Alexz Johnson Say Max Tour at Jammin' Java Concert Music Photographer Max Schneider

Let's take a journey back to 2008. Pre-teen Kylie would come home from school and watch hours of pre-stored-up DVR'd episodes of the N's show "Instant Star". Why did I love this show so much? It was the perfect combination of real life, not too risque, it had a quirky best friend and it had a touch of glamour as Jude tried to make it as a professional musician. (not to mention Tommie was quite attractive).

Anywho, there was a part of me that wanted to be Jude Harrison. Hey, she was a redhead, and I relate to anyone with red hair automatically. More than that, though- the show portrayed her in the highs and the lows, the victories and the vulnerabilities, and as an artist I could relate to that.

Alexz Johnson played Jude. As a part of the show, she got to write the songs that her character sang. I was in love with her voice and her music-- I related to it. Alexz was signed and then dropped from Epic, but is now a poster child for new-age digital music. She funded her latest album and tour from crowd-funding. She has a loyal following of fans, paired with immense talent, and voila! She's doing the indie artist thing without anyone dictating what she can or can't say or write. Go Alexz!

Here are some photos of Alexz playing at Jammin' Java in Vienna, VA. She had a pared down set with her two friends Breezy Baldwin and Megan Cox. The raw emotion and musical talent onstage was amazing! Enjoy these images.

Photogrpahically yours,
Kylie

Telegraph Live Music Band at Jammin' Java Say Max Tour Music Photographer

Who is "Telegraph"? Ask the band and they'll tell you: "an alternative pop band with some classic rock swagger" (thanks, twitter). Ask my friend Brian of the band Carlton and he'll say: "some silly dudes". I can vouch for both of those statements. As the openers for Alexz Johnson at Jammin' Java on June 18th, these guys got the crowd going and put on a set worthy of their own headline. Their signature teal cheetah-print headband adds a dose of fun to their vibe.

 below: Rocco rocks out on the bass

 Marshall greets his adoring fans:

 Red (below) wins the contest for best shirt:

 ... and then Marshall loses his:

 rocking out!

Telegraph is playing an album release show in Nashville this Sunday 6/29 at the End. If you're in the area, definitely go check them out!

Nolan Frank: Musician Portrait Los Angeles

Max Schneider at Jammin' Java Say Max Tour Concert Photographer Los Angeles

I'm doing something I don't always do: starting out with my favorite image. I just love the energy captured in the frame; it really sums up the energy in the room that night.

 I try to get a photo of each band member at the show. I live for the moments like the one below:

And for all you Max fans out there, here's an adorable uke picture for the road!

Photographically yours,
Kylie

The Beauty of Light- Series

The Beauty of Light, Part 2

Sometimes, the universe blesses us with unexpected gifts. These beams of light streaming through the forest was one such gift on my drive home today.

The Beauty of Light, Part 1

I was reminded today of the simple beauty of life and why I explore the world with my camera.

I was also inspired to pen some words:

t h e g r e a t d i v i d e
there is a part in each of us
that is neither here nor there
that wants to be, but can't.
when in the presence of another
this part becomes a whole.
we become whole.

"friendship is a single soul dwelling in two bodies" //Aristotle