black midi and Injury Reserve at The Neptune Theater in Seattle, WA on April 11th, 2022. Last month in the university district of Seattle, WA, black midi – an experimental rock band from London – crashed into the Neptune Theatre with the force of a tidal wave. The opening act, Injury Reserve, excelled at maintaining and fueling the crowd’s already spectacular energy. Red lights bounced off eager and expectant faces. Smoke started to billow onstage in between sets, but the cheering had already started. Arriving onstage in a “follow-the-leader” style train, with drummer Morgan Simpson air-kicking his way over to the drum kit, black midi knows how to put on a show. The group manages to pull off both an impressive physical/musical feat as well as being genuinely entertaining to witness. The onstage chemistry extends to literally playing onstage, such as when bassist Cameron Picton and saxophonist Kaidi Akinnibi actively played tag but made sure to run back to their microphones in time to sing. Simpson sticking his tongue out with a goofy face added a casual air to his incredibly talented drumming. From the keyboardist to the drummer to the guitarist, every member gave every last beat in their hearts to this performance. The comfort and chemistry of black midi made the energy in the room inescapable. By the end of the night it was not just rumbling but coursing through you. Stay safe while moshing and remember to look out for one another. I hope to see you at another show soon. Take Care -E Scroll down below for photos of Injury Reserve and black midi. Injury Reserve black midi

Silverstein opening up for Beartooth on The Below Tour, PT. 2 in Salt Lake City on April 1st, 2022. Sliverstein, a rock band from Burlington, Ontario, opened up for Beartooth at the start of April and absolutely devoured the entire venue. Silverstein, known for their songs "My Heroine," and "The Afterglow," brought pop punk at it's best to Salt Lake City that night. I loved Silverstein's music before this show, but afterwards? My love for their music grew about ten times bigger. The energy they displayed onstage was like nothing else - radiant, shining onto the crowd like the sun. You couldn't help but to nod your head and sing along. Silverstein are a must-see for live music. They play loud and fast, sound fantastic and will leave you smiling, filled with the unique happiness that only comes from being in a crowd with other sweaty, loud people who love the same band as you. An epic experience. Scroll down below for more pictures from Silverstein's set.

Good Morning in Salt Lake City on their first US tour. Good Morning, an indie rock band from Australia, came to Salt Lake City in early April. They were on the road promoting their latest LP - Barnyard, which was released last October via Polyvinyl. Good Morning put on a fantastic show, their music is on the calmer side of indie rock but upbeat with some songs you can dance to, and on the other side, songs you can cry to. The crowd was very excited for the band, the room was packed and the vibes were great. The venue itself is even memorable - The Beehive is half a venue, half a vegan diner. Staff were very friendly and kind. The whole place combined with Good Morning's music felt very safe, very uplifting. The entire experience felt as if I were at a house party with some close friends, rather than actually at a concert being shoved around and exhausted with no place to get some space other than in a grimy bathroom stall. It was really nice, quite refreshing. I hope Good Morning come back to Salt Lake City soon - I loved their set and can't wait to hear them live again. A great band making lovely music. Scroll down below for photos from Good Morning's set.

flipturn on tour at Soundwell in Salt Lake City. flipturn, an indie rock band from Fernandina Beach, Florida came to Salt Lake City a little while back and absolutely killed it. Opening up for Wilderado, flipturn played their hits such as "August," "Chicago," and their latest single, "Playground." The crowd was so lively, so excited for flipturn. You could feel the passion and love they felt for the band radiate off of the audience. It was truly soul-lifting. From the moment the band stepped on stage to the moment they left, it felt as if you were under flipturn's magic spell, cast from the songs they played - out of their instruments and directly into your heart. Crushed against the barricade with nowhere to move or barely breathe, I had a great time, I left the show smiling, feeling electric. flipturn sound amazing on recordings, but it's an entire exhilarating experience live. A must-see for live music. Scroll down below for a gallery of photos from flipturn's set.

