I love it when I can finally share things that have been going on behind the scenes. This collaboration has been a few months in the making with emails and conversations. Finally we can share it.

Seventh Circle Artworks are now working with Lacuna Coil‘s front-woman Cristina Scabbia!

So exciting!

SCA have issued a press release with details of the collaboration. Cristina is excited to be on board and has already discussed great ideas for her collection; which will be the first SCA release for 2013, and taking on a more feminine style.

Cristina says, “I LOVE skulls but it would have to be something different, definitely not biker style but more classy…with balls!”

We met up with her before Lacuna Coil’s sold out show, in London’s KoKo venue, for her initial photo shoot – the decor and layout was perfect for her style; red & black, velvet and quilted leather. Very decadent.

(view from the desk during sound check)

The ‘Ace of Spades‘ ring is proving a popular design at the moment, as you would have read from my previous post with Pepper Keenan and the Down shoot. Cristina wears it in the above photo, but this one is actually hers (you will also be pleased to hear I have a replacement for my one that Pepper “borrowed” ).

SCA expect Cristina’s Colletion to be a great success, along with their previous female collaborations with Nina Kate (top alternative model & clothing designer) and her ‘Jane Doe’ Jewellery Collection and Tairrie B Murphy’s (vocalist from My Ruin) ‘Mi Ruina Por Vida’ rings.

(Alex Palmer – owner of SCA, with Cristina Scabbia)

There are also some other lovely ladies that we will be working with in the future, but that’s for another time

Happy Halloween by the way! I’m off to carve my pumpkin now.

Mx

You know those moments when you can’t stop grinning?

That was me last night.

I was at the Roundhouse in Camden with Seventh Circle Artworks (SCA) shooting with both Down and their main support band Orange Goblin.

In my time of shooting shows, I have snapped Orange Goblin live maybe 3 or 4 times, so was really looking forward to actually meeting them in person for a brief promo shoot.

They were all quite happy despite not liking their pictures taken, just like many guys in bands I work with. They also joked about how all their promo pictures seem to be around or near a bar. After a couple of semi-serious poses I asked them to do something funny. The only thing they could come up with was to “punch Joe in the face!”

Ben is a towering 6ft 4 (at least), but a very friendly guy with it. And yes, I would have needed a step ladder to speak to him at eye level.

This is not a Marie’s eye view, but you get the idea on height

Oh yeah, In case you were wondering about the killer shirt Ben is wearing, it’s the latest SCA shirt (designed by Chloe Pye).

Shortly after the shoot, the press area got a little hectic. Phil and Kirk were doing an interview, then Orange Goblin did an interview while Down were sound checking. When doing press there’s an awful lot of waiting…and waiting. We didn’t get bored though as the sound check was pretty cool, they even ran through a cool cover of Robin Trower’s called ‘Bridge of Sighs’ which Alex loved which eased the waiting a little more.

Then it was the Down shoot. Only 10 minutes until doors opened, they all surfaced and were ready to rock. Well, all expect Phil, who was watching the Saints game (apparently nothing would tear him away from his laptop screen – and I mean nothing!)

We were happy with Pat, Jimmy, Kirk and Pepper.

To backtrack a little, February last year we shot with Kirk when Crowbar were touring, as he had a custom NOLA Fleur de Lys ring which Alex had made. Word had spread to the rest of the band about SCA and their original hand crafted pieces for bands (which appealed to their love for Saint Vitus). Now almost all the band are now owning a Vitus piece from SCA.

Alex had some pieces already for them, but they were so into it all they wanted more. So Alex took most of his jewellery off too which they then wore for the shoot.

(Pat, Jimmy & Kirk loving the St Vitus pendants and ring)

Pepper wanted another ring but Alex didn’t have any more. I was wearing my Ace of Spades ring and mentioned it, but didn’t think it would fit him. Pepper flipped out over my ring and managed to squeeze it onto his little finger. Judging by his reaction I had a feeling I may not be seeing that ring again.

