Month: February 2011

Meetup with Dälek.

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This past Sunday I headed over to Union City for an interview with Hip Hop hybrids Dälek. As I entered the studio Alap aka Oktopus was into some serious mad scientist shit. The sound was both atmospheric and apocalyptic. Meeting up with him and Will (MC Dälek) was nothing short of surreal. When I started my online fanzine “Unite”  five years ago they topped my list of artists I wanted to meet with. Due to constant touring, producing, recording and Alap calling Germany his home. The timing was never right. What was originally slated as an interview early that night turned into a laid back hang out session amongst an endless selection of vinyl. I got it all on my Zoom H4N and will soon start the long process of transcribing and making sense of it all. Just thought I’d share these shots  I snapped before I left.

They wouldn't let me near the turntables.

The Rye Coalition kill it.

Maxwells, Rye Coalition

When I think about all the great music I’ve been privileged to see and document lately it makes me feel as if I’ve been spoiled. During an interview last night I was reminded of the drier times. Nights when there was no show to look forward to. Days when a trip to the record store seemed pointless because the same act was being recycled over and over again. Right now there is an abundance of great shows happening at venues of all sizes. Bands that played in our salad days are doing reunions and even making new music. My eyes and ears are constantly be treated to amazing sounds. Bands I worshiped back in the day and ones I missed. The term “Best show ever.” keeps repeating itself over and over. Saturday night was one of those “Best Show Ever” moments as Rye Coalition poured every drop of energy, sweat and testosterone into their reunion show. Like many of the best bands from their era they were underrated and under appreciated. It wasn’t until they were gone that a lot of people realized what they missed out on. I was lucky to be there front center to take shots for Jersey Beat and of course, myself. Thanks to Jim Testa for getting me the ticket. This will be the first of two sets of the shots I love most.

The Almighty Supertouch!!!

Supertouch @ Santos Party House

Supertouch is a band that holds a lot of incredible memories for me. One of my first Hardcore shows was a Death Before Dishonor gig. Just a few months before they became Supertouch. I left my senior prom early with my date to see the band play with the Bad Brains at the old Ritz.  Their songs and vibe have carved a deep niche in my musical soul. So hearing they were playing and recording again was amazing. Getting the chance to take photos for both Jersey Beat and NJ Underground made it even better. The new record is amazing and judging from this show they haven’t missed a beat.

Bill Dolan joins the fun.
Paul Bearer joins the band to sign AF's "With Time".

"Searchin' for the Light."

Concrete Cross, Sweet Diesel and Capital shots from Santos Party House 02/12/11

Music, Supertouch @ Santos Party House

Before it becomes the thing of legend I wanted to post some pictures from the Supertouch show @ Santos Party House. All four bands played stellar sets but Supertouch and Sweet Diesel were just off the scale.  I’ll post the Supertouch shots later. Here’s an appetizer.

Concrete Cross

Concrete Cross "Is that Artie Phillie? The man does not age."
Bill Dolan joins Sweet Diesel to form new powerhouse "American Diesel".
Sweet Diesel
Sweet Diesel
Capital
Capital
Capital

Nice Tits.

Humor

After a weekend of bar crawling and an incredible concert I woke rather late Sunday morning. Poured my coffee and grabbed my gear to head out for a late, late breakfast. Still weary eyed and a little hung over I fumbled for the keys. When I turned to head down the stairs I got an eyeful. I have to say this was just the thing I needed to wake me from my haze. The buildings been pretty quiet since former floor mates  Paul and Dawn moved to the big city. It’s good to see my recent neighbors also have a sense of humor.

Ice, Ice, Baby!!!

Snowpocalypse

I was walking home the other day when I saw a Mother walking (actually, it looked more like dragging) her daughter down the street. The Mother looked as if she was in a rush and not in the best of moods. The current cycle of unbearable weather seemed to be an influence. The little girl stopped and briefly stared in wonderment. “Mommy, look at the ice. It’s so shiny.” The Mother quickly and forcefully tightened her grip and pulled, growling “You’re really starting to piss me off.” It’s obviously this current state of deep freeze has caused our tempers to be a bit frail. A few seconds later I stopped to take these pictures. My gosh, the ice really is so shiny.

DJ Shell Buuugz

Portraiture, Studio Lighting

After a number of weather related cancellations Shell and I finally got to meet and work together Tuesday afternoon. Shell and I clicked on all cylinders and got right to work. Though we had just met minutes before the conversation and chemistry was excellent. We listened to hip hop and I introduced her to one of my favorites, Dalek,  by blasting “Bricks Crumble.  Below are some of my favorites from our session. Shell is a DJ athttp://www.smashentertainmentlive.com/ Check her show out if you get the chance.

















Cropduster reunion celebrates the 10th Anniversary “Drunk Uncle” release.

Jersey Beat, Maxwells, NJ Underground

When Jim Testa of Jersey Beat asked me to cover The Cropduster reunion show at Maxwells my reaction was “Sure”. I had no preconceived notions or overblown expectations due to the fact that I had never heard the band before. I did a little snooping and upon seeing the them described as “Insurgent Country”. Well, I was curious. Just not any more excited. I got there just as Jim Testa set up to open the show. I had never seen Jim perform but had somewhat of an idea what to expect.  Jim’s stripped down folky punk was just enough to melt the freezing temperatures that circled Maxwells that night. Jim sings about what he knows, music. His lyrics are intelligent, quirky and ironic. A nice little side note to what was to come. As Cropduster took the stage the back room filled with smiling faces who seemed to be well aware of what they were in for.  As the band began to play I freed myself of any labels or lame musical alliances and just soaked in the incredible sounds. There are times when I go to see a band and can’t help but be mad at myself and think “How the hell did I miss out on this the first time around?”. This was one of those times. Hope you enjoy the shots. Some of which made it to NJ Beat and NJ Underground. Now if you’ll excuse me. I need to run out and get a copy of “Drunk Uncle”. Cheers!!!

Messin’ with Manual

Maxwells

This weekend I took the Canon 7D to it’s first show and shot on manual with no flash. This was my first time shooting for NJ Underground. It was also my first time shooting simultaneously for NJ Underground and Jersey Beat. Though this was a working assignment I still wanted to use a little spare time to get creative and play around with lighting and speed. Below are my favorite oddities from Cropduster’s set. I’ll post the more fan friendly shots later.