Clairo and Arlo Parks at The Paramount Theater in Seattle, WA on March 19th, 2022. Clairo and Arlo Parks brought their bedroom pop to life at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle, WA while touring for the former’s recently released Sling album released in mid-2021. The scattered lamps throughout the stage not only assisted in the living room vibes, but also provided cozy illumination throughout the show. Big ol’ (if consent is given) hug to the lighting team for Clairo’s tour, every photographer in the pit thanks you! Wow. The show really was beautiful and it reminded me of the absolute – unlike any other – joys of live music. Even those I might not have realized I’d missed over the last couple years; subtleties live performances allow that studio versions simply can’t replicate: when the lights go down and you feel your heart start to race, the ear piercing scream of a fan nearby as the artist does “their thing” – and of course the incredible talent of artists’ band members. Genuine shoutout to the bands of both Arlo Parks and Clairo for their energy and skill. While many of us are likely familiar with Clairo’s songs “Pretty Girl,” “Bubblegum” or “Softly”, Clairo reminded us why we waited two years for this. Live performances are just that – alive. During the last chorus of "Softly," instruments were punctuating the beat, the chorus rose, Clairo pointed the microphone at the crowd, and they screamed out the words “Do you think that we could move closer baby, I want youuu” and then the dancing began again. There was a barely contained energy and excitement as fans who waited for 6 hours outside the venue blended with newcomers who were happy to be back in a music venue. Arlo Parks was an absolute pleasure to photograph and witness live. Such positive energy in both her performance and songs, acknowledging it can be hard to find your place especially when falling in love with your friends in her song “Eugene”. Both Clairo and Parks are female presenting with songs aimed at female love interests: “Bags," "Sofia," "Green Eyes," and "Pretty Girl." With her ponytail swinging at the end of her show, Clairo brought up the rainbow flag a fan handed to her – thanked everyone for coming and have a good night. Take Care, E Scroll down below for galleries of Clario and Arlo Parks.

You can catch Peat in cleopatrick's music video for "NO SWEAT." Meet Peat - cleopatrick's biggest fan. You can spot him in cleopatrick's "NO SWEAT" music video, which just dropped yesterday down below. A note from cleopatrick's Luke Gruntz on Peat: "excuse his grammar, i think he's really young (and possibly from outside our solar system)." 1) how did you find out about cleopatrick? what made you like them so much? i foundthem on spotify & loved them bcuz their songs areso good for me and nrmis so cool andnice. 2) who are your other favorite bands? cleopatrick andzigmentality and readythe prince.! 3) why do you love NRM? what does NRM mean to you? it is awesome bcuz everone is so nice and themusic is so good. it makes me feellike i havefriends aroundthew world. itmake s me think i could makeart too and makemovies. 4) what are some of your favorite movies? goonies and also ilove spidermn 5) do you have any hobbies? i likemaking vidoeos and filmin. i wantto make movies aboutbands likecleopatrick. they letme come to thier showin toronto andi made some ofa movieabout it. 6) favorite cleopatrick merch? i havea BUMMEr t-shirt imade. 7) how many times have you seen cleopatrick? somany. 8) what's your favorite memory of cleopatrick? bein at danfothmusic hall andthey letme makesome of a movie!. 9) what are your favorite cleopatrick songs? fav is pepprs ghost and also onecalle d scaring me!, 10) explain your love for cleopatrick. theyjust make meso happy becuz theguitars ar cool and i love drums nrm is so nicetome!!!., wheni grow up i willbe in art too likethem and n rm! yes thanku forhaving m e!

Circle Jerks on their last North American tour in Salt Lake City on March 17th, 2022. Mid-March I made my way over to The Complex in Salt Lake City to catch punk band Circle Jerks on the opening night of their tour - their first tour in 15 years and their last North American tour, celebrating the release of their trademark record, Group Sex. I wasn't sure what kind of crowd or show I was expecting, but was pleasantly surprised with both the crowd and the band. Circle Jerks, a punk band who got their start in 1979, are best known for their raw, fasted-paced guitar sounds and edgy lyrics. It's 40 years from when they released their debut record, Wild In The Streets, and they're still going strong. The crowd had an energy like no other show I've ever attended. The audience brought such a bright and passionate spirt that you couldn't help but feel flow through you too, like the music itself later did. Blue and red mohawks, pins and patches, combat boots and black eye makeup - it was like I was transported to the 80s. I felt out of place only for a few moments - I'm a 70s rock 'n roll girl, after all, not much of a punk, but hanging around watching the crowd chat and exchange smiles quickly removed any awkward energy I felt. Even in the bathroom, woman complimented my outfit, my eye makeup. The audience were from the ages of literal children to those assumedly the band's age, but it just felt like a massive meetup of old friends. Circle Jerks' set was great and impressive. They had the same passion that I can only imagine they had in the 80s. I overall had a real pleasant time, and if you can get yourself to a show or pick up a vinyl, definitely do it.

