Wolf Gang / Sir Sly/ Secret Someones

Last Thursday I had the opportunity to photograph these talented acts for Ink Magazine. .

This was one of the more challenging shows I've shot for publication for a number of reasons. In addition to shooting with an f/4 lens for most of the show on a new camera, the crowd barrier was pushed up right against the stage which made moving around to capture the action a challenge. All in all though it was a good learning experience and an enjoyable night with good music and a good crowd!.

My favorite photos from the night can be found under the "music" tab and my write up from the show is below: 

The several hundred people present at The National last night were rewarded with energetic performances from Co-headliners Wolf Gang and Sir Sly. 

New York City based supporting act Secret Someones warmed up the night with soaring vocal harmonies layered on top of driving chord progressions. I was impressed by the four piece, primarily female, group and look forward to listening to their “I Won’t Follow” EP in its entirety. 

Hannah Winkler of Secret Someones 

Hannah Winkler of Secret Someones 

Following Secret Someone’s performance, the stage went dark and a rhythmic synthesized bass note hummed through the speakers. One by one, the members of Sir Sly walked onto the stage and were greeting with cheers from the crowd. The LA based group performed several songs from their self-produced full length album, which will be released on Cherrytree Records this Fall. 

Sir Sly launches into the 2nd song of their set. 

Sir Sly launches into the 2nd song of their set. 

Their set struck a happy balance between well known songs, like Ghost and You Haunt Me, and the new material and even included a soulful cover of Marvin’s Room by Drake. The performance culminated with their hit song “Gold,” the last lines belted my lead singer Landon Jacobs as he dramatically collapsed to the floor. 

After a quick change over, the crowd grew quiet in anticipation as the lights once again went dark for the start of Wolf Gang’s set. Founded in London by lead singer Max McElligott, Wolf Gang’s music offers an enjoyable combination of catchy top-line vocals, British-influenced Rock N’ Roll, and synthesized keyboards. Their live performance runs like a fine tuned machine following three years of playing shows with acts like Coldplay, Florence + The Machine, and a recent tour with Bastille. 

Wolf Gang returns to The National, this time as the headlining act. 

Wolf Gang returns to The National, this time as the headlining act. 

In addition to well known songs like ‘Lions in Cages,’ Wolf Gang also performed new material from their sophomore album, which is slated for release this Fall. Their set was well received and McElligott warmly thanked the audience for spending their Thursday night together at The National. For those who missed the show, the tour will be coming to U Street Music Hall in Washington D.C. on 9/8.