I'm basically a professional now. pretty much. sort of. not really.

So I had my first real photoshoot in January.

Real in the fact that there were extras, lights and an outcome that was expected from me. It was pretty scary (mostly because there was an outcome that was expected from me) but glad to report it all went well and I actually liked using extras and lights (and getting paid) so hopefully some more will come my way. I haven't been able to show any of the work until the band started using it for promo material, they have chosen this one to start off with here, many more to come - and hopefully I'll see my photos on a couple of magazine covers!

ME (them)

I have seen these guys a few times now, photographed them twice (1 and 2) and gone along as a watcher once. Out of all the up and coming Melbourne bands I have seen, these guys are one of the few that stand out from the rest. Great musicians, great songs, great show. Well worth checking out - they are off the the UK to record their album, I just hope the recording stands up to the live performance!

View the whole set here

Wagons, Watts and Edward

I was asked to photograph the Wagons who were supporting Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros at the Forum here in Melbourne. I hadn’t heard Edward Sharpe but was told that I would like ‘em, they were one of a couple of cool surprises to be had that night... I got there nice and early as the Wagons were on first - this is the first time I have seen the full band play since I first photographed them at the Corner last year - awesome show, they really are a kickass live band. Then we got a treat in the shape of Reggie Watts, if you haven’t heard Reggie Watts (like me) you really need to check him out.

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros came on (about 150 of them) and were a great watch, can’t really explain the music, kinda Flaming Lipsey Vs something else via another band’s 2nd cousin (which is a good thing)

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes (c) Michael Christian 2011

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes (c) Michael Christian 2011

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes (c) Michael Christian 2011

Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes (c) Michael Christian 2011

Wagons (c) Michael Christian 2011

Wagons (c) Michael Christian 2011

Wagons (c) Michael Christian 2011

Reggie Watts (c) Michael Christian 2011

Reggie Watts (c) Michael Christian 2011

Grinderman - Review!

I have been pretty excited about seeing these guys again. I saw them in Sydney in 2006 and remembered it was a great show. I was granted the opportunity to scramble around on the day of the show and try and find someone who wanted to go to the show after a friend pulled out - fellow New Zealander, Matthew filled the shoes at the 11th hour and we were off!

We arrived stupidly early and got to see Conway Savage who has been on a few Bad Seeds releases since 1990. It was mellow... real mellow. So mellow that I think it was intentional.

Grinderman came on and here started the onslaught of noise and awesomeness... Warren Ellis is the master of distorted mayhem and maraca madness - such a sight to behold. Nick Cave is (still) the king of cool at 53. The bass player and drummer were just laying down nice solid rhythm for Nick and Warren to scribble over with their demented crayons. So good!

I couldn't take my big ol' gig shooting camera in to the show so I thought I'd take a film point and shoot camera instead! see below!

All the pics here

Studio time

As mentioned before, I have been photographing Melbourne band The Wagons in the studio as they record their new album. I got on to these guys from photographing a gig of theirs, they liked the pics and next thing ya know, I was on a photoshoot with the singer - I have been working with them for a few months now, and more to come! bunch of good guys and really easy to work with!

I recorded a little video the first day I wa sin the studio, not thinking anything of it - but managed to get something kinda cool produced (above). Far better than what I expected from my first go at video, so hopefuly not the last..

National

This band has more buzz surrounding them than a vibrator convention, people are gushing over their live shows, they are bigger than.. um.. Coldplay or something.

I didn't connect though, I like their album and the show seemed good from what I saw. Who knows, I wasn't sitting down and focused on the show - I was only allowed three songs and from the side of the stage - then I had an hour watching the show before I was told to leave by security. The amount of people saying it was an awesome show makes me think it was me and not them...

Support was from The Middle East (the band, not the place) who were pretty cool.

The one thing that annoyed me however, was the sheep mentality of the audience and this isn't limited to just the National show...

Lights flicker "WOOOOOOO HOOOOOO"

Lights change colour "OOOOOO MAI GAWDDDDDD!"

Lights turn on "AAAAARGGGH MY HEAD IS GOING TO EXPLODE FORM AWESOMENESS"

All pics here

My McChicken was good though.

I think you were meant to be there

The band I play in is having an album release gig on February 4 at the Cherry Bar in Melbourne (followed by a NZ tour at the end of Feb) have a listen to a song from it :)

It would be great to see you there!

If you were ever meant to be there by audiac

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