Fashionably late. That’s what we’re calling this right here. How does that song by Peaches & Herb go again… “Reunited and it feels so good”, or something along those lines? Needless to say, that song was seemingly projected into my head while event notifications began popping up on my Facebook news feed and email inbox. Who would have thought we would be seeing live music THIS quickly during a global pandemic that almost destroyed the live entertainment industry? Not me, that’s for sure.
Thankfully, the production of vaccines and the willingness to get the double shot in order to get back to normal has brought us to a point where live music could very well survive this whole thing, variants aside. Now, before anybody get’s red in the face from that last statement, I’m not interested in arguing with anybody about vaccinations, or what sort of conspiracies the government is up to, so don’t bother spouting off about that stuff here, because that’s not what we’re here to talk about, capiche? Good.
Back to the fun! In 2021, I photographed a total of 7 shows, 9 press photo shoots, and 2 festivals; little better than last year’s number, but hey, shit’s been wack out there. Of course, with a handful of press photo shoots comes a handful of jump photos. 2021 had it’s share of ups and downs, and these jump photos did too… Get it? Ok I’ll let myself out. But before that, check the jumpers below.
There may not have been much for shooting internationally touring bands in 2021, but the local gigs were something to be thankful for. Although weary and unsure of what is and is not socially acceptable in these strange times, I think the local gigs were something that people really needed. Whether it was an anticipated CD release, a farewell or just a show to get your jollies out, people overall seemed at peace in the crowd. How could they not be? After such a long amount of time with ZERO live music. I can relate th that, big time. You know, that rush and the release of hearing loud music being played aggressively, or simply hearing your favorite song played live once again, especially in a time when we didn’t know if we would have that luxury again.
Come summer time, the announcement of Loud As Hell Festival making a triumphant come back in 2021 after cancelling 2020’s rendition of the fest was heartwarming to see; Scary due to the uncertainty of whether or not it would happen what with shut-downs and such, but heartwarming no less. Along with the uber-exciting news of Canadian vocal powerhouse, Stu Block rejoining Regina’s own Into Eternity, the festival set the tone for fans of heavy metal across Western Canada. It was a weekend of much needed release for the folks who lingered in the long months of isolation, and who just needed to scream, dance, mosh and shred once again. Loud As Hell maintained their usual schedule of a 3 day weekend banger with a kick off party to set the mood. Sadly, I wasn’t able to hit the kick off party this year, but I was able to take in the 3 days of hot, sweaty fun on the main festival grounds.
Shortly after Loud as Hell’s conclusion, I was pleased to catch yet another festival right at home with Trixstar’s Together Again Outdoor Concert Series. I attended 2 days of the festival which was spread out throughout the weekends in the month of August. It felt really great to be back in that setting, shooting big bands on big stages in a ‘vid safe setting. I just hope it can be a thing again come the summer of 2022.
Overall, not a whole lot of music-related things happened in 2021, but on the flipside? Life got REAL interesting. Between life changing advancements like solidifying a career in digital marketing to learning how to drive (it’s still scary) 2021 had much in the way of growth for this kitten, and I just hope the upward climb continues throughout 2022. I was able to put more time into the things that make me happy, and really sink into working on my passion-project that I call The Edmonton Dog Blog (if you’re a crazy dog lover like me, check it out on Instagram HERE).
As I bring this pitiful year-end blog to a close, I need to extend a nice, healthy THANK YOU! Thank you everyone who has supported me throughout 2021, whether it was calling me for photo services, or referring me to your friends, thank you for letting me be a small part of your lives as musicians, music fans and lovers of photography. You know the drill, I’m bringing another year end blog to a close, the best way I know. I've sorted through the hundreds of photos that I've snapped over the course of the year and have compiled some of my personal favorites into a little gallery (in no particular order) for you to feast your eyes upon. I want to wish everyone (especially you ride or die homies who stuck through this blog and made it this far) all the love, happiness and success in 2022! Let's kick it’s ass together. From my heart to yours, HAPPY (late) NEW YEAR! <3
