Underoath @ Stubb's - Austin
November 18th, 2024: Underoath - They're Only Chasing Safety 20th Anniversary Tour @ Stubb’s - Austin, TX
Underoath | Photos Courtesy of: Bernadette Castillo
Underoath brought a sold-out show to Stubb’s for the 20th anniversary of the release of their album, They’re Only Chasing Safety. The vocalist, Spencer Chamberlain, referenced this as a dream of his since the album was released back in 2004 (and seeing mainstays Coheed and Cambria play a sold-out show in the same venue).
The set started with a really beautiful, slowed-down rendition of “Some Will Seek Forgiveness, Others Escape,” with drummer Aaron Gillespie singing as the rest of the members joined him on stage, one by one. That was the slowest song of the entire set; once they started playing “Young and Aspiring,” everyone's energy was non-stop and relentless. As I was standing in the photo pit, I was just completely mesmerized by being that close to guys of this calibre of musicianship… especially witnessing Gillespie drumming and being able to hear every beat he was playing, along with hearing Chamberlain’s powerful and effortless vocals. I was also reminded of how at the time this album was released, it was the heaviest thing I had heard on the radio as a young teen and how it blew my mind. Hearing singles from this band off of They’re Only Chasing Safety and Define the Great Line on Christian radio all those years ago was formative for me, so getting to photograph this band all these years later was truly something special.
Foster the People @ Emo's - Austin
October 3rd 2024: Foster the People @ Emo's - Austin, TX
Foster the People | Photos Courtesy of: Bernadette Castillo
Foster the People made a stop at Emo’s for a sold-out show with ACL Fest Nights to kick off their upcoming appearance at Austin City Limits Music Festival. ACL Fest Nights make it a bit more accessible for people to see their favorite artists who are also playing at the legendary music festival without having to buy festival passes. Instead, fans can purchase individual tickets to smaller venues across the city!
The crowd was buzzing as soon as I walked in the doors, and local artist, Skateland, had already captivated the audience as the opener, with many singing along to his songs. It was immediately apparent that his sound was the perfect complement to what would be the headliner’s indie-pop vibe.
The set for Foster the People was delayed for about 20 minutes as the crowd continued to grow restless. But as soon as the band took the stage, the room was transformed into a massive dance party with near constant cheering from the crowd. Song after song, nearly everyone in the crowd was dancing throughout their entire set.
Polaris @ Emo's - Austin
September 3rd, 2024: Polaris, BlessTheFall @ Emo's- Austin, TX
Polaris | Photos Courtesy of: Bernadette Castillo
I was so excited to be able to photograph this tour stop at Emo’s here in Austin, TX; I’ve heard of both BlessTheFall and Polaris as metalcore mainstays, but hadn’t seen either of them live, and knew it was going to be an incredible show!
I don’t remember the last time I saw a frontman as charismatic and engaged with the crowd as BlessTheFall’s Beau Bokan. You could tell that the crowd was ecstatic to see the band and it was a really beautiful thing to witness just how into their show the crowd was.
Admittedly, I am more familiar with Polaris’ music, and what a treat it was to get to see them play live! The lead vocalist, Jamie Hails, displays such range with his screams - the lows and highs were so powerful to see in person. The musicianship of the band was impeccable, these guys are truly masters at what they do. (I’d also be remiss to mention that last June, their guitarist, Ryan Siew, passed - and while I wish I would have been able to see him play live; it’s clear he’s dearly missed).
My absolute favorite shows to see and photograph is metal and metalcore; I feel like there is often this preconceived notion about how ‘aggressive’ it is, and while sure, there’s bound to be moshpits - all the metal shows I’ve been to, and especially this one; there’s such a positive energy, with the band and crowd looking out for each other and taking care of one another.
BlessTheFall
Incubus @ Moody Center - Austin
September 7th, 2024: Incubus, Coheed and Cambria - Morning View Tour @ Moody Center - Austin, TX
Incubus | Photos Courtesy of: Bernadette Castillo
Incubus has been one of my favorite bands since I first heard Morning View as a teen; that album got me through my adolescence, and to this day is one of my favorite albums of all time, so the chance to cover this show here in Austin was so very special. This band, and this album in particular, is important to me.
There was a lot of anticipation for this tour, particularly with this tour lineup alongside Coheed and Cambria - and the Moody Center had a packed house from the start! I’ve never seen Coheed live before, and they were mesmerizing to watch getting to hear the intricacies of their music in their songs live was awesome.
Ahead of this tour, Incubus released a re-recording of Morning View, originally released in 2001. Upon listening to Morning View XXIII, I thought that it sounded close to their live sound (I’ve been lucky enough to see them live a few times), but after last night, I think that statement doesn’t do this band justice. The guys have been in a band together for over 30 years. They are incredible musicians individually in their own right - and the addition of Nicole Row as bassist, including her backing vocals, brings an extra layer to their live sound. Brandon Boyd’s vocals are strong, and it’s impressive that he is still hitting a lot of the same notes as he could 20+ years ago.
This was such a special show, and getting to hear the crowd sing along to every word is one of my favorite things about concerts, especially when they’re lyrics to an album I’ve grown up listening to.
Coheed and Cambria
