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.
Bon Iver, live at Forest Hills Stadium (NYC, 2022)
When was the last time you went to a concert by an artist that you really like for the first time? Last week I got to cross an item from my bucket list and I saw Bon Iver live for the very first time, accompanied by my friend and talented musician Jenny Kern, and it was everything I could have imagined and more.
Prior to this, I can’t really remember the last time I attended a concert in an arena/stadium type of venue, and I must say that that was something I wasn’t missing at all. Nothing wrong with Forest Hills Stadium by any means, but when you play for a crowd that big, you’ll inevitably attract all kinds of people, including a considerable amount that is not even interested in the music you’re playing. And if you’re not seated closer to the stage (who can even afford good tickets these days anyway?), you’ll probably have so much going on around you (selfies, laughs, drunks, “instagramable” moments), that it can be very tricky to be present and focus on the performance, at least that’s what ends up happening to me in most cases.
Now back to the concert… On tour to promote their 2019 album “i,i”, they’ve played a close to 2 hours set that pleased fans throughout their whole discography, including Heavenly Father, an incredible song that unfortunately is not available on any streaming platform. Even though I’ve been enjoying their music since their debut record came out 15 years ago, and especially with the masterpiece sophomore album, the more recent releases didn’t really grab me that much right away, until recently when I decided to pay closer attention in preparation to the concert, and especially after witnessing the live version of each track, that somehow is even better than the studio version. It’s hard not to think that Bon Iver is just its frontman Justin Vernon, but seeing them live makes you realize how much every single one of them contributes so much to the whole experience. And speaking of experience, the music paired with the lighting design and stage takes everything to the next level, making the concert almost an outer-worldly experience.
I don’t consider myself a religious person, but if Bon Iver was a church, I’d be there every Sunday morning!
Listen to this playlist I put together with the setlist of the show, a great way to get familiar with their music.
Jenny Kern
Here are some shots I took of singer-songwriter Jenny Kern at a concert at Mercury Lounge in NYC:
Susie McCollum
Here are some shots I took of singer-songwriter Susie McCollum at a concert at Mercury Lounge in NYC:
Jake Brewe
Here are some shots I took of singer-songwriter Jake Brewe at a concert at Mercury Lounge in NYC:
Roopa Mahadevan
Here are some shots I took of the amazing Roopa Mahadevan at a concert at Joe’s Pub in NYC:
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:
🎥 » Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles
It’s been a little over a month since Billie Eilish released her incredible sophomore album Happier Than Ever, and I continue to enjoy every second of it. If you still haven’t listened to the record, this may be the best opportunity to do so, by watching the concert film “Happier Than Ever: A Love Letter to Los Angeles”.
Different than many concerts available on streaming, here we watch Eilish performing the album live back to back, from an empty Hollywood Bowl, the seminal venue in Los Angeles, where Billie itself claims to have had attended many concerts as a fan. It’s weird watching a concert with no audience, but that’s easily forgotten the minute you get sucked into her world — kudos to the great cinematography throughout the whole set. Another beautiful surprise is the addition of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel, that accompanies the band on stage for some of the slower tunes, making the tracks sound even better than the original studio versions.
📸 Women in Music, part II
In celebration of Women's History Month, I decided to revisit my archives and highlight some of my favorite photographs I took of incredible women in the music scene over the years while working almost exclusively as a music photographer. This will be a 4 part post, with 10 pictures per post. Here’s the second batch:
Iris Lune @ C’Mon Everybody, NYC
Jackie Hoffman @ Joe’s Pub, NYC
Jenny Kern @ Rockwood Music Hall, NYC
Jessica Meyer @ BAMCafe, NYC
Jocelyn Mackenzie @ Knitting Factory, NYC
Kate K-S @ Joe’s Pub, NYC
Katie Buchanan @ Mercury Lounge, NYC
Kaylyn Marie @ Rockwood Music Hall, NYC
Kimbra @ Bowery Ballroom, NYC
Labaq @ Central Park Summerstage, NYC
A few words with Kate Kay Es
I've recently photographed NYC based singer/musician/song-writer Kate Kay Es 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?
