Paramore and Kitten
by Clare Kim
May 18th, 2013
at The Fillmore, in Silver Spring, MD
The Harmonic Series
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Photographer of the Week: Alex Brown
- What’s in your bag/what gear do you own? What would you like to purchase next?
I shoot with a Nikon D90 and my lenses are an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6, 55-200mm f/4-5.6, and a 35mm f/1.8. I absolutely love my 35mm. That is the lens you will always find on my camera. I have my eye on the 50mm f/1.4 right now. I love portraiture and I know that’s my next lens to purchase. I also have a 43” 5 in 1 reflector that is great for bouncing light or softening it.
- How long have you been involved with photography? What inspired you to do concert photography?
I first found interest in photography when I went to Australia in 2006. I took a little disposable camera with me and loved the look of the film when I had it developed. About six months after that I went to a Red Jumpsuit Apparatus concert in Gainesville, FL and took along my crappy little point and shoot. I shot for fun from the front row and realized maybe I have something here. Looking back on the images I think they are horrible but that is where I realized my passion for music photography. I’ve been shooting all together for six or seven years now.
- Who was the first band/artist you shot?
The first show/band that I photographed was The Rock Band Live Tour at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center in 2008. The lineup was The Cab, Dashboard Confessional and Panic! At the Disco. I was and still am a huge fan of Panic! At the Disco so that was just a dream come true for me. That was my first huge show.
- If you could give any advice to newer concert photographers what would you tell them?
My advice would be to be prepared. Make sure you have more than one memory card, a fully charged battery and possibly two, and plastic bag or cover incase you’re outside and it starts raining. Also, remember pit etiquette. Don’t shove other photographers out of your way and don’t block shots. Remember that everyone is in there to do their job so get the shot you want/need but also be respectful. The last important piece of advice is to have fun!
- What did your first time in the pit feel like?
My first time in the pit was something I’ll remember for the rest of my life. I remember waiting for our sign to take our places in the pit when the venue was overcome by darkness as the drums started rumbling. I could even feel it in my chest. We sprinted to the pit and out came The Cab. The lights were so bright and colorful, matching my energy and adrenaline. I remember when Panic! At the Disco came out I was able to say a few words to Brendon Urie in between songs. I loved my first time in the pit. You could say it sparked my addiction for concert photography.
- What is your dream band/artist to shoot and/or tour with?
One band that I have had my sights set on for years is Paramore. I absolutely love their stage presence and energy. They just kill it up there! Hayley just has this epic glow about her. I will photograph them some day. I just know it.
- Do you edit your photos? If so, what software do you use and how much time and effort do you put into your editing?
I do edit my photos. I use Lightroom 4 to edit my work and I love it. It is so easy to use Lightroom. It depends on the photograph but I put a lot of work into editing my images. I don’t change the image; I just fix little dust particles, and distractions. I basically stare at my photo for an hour because I have to make sure it’s exactly how I want to present it. When I shoot, I shoot the photo with everything in mind. I don’t like having to clone anything out or fix major errors. When I shoot I want to get it right in the camera.
- Do you think you have a particular quality about your photography that sets you apart from other photographers?
I think I do have a certain quality or characteristic that sets me apart from everyone else. When I shoot, I feel like I connect with the artist and I feel like I get those “decisive moment” shots. I want to make my viewers feel like they were really there in the front row rocking out. I love really showcasing how great a band’s set was. I want people and the artists to love my work.
- How do you feel your photography has changed since you first began? Do you expect it to change in the future?
I feel my photography and style has changed tremendously over the years and since I have began shooting. I didn’t know much when I first started and now I have learned such a vast variety of techniques and little tricks that have helped me grow. I have also grown in my confidence. I know that if there is something I want to do or accomplish, if I set my heart and mind on it, I will achieve it.
Get social with Alex:
Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires of the City
Vampire Weekend’s third album, “Modern Vampires of the City” is the final album of a trilogy, according to lead singer Ezra Koenig.
The second track on the album, “Unbelievers,” is an upbeat song with a feeling of summer woven through the music. The drums keep a steady beat during the track that will get listeners tapping their feet throughout the entire song.
“Step,” the third track on the album, is another slower slow that calms the listener after “Unbelievers.” Soft vocals and a piano lull listeners into Koenig’s vocals and the soft drumming. “Step,” tells the story of a man who is ready to life his life to the fullest.
