In Lightning | Louisville, KY | Photos by: Emily May
In Lightning of Louisville, KY | Photos courtesy of: Emily May
Behind the Scenes & Live Shots: Behind the Scenes video shoot for "Wait a Minute, Guera” & House of Blues in Houston, TX
Los Skarnales | Houston, TX | Photos by: Violeta Alvarez
Los Skarnales of Houston, TX | Photos courtesy of: Violeta Alvarez
Behind the Scenes & Live Shots: Behind the Scenes video shoot for "Wait a Minute, Guera” & House of Blues in Houston, TX
20 years on the Texas music scene, Los Skarnales was started in 1994. The band rose out of the ashes of local punk rock band Desorden with help from original members Felipe Galvan and Jose Rodriguez. Always true to roots music in all forms, Skarnales performs a mixture of ska, reggae, rockabilly, swing, mambo, cumbia, and danzones, all with a punk attitude. Never letting down at a live show, the band has performed extensively throughout the United States and Mexico. Los Skarnales has shared the stage with such artists as Flaco Jimenez, Ozomatli, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, the Aggrolites, Maldita Vecindad, the Slackers, the Specials, Agent Orange and many more. The band now consists of eight members including a full horn section. Along with three full length releases: Vatos Rudos, Suavecito Style, and Pachuco Boogie Sound System, the band has been featured on numerous compilations and live recordings distributed throughout the U.S. and Mexico, including the song “Demasiado Tarde” in the 1999 movie, Sexo, Pudor y Lagrimas. Los Skarnales is on the verge of releasing its Fourth studio album entitled “Dále Shine!” which was recorded in New Orleans. The Album retains the Ska/Reggae feel of previous works, but incorporates more Latin sounds for an energetic mesh that will most definitely keep the bodies moving.
Members: Felipe Galvan – Vocals | Jose Rodriguez – Guitar | Nestor Aguilar – Vocals/Percussion | Marcelo Luna – Bass | Brian “Chopper” Shoppell - Drums | Nicco Martinez – Guitar | Aaron Houzvicka – Trombone | Salvador “Chavo” Velasco – Trumpet | Chris Ranew – Keyboard
Behind the Scene - video shoot:
Live Shots:
The Britanys | Brooklyn, NY | Photos by: Sara Feigin
The Britanys of Brooklyn, NY | Photos courtesy of: Sara Feigin
Soundcheck, Portraits & Live Shots: Bowery Ballroom in New York, NY on 9 February 2017
LIVE SHOTS:
SOUNDCHECK:
Square Peg Round Hole | Philadelphia, PA | Photos by: Carolyn Lederach
Photo: Carolyn Lederach | Carlos Pacheco-Perez , Sean M. Gill, Josh Miller, Evan Chapman
Square Peg Round Hole of Philadelphia, PA | Photos courtesy of: Carolyn Lederach
Soundcheck & Live Shots: Crane Arts Center in Philadelphia, PA on 15 December, 2016
Square Peg Round Hole are a fully percussion and electronic based trio from here in Philadelphia. This particular show was a highly unique and atmospheric experience debuting their newest EP, Five Years, which is out now on Spartan Records. For this show, they were also joined by Josh Miller, another amazing Philly artist. The hard work and determination these guys put into a fully DIY show certainly paid off, having spent the entire day setting up and practicing before the show. I was able to stop by early to catch the soundcheck and check out the space, which came along with their signature mood lighting.
Anagnorisis | Louisville, KY | Photos by: Emily May
Anagnorisis of Louisville, KY | Photos courtesy of: Emily May
Behind the Scenes & Live Shots: Haymarket Whiskey Bar in Louisville, KY on 3 November, 2016
Anagnorisis is a 5 piece black metal band from Louisville, KY. They played a packed hometown show at Haymarket Whiskey Bar on November 3rd, kicking off their 16 day tour in support of their latest album entitled Peripeteia.
CrushnPain | Washington, DC | Photos by: Jen Meller
CrushnPain of Washington DC | Photos courtesy of: Jen Meller Photography
In Studio Shoot: American University Photo Studio | Live Shots: Black Cat in Washington DC on 14 October, 2016
The vision of multi-instrumentalist Austin Gallas, CrushnPain is an experimental pop duo based in Washington, DC.
