2009 - 2019: A Decade in Music Photography

Kent has always had an incredible music scene. In my teenage years, whilst others would travel into London to see their favourite bands, I would be readying myself for a sweaty and loud evening of ska or hardcore at the local football team’s bar. It often didn’t matter who was playing, the energy was always high, the atmosphere was like nothing I’d ever experienced. Back on the school playground, we’d talk excitedly about last week’s gig, and plan for whatever show was next.

Just like any self-respecting ‘grunger’ in the mid 2000s, I would often pick up issues of Kerrang and read reviews of all those big London shows that I refused to go to, every review accompanied by a handful of photographs. Through these photos, I almost felt as if I was there. But why was nobody doing this for any of the shows I was going to? (They were, I just didn't know how the internet worked at this point).

So I decided that would be my job. With my limited MySpace following and my camera, I wanted to capture these gigs in a way nobody else could. I blagged and bargained my way into every show I could, photographing every band that came through my town. The photos were awful, but I persisted and practised at every available opportunity. By 2009, I had got to the point where promoters and bands were asking me to take photos of them. This is where this collection begins.

2009-2019 is the culmination of a decade working with musicians, music venues, promoters, and others in the music industry, with a heavy focus on the Kent music scene. Music has played a huge part in my live and the development of my work. I’ve been lucky to meet so many amazing people, experience and achieve things I never thought I would, and broaden my taste for music.