The Backseat Lovers at Capitol Theatre in Salt Lake City on their Waiting to Spill tour on November 23rd, 2022. The Backseat Lovers, an indie rock band from Provo, Utah, came back home for their last two shows of the year for their Waiting to Spill tour. I attended the last date - November 23rd, and it was amazing. They know how to capture an audience's attention and love like no other. The Backseat Lovers played their sophomore LP, Waiting to Spill in its entirety that night. The record came out just before Halloween, October 28th, and is a brilliant follow-up to their debut, When We Were Friends. Waiting to Spill is a maturity of their sound, with depth and heavy on the instrumental aspect. It's worth the listen if you're looking for something soft and fulfilling. That night was fantastic and I wish I could relive it. The fans were bright and welcoming, friendly to anyone new to this band just like me. While waiting in the cold for the venue doors to be open, I briefly chatted with some young fans who traveled over an hour to see their much-loved band from their hometown, talking about how The Backseat Lovers used to play in little venues but look at where they are now! They're playing in big venues in big cities and even festivals. These young fans spoke with such passion and pride, mentioning how they were musicians too, implying that The Backseat Lovers were their inspiration. The Backseat Lovers are a band that is one of my favorites, and they did not disappoint. If you have a chance to go see them next year, take it! You won't regret it. Get tickets here.

Turnstile, Ceremony, & Citizen at The Showbox Sodo on April 30, 2022. By Elena Marti. In order to write this review in any creatively descriptive fashion I had to consult a thesaurus, otherwise the phrase “high energy” would have been grossly overused. Back in April I caught Turnstile’s Tender Love Connection (T.L.C.) tour at the Showbox Sodo in Seattle, WA. Every facet of the night was imbued with dynamic, animated intensity - shoutout to each and every opener (there were 5!) for amping it up each moment. This was the first concert ever where I got an artist’s sweat on my camera lens! During Ceremony’s set I had my eye on Anthony Anzaldo (guitarist) gently caressing into the music – completely at ease with the beautiful chaos around them; red and blue light connecting in the air, bodies rolling through a mass of arms and hands, reaching upwards to protect the crowd surfers as they glided above the pit. While the audience did not need their own microphone, that didn’t stop Mat Kerekes, lead singer of Citizen, from giving them several opportunities. As he held the entire stand aloft, bodies magnetized to where the artist went. Touring for their 2021 album Glow On, a dynamic blend of hardcore punk and indie rock, Turnstile’s stage arrival was predicated by an unlikely song: Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” blared from the speakers as concertgoers screamed every word and went absolutely bonkers. Songs off the release are surprisingly short, with an average run time of 2.5 minutes, but each one packs a punch. My personal favorite, “Don’t Play,” starts slow and amps up into a samba infused drum jam, which was incredibly fun to witness live. From the beginning of the night there was constant movement, the mosh pit ebbing and flowing like a wave between the openers’ sets, but once Turnstile took the stage it became a hurricane. I have never been to or photographed a show like this;– it was people’s lifeblood – a drumbeat you could feel in your feet and sometimes it felt like your heart was beating to the same rhythm. I can see why people say punk shows can form families; fittingly, Turnstile has a song called “TLC/Turnstile Love Connection” eponymous with their tour name – like the common acronym “Tender Loving Care”. Wow, I don’t think I am ever going to forget this show. While I’m a huge fan of listening to Turnstile in less chaotic environments, my bedroom or driving on an open road – the power and emotion of the night turned that cramped dark venue into another kind of comfortable. I honestly cannot wait to see them live again and witness lead singer Brendan Yates jumping a full 2 feet off the ground mid-song. Turnstile are coming back to North America in Fall 2022 touring with JPEG Mafia (select dates) and Snail Mail! Tickets here. Turnstile Ceremony Citizen