On stage, CrushnPain is the type of band that you just can’t look away from. The combination of synth wizard Erik Sleight’s progressive dance beats and Gallas’ sultry vocals is immediately captivating. Off stage Austin Gallas and Erik Sleight are down to earth, fun, and passionate about their craft.
CrushnPain released their EP All Mountains April 2016 and their newest single “Enjoined” Both can be found on: https://crushnpain.bandcamp.com/. CrushnPain’s debut album is anticipated for April 2017. It will be released by local DC label, Blight Records.
CrushnPain is: Austin Gallas on vox, keyboard; Erik Sleight on drum machines, sequencers, synthesizers.
Trapper Schoepp | Milwaukee, WI | Photos by: Maryam Tunio
Trapper Schoepp of Milwaukee, WI | Photos courtesy of: Maryam Tunio
Portraits & Live Shots: September 17th 2016 at Rock The Green Festival, Milwaukee WI
Quiet Giant | Bethel, CT | Photos by: Kait Jaouen - Just Vibe Photography
Quiet Giant of Bethel, CT | Photos courtesy of: Kait Jaouen - Just Vibe Photography
Live Shots: The Space in Hamden, CT - Jan. 2016 - Portraits: Downtown New Haven, CT
Quiet Giant is an indie rock band with a dark, dreamy sound, hailing from Bethel, CT. Their musicality is profound; the masterful guitar solos coupled with intense bass lines, and particularly the rhythmic choices of Jared on drums, are clean and innovative. The lyrics are eloquently written, and Danielle’s voice is ethereal and intoxicating.
On stage they exude the pulsating energy that fuels their crowd, and every song builds in dynamic and emotional range. Mark and William never stop moving, from slight sways to hard power stances, as if the music has taken physical hold of them.
Off stage they are committed and passionate, yet down-to-earth, artists. They all exhibit a dedication to both the craft and the business of the music they make, which is no doubt driving them toward the opportunities and successes they are working hard to achieve.
Quiet Giant’s debut album loom (with former bassist Robbie Vozza) and their newest single “There’s No Future” are both available at www.quietgiantband.com.
Quiet Giant is: Danielle Capalbo on vox, guitar; Jared Thompson on drums; William James on lead guitar; and Mark Almodovar on bass.
LIVE SHOTS:
PORTRAITS:
Runaway Saints | Los Angeles, CA | Photos by: Jessica Jones + Ceol Photography
Runaway Saints of Los Angeles, CA | Photos courtesy of: Jessica Jones + Ceol Photography
Rehearsal Shoot: Cascade Studios in Los Angeles - Photo Shoot: Fingerprints in Long Beach, CA - Live Shots: SXSW Austin, TX April 2016
Runaway Saints began on the east coast in Rhode Island; took a detour through Nashville, then skipped across the country to the west coast - landing home in Los Angeles.
Having danced with a record label in Nashville without results, the trio decided to take their fate back into their own hands. Their first full album, BLVDS, is scheduled for a July release. The first single, "Weekend", was just released along with their first video.
Runaway Saints are: Johnny Gates, vocals ~ guitar | Jamie Jarbeau ~ bass | Matt Scanlon ~ drums
REHEARSAL:
PHOTOSHOOT:
LIVE:
Latch | Boston, MA | Photos by: Elizabeth Friar
Latch of Boston, MA | Photos courtesy of: Elizabeth Friar
Promo, Practice and Live Shots: Dusk in Providence, RI on April 19th 2016
Xprime | Toronto, ON | Photos by: Janine Van Oostrom
Xprime of Niagara Falls, ON, Canada | Photos courtesy of: Janine Van Oostrom
Soundcheck and Live Shots: The Baltimore House in Hamilton, ON Canada on April 7th 2016
ShoutHouse | New York, NY | Photos by: Claudia
ShoutHouse of New York, NY | Photos courtesy of: Claudia @ Jareth's Girl Music
Rehersal & Live Shots from: Manhatten School of Music in Manhatten & Scholes Street Studios in Brooklyn in March 2016 & The Bitter End in New York City, NY on March 22nd
Shouthouse were a treat to spend some time with, whilst they rehearsed in various locations and played The Bitter End for a sold out show in NYC.
