Here are some shots I took of rock band VHS Collection at a concert at Brooklyn Steel in NYC:
Black Midi @ Central Park SummerStage
I had the pleasure to attend and photograph UK legends Black Midi playing at Summerstage in Central Park, NYC, on a night kicked off by Sarah Squirm and Sal Valentinetti. Here are some of my favorite shots I took there:
Ney Matogrosso @ Central Park SummerStage
I had the pleasure to attend and photograph Brazilian legend Ney Matogrosso playing at Summerstage in Central Park, NYC, on a night kicked off by Fado Bicha and Francisco El Hombre. Here are some of my favorite shots I took there, while on assignment for Arte Institute.
Tamar Eisenman
It was great being back at Joe’s Pub after 2 years last Tuesday, to photograph the amazing Tamar Eisenman at one of my favorite venues in NYC. Here are some favorites from the night:
4 ways to get creative with Music Photography
Music Photography has been my bread and butter for the past 8 years or so, and over this time I experimented with a lot of different styles and techniques, in order to get away from ending up with the same images over and over. So here are 4 of my favorite ones that I try to incorporate into my work as much as I can:
1. In-Camera Multiple Exposures
Obviously, there’s no other way to start this list without mentioning Multiple Exposures, a technique that I like to use pretty much in any type of Photography I do, and for which I became known. These images planned on the spot and created in-camera (read a tutorial here), making it for always intriguing and interesting images:
Jessica Meyer (live at BAM Café, NYC 2017)
Rosemary Minkler (live at Bowery Electric, NYC 2018)
Choro das 3 (live at Sheen Center, NYC 2019)
2. Slow Shutter
Music Photography is almost always associated with faster shutter speed to freeze the moment and create timeless images. But rules are meant to be broken and sometimes all you gotta do is be ready to think outside the box:
Keith Ward (live at Rockwood Music Hall
Backup Planet (live at Brooklyn Bowl, NYC 2017)
3. Narrow Aperture
And speaking of rules, another common one is to keep your aperture as wide as possible, since you’re (most of the time) photographing in low light situations and need as much light to get to your sensor. But hey, who said that you cant bump up your aperture once in a while?
Raye Zaragoza (lleve at Irving Plaza, NYC 2019)
Mars Motel (live at Knitting Factory, NYC 2017)
4. Using a Prism Filter
More recently I began to experiment with using prisms in front of my lens, and the results are so incredible (when shooting a visually interesting artist and background) that it becomes almost impossible not to use it all the time. These were taken with Fractal Filters.
LGBAC Symphonic Band (live at Symphony Space, NYC 219)
Emily King (live at Central Park SummerStage, NYC 2019)
Corinne Bailey Rae (live at Central Park SummerStage, NYC 2019)
Brasil Summerfest 2017 @ Central Park SummerStage
Last Saturday I had the pleasure to attend Brasil Summerfest, a festival that celebrates Brazilian music in NYC. This year's performances featured Liniker e os Caramelows and Elza Soares. Here are some of my favorite shots I took there, while on assignment for Leblon.
A few words with Katie Buchanan
I've recently photographed singer song-writer Katie Buchanan on her show in NYC at Mercury Lounge, and took the opportunity to chat with her about a few other things:
(live at Mercury Lounge, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)
One, two, three, four!
Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Katie Buchanan: Notting Hill. That was the first non-musical movie where the music stuck with me more than the film.
If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
KB: Otis Redding.
Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off?
KB: Searching for the perfect almond cortado. Harder than it sounds. The Australians are getting close though (Bluestone Lane, Blackfox, Voyager, all in the running).
How would you describe your music in just one word?
KB: Layered.
(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
- Website: www.katiebuchanan.com
- Spotify: http://spoti.fi/2s2kwFU
- iTunes: http://apple.co/2ra5Pwz
- Physical: http://katiebuchanan.com/standwithme
A few words with Bianca Muñiz
I've recently photographed the Amazing singer song-writer Bianca Muñiz on her show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with her about a few other things:
(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)
One, two, three, four!
Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Bianca Muñiz: Hmmm, I absolutely love "The Life of Pi". Especially the scene where the water is glowing at night and the moon is out and shining bright and there are jelly fish everywhere. It's so magical, that movie is incredible. I would be honored to write a song for that movie.
If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
BM: I'd have to say Ella Fitzgerald!
Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off?
BM: If it's nice out, I love exploring Central Park or the Botanical Gardens. If not, going to the gym and then lying in bed watching Netflix.
How would you describe your music in just one word?
BM: Hypnotic.
(encore) Where can people listen to your music online?
- Website: www.biancamuniz.com
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5gguUFXsf8vDBX2xuoKCp2
- iTunes: https://itun.es/us/eS0Wdb
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/bianca-curly-muniz/florasia-taylor-mcferrin-cover
A few words with 45 Riots
I've recently photographed the collective-band 45 Riots on their show in NYC at The Bitter End, and took the opportunity to chat with them about a few other things:
(live at The Bitter End, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)
One, two, three, four!
Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Adam Mason: If I had a real knowledge of orchestral composition and arranging as well as film scoring I would have liked to have written for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I was a huge fan of the novels from my early childhood and loved seeing them come to life onscreen when they first came out in installments. I also loved the animated version from the 1970's which was very creative and moody.
