In 2015, John Brandon of San Fermin, Ty Taylor of Vintage Trouble, Colm Querney, Kellindo Parker (who plays with Janelle Monáe) and Al Kooper (who plays with Bob Dylan) were among some of the musicians I photographed who sent me personal messages to let me know they appreciate my work. It’s a great feeling to have the artists themselves find your work. And though I didn’t hear from her, even Mariah Carey probably saw my work on the Village Voice.
One up and coming band, Secret Weapons, found my photos and reached out, inviting me to come check out their show. After seeing them a few times and getting to know Danny and Gerry, it was great to hear they signed to a label before the year was out. Congrats fellas.
In the same period, I’ve gotten my work published (even if it was just once) in more places, including in and on Noisey, Pancakes & Whiskey, Fangoria, ReverbNation, Rockin’ On, Open Ears, the Sundance Institute and who knows where else.
It helps that I’ve been seeing a lot of music. Although I don’t have an auditor, I try to keep track of what I’ve seen in a year. Returning to the Newport Folk Festival and seeing a ton of great music in Fort Adams State Park was one of the highlights. I look forward to going again in 2016.
Here are some statistics for 2015:
- 311 shows/bands/sets (includes photo only opportunities).
- 259 unique/individual bands/musicians.
- 73 different venues/event spaces/parks/whatnot.
- 143 days in the year during which I saw a show (with above caveat).
Artists I saw most frequently, with # of times:
- Josh Ritter 4x
- Mike + Ruthy 4x
- Anderson East 4x
- Courtney Barnett 4x
- Hozier 3x
- Glen Hansard 3x
- Sleater-Kinney 3x
- Sturgill Simpson 3x
- Secret Weapons 3x
- The Lone Bellow 3x
- Christopher Paul Stelling 3x
- Marina and the Diamonds 3x
Venues I visited the most frequently, with # of times:
- Webster Hall: 12x
- Rough Trade NYC : 11x
- TERMINAL 5: 9x
- Baby’s All Right: 7x
- Bowery Ballroom: 6x
- Madison Square Garden: 5x
I got to know a lot more photographers which is great cause I have more friends to keep me company in the photo pits. And I worked with a lot more publicists, the kinds folks who are willing to let me go into those same photo pits, so I must thank them for the access they provide and allowing me to do what I love.
With that, let me share my favorite (I don’t call them them “best”) music photos of 2015.