There was even time for a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors with Alex (SCA) in the middle

I think Pat won.

Fans were cheering outside (in the pouring rain) as they could see the guys doing the shoot through the huge glass windows. They all waved to them as they removed Alex’s jewellery and passed it back, saying thank you for a couple of their gifts and for the shoot. Pepper said that my Ace of Spades ring was apparently “stuck” on his little finger. He tried with all his strength to remove it. I was laughing so much that I had to take a picture of it.

He looked like Smeagol from Lord of the Rings!

Pepper ended up walking off with the My Precious on his little finger. He also wore it for the show.

I still went home with a smile on my face though, even if I was a little lighter in possessions.

Mx

When it comes to location shoots, the weather can be a photographer’s best friend or worst enemy.

London-based groove metal band L Sol Tace booked me for another promo shoot after a bit of a lineup change and a debut album in the making. We had previously shot in a dark venue and I said to the guys that it would be great to go to an outdoor location. They got back to me and said that near their rehearsal rooms “there’s this fence that’s kinda cool”.

I laughed! Cool, a fence. Sorted!

The weather that week was abysmal. Typical UK you may think. Actually, even worse, as by this point we would be basking in a little more sunshine than this. (Not edited at all and taken on my iPhone)

I started setting up, the guys had a litre bottle of Jack Daniel’s in hand and they had already had a few beers during rehearsal. We kept watch on the weather and had to quickly grab everything and run inside the rehearsal rooms at the first sign of rain. It reminded me of this scene from Wayne’s World

But with rain instead of cars obviously.

Turns out, the moody sky actually worked to our advantage. So as long as the rain held off we did the shoot. I have to say I’m super pleased with the pictures and the band were pretty stoked when they received them.

Here’s one of the group shots

With all the talk of the rain, I forgot to mention the fence! Well it was kinda cool – it’s peeking in the background of the shot above. I think the sky steals its’ thunder though

Here’s a couple of the individual band member shots

Thank you to the sky for looking so awesome that day, to Jack Daniel’s for keeping us all entertained while we waited for the rain to clear, and lastly to the guys for making me laugh so much that day.

Weather 0, Marie 1

Mx

Rising rock band – Achilla – contacted me for a promo shoot recently. I must admit, I had never heard of them before. Checking out their website and doing a bit of research, I wondered how I hadn’t!

Acclaimed by journalist Malcolm Dome (Metal Hammer) and a host of other music media and radio, I was very excited for this shoot.

For some of the pictures they wanted to use something called ‘X-Ray Fabric’ as a backdrop. Very intriguing! This fabric was designed and made by woven textile designer Rita Parniczky, who had studied at the prestigious Central Saint Martins and, this fabric will become part of a permanent collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum in 2013. You can imagine how excited I was to see  it!

Well, here it is.

The X-Ray Fabric.

Martamaria had part of her shoot involving this and then we did full band shots in other parts of the photo studio.

The shoot session was really enjoyable and I found the guys in the band to be so interesting – hailing from Greece, Italy and Hungary. A real mix of cultures and proof that music is the universal language.

Here’s one of the promos from the day. They wanted some simple shots to use for promotion and also for the forthcoming album.

Achilla are on tour with Swiss band November 7 this June & July around the UK. Be sure to check out their dates and catch a show in your area. Did I mention Martamaria holds the Guinness World Record for the widest vocal range?!

Amazing!

Mx

Photography leads me on such varied assignments and it’s brilliant. My last post was on a Vintage Lingerie launch and the day before that I was in a cold, dark, abandoned warehouse in Hackney, shooting stills for ESO‘s up and coming music video. Both days excited me equally and in different ways.

Along with shooting promos and stills, I got to watch and learn from Tim Fox – Motion Designer, Director and Illustrator, whose client list varies from Lady Gaga and Ms Dynamite to Skindred and Alice Cooper. What a treat!

