Seven Years of Music

7 years… well sorta…

Most years during the first week of February, I find myself sorting through photo passes and digging through hard drives to write about all the music I got to experience that year. Looking back on 2020 is a lot different. On February 7th, 2014, I photographed my first concert, and in the years since I have been so lucky to have photographed hundreds of artists across the country. While I often find myself losing track of the artists that I’ve photographed, the people I meet always stick with me. I think that when I look back on my experience in music, it will always be the friendships I’ve made that will stick out.

Before I began writing this, I read the blog post I made on this day in 2016. While so much has changed in the 5 years since I feel more connected than ever to that version of myself. In 2016, I wrote “Never in my life have I been more excited for what the future holds” and that optimism is something that I feel is beginning to return to me even if it is coupled with the anxiety of what damage this pandemic has caused for the music industry.

In the last year, I have been able to connect much deeper with the musicians that I work with. I’ve always flourished when I’m able to work intimately with my subjects so it feels incredible to have really cultivated some deep relationships this year. Sometimes our rich conversations as we dream up big ideas make me forget the unique set of challenges that we are facing each day in this pandemic. Additionally, as I have begun to turn my focus towards music videos and creative direction, I have started working in tandem with other creatives more. I’m reminded every day that I chose to work in music because of the people. While the venues may still be closed, the people are still here. We are still here. We are still dreaming. We are still doing. We are still counting down the days until the return of live music and on the day we stop counting, we will be ready.

I also wanted to reflect on the indefinite hiatus of The Prelude Press that will begin on February 28th. I’ve read the announcement post more times than I’d like to admit. It feels like getting hit by a truck. every. single. time. I met Shannon online in 2013. I had followed her work because she would photograph my favorite band letlive. whenever they were in town. When I finally got the nerve to ask her for advice on how to begin doing concert photography, she obliged all my questions (even the really stupid ones). Then in February 2014, she and Dom created The Prelude Press. They immediately let me join and begin shooting shows even though I had very little experience. Not only did they both teach me almost everything I know about the music industry, but they taught me to believe in myself. I love Shannon and Dom with all my heart and I will always call them “Mom + Dad” no matter how old I get or who is around. I miss crushing red bulls at riot fest and singing along to Taking Back Sunday with them and the countless other friends I have made through Prelude. I hope I get to experience that joy again soon.

Thank you for reading + all the support in this crazy endeavor over the past 7 years.

With love,