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What a relaxing weekend. Much of my time was spent at the parents house, chillin’
When there is a purpose for taking photographs it always makes it so much easier. Especially when my purpose is to show to people who have [probably] never been to Ireland. I try to think like this most of the time but it can be hard. To start to look at things a lot differently, through the eyes of someone who has never seen it before.
When I got back from the USA 2 years ago I did see everything differently. Looking forward to the day my friends would come to visit, I ended up seeing so much that they would find interesting. Through understanding that so much of what we take for granted is so unique to us comes the ability to see things in a different light and capture them.
So this afternoon I set off with my brother to the city centre to take some more buy some socks and underwear, pick up lots of leaflets and event guides on Belfast and Northern Ireland and take lots of photographs.
I am totally loving my brother, Chris’ new-found interest in photography. Since my dad bought the Nikon D40 last month Chris has been enjoying using it and I have been enjoying helping him.
After much shopping and photographing, we went for a great lunch in the Northern Whig.
Finally I managed to get him to stand still for longer than 2 seconds:
With only 5 days until I leave, I’m getting quite excited. It may turn out to be quite a stressful week too. With quite a lot to do and having not had one cigarette all weekend, I wonder how much longer that will last…
Admittedly it does feel a little odd to be sober after waking up on a Saturday. Though it ain’t morning. its 13:30. Afternoon. I didn’t have one drop of alcohol yesterday and when I got home I watched 5 episodes of the amazing and truely addictive Heros.
Last night I was at the Island Arts Centre in Lisburn for a panel discussion entitled ‘What It Takes‘. The panel, fronted by Ross Graham, head honcho of NIMIC (Northern Ireland Music Industry Commission), included a few of the regulars on the music scene, who dished out their opinions of what it takes to make it in the industry. This is the third event I have been to where I have been informed about how the music industry works, and each time I learn so much more than the last.
The first was the screening of the film ‘What is Indie‘ on 2nd Aug, unfortunately I wasn’t able to make it to the panel discussion beforehand, though I feel that anyone who wants to make it in any aspect of the music industry should see this film, not just bands/artists. For me as a photographer, I came out feeling very positive and motivated. It is also for promoters, managers, labels big and small, retailers and most other areas of the music business, with business being a big part of it. Not enough bands see their music as a business, like it is. Of course this is meant in the positive sense, whereby, money is hoped to be made through the music; music being the product. Its about “selling yourself”, very different from ’selling out’.
This is simply about presenting your ‘product’ well; generally being able to write the music, having good photographs, a good press release etc, and of course, using every medium in this technology-revolved world available to get the music out there. A great quote from the movie, which I feel applied to everything is, “the internet is not a fad, it isn’t going to go away”. People have to use it. Those that are afraid of the internet music learn to harness its potential. I know a few people who don’t like the internet though it is essential. Nothing can be done without it today. Pretty music no one will want to know you unless you have access, and a certain amount of knowledge, on the internet. Not only in the music industry, though many other areas too. Maybe slightly harsh, but unless your dream is to strap yourself to trees in the Amazon, volunteer in the third world or manage a pig farm you will need the internet.
I know plenty of bands who are great at this, their names are everywhere - stickers on traffic lights and lamp posts, all over Myspace and Fastfude - generally lots of promotion. I have the perfect example, though, of the other end of the scale through my own friends. The band which will remain unnamed, do not like the internet, do not like to ’sell themselves’, do not like the idea of posing for photographs and do the bare minimum in the way of promotion. They need to see this film - when I have a spare $19.99 I will buy it.
The second event I went to recently was the “Give It Away” panel discussion.