If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
AM: I am still mad at my parents for not letting me see Motley Crue in 1989 or 1990 in their prime when my friends all went. I did finally see them recently on their farewell tour, decades later. But truly, I would have loved to have seen John Coltrane with Elvin Jones or Miles Davis with Herbie, Ron, Tony, and Wayne. I think that would have been life-changing. I would love to have experienced James Brown, Prince, Earth, Wind, and Fire, or Stevie Wonder live in concert, too, all when they were in their prime and at their respective apexes.
Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off?
AM: My favorite thing to do on a day off is skydive! I am looking forward to hitting my 500th jump this month and many more to come. In the winter I snowboard and I try to generally travel internationally as much as possible. I love the outdoors and adventure-based outdoor activities - white-water rafting, canyoning, rappelling, and rock climbing, hiking, camping, etc.
How would you describe your music in just one word?
AM: Diverse.
(encore) Where can people listen to your music online?
AM: Our website www.45riots.com is the best platform to stay connected and learn more about our team. We have several creative original music projects about to launch and all will eventually be featured on our website, besides the cover music performance media already showcased.
A few words with Paracutá
Paracutá is an Alternative Rock band from New York City and Lima, Peru.
(live at The Bitter End, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)
One, two, three, four!
Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Sean Vinci: The obvious answer is something like High Fidelity or Almost Famous but a movie like Footloose or Top Gun would be a lot of fun. How often do you get to be on the same sound track as Kenny Loggins?
If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
SV: It's hard to pick just one! Seeing any of the bands that were performing in New York City in the mid 1970's would be amazing: Iggy Pop, Blondie, The Ramones, Television, etc.
Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off?
SV: Go to Astoria Park with a good book.
How would you describe your music in just one word?
SV: Melodic.
(encore)
Where can people listen to your music online?
- Spotify: http://smarturl.it/Paracuta-SP
- Apple Music: http://smarturl.it/Paracuta-AM
- iTunes: http://smarturl.it/Paracuta-IT
- Bandcamp: http://paracuta.bandcamp.com
- Shortlink: http://smarturl.it/Paracuta
A few words with Elsie and The Vibe
I've recently photographed Elsie and The Vibe on her show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with her about a few other things:
(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)
One, two, three, four!
Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Elsie: It'd be so great to be involved in any Disney movie - I've always loved their music!!
If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
Elsie: Etta James.
Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off?
Elsie: Relax! The city moves at a very fast pace, so if I'm not working I use the time to rejuvenate - then play some more music with friends or go to see a gig!
How would you describe your music in just one word?
Elsie: Passionate.
(encore) Where can people listen to your music online?
Elsie: You can find my music on Spotify, Soundcloud and pretty much all the other places you find music these days! You can also stay up to date with any shows and new releases on my Facebook or Instagram
A few words with Occurrence
Occurrence is the electronic music project of playwright Ken Urban and vocalists Cat Hollyer and Johnny Hager.
(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)
One, two, three, four!
Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Ken Urban: Blue Velvet. I think that movie influenced so much of what I understood about sound and visuals.
If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
KU: It's weird that so many bands I love are now touring again. Maybe Public Image Ltd during the Flowers of Romance period.
Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off?
KU: Not leave my apartment.
How would you describe your music in just one word?
KU: Iced.
(encore)
Where can people listen to your music online?
KU: occurrencemusic.com and http://thepastwilllastforever.com/
A few words with Stephanie McKay
Stephanie McKay is a singer, songwriter and musician, born and raised in New York City.
(live at Joe's Pub, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)
One, two, three, four!
Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Stephanie McKay: "The Wiz" because of the great artists in the film. How great would it have been to write a song for Michael Jackson and Diana Ross. Also because of the message in the film to believe in yourself.
If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
SM: Marvin Gaye or Sam Cooke
Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off?
SM: Library or bookstore.
How would you describe your music in just one word?
SM: Reflective.
(encore)
Where can people listen to your music online?
SM: www.stephaniemckay.com
A few words with Mars Motel
I've recently photographed Brooklyn-based indie rock band Mars Motel on their show in NYC at Pianos, and took the opportunity to chat with them about a few other things:
(live at Pianos, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)
One, two, three, four!
Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Sarik Kumar: Into The Wild - There's something about the sublime power of nature that has always intrigued me. I would have loved to immerse myself in an environment that could inspire that sense of organic grandeur in music.
If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
SK: Oasis - Wembley Stadium - July 21, 2000
Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off?
SK: Enjoying a coffee at my favorite cafe and walking around my neighborhood in Greenpoint
How would you describe your music in just one word?
SK: Cathartic.
(encore) Where can people listen to your music online?
SK: The music is only available live at the moment, but our debut EP is slated to release later this year. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for all the updates!
A few words with Juice
I've recently photographed Boston-based band Juice on their sold-out show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with them about a few other things:
(live at Rockwood Music Hall, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)
One, two, three, four!
Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Band: Zoolander
If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
Rami: Herbie Hancock and the Headhunters; Miles: The Grateful Dead; Chris: Led Zeppelin; Michael: The Beatles; Daniel: Gwen Stefani; Ben: The Wiggles; Christian: Prince; Kamau: Michael Jackson
Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off?
Walk around in search of delicious food (maybe some ramen) and go shopping.
How would you describe your music in just one word?
Friendly
(encore) Where can people listen to your music online?
On our website: www.itstimeforjuice.com
On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3sj0Iod16OcdGir7ZJXv8U?play=true
Our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/itstimeforjuice