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
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
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?
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
Tiger Please + Francesqa : 24/06/2010
Location: 02 Academy Newcastle
Hello again!
Much smoother this time. Photopass was at the box office so headed straight upstairs.
Laconia photo set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624399619448/
Next up were Tiger Please. This was the band id been looking forward to most of all during the night, as when id researched the band, and checked up on their songs on their myspace, i became just a little bit addicted to the tune "Winter and the Storyteller".
Their set started with a guitar solo but no frontman on stage. I scan the crowd and see the vocalist stood in the middle of the crowd watching. Awaits the perfect moment. Then runs up onto the stage, as this lyrics start. An awesome entrance and the talent shines through from the start.
Throughout the gig i was trying to think who they reminded me of, theres bits of early Snow Patrol..Kings of Leon and Keane, but what conclusion i came to in the end was, that they sound exactly like Tiger Please. Passionate and meaningful lyrics, in songs that start strong and get stronger throughout. A band i wouldnt be suprised to be playing the mainstage at a major festival in the next few years, if theyre as ambitious as they are talented.
Tiger Please photo set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624274853749/
Next up. Francesqa.
Pretty much gave up with taking photos for the first couple of songs of the gig, as they were using a super bright strobe light, which my camera didnt love at all. So at least it let me just sit back and enjoy the music. "Ghosts" Great single. Rythemnic upbeat and catchy. Kicked out by a confident and energetic frontman. He bounced and headbanged around the stage, with a string of cameras tying to catch his movement. Every song leading on perfectly from the previous. A very well put together set, and enjoyable, whipping everyone there into a bouncing smile filled frenzy.
Francesqa photo set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624351443166/
Laconia: Facebook
http://www.myspace.com/tigerplease
http://www.myspace.com/francesqa
Much smoother this time. Photopass was at the box office so headed straight upstairs.
Review:
The openers were a local band called Laconia, from Chester-le-street. Where i just so happened to go to school, and actually had a close friend who knew one of the band members, meaning that although they were probably realtive unknowns to most of the crowd, i had been listening to their older stuff for a while. The song "Your God is your enemy" being the song which i remembered them for mostly, a quality rock tune reminiscent of the likes of Staind and Trapt. Due to there being a reshuffle of the band however, this wasnt a song which they played in the set, and is no longer listed on their myspace.
They were definately heavier rock than the other bands playing, but the lyrics were still crystal clear, and front man put on a great show, resulting in some of the best pictures of the night being shot during their set. There was a great tempo and beat to the music which lends itself well to a live setting, and went down well with, what was a mostly Emo/Punk crowd.
Laconia photo set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624399619448/
Next up were Tiger Please. This was the band id been looking forward to most of all during the night, as when id researched the band, and checked up on their songs on their myspace, i became just a little bit addicted to the tune "Winter and the Storyteller".
Their set started with a guitar solo but no frontman on stage. I scan the crowd and see the vocalist stood in the middle of the crowd watching. Awaits the perfect moment. Then runs up onto the stage, as this lyrics start. An awesome entrance and the talent shines through from the start.
Throughout the gig i was trying to think who they reminded me of, theres bits of early Snow Patrol..Kings of Leon and Keane, but what conclusion i came to in the end was, that they sound exactly like Tiger Please. Passionate and meaningful lyrics, in songs that start strong and get stronger throughout. A band i wouldnt be suprised to be playing the mainstage at a major festival in the next few years, if theyre as ambitious as they are talented.
Next up. Francesqa.
Pretty much gave up with taking photos for the first couple of songs of the gig, as they were using a super bright strobe light, which my camera didnt love at all. So at least it let me just sit back and enjoy the music. "Ghosts" Great single. Rythemnic upbeat and catchy. Kicked out by a confident and energetic frontman. He bounced and headbanged around the stage, with a string of cameras tying to catch his movement. Every song leading on perfectly from the previous. A very well put together set, and enjoyable, whipping everyone there into a bouncing smile filled frenzy.
Francesqa photo set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624351443166/
Laconia: Facebook
http://www.myspace.com/tigerplease
http://www.myspace.com/francesqa
Wednesday, 2 June 2010
Out Of Sight + Every Avenue : 02/06/2010
Location: 02 Academy Newcastle.
Arrived at the gig, camera bag on back and water bottle in hand.
First things first, water bottle in bin because theyre not allowed in the Academy, but free water on tap from the bar. Awesome. Head to the box office, to pick up my photopass where im greeted and advised that though im on the Guestlist im not down to have a photopass. He asks which company im shooting for, and advise that its freelance at the moment, but tell him i do have the number for the bands tour manager. Give Jack Fairbrother (Out Of Sights manager) a call, and he sends someone down to sort it out.