Viacom are taking youtube to court for a billion dollars, but the BBC are giving the content away for free. In May Irish Band The Crimea became the first band to give away an entire album for free digitally, has it worked? The issue of intellectual property over routes to market will dominate the creative industries over the next decade, we talk to some of the main players
On the panel was Davey McMannus of the band The Crimea and Davy Sims, Editor in New Media (BBC). The Crimea unfortunately don’t seem to have a bio section on their myspace or website for me to quote from, though what I gathered is that they hailed from Northern Ireland and were one of the first bands to give away their album for free, Tragedy Rocks, and continuing to do so with their recently released second album Secrets of the Witching Hour, which can be downloaded here. In saying that, the albums are also in shops (and on iTunes) where they are not free. Although they have got into one or two legal battles along the way with publishers Davey seems to be quite pleased with how things have worked out for them. Maybe I should have heard of them before the event, though I hadn’t. From this though, I think it is a good idea for indie bands starting out to give away as much music as possible, or very cheap.
Last night’s had a far smaller audience than the others though it was very informative. Main points being about presenting yourself and your material well, getting to know the people who influence the local scene (magazines, promoters, other bands, radio folk). On the panel was James Rollins a media promoter, Paul McClean, producer of BBC Radio Ulster’s Across the Line show, Andrew Ferris, singer and guitarist in Jetplane Landing as well as running an independent label Smalltown America Records, Jennie McCullough of Bruisedfruit Promotions and Johnny Tiernan, editor and publisher of AU Magazine.
The discussion which went on for an hour and a half was more of a back to basics on, as the name suggests, how to make it in the industry, about getting a product ready before dishing it out to everyone (keeping your powder dry), knowing how to present yourself to people, being persistent, and not annoying, how to approach people, importance of image, creativity and standing out, importance of decent photographs, and many other points which I forget.
There was a slight difference at this event in that James Rollins gave a commercial perspective on the music industry. He is the man who gets paid lots of money to approach radio, TV and other media to promote bands. He works with more commercial music than that of the Indie variety. Knowing how to approach certain people is something he has learnt, through his 20 or so years in the industry, 15 of which were spent in sales, distribution, marketing in EMI. Now, running his own independent promotions company, he is pretty much the middle man to getting music to the media.
I recommend to anyone who has any interest in the music industry (maybe besides just listening to music) to get to something like this next time.
Of course I also didn’t take any photographs at this, or the other panel discussions like I know I should have. Next time I will.
After the panel last night, there was a gig featuring Colenso Parade, Speakmango, Kowalski and Clone Quartet. I managed to get my first ever official Press Pass :)
Due to the panel running a little over, I missed Colenso Parade, due to minor networking I missed Speakmango. I did get to see Kowalski, who were excellent:
Then I had get the last train home and miss Clone Quartet.
Now the day is almost over and I’m starving!
So rumour has it the people of the UK and Ireland like to talk about the weather a lot. I would agree with this. When its sunny, its beautiful. Most of the time its not. I don’t want to whine on about it too much, ‘cos I’m going to the sun soon anyway.
The Guardian yesterday posed the question: Is summer over? It seems that already conkers have been spotted, as well as holly berries, its cold and wet and the shops are full of summer clothes. I am still undecided on this ’summer over’ thing, though correct me if I’m wrong, is it not always cold and wet here? And since when did we determine the seasons according to when shops bring in new stock?
Plants have been tricked into thinking winter is on the way because of record high temperatures in spring, followed by a dismal wet summer and cool conditions.
If this is true is spring now the new summer? Are all the seasons coming earlier? That was a great spring we had, and I’m still waiting for summer. It reminds me of a really bad movie, the one where you’re just waiting for something to happen and it never does; think War of the Worlds or Solaris.
I only got a chance to use my sun screen once.
Why is it that when my bank calls me they insist that I attempt my ‘password’ at least twice. I don’t generally forget passwords, the sort that I type, but those crap ones that have to be spoken over the phone I always forget. I put it down to the fact that it will always be completely different from any of my typical passwords for the obvious reason that it will be spoken and anyone may hear it. For this reason I try to make it something I will remember, though it definitely doesn’t help that it would only be every 6 months or so that I need to use it…
They called yesterday.
