Photos by Sara Valenzuela
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Tag: music photography
One Million Lovers Fill Baltimore Soundstage
Review + Photos by Lilli Banks
The Growlers, Baltimore Soundstage, May 19.
On a quiet night in Baltimore, the venue, Baltimore Soundstage was growing louder as The Growlers set time came closer. The Growlers decided to stop in Baltimore, MD during their “City Club Tour”.
I’d never known that so many people in Baltimore knew and listened to The Growlers. Many college kids and teens were in the crowd as the older folk occupied the back of the venue.
The venue told me that there was no barricade, so that put on a challenge for me to get as close to the front as I could. To be honest, didn’t really work out. The crowd is different from barricade or in the photo pit…
I saw the crowd so engaged in the band. There were no phone use restrictions nor did the band ask them to put down their phones. Their “beach goth” sound put on the right atmosphere for a Thursday night in Baltimore. The solos brought from the guitarists were chill, but so captivating. The Growlers are one of those bands where if you listen closely, each instrument is heard and never overshadowed by another. The crowd was still energetic as ever as the first few notes of their favorite songs played. The band knew how to choose their setlist, they varied it a bit from other shows which always brings an element of surprise. They chose a great selection from their multiple albums to please all their fans. In one song, Matt, the lead guitarist, takes over singing a song and the entire crowd started cheering! It was a moment where not all bands put the spotlight on other members. Not all fans in the crowd knew he did this either, so seeing the shift and excitement was thrilling for both the band and the crowd themselves!
The best part of a concert is truly seeing how much the fans are in love with the band and live music. The universal effect of music truly is wonderful.
Music can bring such joy to peoples lives. However, on May 22, Manchester Arena was bombed during an Ariana Grande concert. Although The Growlers show was May 19 and the Manchester event occurred afterwards, it is still important to talk about.
PLEASE email your local venues and ask them to up their security. The bombing occurred outside the arena, but venue security is still a problem. Sometimes bags aren’t even checked. Continue to go to concerts. Try to make a change! Even the slightest enhancement can save a life.
All our staff at LDM are sending condolences to those affected by this tragedy.
The New Pornographers at the 9:30 Club
By Lilli Banks
Canada is home to many talented musicians. A 7-piece band from Vancouver made a stop at the 9:30 Club in DC! The New Pornographers sold out two nights at the 1,200 capacity venue, I was lucky enough to attend the second night.
With their new album, “Whiteout Conditions” released just a few weeks ago, they were kind enough to perform some of them. Despite having 7 members in the band, they were able to showcase each member with their instruments and talented voices.
Their set was full of colors and an audience of all ages! Parents bringing their 8 year old kids, college students, even some people that had grey hair!
The band had restrictions for their fans though…they requested that there was no personal photography or videography.
It sure did pay off. There were a few phones here and there, but people danced more and truly absorbed the moments. Fans were yelling the lyrics to each other with their friends as they lifted their beers!
At every 9:30 Club show, you will always find a fan smiling. It’s a venue where you are completely enthralled in the experience. The New Pornographers captured that and put on a wonderful show. If their show hasn’t sold out near you, then see if you can grab a ticket!
You can listen to “Whiteout Conditions” here!
Blossoms Live at The Echo
All Photos by Kayla Fernandez
From across the pond, we bring to you, Blossoms. Amassing a large following in the UK,—selling out 2,000 capacity venues—last night’s gig was quite the contrast when the Stockport natives played to eager fans at The Echo. While the venue may have been small, the band’s performance ignited a flame within the crowd. However, when lead singer, Tom Ogden, would slow things down with heartbreak acoustic tunes like, ‘Favorite Room’, the intimacy of the room was amplified and felt like everyone but you and the band had melted away.
We were lucky enough to be in the middle of the crowd and snap some candids of the group as pictured below.
COMING SOON: a video interview with 3 of the members and a fan giveaway!
Follow Blossoms!
Young Rising Sons at The Moxi Theater
American pop indie band Young Rising Sons just wrapped up their US tour last week. Take a look at the photos our photographer Marissa Lujan captured in Greeley, Colorado!
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