The first single from the album is “Diane Young,” and it was released in March. The song is different than the others on the album and it is definitely a single song. The song seems to be geared more towards a pop genre whereas the rest of the album is indie rock.
“Hannah Hunt” is by far the best song on “Modern Vampires of the City.” While the song is another slow song, Koenig’s vocals will mesmerize listeners into the story of Hannah and her relationship with Koenig. The song picks up about midway through and a solo of piano and drums and continues until the end.
“Finger Back” has Koenig experimenting with the vocals with high pitches instead of his regular deep pitch. The song’s beat is faster than the rest of the songs on the album, and “Finger Back” is a good pick me up for all the listeners.
The album is a good ending of the trilogy that Koenig mentioned in interviews, although it could be improved upon. Having more upbeat songs would make the album go by faster, but that doesn’t mean that slow songs are bad.
Vampire Weekend showed what they could do in the beginning of their career; now listeners have to wait and see what is next.
4/5
Dylanne
Mixtapes
Relient K made their way back to their home state of Ohio on May 14 to play in Columbus at Newport Music Hall. The band brought Mike Mains & the Branches, William Beckett and Hellogoodbye with them on the tour.
Mike Mains & the Branches opened the show promptly at 7. The band played a set of six songs, a few of which were from their upcoming album, “Calm Down, Everything is Fine.”
The band got the crowd involved with their set, having the audience echo lead singer, Mike Mains, for the chorus of their new song, “Calm Down, Everything is Fine.”
After Mike Mains & the Branches was William Beckett. Beckett, formerly of The Academy Is…, entered the stage alone, armed with only a guitar and his “band in a box” (aka a MacBook Pro). Beckett played the guitar parts in his six songs while the “band in a box” played the recordings of the other instruments.
Beckett engaged the crowd as well telling a story about a basketball match he had on his first day of sixth grade.
Included in his set was a new song titled, “Benny & Joon” from his upcoming album that should be released later this year.
During Beckett’s final song, “Great Night,” Matt Thiessen, lead singer of Relient K, came out to sing with Beckett.
After Beckett was Hellogoodbye. The band played a total of 10 songs for the crowd. Just like Mike Mains & the Branches and Beckett, Hellogoodbye got the crowd involved with their songs. It was Wiz’s birthday so the audience, and the other members of Hellogoodbye sang “Happy Birthday” to the keyboard player.
Hellogoodbye ended their 10 song set with their most popular, “Here (In Your Arms)” where the venue was filled with voices singing along.
Finally, it was time for Relient K. The band came out to the entire venue cheering, where they opened their set with the ever-popular “Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been.”
Then the band spiraled into a 19 song set.
Relient K kept the audience engaged by singing a mix of old and new songs from their upcoming album, “Collapsible Lung,” which is set to release in June.
Beckett joined Relient K onstage for the new song, “Boomerang.” Beckett accompanied Theissen on lead vocals and Beckett was as energetic as he was when he was in The Academy Is… and after singing the song, Beckett and Thiessen hugged.
The band even had members of the opening bands come out for a cover of the song, “Motorcycle Drive By” which is originally by Third Eye Blind.
Throughout the show Relient K was happy to be home and always made sure to say that. Their family members were even at the show and Thiessen dedicated “Savannah” to his sister, brother-in-law, and their unborn child.
Overall, Relient K proved that after 15 years they still know how to bring the house down.
William Beckett’s set:
- Compromising Me
- Scarlett (Tokyo)
- Dear Life
- Benny & Joon
- Dig a Hole
- Great Night
Hellogoodbye’s set:
- When We First Kissed
- Finding Something to Do
- Getting Old
- Swear You’re in Love
- Coppertone
- The Magic Hour is Now
- Oh, It is Love
- When We First Met
- Everything is Debatable
- Here (In Your Arms)
Relient K’s set:
- Who I Am Hates Who I’ve Been
- High of 75
- Mood Rings
- In Love with the 80s (Pink Tux to the Prom)
- Don’t Blink
- Flare
- Candlelight
- Sahara
- The Lining is Silver
- Boomerang
- Sweeter
- Motorcycle Drive By
- Forget and Not Slow Down
- Collapsible Lung
- I Could Take You Home
- Sadie Hawkins Dance
- Savannah
- Which to Bury, Us or the Hatchet
- Be My Escape
Dylanne