Kate Kay Es: I would love to have written a song for the movie "Babel". This is a beautiful, visually stunning film about the human experience through different lenses. It evokes a strong feeling and emotion from beginning to end. The music that I write hopes to do the same.
If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
KKS: Whitney Houston or Michael Jackson. Both would be a dream!
Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off?
KKS: I love to walk around different areas of New York, as well as going to modern art galleries and drinking coffee!
How would you describe your music in just one word?
KKS: Experiential.
(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3EY8WqKgXDJcG3qGUvpzMK
https://soundcloud.com/katekayes
https://www.instagram.com/katekayesmusic
https://www.facebook.com/katekayesmusic/
A few words with Hotsy Totsy
I've recently photographed indie pop trio Hotsy Totsy on their 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?
Jenny Pilong: I kept racking my brain for a “cool” answer to this one, but… alas... I don’t have one. I actually don’t see a lot of movies, but I feel like it would have been cool to have had something on the "Hunger Games" soundtrack. I love writing melancholy, minor chord filled songs, so I think pairing that with a dystopian centric story would have been a match made in heaven. At least for me. Haha. Also, I kind of wish our song, “South Seas”, was around for Adam Sandler’s “50 First Dates”… which may or may not be one of my favorite movies… that I’ve actually seen. ;)
If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
JP: John Lennon… or maybe Billie Holiday.
Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off?
JP: Art museums and vegan food! Particularly, Blossom Restaurant in Chelsea. I need to try every single thing on that menu.
How would you describe your music in just one word?
JP: This is a tough one. For me, personally, I think it would be wistful. For Hotsy Totsy as a whole I need two: exuberant harmony. Which I think is sort of fair, since there are three of us. Haha.
(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
Links to our Soundcloud, youtube, Spotify, etc. can all be found on our website.
A few words with Naomi Gillies
I've recently photographed singer/song-writer Naomi Gillies 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?
Naomi Gillies: Hmmm, I'm not actually a huge movie person, but I'll have to say "Requiem for a Dream". The music from that movie is so creepy and cool.
If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
NG: Probably sounds pretty cliche, but Michael Jackson and Prince. I never got to see either of them live and I'll regret that forever.
Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off?
NG: I like to go to the park and chill or go walk doggo's at the local animal shelter. :)
How would you describe your music in just one word?
NG: I don't think I'm self aware enough to answer this one :-P I asked my fiancé, he said he thinks soulful. I'll say "soulpop."
(encore) Where can we listen to your music online? My very first EP is still in the production stage, but it will be out soon, I hope! You will be able to find it on my website, and of course Spotify, iTunes, etc. You can also follow me on Facebook and Instagram.
A few words with Kathleen Potton
I've recently photographed NYC based singer/songwriter Kathleen Potton on her show in NYC at Nublu, and took the opportunity to chat with her about a few other things:
(live at Nublu, NYC // © Leonardo Mascaro)
One, two, three, four!
Which movie would you love to have written a song for?
Kathleen Potton: Well I kinda did already. My song 'Montauk' is based around "Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind". There are so many aspects of this movie that I love... but anything to do with memory, time and perception of time fascinates me!! And subconsciously it was a theme to a lot of the songs I wrote for my album Nero. In "Eternal sunshine..." I love how they try to save certain memories by changing their perception of them & try "hiding" them by giving them different associations. And also love the idea of being predestined, that you can't help who you are, who you love, how you love & that despite trying to block out people, we can't help who we're drawn to.
If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
KP: Ooh this is hard... and to chose just one?? I think I would like to go back and see any of the artists who I'm inspired by (Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, Prince, Stevie Wonder, The Beatles) and see their first gig... I want to see where they started and how they morphed into the icons we know today. Seeing an artist's journey is incredibly inspiring.
Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off?
KP: Actually work and play are kinda intertwined for me... As long as there is music in whatever capacity, I'm happy! I do really love walking in the city though, especially at night when there are not too many people around, like after a gig... just put on some music and walk for ages. Best thinking and inspiration time for me!