I arrived when they were on the last couple of full live band takes and got straight to work

People don’t always realise the work that goes into music videos, and how many takes of the same thing – over and over again. To still keep a performance “fresh” as if it was the first time I would imagine is really difficult. They were so energetic on every take! It’s no wonder that shortly after, they took a break for lunch having been hard at work since 8:30am, and we had a look around for some cool spots to do pictures with what light was there.

Tobi liked the look of this area, as did I, so we gathered the others for the pics.

Bari found a hole and they all wondered where it lead to. There were many funny moments like this – I love it when people have a sense of fun as well as getting the job done.

Tim and his crew discuss the next part of the shooting. I think it all got a bit too much for the guys (and Laura), so they decided to tie Tobi up.

In the story part of the filming, Tim checks the lighting. This setting reminded me so much of the Saw movies mixed a little with Fight Club. Very dramatic. Actor Hugo was incredible. He’s pictured on the right hiding behind a banana skin. He deserved that banana after being tied up, screaming and shouting, being attached to and pulling on a large rope for well over an hour, maybe two!

- A sneaky peek of Hugo in action on the video camera screen. I don’t want to ruin it for you, so that’s all you’re getting!

Oh ok, and maybe one of the promo images, taken in that section with the funny ceiling hole

But that’s your lot until around June I’ve been told. I will be sure let you know on the release details, also keep your eyes open on the music channels for it too.

Here’s one of their other videos featuring live footage from their European Tour with Marilyn Manson to keep you going until then

Mx

Godsized, like most bands, have their fair share of good and bad things that happen. Recently they were invited to play for the US Troops at RAF Lakenheath. This was definitely one of those good things!

Not only did the guys get to entertain a great crowd, but also have a delicious American dinner AND a tour of the F15 aircraft. A real honour!

Due to the restricted nature of military aircraft, we were only allowed small cameras and phones in to take pictures. I couldn’t be pedantic about my iPhone photos – not with an opportunity like this to share with you all, so they aren’t the best quality.

Gav sits in the Pilots seat & Glen was the only one to brave the internal steps to the aircraft.

Chuck, Aaron & J. Scott gave us the tour and talked about different scenarios that they face in the air force, the missiles and bombs that were on display in the hangar and parts of the aircraft.

Beautiful isn’t it?!

Kav summed the tour up perfectly. It was so serene and still while we were there – with just the low buzzing of the lights in the hangar, but then you imagine the complete carnage that comes from everything in that building when it’s in full use. Incredible.

Here we all are, happy and ready for dinner and the show. Thank you guys for the awesome time and your hospitality!

Mx

Not literally of course!

Sorry to keep you all waiting for this blog post, I have lots of things I’m working on at the moment and I can’t wait to share them with you.

When Simone came to the UK for all the press bits and also IMATS – my previous blog post, we also had a bit of fun at mine doing a photo shoot.

Jessica-Leigh has a tea pot toy that sings various songs, talks and makes noises, it’s one of her favourites. Simone liked this as much as a real good English cup of tea. She also met one of my cats – Gibson, who is a bit of a camera lover and poses on cue. He loves fusses, especially from ladies.

MegaBeth joined in too, and swapped jackets for a silly picture.

A Slipknot fan in disguise? haha.

We did some serious fashion style pics as well as being silly. This is my favourite.

It was a good time until the snow came and Simone’s flight got cancelled. So we ended up having a movie marathon and cooking a roast dinner.

I guess it could have been worse

Mx

A little perturbed by the title of my post? Fear not, I will explain.

I shot Godsized at their final show of 2011 and the debut show with their new drummer – Dan.

Arriving at The Borderline, London (after resisting the awesome Crobar next door for a sneaky drink) Eye for an Eye were just wrapping up their set.

The guys were in good spirits in the dressing room

I went to say hey to Dan and introduce myself. He’s a complete dude, and has the coolest story to tell about James Hetfield that I’ve ever heard.

It then got a bit manic backstage and it was time to get ready. They all have their own ways to prepare for a show.

