SXSW 2013 - Mass Appeal Presents: Ice Cream Social at Austin Music Hall
When I shot at the Austin Music Hall last year I was covering the Austin Music Awards (where Bruce Springsteen made a surprise appearance, much to my complete and utter excitement). This year was very different. The music awards had come and gone earlier in the week, and tonight was all about hip-hop. Although this was not my first time to shoot a hip-hop showcase, the challenges remained much the same - mainly microphones and baseball caps obscuring the performers' faces. To add to this, because some of the acts were pretty high profile (particularly Pusha T, Bun B and Kendrick Lamar), the photographers' pit at the front of the stage was absolutely jam-packed.
The full line-up was as follows: Nylo, Emilio Rojas, Alexander Spit, Rockie Fresh, Roc Marciano, A$AP FERG, Bun B, Pusha T and Kendrick Lamar.
SXSW 2013 - Diamond Rings at The Main
While making my way to The Main to catch Diamond Rings' set, camera gear slung round my shoulders, I was approached by a somewhat disheveled man claiming that the rapper T.I. was his nephew. The man went on to explain that T.I. would be pulling up in his car shortly, and if I wanted to follow him down what looked to be a rather secluded alleyway, I would be able to get some great shots. As much as I would like to believe that international megastar rappers just hang around in alleyways while their uncles round up wandering photographers, I had to decline, but I thanked the gentleman for his kind offer. And that's the story of how I met Austin's most ineffectual yet commendably optimistic mugger.
But on to Diamond Rings, the stage name of Canadian musician John O'Regan. O'Regan has been steadily gaining popularity over the past few years, becoming well known for his flamboyant, theatrical stage persona. I found him to be an instantly likable performer, because it's clear he really enjoys what he's doing. For me, this is a crucial aspect of any concert, as a photographer but also as an audience member. We've all been to concerts where the band are obviously just going through the motions, and that can be pretty off-putting most of the time. Today, O'Regan was having fun on stage, and his enthusiasm definitely rubbed off on the audience.
SXSW 2013 - NPR's ¡Viva! Alt.Latino Showcase at Auditorium Shores
Day three of the music festival, and it made for a nice change to be shooting outdoors in the sunshine for a while. There were four artists/bands in today's lineup - Jovanotti, Bajofondo, Molotov and Cafe Tacvba. Being a free show I was expecting a large crowd, but I completely underestimated just how popular these acts would be. The audience went nuts.
SXSW 2013 - The Airborne Toxic Event at Buffalo Billiards
Following on from acts such as Hanni El Khatib and Ash, capping off tonight's showcase at Buffalo Billiards was The Airborne Toxic Event. These guys were a definite crowd favorite.
SXSW 2013 - Ash at Buffalo Billiards
Ash hold a special place in my heart. I was a big fan of them as a teenager back in Scotland in the mid-90s. It really was no fault of theirs that they eventually dropped off my radar, as they've apparently been churning out pretty solid material ever since. To be honest I didn't even realize they were still together until I saw their name on the SXSW schedule.
So, I went to tonight's show looking forward to indulging in a little nostalgia, but came away pleasantly surprised at how formidable a live act they still are. Maintaining a frenetic pace throughout, they were highly enjoyable to watch. And, as creepy as it might sound, I could photograph bassist Mark Hamilton all day. He's a lofty chap, and when you combine this with his continual posturing and contorting it makes for some really cool pictures.