Wallows at The Paramount Theatre in Seattle, WA on April 1st, 2022 on their Tell Me That It's Over world tour. Last night I was lucky enough to attend Wallows’ first headline show since the pandemic hit and while some things are certainly different, many have remained the same. When lead singer Dylan Minnette commented, "Just a little over a year ago, we were wondering if this would ever happen again," I couldn’t help but smile – cause while it may have been a while, folks absolutely remembered how to do a Wallows concert. Spill Tab, the opener, was an unfamiliar name to me, but they absolutely came away with a new fan. Starting their set with "Sante," Spill Tab wowed the audience with a fluidity between French and English that was spellbinding, covering an acoustic version of Kelly Clarkson’s "Since U Been Gone," and bringing out the concertgoers’ high spirits. At the venue, excitement was palpable as audience members planned how to hang up the tour poster in their bedrooms, avoid getting it squished in the pit and passed around portable chargers – many of them having waited for hours. Bouncing along to the beat – physically shaking the venue floors with their jumps – concertgoers screamed out the words to "Especially You," a single off the Wallows’ album released earlier this year. Currently touring for their sophomore album, you wouldn’t guess the album’s March 25, 2022 release date based off the crowd reactions. As the band started to play each song, the crowd would often begin the chorus into the 1st verse, as if they had been singing along for years. That excitement was shared by the band members, as Wallows are undoubtedly a fan-focused band. Introducing themselves to newbies, they joked "The pressure is on!" after seeing how many hands were raised to signal first-timers at a Wallow’s show. Lead singers – Braeden Lemasters and Dylan Minnette - both took flower bouquets offered by the front row and members Minnette and Cole Preston switched as guitarist/drummer for the song "Quarterback" with Preston on lead vocals. It certainty seemed like Wallows had barely spent any time away – flowing comfortably throughout the set – though joking "The sweat definitely hasn’t left." "One of the best ‘first shows back’ possible" – that’s how Minnette described the opening night of the Tell Me That It’s Over tour at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle. So please do yourself a favor, friend; Wallows just started their massive 2022 tour with many venues – so get yourself a ticket and I promise you will have a great time. Take Care, E Follow Wallows on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