Even guys take care of their hair y’know!

Glen – “Dude, that’s the most amount of drumsticks i’ve ever seen! aaand what’s that you’ve got there?”

Dan – “Sex Wax. I rub it on my drumsticks”

I’m sure there was a reason why, but I can’t remember. So if you know, enlighten me please!

Dan continues to rub his drum sticks with the Sex Wax and Glen drinks a lot of water. Don’t be fooled, these guys can drink a venue dry, but when it comes to Glen looking after his voice and them keeping hydrated, they drink a lot of water. Except Neil maybe. I can’t say I’ve seen him drink much water at all!

Super Nige makes sure they all have water on stage. He’s not called Super Nige for nothing! Nigel is generally helping with shifting gear, helping backstage and is a great laugh and fun to be around.

Almost time for stage. Rich, longtime friend and guitarist from DogState pops in to say a quick hi and have a drink.

A big mass of busyness, then all is quiet for Dan to warm up on his practice pads before stage.

Show time!!

You can check out the show pics here

Mx

Birmingham held their yearly Guitar Show yesterday and I went along with Rotosound for a photo shoot with Duff McKagan. A really great booking for me on a personal level as well – being a Guns ‘n’ Roses fan since my early teens. I think ‘Appetite for Destruction’ was one of the first albums I ever bought with my pocket money on the week of its’ release and to this day is probably my favourite album of all time.

Duff was greeted with a very long queue of eager fans at the Rotosound stand, clutching their most prized and some very rare G’n'R, Velvet Revolver and Loaded items. The signing went on for a good 2 hours but Duff didn’t show any signs of being tired or even jet lagged after flying in from New York less than a day ago. He took his time with each person; calling them by name, chatting, taking pictures and signing.

After the queues had subsided I had a shoot with him for the Rotosound campaign in the press suite.

(Picture with thanks to Dan)

Duff left shortly after to get some sleep before another day at the guitar show.

Amazing guitarist and extremely humble guy Guthrie Govan was also there to do a signing after Duff. We had a good laugh as the posters provided for his signing I had taken the picture. We recounted his and Alex’s fun shoot day last year and Guthrie signed one for me, getting a bit creative with the Sharpie – he wanted evil black eyes! Alex Hutchings was there too demo-ing on the Roland stand.

A really great vibe to the Show, it was a lot smaller than I imagined it would be.

I took a couple of quick snaps of my other pictures that were on the display stands there – was really cool to see my work so big!

Look out for the promos of Duff in coming issues of guitar mags and Rotosound promotional materials. What a day!

Godsized had an opportunity of a lifetime after Zakk and the Black Label Camp heard their demo and took them on tour around the UK and Europe as their only support. I was totally stoked for them having been friends and working with them right from the early days.

I joined them at their 6th date into the 26 date tour at the Hammersmith Apollo in London, UK. Surrounded by press schedules and a real buzz around the guys for the biggest date in their lives (after Download Festival last year) playing to around 5,000 people. This was their moment to shine.

Before Godsized sound checked Zakk came out and played a little on the grand piano and sang. It was a very rare moment his security guard Phil told us. A moment where we all stood there with smiles on our faces while taking pics and filming on our phones. I caught a small clip for you; it’s ‘Darkest Days’ from the new album Order of the Black.

Showtime was immense, Godsized owned the packed venue – I took some pics from the pit then some from side stage. I know the guys had dreamed of playing that venue (a few weeks prior, Glen and I had watched Alter Bridge – one of our favourite bands play on that stage). Their final song Head Heavy everyone went wild, the Black Label Crew loved them too.

Black Label Society’s sound was immense and I was advised by Phil not to take pictures at the front (being over 5 months pregnant) so I just enjoyed the show with the guys on the raised platform by the sound desk. A real mixed set of older songs, and new. Pyros, super loud guitar solos, pounding drums and a finale of confetti rained down on the Hammersmith Apollo. What a great show. I was super-proud.