And they want candy.
Badly!!!
Author: photogeek23
I'm starting this blog to share my work and experiences with friends, family and anyone who takes pictures or loves photography. Comments and insight are greatly appreciated.
Industrial
My passion for finding and photographing industrial articles is pretty insane. Many is the time I’ve gone to factories and industrial parks to find those pieces that peak my interest and curiosity. One of my dreams in life is to buy an industrial loft somewhere in Brooklyn. Not one of those completely converted ones they advertise with such glee. Something raw and bare that has character. A raw canvas craving for a creative and twisted makeover. A few years back I presented a portfolio entitled “Left Behind.” to SOHO Photo Gallery. They fully understood the message I was trying to convey and granted me admission to the COOP. Since then I’ve worked hard to find pieces to update and refresh that port. Often being chased out of construction sites, being questioned/detained by Police or both. But for me, the reward outweighs the hassle. I didn’t get into any such shenanigans capturing the ones below. But I enjoyed taking them just the same.
Reach Out. I’ll Be There.
I’ve been going out a lot more frequently lately. The warm weather and the night air make me want to do anything but sit at home watching TV or sitting on the computer. As you’ve seen in recent posts. I’ve been going out to see a lot of live music. Every now and then I’ll be at a show or a bar when a complete stranger will add “That photographer guy.” or “You’re the dude who does that blog.” I’m really happy to know my work is getting out there and the positive response has been overwhelming. However, I’d love to get some feedback here. So don’t be afraid to reach out and say hello. 
Reflections on the Seaweed Reunion.
(The Jersey Beat article with additional images.)
This past Friday night my eyes and ears were treated to what can only be described as Epic. On Friday, May 22nd Tacoma Washington’s own Seaweed blessed Brooklyn’s Bell House with a reunion show for the ages. I got to the Bell House a few minutes early and had a chance to stake the place out. I’d heard mixed reviews about the large bar and performance area from varied sources. Most of which described their love/hate relationship with the spot. Anyone visiting can’t help but notice how though very large in size they manage to keep a cozy, friendly vibe throughout. Everyone I met on the staff from the ticket collector to the bartenders were very friendly and had absolutely no hipster vibe to them. As I made the rounds and ran into a number of friends and familiar faces I couldn’t help but feel I was in for a memorable night.
(Damn) This Desert Air opened the night and though I don’t like to use the word twice in one week, Their sound was ‘EPIC’. Though the members come from such well known acts as Instruction, Nora and Fire Still Burns to name a few. DTDA’s sound is somewhat larger and deeper. My ears were hearing influences such as Quicksand and early Thursday. I couldn’t help but think the room was the perfect size for what they were performing. Needless to say it was good on the ears.
Next up was Chicago’s All Eyes West. A band I’ve been hearing more and more buzz about lately. There are many ways to describe a bands performance and style but the if I were asked to describe them I’d say “Think of a twister that rolls into town and levels every mother fucking thing in site” Then add musical instruments. I’ll say this for the record: Jeff Dean is a god damned assassin. I brought a wide angle lens to shoot the show and Christ, I couldn’t keep up with the guy. If you see him, ask him what the deal is with that crazy leg kick. My one and only regret on the night was that I missed these guys when they played the Court Tavern in New Brunswick about a week before. Insanely good. They’ve got a record due out in June. If it’s anything like their set I might have to buy two copies.
Soon enough the floors of the Bell House became packed as Seaweed took the stage. We were about to be treated to a reunion for the ages. In all honesty there was not a sad face in the entire crowd. Complete strangers became best friends while packed in front of the stage like sardines. There were people like Tracy Keats Wilson who drove all the way up from Richmond. People I talked to who remember when and where they bought their first Seaweed 7 inch or recalled that amazing set the played at CBGB’s in 1993. (Yes, I was there too)
The band quickly launched into Antilyrical and from that point never let up. I don’t think there was a soul in the area code that didn’t feel something. Aarons energy and exuberance were unstoppable. That coupled with a song list that captured the bands finest moments and a crowd that sang along to every song, chorus and lyric and you had a night that people will be talking about for years. Even the encore was killer. Though they didn’t bring out everyone’s favorite Seaweed cover (Fleetwood Mac’s) “Go Your Own Way.” They didn’t miss delivering any of their own classics. Their foot print will remain a lasting one but this show will only serve to have casted a longer shadow. JD
Don’t Forget the Drummer!!! Ode to Pete.
Stuvesant on FB
Dromedary Records on FB
Here’s a thought for all the shooters out there. When photographing a band, if at all possible, get some shots of the drummer. The drummer is the back beat of the band. He’s the first one to arrive and the last to leave yet everyone else follows. They’re always the last to be interviewed. If at all. The last to get paid. The last to get laid. They sweat through clothes faster than an Eskimo in the amazon. And their about as visible as a goalie in the NHL. Yet there is no band without them. (That is unless you want to use a drum machine. We all know how awesome that sounds.)