Hello, it's been a while. This blog has been mostly inactive this past summer, but I haven't stopped shooting shows. My favorite show this summer has been The Black Keys, tied with Wet Leg. I've shot a lot that's yet to be posted, such as Fleet Foxes, WILLOW, Been Stellar, and much more. I haven't been paying that much attention to new rock music, but I'm enjoying Arctic Monkeys' "There'd Better Be A Mirrorball," cleopatrick's "OK," and Paramore's "This Is Why." I want to apologize for my absence, and offer a bit of an explanation. It's hard to run an online magazine alone, and harder when you're battling your mental heath that's bringing you down, and dealing with a stressful job that you hate. This magazine used to be the only thing I had as a source of comfort and so I would put all of my free time into it. It also was a place where I could store my passion for rock music, like an archive of my feelings. Over the summer, my passion drifted away with my motivation. I fell into a deep depression that I'm still working my way out of today. However, things have changed - I left my job, started going to the gym more, and eating better. I feel a lot better, it's like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. This magazine isn't my only source of comfort now, but my love for it is still there. In my temporary break I have from a day job, I'm making Wild Honey my day job. I'll be throwing myself into it as much as I can, while of course tending to myself and my other hobbies (Animal Crossing, the gym). It feels like starting over again, reintroducing myself because I've changed so much. This summer has been a rollercoaster. The remainder of this year will be better. I plan to get out as much of my photos from this past summer out as fast as I can, along with work from our other team members. I'm also looking to add new members to our team as well over the winter. Here's to happy days ahead! with love, Cherri

Purity Ring at The Depot on June 10th, 2022. A few months ago, I captured alt-pop duo Purity Ring in Salt Lake City on their spring tour. Hailing from Canada, the duo is made up of multi-instrumentalist, producer Corin Roddick, and vocalist Megan James. They presented an enchanting stage set matched with beautiful music - altogether an otherworldly experience. They performed some of their biggest songs, such as "obedear," and "lofticries." Their music can be described as electric alternative pop, dark in lyrics and light in sound & vocals. Purity Ring is a must-see if you would like a break from the ordinary, a band with a smooth, sound and a magical stage presence. Keep scrolling down for the full gallery from their set!

Rock musician Des Rocs took a break from his tour with The Blue Stones and headlined a show in Salt Lake City on 7/17/22. Back in July, rock musician Des Rocs came and blew the roof off Salt Lake City's Urban Lounge, on a break from his tour with The Blue Stones. I attended with expectations of great performance and was given far more than that. From capturing the crowd's heart. a speech about being told to follow your dreams, to a seemly never-ending encore, Des Rocs gave a hell of a show. After a local rock band, Suit Up Solider, opened, Des Rocs took the stage. The crowd was full of ecstatic, passionate, and long-time fans. Des was no stranger to this crowd, as they were full of nothing but pure love for him and his music. He played a mix of his older music such as "Used to the Darkness," and "Maybe, I," along with new ones off his debut album, A Real Good Person In A Real Bad Place, like "MMC," and "Imaginary Friends." He sounded fantastic, killing it at every turn. Some of the highlights of this show were the crowd interaction. He sang a bit of Queen's "We Will Rock You," with the crowd, and pulled a fan on stage to play the drums during it. He gave a speech on being in Union Square in Manhattan at 3 AM a few years ago, hopeless and lost when a man approached him and urged him to picture his dream. His dream being on stage, playing his music for fans, with mutual love and passion all around. Towards the end of the 2-hour long set, he pulled a dozen or more fans on stage to dance while he sang and played. It was like a music video coming to life, so cool. It was a fantastic show and a great experience. He's a performer like no other and gives you his all. I can't wait to see him again. Keep scrolling down for the full show gallery!

