If you've a taste for the strange and Victorian, I would recommend dropping by Echo Curio for a sight to see. I have to admit that my contribution seems rather paltry compared to the rest of the pieces, which include furniture, sculpture, painting, drawing, decoration, and installation.
The show is up until the 2nd.
Last Saturday was VOICEsVOICEs' EP launch show at Spaceland. Nico and Jenean were excellent, concluding their set with a new track that begins to cross tentatively into more electronic realms.
But on Thursday night at The Smell, their set really coalesced, reaching a new maturity. Maybe it was the way Nico got down on her knees and plunged her guitar into the drumset or maybe it was the way Jenean wrung the bar in her hands, but something about this VOICEsVOICEs show was tremendously sexual. There is always an element of anticipation and release, but I really felt that I was witnessing something raw, primitive, and intimate this time.
They played their new track again and I felt the music move through me, tingling with electricity. My mind already opened to an experimental mood, inspiration struck me, and I produced the photo which most conveys how their music feels to me.
I don't remember how exactly I made this. I had been submerged in the moment.
I went into The Smell that night armed with a tripod and determined to try a few extended exposures.
I got some exciting results. Apart from the ghosts, anything that was still came in really clear, and the reduced need for light allowed me to shoot slower and crisper.
I perfected my technique with sasqrotch's set. I'd never heard them before though I'd seen their name around. They were a perfect companion to VOICEsVOICEs.
Doesn't the chair look like it's grimacing?
Traveling in a much more jam-oriented vein, Big Lovin' Panda invited me to come shoot their show at Unknown Theater, where everyone was invited to attend in costume!
Mod Pods kicked the show off with some low-fi aggression, despite their demure "oriental" costumes. I don't know why I didn't take pictures. I guess I was still feeling the initial anxiety and intimidation that I always feel when I first step into an assignment.
Big Lovin' Panda was awesome and I'm really glad I got in touch with them. I'm looking forward to more of their shows. They've got a rock jazz funk sound and a lot of heart and energy - not to mention folks in panda suits!
Another girl with a camera approached me and asked me if I wouldn't mind shooting the next band, since her camera had just given out. It wasn't in my original plan, but never one to say No to an opportunity, I took her compact flash card and shook hands with Oliver of the Pleasure Circus Band.
And boy gosh was I glad!
It was one of the single most amazing experiences of my life and I found myself thinking, "I think I found my new scene." As the name suggests, the Pleasure Circus is a large like, ten piece ensemble of various drums, triple saxophones, a keyboard, and a bass acting as conductor.
That shit had the white kids dancing tribal.
Words fail me - just hit up their MySpace, smoke a bowl, lie on your back, and let your eyes unwind on the ceiling.
Afterward I spoke briefly with Oliver, who was tremendously grateful and sweaty. I got a t-shirt for my efforts. Waiting for their next show is going to be torture.
I've realized lately how much I love live music. I just like being in its presence, but especially in smaller venues, where the connection is much more intimate. Because of my work I've been able to see a lot of stuff that I feel most people never hear of. And because we are all struggling to make it in our respective artistic endeavors, there is a great sense of community. And I am a member of that community.
Sunday night I attended the premiere of Believe It for which I did the production sound. Though I've distanced myself from the whole film thing (For now), it was thrilling to see my name on screen in top billing. When I approached the director, she hardly recognized me with my haircut. The film had gestated for about two years or so. Watching it in its completion I realize that I had grown up during its production and it was fitting that the film premiere now, when I've established the "grown up" Liz.
I reconnected with friends, but couldn't make it to the Fred62 after party, though we drank champagne and waxed politics in front of Norris Theater long after everyone had departed.
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