How would you describe your music in just one word?
KP: Sincere.
(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
My album NERO is out:
on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/6leBXcfj0zCjGy1SN7qDGG
on iTunes https://itun.es/us/y9_djb ...
follow me on Instagram at instagram.com/katpotton
A few words with Francis Aud
I've recently photographed Singer/Songwriter Francis Aud on his show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with him 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?
Francis Aud: What a great question! So my favorite movie of all time is this super low-budget (or maybe it was a really big budget film but good lord the special effects don't seem that way) film called Short Circuit 2. It's about this self-aware robot who comes to live in NYC with a computer scientist/engineer, a swindler, and a shady banker to make toys and learn about human emotions. Anyways, I say all that because it's one of those typical, cheesy 80's movies where the soundtrack has music you'd listen to while wearing neon spandex, doing aerobics wearing a headband, and I'd love to just use a whole bunch of synths and totally cheap sounding sound effects to make something really fun.
If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
FA: This one is a three-way tie between Marvin Gaye, Otis Redding, and Jackie Wilson. Note for anyone who wants to see what a TRUE performance looks like, go watch Otis Redding's performance at The Monterey International Pop Festival.
Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off?
FA: Depends on the season! Spring/Summer: Going for a walk in Greenwich village. Fall: Going for a walk around Morningside Heights and writing in Straus Park. Winter: Not going for any walks and exploring a new coffee shop to journal in.
How would you describe your music in just one word?
FA: Genuine.
(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
The lovely masses can listen to my music at my website as well as searching 'Francis Aud' on Spotify, iTunes, Bandcamp, and Soundcloud:
Website: francisaud.com
Bandcamp: https://francisaudmusic.bandcamp.com/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/francisaudmusic
A few words with Janelle & the Gentlemen
I've recently photographed Nashville based rock-n-roll band Janelle & The Gentlemen on their 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?
Janelle Faiman: Anything Quentin Tarantino has produced. There is a dark sexy energy that I connect with. I probably watched Natural Born Killers 100 times in my early 20's.
If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
JF: Elvis Presley in the late 60's and early 70's. He had nothing to prove, but he continued to perform, older, out of shape and better than ever.
Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off?
JF: Museum of Sex.
How would you describe your music in just one word?
JF: Rich.
(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
www.janelleandthegentlemen.com
www.facebook.com/janelleandthegentlemen
https://play.spotify.com/album/4LqmBgaVYWukcasrf2UJUH
A few words with Brian Charette
I've recently photographed New York City organist/pianist Brian Charette on his show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with him 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?
Brian Charette: Blade Runner. It's my favorite movie sound track and I find the tone of the film dark and inspiring.
If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
BC: The Beatles.
Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off?
BC: Sleep.
How would you describe your music in just one word?
BC: Genius.
(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
Briancharette.com
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 Tim Chernikoff
I've recently photographed Jazz Pianist and Composer Tim Chernikoff on his show in NYC at Rockwood Music Hall, and took the opportunity to chat with him 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?
Tim Chernikoff: Out of all the movies I've seen that I can remember right now, I would probably have to go with Shawshank Redemption. I think making up themes for all of the different scenarios would be very cathartic. It's one of the movies that I identified with back in high school when a lot of my musical sensibilities were just forming.
If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
TC: Probably a Giant Steps-era John Coltrane gig, at one of the gigs he did while forming his concept, maybe 1958? Preferably the dingiest hole in the wall he had to play at. And then try to get a lesson with him.
Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off?
TC: On a day off... I would meet up with a girl and go to the park, or visit an outdoor salsa concert - depending on my current relationship status of course.
How would you describe your music in just one word?
TC: Wistful.
(encore) Where can we listen to your music online?
All my online posts will appear in the following places:
http://www.timchernikoffjazz.com
http://www.facebook.com/timchernikoffjazz
http://www.soundcloud.com/timchernikoff
http://www.instagram.com/chernijazz