Five of my Faves from the Year!

As 2023 allowed us to finally get back out there to experience live music to its fullest, my year was packed with some really special musical moments. Rather than setting myself the task of picking my top gigs, I have chosen a selection that stand out in my memory from different aspects of my music photography worlds.

Sofar Sounds

Lisa Canny, Mal!k and Ethan Hodges at Madame Tussauds

Now in about my 6/7th year shooting for Sofar – this was such a great venue for A Sofar Sounds gig – the Madame Tussauds ‘Impossible Festival’ room – with a plethora of musical legends joining the room in waxwork form, it definitely added something to the vibe. Loved this gig, the acts were phenomenal as always at Sofar, but the atmosphere really had a festival feel.

Incredible set from the very talented harpist Lisa Canny – bringing a mix of the traditional to the contemporary with her skilled and energetic arrangements.

A beautifully charismatic delivery from singer songwriter, bassist and guitarist, Mar!k, blending modern genres with elements of freestyle.

Ethan Hodges also brought us his beautifully melodic music, originally finding his musical platform on TikTok by recording covers, he is now performing his own material.

Festivals 2023

Wyldfest

My second time at this community vibed festival set in an equestrian park in Hertfordshire. Keeping it small and keeping it secret makes the whole Wyldfest experience feel very exclusive. With zero commercialism and a communally funded bar it feels more like a party that runs all weekend. The facilities are excellent with showers, hot tubs, games, water chutes, pole dance classes and yoga, as well as a dance area in the woods. The stage area welcomed three days of performances from some very memorable acts. I plumped for bringing along my trusty pop up tent, but for those wanting a little more luxury there was also glamping as an option. My other two top festival picks from last year are Fat Tuesday in Hastings and The Great Escape in Brighton.

London

Sleep Walking Animals

My first Sleep Walking Animals experience was at a Sofar Sounds gig and I was instantly drawn to their indie folk sounds and joyous band camaraderie as they performed. As a six piece outfit they own the stage with confidence. Having grown up together in Manchester, the close relationship that the band members have really shines through in the music and performance. I messaged them when I spotted a showcase event planned at The Stereo in Covent Garden, and they were so friendly and happy to have me coming along to take some snaps.

Brighton and Hove News

Richard Dawson

Two White Cranes

Having run away from London in 2022, I have been shooting a few more gigs in various Sussex venues this year. So I was really happy to join the very talented team of music reviewers and photographers at Brighton and Hove News a couple of months ago. Brighton’s music scene is legendary and one of the things that draws me to the attend gigs here is not just the eclectic choice of sounds, but the range of venues. From grass roots platforms such as The Hope and Ruin or The Folklore Rooms, with midrange faithfuls like Concorde 2 or CHALK, to the larger fancier spaces of Brighton Dome and The Brighton Centre. The show that really stood out for me this year took place in the stunning St Georges Church in Kemptown. I was a total newcomer to Richard Dawson and was completely spellbound by his performance. A folk musician from Newcastle with a very singular style and innovative approach to composition and vocal delivery. His lyrical themes are underpinned with dark humour and his banter with his audience is warm and welcoming. He was joined on this occasion by Two White Cranes, aka Roxy Brennan, delivering acoustic folk pop with a fantastic lyrical obsession with Grand Designs. Her style worked so well alongside Richard’s, bringing her own dry sense humour to the presentation of her songs.

The Photography Squad

Kingsgate

Kingsgate are a band that I first came across at one of the Live Expressions in Upstairs at The Ritzy a few years ago, and then very happily I got to work with them in 2023. This gig was part of an ongoing project that I have been involved in with The Photography Squad – the concept being a gig that is put on specifically to teach some of the skills required for gig photography. This was the third of these Gig Photography Workshops that we have organised, and each one feels like a very special event. Having the use of the iconic Balham venue The Bedford definitely adds a certain something to the process. I was very happy when Kingsgate accepted our offer to be our third Gig Photography Workshop Band, and they made the whole project such a joy. Their beautiful mix of soulful pop is instantly engaging and the delivery is always dynamic. I am really looking forward to seeing more of their shows in 2024.

Happy New Year to everyone – and here’s to a 2024 filled with music new and old and the joy that being in those shared spaces brings us live music fans.