ShoutHouse can be best described as a fusion sound, but if you pay enough attention to their music, you notice that it's not really a fusion of genres that is happening but rather, an elegant positioning ( much like a game of chess ) of typically and smilingly contrasting sounds, which take the listener to a desired end. And what is that desired end? Well, on some songs it sound like Eliza Doolittle ( the fictional character from the well-known musical "My Fair Lady" ) has met up Tupac and they have arranged a happy, musical collaboration.
ShoutHouse's music can also be called experimental, but after spending some time with them, they seem less experiment and more precise expression of emotive ideas. The collective ( roughly about 14 musicians from NYC ), knows exactly what stories it wants to share with the audience and do it via experimentation with arrangements, but the story that they convey to the audience is solid - devoid of any vacillating musical postures.
They are truly rap in the lyrical sense; the MCs have something to say that is profound. They are classical in the sense of their chamber styled-orchestration. They are jazz in the sense of freedom-of expression approach they take to their orchestration. They are non-traditional in the sense that ... well, they had bucket drummers at their recent show. They are loads of fun to witness live!! Make sure to track their events page, so you can go check out an upcoming show!
REHERSALS:
LIVE SHOW:
NE-HI | Chicago, IL | Photos by: Sarah Hess
NE-HI, Whitney, and Grandkids of Chicago, IL | Photos courtesy of: Sarah Hess
Live Shots from: Rose Music Hall in Columbia, MO on March 20th & The Accord in Champaign, IL on March 22nd
In my endeavor to hit the open road as a tour photographer, I asked Chicago band NE-HI if I could join them for two stops on a mini-tour with another local band, Whitney. The men of NE-HI - Jason Balla, Alex Otake, Michael Wells, and James Weir - graciously obliged. I followed NE-HI around Columbia, Missouri and Champaign, Illinois, photographing performances at Rose Music Hall on March 20th and The Accord on March 22nd, with the latter venue also hosting Chicago band Grandkids. I’d like to thank the members of NE-HI, Whitney, and Grandkids for filling my ears with wonderful music and allowing me to stick my camera in their faces. So thanks, you rock!
DAY ONE:
DAY TWO:
Former Belle | Philadelphia, PA | Photos by: Carolyn Lederach
Former Belle of Philadelphia, PA | Photos courtesy of: Carolyn Lederach (Hazy Colours)
Portraits & Live Shots from: The Alternative Gallery in Allentown, PA -- Former Belle release their EP Foreign Bed on April 8th via Randm Records.
CHURCH&STATES | Lexington, KY | Photos by: Skylar Davis
CHURCH&STATES of Lexington, KY | Photos courtesy of: Skylar Davis (Vitium Photography)
Shots from: Cosmic Charlie's in Lexington, KY on 2/11/16
Qiet | Charleston, WV | Photos by: Michelle Waters
Qiet of Charleston, West Virginia | Photos courtesy of: Michelle Waters
Shots from: Backstage & Record Release Party at Clay Center in Charleston, West Virginia on 2/27/16
Other notes: Qiet created a crowd-funded concert, allowing them to rent a concert hall, which was filled to such a capacity they had to go to a larger part of the Clay Center to hold all of their fans. Something like this has never been done in this area, before. Qiet are a really special band with a fun, unique, gypsy rock/cabaret sound, and their fans adore them.
Brenda | Louisville, KY | Photos by: Emily May
Brenda of Louisville, Kentucky | Photos courtesy of: Emily May
Shots from: Recording session on 1/23/16 | Show at Kaiji in Louisville, Kentucky on 2/17/16
The Iceman Special | New Orleans, LA | Photos by: Jordan Hefler
The Iceman Special of New Orleans, Louisiana | Photos courtesy of: Jordan Hefler
Show shot in: Lake Charles, Louisiana on 1/22/16 presented by Goldbeat Entertainment.
