Static

Cults at the Theater of Living Arts in Philadelphia 

Goal for 2014: shoot more concerts.

Rooms Filled with Light

The Drums

Over the course of the past few months I've had the opportunity to photograph some rather spectacular bands. Unfortunately I've also submitted to overwhelming laziness and have just gotten around to editing photos that have been sitting in a folder since the beginning of March. Thank goodness I don't do this for a living, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to eat for about two and a half months. The Walkmen put on a brilliant 3 hour long set on March 4 at Union Transfer; their show here in Philadelphia was part of a series of celebratory shows that honored their 10th anniversary as a band. Washed Out played at the same venue on April 19 and Fanfarlo was here to promote their newest album on March 8. The Drums were at Union Transfer as well back on April 23, and despite it being the most difficult show I've ever had to shoot (backlighting, smoke, more backlighting, and more smoke) it was a great show to watch. Every so often I have to remember to put down my camera, stop thinking about catching the best light, and just enjoy the music.

Washed Out

The Walkmen

Fanfarlo

Gimme Some!

Peter Bjorn & John's Gimme Some tour brought them to the Trocadero back on Saturday, September 10. At least three shows in the two weeks prior to the one here in Philadelphia had been cancelled due to John the drummer's injured shoulder. When I first heard the news of the slew of cancelled shows my heart dropped, mostly because I had missed my chance to see the band back in May and so my chances of catching them again in the near future would be slim to none. But I followed the band's updates closely on Twitter all weekend, and much to my relief (and excitement!) they ensured everyone that the show would go on, albeit with some minor improvisations. 

The Trocadero is only several blocks away from both the Market East train station and the 11th Street subway stop, which makes getting there from anywhere in the city a breeze. Had I only been scheduled to move into my dorm one week earlier I could have just hopped on the subway. But as it was, I was still home on summer break when the date of the concert rolled around. Though I did pick up a helpful tip: if you ever end up driving to the Troc like I did, park over at the Hilton Garden Inn. It's literally half a block away, and if you get your parking ticket validated at the venue it costs only $6 for the entire night!

Unlike PB&J's last show in Philadelphia, which was at the TLA on South Street, this show had not sold out. I always feel a bit disappointed in this city when it fails to recognize some of my favorite bands, but perhaps it's just something I take too personally. Getting through the door was a breeze; I've read a lot of disgruntled reviews concerning this venues security, but my own experience has never been anything less than pleasant. I arrived at the doors half an hour after they opened and so I successfully avoided waiting in line. After a quick bag search and ID check, I had my photo pass in hand and was making my way towards the floor.

Work Drugs, who humorously grant themselves the title of "Philadelphia's premier Bat Mitzvah and Quinceanera party band," opened the show with undeniably catchy chillwave vibes. The band says they make music specifically for pleasurable outings of the nautical sorts, a perpetual summertime theme that, as someone who prefers summer over all other seasons, I'm totally willing to embrace. I especially appreciated their tongue-in-cheek outfits, which were thematically consistent down to each members pair of sunglasses. Even though I had only heard a single or two on a local radio station, the band appeared to already have a loyal following, which included the possibly drunk but wholeheartedly emphatic boys that were just to my left. 

Next to grace the stage was Memoryhouse, a duo which hails from Ontario, Canada, and whose talents extend beyond music and further into the visual arts. I did not realize it at first, but I had actually stumbled upon Denise Nouvion's photography via her flickr photostream several months ago (doesn't the internet make the world seem so small?).  As their title suggests, each track enveloped the audience with intricately composed waves of rippling sound that induced a sensation of inescapable nostalgia. I couldn't help but fear that most of the subtle, fuzzy textures present on the LP recordings would be lost in even the smallest of live venues, but their sound remained just as ethereal.

After one of the quickest sound checks I've every had the pleasure of waiting through, Peter Morén, Björn Yttling, and John Eriksson came bounding out onto the stage accompanied by the most epic entrance music I've ever heard. Their energy was infectious as they moved back and forth across the stage. It's always captivating to watch musicians who clearly love what they do. Sometimes, I can't help but notice that some bands act as though it is a complete chore to perform, but Peter Bjorn and John were most definitely not one of those bands. My heart leaped especially each time Peter danced across the stage and sang straight into my camera. Perhaps it was all in my head, but I had spotted only one other person with a camera who disappeared soon after the first opener, so that's my story and I'm sticking to it. The band sounded superb live, and my favorite tracks performed included (but were not limited to) Tomorrow Has To Wait, their ever-popular Young Folks, and Objects of My Affection. 


I left the venue brimming with that after-concert excitement, the kind that masks all feelings of exhaustion and makes the pain in one's feet disappear. That, along with one of the most clever concert t-shirts I've ever seen:

Top of the World, Bottom of the Ocean

I shot my first concert this past Thursday! Not only was this my first time in a photo pit, but it was my first show at the TLA. Getting this close to one of my favorite bands was completely exhilarating. We were kicked out of the pit after the first three songs, but I didn't really mind because the crowd was awesome. I hate people that come to concerts and don't dance, but what I hate even more is people who get out of control. As long as any potential moshing is contained and no one steps on my feet, I'll consider it a good night.

The Naked and Famous were the first openers. They're a band from New Zealand, I'm sure if you've heard their single Young Blood by now. They sound like they are influenced by 80's post-punk, along with layered vocals and synths that are absolutely infectious. I liked them enough to download their entire album and I've been listening to it on repeat ever since. I love it when I leave shows having found a new band.

Passive Me, Aggressive You

Their album artwork is gorgeous too. 

The next set of openers were Freelance Whales. They're located in Brooklyn and caught my attention when they brought out quirky instruments like a glockenspiel, banjo, and harmonium.

Foals, with bassist and backing vocalist Walter Gervers to the far right

Not to be pushy, but if you aren't already a Foals fan, I'd recommend that you download Total Life Forever immediately. Their second album, which was released last May, was nominated for a Mercury Award. This UK band describes their sound as "like the dream of an eagle dying." You can interpret that however you wish, but I'll say that their intricately layered music and dance-punk beats create an absolutely atmospheric sound. I seriously enjoyed this album from the beginning, but it's one where the songs reveal a new dimension every time you listen to it.

Edwin Congreave on keyboard

Yannis Philippakis on lead vocals and guitar

Jimmy Smith on guitar

Drummer Jack Bevan on the right

What I wore:

I didn't manage to get a full outfit shot before the night was over, but I paired a loose, cropped blue pocket tee with a black skirt, glittery tights, a statement necklace and silver ring. 

I wore my concert tee with a skirt and DIY denim vest on Friday as I relished that awesome after-concert feeling.

I can honestly say this was one of the best shows I've seen all year. What's even better is that I get to do this all again on Sunday! I hope you are all enjoying your weekend as much as I am!

P.S. Tell me about the best show you've attended! I'd love to hear about it.