Pop Punk Please

As you may or may not have read, I went to the Atlas Genius concert at Stubb’s on Oct. 23 to take photos, so here they are!

Atlas Genius is actually quite a talented band. Their live sound was almost better than the record, which is a rare occurrence in live music. Everything about the experience was chill but at the same time energetic. There was no pressure to perform or hype up the crowd. It was what it was. It was natural and free-flowing. They also had a very cool lights shows with oranges and reds to blues and greens. Atlas Genius is definitely worth seeing if you get the chance.

Icelandic indie-folk/pop band Of Monsters and Men made a stop in Austin for their U.S. tour, so I went down to Stubb’s to see them and take photos. I really only knew the band for their hit “Little Talks,” but I was quite surprised by their live performance. They were all smiles the whole time and so was the crowd- their music is contagiously happy. I can see why their show sold out so soon.

Their live sound is just as full as the album because, in addition to the normal band instruments, they play piano, organ, accordion, trumpet, and assorted percussion instruments in their live show that are also used on the album . But what really makes them unique are their lead singers- yes, plural. They have a male and female singer who take turns leading the songs and singing together, which gives their music a rich and interesting sound. The six piece band also had two touring members with them. They’re a really cool group of musicians and I suggest seeing them live.

To view all of my photos of the band, you can visit my flickr page.

South By Southwest is full of shows and free showcases, so many that it’s hard to keep track of them all. More often than not you’ll hear about showcases from word of mouth, which is how I found out about Andrew McMahon playing a free show on Friday at Whole Foods.  The event was hosted by Quantum Collective and Amazon who had many bands scheduled to play that day, even the famous Rick Springfield who I saw before Andrew McMahon.

There were lots people lounging around on the rooftop of Whole Foods with friends, kids and dogs in tow, all enjoying the live music, free food, and the atmosphere. When Andrew McMahon and his band started setting up people gathered under the pergola to watch him.

Since the end of Jack’s Mannequin and the start of Andrew McMahon touring under his own name, he added several band mates to his live band so that he could have a fuller, more complete live sound. Andrew and his five bands mates packed keyboards, synthesizers, basses, guitars, mics, and all the pedals and wires that go along with it onto a stage that would be considered small even for four people. He began his set about 40 minutes later after all the instruments were sound checked and they got his piano working.

After playing “Television” (Jack’s Mannequin), “Learn to Dance” (new), and “I Woke Up In a Car” (Something Corporate), he started to play his newest song “Synesthesia” but had to cut it because one of the synthesizers stopped working. The thing about SXSW is that everything is spontaneous and problems happen and you just have to keep going. So Andrew finished his set with one of his personal favorite Jack’s songs “Bruised.”

After seeing him at SXSW and again for his show in Dallas I realize how much of a true musician and performer he is. He is so true and real in his music and so genuine when he performs. Andrew McMahon  is something special.

You can read about my one of a kind experience at his show in Dallas and see even more photos by clicking here.

Watch Andrew McMahon’s performance of “Television”.

For more photos of Andrew McMahon from SXSW, you can visit my Flickr page.

All of my photos from the show can be viewed on my flickr page.

Hey guys! I scored a photo pass for FUN.’s show in Austin at Stubb’s on Feb. 12. Read my notes from the concert below and check out my photos.

After receiving two Grammys only two days prior to the show, it was easy to see that Fun. was still beaming from the recognition.

Fun. was very grateful to finally play at Stubb’s outdoor amphitheater (2,000 capacity). It’s a venue that a lot of bands hope to play at some day when they’re finally big enough. Nate Ruess told the crowd how they always dreamed of playing at Stubb’s. The band has played at Stubb’s Jr. (300 capacity) for years and eaten Stubb’s world famous BBQ whenever they came to town. So finally getting to play at Stubb’s outdoor amphitheater is when you know you’ve made it, and Fun. really has made it.

This is what we know and this is who we are and this is what we love.

-Nate Ruess

It was a very special show for the band and everyone there.

Check back here soon for live footage from the show.