The Black Keys stopped in Salt Lake City and played the USANA Amphitheatre on 7/11/22. The Black Keys stopped in Salt Lake City last Monday, and I had a great time at the show. The tour is called the Dropout Boogie tour, after their record of the same name they released earlier this year. I bought tickets for my partner and I months ago, because The Black Keys are my favorite band and he loves them too. Being given the opportunity to photograph them was a dream come true. The atmosphere was nice - the sun was beginning to set when The Black Keys arrived on stage, the temperature cooling down and the crowd's mood rising. The Black Keys are a rock duo from Akron, Ohio, made up of Dan Auerbach on vocals and guitar, and Patrick Carney on drums. While waiting for them to play, I watched Band of Horses give an acoustic set, then Ceramic Animal with their bluesy, country rock. Ceramic Animal is signed to Dan Auerbach's label, Easy Eye Sound, and seemed like they were having a fun time onstage - their joy definitely touched the crowd and me as well. The Black Keys' setlist consisted of largely their biggest songs, such as "Gold on the Celling," "Howlin' For You," and "Tighten Up." They followed this with some tracks from their previously released album, Delta Kream, which was a compilation of blues rock covers. One of the few songs off Dropout Boogie they played was "Wild Child," my favorite track off the record. I love it so much because it's so fun and has that upbeat, catchy sound I fell in love with when I first discovered The Black Keys some years ago. Seeing The Black Keys in concert was something that I had been absolutely thrilled for, and being given the opportunity to photograph them left me speechless. They gave a fantastic show and I had such a good time, dancing & singing along to the songs I love so deeply with my partner next me. I'm not really one for buying merch but I bought one of their shirts - which is extremely comfortable by the way, if you're debating on snatching up one. This show was was a great, memorable experience for me and I can't wait to see them on their next tour. Full gallery down below! Get tickets to The Dropout Boogie tour here!

The Wrecks' release Sonder, the band's second LP. The Wrecks are back with the release of their sophomore album - Sonder, an 11-track record filled with upbeat rhythms and intense, emotionally charged lyrics. It's one of my favorite albums of 2022. Sonder reminds me of the pop rock music I grew up listening to, like "Ocean Avenue," by Yellowcard," "Until The Day I Die," by Story Of The Year. Some of my favorite tracks are "Unholy," "I Love This Part," and "Lone Survivor." Sonder overall has a pop rock sound that's danceable with catchy emo lyrics. It's like a refresh of all your favorite emo pop rock band from the early 2000's. It brings imagery of California beaches, Converse shoes & skinny jeans, and the sweet bitter taste of your first real heartbreak. It's the kind of record you're going to love obsessively right now and for the years to come. If I was just a few years younger, I'd be scribbling Sonder lyrics all over my school notebooks like I did with Fall Out Boy lyrics. I love this record. It feels both so familiar and brand new at the same time. I feel like a kid again, getting all excited about a new pop rock band I found. I want to hang their poster on my wall and replay their cd until all my batteries die. I love it. It's so fun and so nostalgic. The Wrecks are on tour right now, called Better Than Ever with support from girlhouse and Mothe. Get tickets and buy their new record here.

Spoon in Salt Lake City at The Complex on their Lucifer on the Sofa tour, May 25th, 2022. Earlier this week, I saw rock band Spoon in Salt Lake City and they were incredible. They're on tour right now, promoting their latest LP, Lucifer on the Sofa. Lucifer on the Sofa is Spoon's tenth studio album, which they began recording in late 2019 and had to postpone until 2021 when the COVID-19 pandemic enveloped the United States in March 2020. "The Hardest Cut" was the first single off the record. Spoon formed almost 20 entire years ago - meaning they're a true 90's band. I felt a little out of place in the crowd, as they were much older than me, but it didn't affect my enjoyment of the show. NYC rock band Geese opened for Spoon, a band that reminded me a little bit of The Strokes. They were great. Spoon played some of their biggest tracks as well as new ones such as "I Turn My Camera On," "The Underdog," and "The Hardest Cut." They sounded brilliant, and I miss them already. If you're looking to have a good time at a show, hearing fantastic rock music, you should see Spoon. Scroll for a full show gallery.

