as its like Owl City without the depression, and who doesnt need that in their life?
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