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 

Back from the Southwest!

Hey NYC!

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(Grand Canyon, 2017 © Leonardo Mascaro)

Just got back from an amazing journey through the Southwest of the US. I'm ready to go back to work and very excited to what's next. Still got a few dates open in September and October, so let's make Fall even better than what Summer was!

Will be posting a lot of pictures from this trip on my website soon, hang tight!

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

new video: The Shins - Half a Million

"Filmed on a white backdrop, edited, then printed out. “Half A Million” was created with 5,566 stickers, hand cut from the 4,868 frames and animated by sticking them down on top of each other at each of the 40+ locations."

DIRECTED AND CREATED BY: LAMAR+NIK

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

A few words with Nabiyah Be

I've recently photographed the Brazilian singer song-writer Nabiyah Be 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?
Nabiyah Be: Ha! Would be a very tricky question for me in any other scenario but right now I have to say Marvel's Black Panther since it is my very first movie as an actress and it's such a pivotal tool for black representation in the center of the machine that is Hollywood.

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
NB: Equally hard question...Although I love some of my oldies I have to say Amy Winehouse because she changed my approach to songwriting and introduced me to a whole generation of Jazz music that she drew from. Before her, I was quite ignorant about it and didn't really understand jazz. She also had a killer live band.

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
NB: Hang out with friends on my backyard and enjoy live music at the park.

How would you describe your music in just one word?
NB: Fusion.

(encore) Where can we listen to your music online? 
You can find everything available at www.nabiyahbe.com
I'll be making official releases this year! Follow me on social media at: 
- Instagram: instagram.com/nabiyahbe
- Facebook: facebook.com/nabiyahbe
- Twitter: twitter.com/nabiyahbe
- Youtube: youtube.com/nabiyahbe

Go to the movies and watch Baby Driver!

"Baby Driver" is the new movie written and directed by Edgar Wright, who brought us the phenomenal adaptation of the comic book "Scott Pilgrim vs. the World".

If you're a fan of action movies and music videos, do yourself a favor and don't miss this movie. Your experience will be even better if you don't watch the trailer previously, so I won't even link it here. Have fun!

A few words with Dr Scientist

I've recently photographed the rock band Dr Scientist 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?
Trevor O’Connor (Lead Vox/Guitar): I would love to write music for one of the "Mad Max" movies. It’s so aggressive but campy and at times light hearted and hilarious. I think it would be a challenge and also a lot of fun. Dylan Jacobus (Bass/Backing Vox): I would have loved to have written a song for Under The Cherry Moon. I mean, I know Prince wrote all the music for that since it's his movie, but writing something to fit the black-and-white, 1920's socialite vibe would be fun. Connor Larkin (Guitar/Keys Backing Vox): "Road to Perdition" cuz the atmosphere is so dark and picturesque. I always thought it would be really cool to write scores for soundtracks! Whenever I write music for the piano it ends up coming out sounding like something from that movie! Sean Farrelly (Drums): I would love to write music for the movie "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind." Almost everyone can relate to what that movie is about and it would be gratifying to write music that lends itself to helping people cope with those intense feelings.

If you could go back in time, who is the artist/band that you would’t miss a concert?
TO: The Beatles. They were the best. Or Johnny Cash... he was a cool ass dude. DJ: Prince. CL: David Bowie. SF: Pantera \m/

Favorite thing to do in NYC on a day off? 
TO: I like to take my woman to Fraunces Tavern down in the meatpacking district... George Washington chilled there once and he was a cool dude. I also love McSorleys for some light or dark beer....and Otto’s Shrunken head for a strangely awesome time. Rodeo Bar was also one of my favorites...i’m very upset it closed :( DJ: Spend more money than I should, at bars where I don't belong. CL: drink...a lot. SF: Having a cold one with the boys naturally.

How would you describe your music in just one word?
TO: Robust. DJ: Popsicle. CL: boys. SF: Untoward

(encore) Where can people listen to your music online? 
TO: www.drscimusic.com

Rest in Peace, Chester

Today I was going to post another of the "New Music Friday" posts, but after hearing about the passing of Chester Bennington yesterday, I decided to give it a break. I've lost an idol yesterday and all I wanna do is to listen to Linkin Park for the next few days.

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

Archinect Features: In Focus

I was recently featured on Archinect, where I could share a little bit of my approach and career as an Architectural Photographer in NYC. You can read the whole article in this link and lear a little bit more about my processes and style.

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

How To Take Double Exposure Photos Without Photoshop

I was recently featured on Format Magazine, where I could share a little bit of my process and approach when creating multiple exposures on camera, as you can see on my "California Exposed" series and many of my concert photos.

You can read the whole article in this link and find out how did I create some of these images below:

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/