“Could you give the first and last letters of your password please” said the voice.
“No, sorry, I never remember it.”
“I’m sorry I’m going to have to ask you to attempt it.”
“I haven’t a clue. Can’t you ask me something else”
“I have to get an answer from you”.
“Yeah, could you call back later?”
“You said now was convenient”
“It’s not anymore.”
Banks can be a pain in the ass. I could tell them everything else they needed to know about me, hell I could tell them the last time I got laid if they asked (great quote from a friend who was in a similar situation recently).
Since then she has called me four times. I have ignored the call.
I was going to quit smoking yesterday but I got pissed off in work so it didn’t happen. Today, however, I haven’t had a cigarette. I want one, oh how I do want one…
A lot has been going through my head lately, mainly about how the hell I can get out of my current job. I’m getting scared. I’m 22. I’m getting old. These dreams that I have to travel the world and get to know another country, city, as well as my own may just become a pipe dream…
Friends come and go, I’ve noticed it happen lately. Its just nice to have people to be yourself around and to talk to.
I have to do it now, before I end up with a house, mortgage, car, kids and all that other crap that destroys lives.
I feel like I’m trapped in a cycle: get up, generally very tired, rush to get to work on time, have a shitty day in work, work on photographs/browse the web, go to gig, get back later than I should. It doesn’t end, and I don’t know what to do. My one year anniversary of being in my current job is coming up next month. I will decide by then what I will do.
I have begun to clear up my room and all the crap I have accumulated in the last 12 months. I definitely won’t miss this room, though I do hope my next room won’t be any worse.
Clothes currently get dumped on the floor
I won’t miss this beautiful crack
Gotta sort this lot out
hmm curvy
lots of soap; essential
I’m outta toothpaste
As long as I get the internet I’ll be fine
Friday was, as is the norm, not without plenty of drink and photos to go with it. A truth revealing, thought provoking, musical night; of course I slept on the sofa again.
Before the afternoon arrived, I found myself at home, watching Heros; my latest obsession. Tonight I finished watching episode 12. Over the next few days I plan to get through the following 11 episodes, completing the first series, and all that has been aired so far.
The highlight of the day, however, was the Italian BMT I had in Subway.
My brother and father recently discovered a love for a fairly unusual hobby: archery. I have never seen either of them play before, so today (sunday) I went along to watch my father taking part in a competition, which he didn’t win in the end.
Whilst there, we found some very tasty wild berries, which we are going to sell for 10p each.
Chris also learnt how to find the ‘biting point’ of the clutch
We listened to my new favourite radio station on the way home; U105
This week I don’t have many plans. Tomorrow Kitty and the Can Openers are playing alongside Robert Holmes and Eoghan Colgan, Northern Ireland born, Glasgow based Dr-cum excellent musician. Lavery’s Bunker.
11 days, 22 hours to go ahhh!
Theres that buzz, the inability to think about anything else, wanting to do lots of nice things; trips to the beach, sip cocktails - its all there, but i’ll be damned if it ever did any good.
My search for a Summer Girl has been going a little better than originally expected - all that’s needed is sun, ice cream and Botanic Gardens - and time is running out. Summer is running out! Its been quite a shite summer too in terms of the weather. Alas, it is not yet over.
16 days until my trip to the States then 3 weeks of bliss, mayhem and madness, and I still haven’t done any preparation. One thing I have to do is start and finish a presentation on Ireland for Amy’s class of 10-12 year olds, I must dispel any beliefs in rainbows, gold, fairies, leprechauns, endless fields and sheep. Its all about the roundabouts, traffic lights, brick houses, 3 door cars, no overtaking on the inside lane, no 25 pence coin, we eat crisps not potato chips, chips not french fries, its jelly not jello and we don’t all like U2.
Lots of photographs have to be taken before I go, around my house and neighbourhood where I grew up and where my parents still live, of my family and generally interesting things in my own life.
