Rivermaya Live in Singapore 08.18.2012
My photography club MASP got a gig to cover one of Philippine's most influential bands Rivermaya here in Singapore this August. When I first heard about it, I immediately wanted to be part of it. As most of us Pinoy Music fans know, Rivermaya is one of the most popular bands with a really solid contributions to the Pinoy Alternative bandemonium in the 1990's. They're also well known in the Southeast Asia Region with the international success of their single "You'll be Safe Here". Though I wasn't able to catch their performances here in Singapore in 2008-2009, I knew that they were invited and performed at Singapore's prestigious music festivals and events such as The Mosaic at Esplanade and F1 Grand Prix.
This year, STREET NOISE PRODUCTIONS and Reconstrux Bookings brought them back to perform at Hard Rock Cafe Singapore. They now have a new line-up, with 2 new members Ryan Peralta on drums and Norby David on Bass/Vocals who both joined the band last year. The band said that Bassist Japs Sergio is on-leave, and the other two members that performed here were Mike Elgar on Guitar/Vocals and founding member Mark Escueta on Guitar/Vocals.
This year, STREET NOISE PRODUCTIONS and Reconstrux Bookings brought them back to perform at Hard Rock Cafe Singapore. They now have a new line-up, with 2 new members Ryan Peralta on drums and Norby David on Bass/Vocals who both joined the band last year. The band said that Bassist Japs Sergio is on-leave, and the other two members that performed here were Mike Elgar on Guitar/Vocals and founding member Mark Escueta on Guitar/Vocals.
Our photo coverage started with the morning meet up with the band at the airport. Our entire team which consists of 3 photographers, a videographer and a host/PR officer, met the band at the airport arrival.
I got an initial impression of the band's personality when we shot a short video at the airport to get a few words from the band members and to plug the concert happening later in the evening.
Despite getting their early morning flight delayed, the members arrived here with their sense of humor still intact. They were in a good mood as they indulged themselves in a quick but playful and fun welcome introduction. Click here to watch the video coverage. Shortly after their arrival, the band and my co-photogs went to Gramophone for the Q&A and meet and greet session. |
I rejoined the team for the Soundcheck at Hard Rock. The lights were still very favorable during soundcheck time at around 5pm, as I was able to shoot a few good shots with some relative ease.
On the actual showtime the lighting condition was as expected, or maybe even worse - at least maybe from photography standpoint.
I kept on tinkering with my EOS 60D's settings especially at the beginning of the first song. After a few dialing of my settings, I started to shoot pictures and enjoy the great show being put up by the band. Mike, Mark and Norby playing top favorite Rivermaya music, all good stuff while they alternated on vocals. For his part, drummer Ryan banged the drums like a mad scientist of percussion instruments. =)
For a change, I used my Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 extensively for this event. I would normally use my prime lenses as my workhorse to be sure, but I thought this Tammy will work, I just need to know how to use it properly. And since I was so close to the stage, I didn't want to use my 85 or 50mm on my APS-C sensor too much, as it would limit me from composing for a wider shot which I prefer over tight close-ups.
I kept on tinkering with my EOS 60D's settings especially at the beginning of the first song. After a few dialing of my settings, I started to shoot pictures and enjoy the great show being put up by the band. Mike, Mark and Norby playing top favorite Rivermaya music, all good stuff while they alternated on vocals. For his part, drummer Ryan banged the drums like a mad scientist of percussion instruments. =)
For a change, I used my Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 extensively for this event. I would normally use my prime lenses as my workhorse to be sure, but I thought this Tammy will work, I just need to know how to use it properly. And since I was so close to the stage, I didn't want to use my 85 or 50mm on my APS-C sensor too much, as it would limit me from composing for a wider shot which I prefer over tight close-ups.
I shot at wide open aperture, ISO settings capped at 3200, sometimes forcing it to 1600. Dialed to Auto White balance setting since the stage lights at HRC is a tricky combination of white tungsten, warm yellow spotlights and some warm ambient lights coming from the balcony.
At one point while they were singing the song "Hinahanap hanap kita", something really awesome happened. That was when Mike called-out my teammate, our main photographer Ian to jam with them on stage! I do not know exactly what I felt but I remember suddenly getting tensed as I wanted to take a good photo of one the photographers I look up to as he lived his dream for 3 minutes.
Towards the end of the show, the audience especially the ladies, went up "camwhoring" with the band members on stage, as the band went on with the show and continued playing. It just goes to show their veteran savvy and poise while having a fun and somewhat unusual crowd interaction.
All things in all respects, it was a fun and memorable experience especially considering that our Photography team led by Ian Soliva, have in one way or the other, supported in the sales and marketing of the show.
I knew that the band have gone through several transformation through the years. And amidst all their past achievements, and current standing as a band, I respect them even more so now that I've seen them in the flesh, and heard what they have to say about their band and the music industry's current status in comparison to what they've experienced when they first started 18 years ago.
As Mike have put it, they still enjoy the support of their fans and they are "Thankful (that) after all these years (We) still get to do what we love to do. Which is, to make music and perform in concerts for all the people that we love, and love us ".
For me as a photography enthusiast, I can take a lot from that message from a band that was able to sustain a successful career for 18 years. All you need is LOVE (yeah just ike the Beatles heheh). Love your craft, love whatever it is that you do and it will be alright.
More photos of >> Rivermaya Live in Singapore
I knew that the band have gone through several transformation through the years. And amidst all their past achievements, and current standing as a band, I respect them even more so now that I've seen them in the flesh, and heard what they have to say about their band and the music industry's current status in comparison to what they've experienced when they first started 18 years ago.
As Mike have put it, they still enjoy the support of their fans and they are "Thankful (that) after all these years (We) still get to do what we love to do. Which is, to make music and perform in concerts for all the people that we love, and love us ".
For me as a photography enthusiast, I can take a lot from that message from a band that was able to sustain a successful career for 18 years. All you need is LOVE (yeah just ike the Beatles heheh). Love your craft, love whatever it is that you do and it will be alright.
More photos of >> Rivermaya Live in Singapore