The Happy Fits opening up for The Maine on their XOXO tour in Salt Lake City. A few weeks ago I saw New Jersey indie rock band The Happy Fits open up for The Maine in Salt Lake City, a performance so fun and exciting. How many times have you rocked out to a cello? Not many times I'm assuming, but you will if you go to a Happy Fits show. They filled the stage with positive energy and passion, playing some of their biggest tracks such as "Go Dumb," "So Alright, Cool, Whatever," and "Changes." What I loved the most was that the members looked so happy, especially the lead singer, Calvin Langman, who played the electric cello, and their happiness rubbed off on me. Their music is upbeat and fun, songs you can dance to and rock out to, I love "Mary," and "Hold Me Down" the most. If you like having a good time, see The Happy Fits in concert - you won't regret it. Scroll down for photos from their set.

Knocked Loose at The Complex in Salt Lake City on April 26th, 2022. A few weeks ago I caught hardcore band Knocked Loose at The Complex in Salt Lake City, on tour named after their recently released EP of the same name - A Tear In The Fabric Of Life. Knocked Loose were fantastic, bringing fury and raw passion to the crowd. They opened with "Where Light Divides the Holler," a track off their A Tear In The Fabric Of Life EP, and later on played the other 5 tracks as well. They also played fan-favorites such as "Belleville," "Counting Worms," and "Mistakes Like Fractures." Knocked Loose were really great, and I hope they come back soon - would love to experience their set from the middle of a mosh pit. Scroll down for photos from the show.

IDLES at The Complex in Salt Lake City on April 20th, 2022. A few weeks ago, I caught the English punk rock band IDLES perform at The Complex in Salt Lake City. It was an epic show, they played brilliantly and passionately. I loved every second of it, it was exhilarating. IDLES are on tour promoting their latest full-length record - CRAWLER, that came out last year. AUTOMATIC, a post-punk trio from LA opener for IDLES and they aboustly killed it. AUTOMATIC remind me of Blondie, but as if Blondie was an indie band from the 2010's, and it's great. They played some of their tracks such as "Too Much Money," "Calling It," and their latest release, "Venus Hour." IDLES were excellent. They played tracks such as "Colossus," "Grounds," "Crawl," and more. The crowd was lively and so loud - very excited and happy to be there. One moment that was especially cool for me was when one of their guitarists jumped off the stage, briefly into the photo pit (where I happened to be!) and jumped into the crowd, playing guitar. I can't wait to see IDLES again. The energy they brought on the stage was unmatched, and it felt like a shot of caffeine right into your bloodstream. I loved it. Scroll down below to see more photos of AUTOMATIC and IDLES. AUTOMATIC IDLES

ALT-J and Portugal. The Man on their The Dream tour in Orem, UT, on April 7th, 2022. Last month, I was given the opportunity to photograph alternative rock bands ALT-J and Portugual. The Man at the UCCU Center in Orem, UT on the tour named for the former band's latest album - The Dream. It was a really great time for me - ALT-J and Portugal the Man didn't just put on a show - they put on an experience. Portugal. The Man played some of their hits like "Feel it Still," "Live In The Moment," and "What, Me Worry?" along with covers such as "For Whom The Bell Tolls," by Metallica, "In Bloom," by Nirvana, and "I Want You (She's So Heavy)," by The Beatles. It was a smokey and dark stage, lit by mainly big screen filled with glitchy VHS videos of the crowd and the band throughout the set, along with words like "SLCPUNK," "LONG LIVE VELOUR," "YOUR FAVORITE BAND FAVORITE BANDS," and more. ALT-J's set was utterly incredible. Their stage had a screen surrounding them, like a cage, and each member had a section to himself. Lights and more drifted across the screen, creating such a beautiful and magical atmosphere I've never experienced at a concert before. At once point, rain appeared on the screens and water began to fill up the screens until it seemed as if ALT-J were playing underwater. This was certainly a "You had to be there," kind of show. They played some of their hits like "Left Hand Free," "In Cold Blood," and "Breezeblocks," along with some new tracks of their latest album, The Dream, such as "Hard Drive Gold," and "Philadelphia." They were fantastic. Attending this tour, getting to photograph these bands together was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I had a great time, and both bands did such an amazing job. I'll be thinking of this night for a very long time. Scroll down for more photos of Portugal. The Man and ALT-J. Portugal. The Man ALT-J