Lee Skylar @ USC

Lee Skylar is perhaps the most recorded and toured bassist of all time. He came to visit the USC Thornton Popular Music Program at Pop Forum on a Friday in January. As some of you know, I photograph for the Pop Program and love capturing the moments between the students and industry professionals they bring in.

As my friend Brett wrote on the USC Thornton Pop Blog, "Lee Skylar was Flippin' Awesome!"

Photographically yours,

Kylie

Young Guru @ USC

Hello lovely readers!

As some of you may know, I photograph for the Thornton Popular Music Program. Every Friday an industry professional comes to speak to the Popular Music students. Last Friday, I had the pleasure of photographing Young Guru speak to the students.

There are certain guests that I can't help but feel inspired from-- and Young Guru was one of them. Wise beyond his years, Young Guru related his story of growing up, building his own engineering equipment, and working hard to make his dreams come true. He spoke candidly about his experiences in the business and with other people. Some of his wisdom:

It's not a conceited thing; my mother raised me to believe that I can do anything I set my mind to. I don't care how long it takes-- if I decide I want to do something I will work to learn until I know how to do it. I could spend four years studying how to build a rocket, but I would eventually build one. 

"The worst thing to do is become popular or famous without being the real you-- because then you just have to keep up the lie"

"It's all about the emotion once you get the technique; the emotion you evoke in your audience"

"Life already started. Don't wait until you get out of college to do what you want to do- do it now."

Young Guru was so humble, exuding such wisdom, bowing as the audience erupted in applause at the end.

Staying humble, Young exclaimed "I have to get a picture with Patrice Rushen!!" or else his mom would be angry with him. Such an honor to be in the presence of both Young and Patrice!

This one's my favorite-- such candid joy! :)

I love my job.

Photographically yours,

Kylie

Live at Ground Zero: Barry Harris!

Following Alex Pachino and Brett Fromson, came Barry Harris with his band, Barry Harris & the Euphoria. A legend on the key-tar, he tore up the stage at this celebration for the release of his EP. Check out some of the awesome images below!

The crowd went WILD for Justin Klunk's sax solo below!

Ren Martinez @ Tommy's Place!

Thornton Pop Music Songwriting 3 Midterm

A few weeks ago I photographed a night of original tunes from the fabulous Songwriting 3 class in the Thornton School of Music Popular Music Program. Instructor Chris Sampson introduced the talented students, and event stepped in to jam with Josh Goldberg on his song! It was a wonderful night. Here are some of my favorite images. Artists- I have more of each of you, contact me to see them :-) kylienicphoto@gmail.com

please give credit if you use!

Fight on, shoot on & play on,

Kylie