Ted the drummer comes down too,and asks if i can concentrate on him for a while, to get a few good shots they could maybe send off to their drum sponsor SJC, tell him thats fine and head upstairs.
Review:
Squeel. Silence. Light off. Lights on.
The openers were Me Vs Hero. Their energy helping but not really making up for a lack of real edge. Tunes that were at points catchy and upbeat, but quite generic. The frontman not really lending himself to gig photography, being the most stationary of the band, but still a very good vocalist, the words burning through the strong guitar riffs resulting in zingy tunes which built up the crowd .
From the first chord, you knew these guys were in a different league, to that of MeVsHero. Rythmnic and catchy punk party tunes that had me on some occasions forgetting to take photos, and allowing myself to be drawn into the vibrations and bouncing they were creating in the room. All members of the band seemed more than at ease dealing with a crowd, and seemed like a bunch of guys who love playing music with their friends and just so happen to be extremely talented while doing it. The song "This is what livin' really feels like" being the highlight for me, a catchy tune i havent been able to get out of my head since. With the sort of feel good lyrics and danceability Blink182 would be happy to recreate in their next album. When they finished their set, the buzz was there for all to feel.
Out Of Sight photo set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624291155028/
The main act of the night was Every Avenue, a professional sounding/looking outfit, while not as upbeat and catchy with their tunes, brought a fresh sound with some cracking lyrics. The frontman of the band being the easiest of anyone during the night to photograph. Looking a little bit like New Found Glory's Jordan Pundik. His interaction with the crowd produced sparks and came across genuinely during the softer parts of their songs.
Every Avenue photo set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624179895685/
http://www.myspace.com/mevshero
Arrived at the gig, camera bag on back and water bottle in hand.
First things first, water bottle in bin because theyre not allowed in the Academy, but free water on tap from the bar. Awesome. Head to the box office, to pick up my photopass where im greeted and advised that though im on the Guestlist im not down to have a photopass. He asks which company im shooting for, and advise that its freelance at the moment, but tell him i do have the number for the bands tour manager. Give Jack Fairbrother (Out Of Sights manager) a call, and he sends someone down to sort it out.
Ted the drummer comes down too,and asks if i can concentrate on him for a while, to get a few good shots they could maybe send off to their drum sponsor SJC, tell him thats fine and head upstairs.
Review:
Squeel. Silence. Light off. Lights on.
The openers were Me Vs Hero. Their energy helping but not really making up for a lack of real edge. Tunes that were at points catchy and upbeat, but quite generic. The frontman not really lending himself to gig photography, being the most stationary of the band, but still a very good vocalist, the words burning through the strong guitar riffs resulting in zingy tunes which built up the crowd .
Next up were Out OF Sight. The standout band of the three.
From the first chord, you knew these guys were in a different league, to that of MeVsHero. Rythmnic and catchy punk party tunes that had me on some occasions forgetting to take photos, and allowing myself to be drawn into the vibrations and bouncing they were creating in the room. All members of the band seemed more than at ease dealing with a crowd, and seemed like a bunch of guys who love playing music with their friends and just so happen to be extremely talented while doing it. The song "This is what livin' really feels like" being the highlight for me, a catchy tune i havent been able to get out of my head since. With the sort of feel good lyrics and danceability Blink182 would be happy to recreate in their next album. When they finished their set, the buzz was there for all to feel.
Out Of Sight photo set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624291155028/
The main act of the night was Every Avenue, a professional sounding/looking outfit, while not as upbeat and catchy with their tunes, brought a fresh sound with some cracking lyrics. The frontman of the band being the easiest of anyone during the night to photograph. Looking a little bit like New Found Glory's Jordan Pundik. His interaction with the crowd produced sparks and came across genuinely during the softer parts of their songs.
Every Avenue photo set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/cnphotocn/sets/72157624179895685/
http://www.myspace.com/mevshero
Tuesday, 1 June 2010
Hello there
First post on the new blog. Hello peeps and peoples.
What will follow is a long and hopefully enjoyable journey through the UK music industry.
Photographs from the pit and reviews from my head, out of my fingers and thrown at your faces.
Enjoy
CrNe.
What will follow is a long and hopefully enjoyable journey through the UK music industry.
Photographs from the pit and reviews from my head, out of my fingers and thrown at your faces.
Enjoy
CrNe.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)