I also cannot spent a penny unless it’s for food. The deposit was paid today for the new place I’m moving into in Sept leaving me with not a great deal of dough. So… if anyone wants a photoshoot :)
As mentioned above, this summer has sucked. I mean, things are good, life is good, yes, but the weather, seriously - what the fuck!? So here are some summery pictures I took this summer and last to make things a bit brighter around here.
I do hate when I end up writing about things that happened so long ago - well only last week, but still. I’ve had quite a busy week; meeting new people, taking photographs, working on photographs, and of course that thing that I hate, work. On Tuesday I went to see The Simpsons Movie. It was good, of course. I mean, its still The simpsons we’re talking about here. On the other hand, it was pretty much just an extended episode. A very good, extra long episode.
I do hope they continue to make it though, it doesn’t ever seem to be losing its humour and ability to be so current.
So back to Derry, not literally; but in photographic form. On Saturday I awoke at about 12 noon, wondering how I was going to survive the day without any money…
Much of the early afternoon was spent wandering around the city, photographing all that was going on. With so many street performers and buskers in various locations, there really was a lot to photograph.
For me, this was the strangest act. Two men and a young boy singing acapella. Here they are singing a song I assume is called ‘Don’t Buy into Debt’, which simply is the title, repeated many many times.
The overall winners of the busking/performance competition were the excellent Balkan Alien Band; playing the traditional music of a Jewish wedding. Very entertaining, keeping a constant crowd.
There were also street performers on stilts. This is Becky
Benny Bee, another performer, who juggled things, often badly, and told jokes, again, quite often badly, though still got a large crowd and made them laugh. Winning in the end, the prize for ‘Best Craic’. In this picture, he is about to get on top of his small later, supported by absolutely nothing, followed by some knife juggling.
‘Hands up who thinks I’m an idiot right about now’
‘Ah but I’m a professional idiot!’
Next was an escape artist (forget name). It is definitely painful to watch someone in so much pain. Here he is pulling a chain from around his neck over his face in order to let himself free.
Later, activity continued in the Craft Village for the Féile Folk festival
I ended up missing the last bus on Saturday night so I had to stay again, though I was in great company I’m glad I didn’t rush off. Derry rocks and I can’t wait to get back.
Just another fantastic weekend to make the week days appear so extremely dull - even though they aren’t that bad.
The decision was made last Thursday to accept a kind offer to stay with someone I hadn’t met in a city I hadn’t been to in 19 months, even though my funds where very low. I’m very glad I went.
For a week, the Féile ‘07 festival had been running in Derry city with a million different activities each day. Ending on Sunday evening, there was a lot going on all weekend.
Straight from work on Friday afternoon I got the bus to Derry, arriving at close to 7pm, I quickly made my way to Masons to catch the last song of Triggerman’s set. It was at this point that I met the man who would be guiding me around the city and its weekend events over the next two days.
Welcome to Free Music Derry is a great play on words based on the political graffiti on one of the walls of the city - I wish now I had gone to see it. In this case it was the name given to the even on Friday night. 20+ bands in 7 bars, and all free!
Friday night was spent mostly with pint in one hand, camera in the other before moving onto the next bar to catch a different band. The streets where filled with friendly music loving folk. It was a great atmosphere all round.
The final of Battle of the Unplugged was also taking place in Bound for Boston. Unfortunately I got sidetracked and forgot to return for the final acts, catching only the first two.
Sandinos next for Our Krypton Son and Ard Ri
Later, I caught up with the Cutaways in a now very busy Bound For Boston.
Back to the Dungloe for Captain Kennedy and Skruff
Of course, because I have a nice camera, I must be from a newspaper, right? These women repeatedly heard ‘yes’ to ‘no’ in answer to that question:
Back to the Bound For Boston for the Cutaways
A terribly enjoyable evening. The rest of it spent with a few pints!
To be continued… tomorrow.
All photographs can be seen on Flickr