The rationale live shows are so particular is that they occur in a fleeting second of time. You have been both there otherwise you weren’t. Certain, you could possibly take heed to a reside album or, if you happen to occur to be from a sure crunchy era, you possibly can commerce bootleg tapes with different followers. However these recordings by no means seize the vitality within the room. The one factor that may come shut is a dynamic {photograph}.
Few individuals have an eye fixed for that good shot like Erica Lauren. Lauren grew up taking pictures with a disposable from the pit at punk exhibits, and you may really feel that vitality (and scent the sweat) while you take a look at her work. We spoke together with her concerning the music that evokes her, the collective of feminine artists she based, and the proper Facet 1, Observe 1.
Images by Erica Lauren
How did you first get into images?
My relationship with images began in highschool. I took an artwork class that taught easy methods to course of movie and the technical facets of utilizing a digicam. So earlier than I began taking pictures music, and manner earlier than I picked up a digital digicam, I used to be taking photos on disposable and movie cameras day by day, documenting my family and friends. From there I began bringing my digicam with me to all of the exhibits I went to.
What drew you to live performance/band images?
Being a music fan is why I used to be drawn to music images. Punk music particularly has been an enormous a part of my life since I used to be 12 or 13. I might learn books about totally different scenes and bands I favored and so they all had these iconic photographs from photographers like Edward Colver, Roberta Bayley, Jim Marshall, BJ Papas, and many others. Their pictures impressed me to maintain making music-related work.
How did you get into music?
Was there an album or tune that ignited your ardour? The Unseen’s “Anger and the Fact” was a stand-out album for me. Earlier than that I passively listened to Ramones, The Conflict, Minor Risk and I believe it was that file that opened my eyes to bands that have been lively and referring to related political points.
Images by Erica Lauren
What’s your all-time favourite Facet 1, Observe 1?
That is exhausting to select, however I am going to go along with “Maxwell Homicide” from Rancid’s “…And Out Come the Wolves.” For nostalgia, and likewise I simply nonetheless actually love Rancid.
What was the primary live performance you shot for enjoyable? What was the primary live performance you shot as a professional?
The primary present I bear in mind photographing for enjoyable was The Virus with A International Risk on the Glasshouse in Pomona. The primary present I photographed for a website was Billy Expertise and Thursday.
Clarify to us what makes an incredible live performance {photograph}.
I’m certain there are parts that stick out in your thoughts that allow you to know a shot goes to be nice even earlier than you’re taking it. For my part, an incredible picture will make you are feeling one thing. A terrific live performance {photograph}, to me, makes me need to be again within the pit—whether or not it’s a live performance in an enviornment or a extra intimate present. The way in which mild hits, fan response and reference to the music, the expression of the band performing, all of these items make a photograph highly effective. All of it comes right down to feeling and evoking an emotion.
Images by Erica Lauren
Who’s your favourite band to shoot and why?
This reply is continually altering for me. I believe my favourite band to shoot proper now could be whoever I {photograph} for the primary time post-COVID.
What’s your all-time favourite live performance venue to shoot at and why?
I used to be born and raised in Los Angeles so I really feel fairly loyal to all the native ones I frequent. From The Regent and The Troubadour to The Fonda and The Wiltern. I’m fairly keen on all of them, and particularly hope our independently owned music venues pull by way of this pandemic.
What’s the one band you haven’t had the chance to shoot that you just actually, actually need to?
Ghost. I believe they’d be lots of enjoyable to {photograph}.
Images by Erica Lauren
Inform us about To The Entrance and the way that each one got here collectively?
I co-founded To The Entrance with my pal and photographer Courtney Coles. It began as a small picture present at a gallery right here in Los Angeles and has since became a collective of girls and non-binary artists (graphic designers, photographers, illustrators and extra) who work in music, all from totally different scenes and elements of the world. Primarily we held touring artwork exhibits throughout America and Canada the place we might showcase and promote our work, have bands play, and lift donations for native charities. Since we will not journey proper now we launched our first guide to profit a local people middle. It offered out in just some days.Now we have about 50 different artists who’re part of To The Entrance now, and we’re engaged on persevering with to develop. To The Entrance exists to advertise illustration and inclusion throughout the music trade.
How badly would you like to have the ability to shoot a live performance once more? Or simply go to at least one, for that matter?
Very badly. Not just for my very own egocentric causes of wanting to only get pleasure from reside music and take photos but in addition to see my touring mates and friends employed once more.
Images by Erica Lauren
