This was my second assignment for Outburn and my anxiety wasn't any better than last time. I was experiencing the usual self-doubt that I would not be able to get a single shot for publication and I forgot to eat before I left for the show, yet again. I had never been to this venue, 1720 in the warehouse district of Los Angeles, and not knowing how this venue was laid out was not helping my anxiety. 

I got there early hoping to accomplish a few things-1) find food and 2) make a game plan for getting to the front in order to get some shots.

The food mission failed. The only place I could find anywhere near there was a fast food drive thru and I knew that it was better to not eat than to eat something greasy  and heavy that would completely weigh me down and make me too tired to work. I did this to myself. I'll just have to wait. There should be a law that states that a minimum of three food trucks must be outside any music venue from one before doors open to one hour after the show ends. I really hate that Los Angeles is so anti street food.  

I didn't need a game plan. 1720 had a photo pit that I was given access to because I was there shooting for a publication. I love photo pits. They make my life so much easier.  

Despite the fact that this venue is in the middle of nothing so it would be your sole destination, there is only street parking, and a little difficult to find if you don't already know where it is (no signage, only the security team outside the door to indicate that anything is even there), it really is an awesome venue. The security staff are all just the nicest people you will ever meet who joke and laugh and have a great time with each other and the people showing up for shows. The bartenders are just as friendly so there is no one there to make you feel exhausted by simply existing in this space with them. The layout is just a giant open space, as it is in a literal warehouse, with VIP seating off to the side, and two bars. 

I will be honest, I had never heard of Unleash The Archers until I took on this assignment. This band was recommended to me by my friend, Bria, who I have learned has such great taste that when she says "listen to this band" you just shut up and listen to that band. Once again, she was right. I don't even know how to begin to articulate how much I loved this band. Melodic/operatic metal is one of my favorite things in life.  Brittney Slayes is now one of my musical heroes and I will worship her voice forever. 
​
​You can read my full review of this show here.

Last Sunday I drove to The Whisky and photographed Skum Love's birthday show hosted by You Rock Foundation as a mental health awareness event. Nothing new or nerve wrecking about that. This event would mark my first time covering a show for Outburn Magazine. Again, that's easy peasy. The part that had me terrified was the fact that I also had to write a review for the show. Write. A review. Me! 

As soon as I found out that I would be required to write a review to accompany the images I create, I began having baby panic attacks. Nothing serious or crippling, thank goodness, but enough to cause a bit of concern. I want people to see my photographs, I am not shy about that, but to have people read what I write?! That's terrifying. 

Where do I even begin? How do I even write a review?! How do I review something that is completely objective? I stopped taking classes in journalism because I found it all to be too dry for my taste. Thankfully, I am allowed to express my own opinions in reviews otherwise I would have hated every word of my own review. 

As terrified as I was, I did it. I actually did it. It's not the best review, or even close to expert level, but it's my first, and it's mine, and I did it. It can be found here.