The Darkness on their Motorheart tour at The Roseland Theatre in Portland on March 17th, 2022. A crowd doting mass amounts of green gathered at the Roseland Theater on St. Patrick’s Day to celebrate with copious amounts of rock music. The Dead Deads opened the show, a female fronted rock band is always something to celebrate. But The Dead Deads are more than a woman powered trio, they’re extremely talented and their sound is well refined, while bringing that gravely hard rock production onto the stage and into the crowd. Their performance was a treat to watch as they dominated the theater. But most in the crowd were here for The Darkness. UK based rock icons traveled across the pond to grace the Roseland with unabashed classic rock. The sounds that rang from the stage were reminiscent of songs I’d listen to in the car with my dad while on long drives. Chaos perfectly in order while orchestrating a well refined performance, The Darkness was a pleasure to witness. What seemed like a step back in time that was halted half way through, this band was a perfect blend of those classic rock notions while also staying perfectly in the present moment. If you have a chance to see this show in a city near you, I’d highly recommend taking the opportunity to witness The Darkness for yourself. You won’t be disappointed. Check out down below for a slideshow of photos from The Darkness' set. Follow The Darkness on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Dodie at The Moore Theatre in Seattle on March 19th, 2022 on her Build A Problem tour. Last week I had the pleasure of attending and photographing dodie’s concert at The Moore Theatre in Seattle, WA as a part of their Build A Problem tour (FYI: dodie uses she/they pronouns and both will be interchangeably used). While concerts have been steadily returning to the Pacific Northwest, there was no denying this crowd was particularly READY. Almost every single person who stepped foot onto the stage - including roadies who were simply checking instruments and mics - was greeted by uproarious cheering. One technician looked particularly befuddled but took it with a smile and waved hello to the fans. The energy of the night was unforgettable. dodie has a unique ability to make concertgoers feel transported while also feeling understood. As an openly bisexual artist, dodie’s songs tend to blend the gender binary – with song love interests “She," "In the Middle," Rainbow,” that differentiate from the heteronormativity many of us have been socialized into. Right before playing the latter, dodie asked Seattle if there were any queer people in the audience, and was greeted by the loudest cheer of the night. “Surprise!”, they said, “There are queer people everywhere! Even though most of us had no idea growing up.” As the lights shifted from white to rainbow colored to the bisexual flag colors, there was a peaceful freedom as fans sang the lyrics which spoke to their hearts. dodie is, in more ways than one, an incredibly freeing performer; she dances around the stage (always in socks!) in a style reminiscent of those childhood days jamming in your bedroom, and isn’t afraid to be honest with her fans. When she explained that she was in the process of recovering from the flu, a fan shouted a loving expletive from the crowd about their delightful talent. dodie thanked the fan for not rewarding her negative thoughts, noting laughingly “How nice would it be to just have you around in my head!” Lizzy McAlpine provided a lovely opening to the night, encouraging folks to tell those close to them how they feel with her most popular song, "Pancakes for Dinner." Overall, it was a fantastically joyful night and I cannot wait to go again – I hope you to see you there as well – because no matter who you are, you will always have a place at a dodie show. Take care. E Check out the slideshow below for more photos from dodie's set! Follow dodie on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Valley on their I'll Be With You tour at The Complex in Salt Lake City on March 8th, 2022. Valley, an alternative-pop band from Toronto, stopped earlier this month by Salt Lake City on their I'll Be With You tour for a sold-out show at The Complex. They were great, just like before when I saw them in November at the same venue, opening up for COIN on their Dreamland tour. Valley's energy is unmatched. The way they take a stage and make it their home is impressive and awe-inspiring. Photographing a such passionate and bright band - for the second time - was a dream come true. They've just rereleased their Last Birthday EP, featuring three new songs on their The After Party EP, for a total of 10 tracks. There's also a version with commentary by the band of each track. My favorite track has to be "Cure," with the line "I can be your Nirvana, if you wanna," as if they can be your favorite band...(like Nirvana is mine), also, it's just unbearably catchy. I can't wait for them to stop by Salt Lake City again, hopefully on even bigger stages with sold-out shows. I'll certainly be there supporting them. Check out below for a slideshow of photos from Valley's set. Follow Valley on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

K.Flay at The Wonder Ballroom in Portland on March 8th, 2022. Another Tuesday night show meant another crowd teeming with eager fans waiting to see K. Flay on March 8th. Packed inside the Wonder Ballroom in North Portland, people weaved in and out through pockets of friends and bumped into total strangers cordially. corook opened the night with a witty set, her music teeming with humor while touching sensitive subjects. Part setlist, part comedy act, and nothing short of talented, corook lit up the entire venue with her presence. She stated this was her first tour but the way she performed, you’d never know it. She’ll be her own headliner in no time. But tonight, the headliner was another powerful woman. K. Flay came out and instantly dominated the stage. Flailing limbs and a helluva lot of blue hair moved seamlessly across the entire space. Belting lyrics and busting dance moves she crushed her set, exuding enough energy to set the entire sold out room on fire. This was one of the best shows I’ve been to in a long time, being packed in a space with nearly 800 other people all singing along to songs that have touched them enough to desire seeing them performed on a stage is a feeling like no other. That feeling that I and so many other people live for, that countdown the days until you get to experience it again kind of feeling. This show gave all of that and more. If K.Flay is coming to a city near you, even if it’s on a Tuesday night, I highly recommend taking the opportunity to see her. Click through the slideshow below to see all the photos from K.Flay's performance. Follow K.Flay on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.