The conversations I’ve had with drummers have been the best. Tales of aliens, going crazy from banging shit all day and other tales of descent into madness. So give it up for the drummer. Say hello when he’s done packing up his ton of shit and buy him a drink. He’s the drummer. He’s worked hard for it. This one’s for you Pete. (This blog post does not exclude female or transvestite drummers. They work just as hard, if not harder.)
If your up for some great Power Pop tuneage be sure to check out Stuyvesants new record coming soon.
Seaweed Reunion Proves….. The Sequal is in Fact, Not Lame.
I’ve spent much of my morning going through images from Friday nights Seaweed Reunion over at Brooklyn’s Bell House and trying to write this review for Jim over at Jersey Beat but the words just don’t come close to the emotions. Music has been such a integral part of my life. It’s the reason why I started writing and taking pictures. Seaweed is one of those bands that blew me away from the first note. When I heard they were playing a show in Brooklyn I felt like a little school girl. Seriously, I was so excited I could have shit myself. I got to see them a handful of times in the 90’s and till this day listen to their album ‘Four’ in it’s entirety on a regular basis. The record is flawless. Needless to say the show was one for the ages. Honestly there was not a sad face in the entire crowd. Complete strangers became best friends while packed in front of the stage like sardines. As I write this I have to remind myself that it’s not my intention to turn this into a show review. I’ll save that for the article. The point of this is that I am constantly being reminded how much music inspires us. Takes us out of the gloom and doom of the world around us an inspires us to move. During and after the show I ran into so many friends and familiar faces. Seeing Tom, Ticia, Amy Edge, Pete Tabott and TKW who traveled all the way from Richmond just for the show. I appreciated the records from Alf Bartone. His band (Damn) This Desert Air’s sound was epic. I’ve been hearing about All Eyes West for a while now and they were amazing. So much energy coming from those guys. Incredibly special thanks to Jordin and Brendan from Bad Trip for bringing me the “Elevator” and “Seeing With New Eyes” 7 inches. It’s times like these that make me realize I live a charmed life. I’ll be sure to post something more show related later. For now, it’s off to the Taco truck for a late lunch.
Exemption (This Ain’t No Post About Tax Season.)
When I got to the Lit Lounge Exemption was already a few songs into their set. As their sounds filled my head I noticed the lack of balance I was feeling earlier coming back strong. I slowly dipped in to my camera bag as if not to upset some sacred ritual that had been practiced for years by the locals. Though it turned out this was not the case. Something spiritual was definitely being cooked up. The great thing about going out to shows is that no matter what band you’re there to see. (On this night it was Thinning the Herd) Someone or something is going to surprise you and maybe take you out of your element. Exemption did that for me. The band hails from Long Island and Brooklyn and has some serioius kick. I found myself not only wanting to capture that sound in my pictures but take advantage of their invite to “Come say hello. Talk to us after the set.” I always feel a little apprehensive approaching bands after their set. There’s a sense of me wanting to talk to someone in the band while the spirit of their music is still boiling in my blood but it’s best to hang back. Let the guys get their shit packed away, cool off and have a chance to chill with their buddies. I got to talking to their guitarist Nick a bit later. Found out he was my step fathers hometown of Massapequa. (Home of All American Burger) He gave me a copy of their disc ‘Public Cemetery Party’ which I’ve been nodding to all week. Be sure to check them out.
Thinning the Herd Meet and Greet.
Thinning the Herd is a band I’ve been following for some time now. They were and are one the many bands I’m interested in talking to for Unite. When my bestie Rich Trash told me he was friends with the band I asked him to do the interview in order to possibly gain a more personal insight as to what makes them so fucking awesome.
When I heard they were playing the Lit Lounge I figured I’d swoop into Manhattan, gets some pictures and introduce myself. Seeing them live for the first time in over a year was great. Getting to hear the newer songs and get up close. Hopefully Rich will get back to nYc soon to sit down with the guys.
Thanks to Gavin for the Cd’s. I appreciate it. The bands new release Oceans Rise is amazing.
Skate Rats
This afternoon I decided to take my lunch down to the Hudson River (about three blocks from me) to check out some of the extensions that have recently been made there. It was such a beautiful day I thought I’d to wander down to the nearby skate ramps to see if there was any action to be had. Luckily I had my camera with me and after introducing myself around took a few shots. Since picking up the Canon 15mm Fisheye I’ve found so many uses for it. Capturing some sick in flight was high on the list.
Never Judge a Book by it’s Cover.
Fall of the Albatross proved to me once again to never judge a book by it’s cover. I was about to head out when the band began to set up their equiptment on stage. Their singer immediately caught my attention. Not exactly the type of guy your used to seeing at a Metal show. Something about his look and personality reminded me of Keenan Thompson from SNL. There was definitely a charm about him. As the band started to play I was immediately reminded of Living Color (That is in a good way) Tight musianship and damn did this kid have some major singing chops. His range matched with the bands precision and ability to put their unique stamp on any style or genre were amazing.The band hails from Jamaica Queens which is a short distance from where I grew up so it immediately felt like I was supporting the home team. Basically, I was blown away. This was a great example of why you should always get to the show early and leave late. Make sure you give every band a chance and don’t be afraid to say hello after. Tell them you enjoyed their set.
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