Happy Record Store Day / April 17,2010
Growing up I spent a lot of time in skate shops and record stores. To me they went hand in hand. Record Store Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in April. (For a complete history of Record Store Day please visit their website www.recordstoreday.com) Today, Indie record store owners and artists get together and release special vinyl, CDs and promotional material that would make Barry and Dick from Champion Vinyl jealous (maybe not them since they were really snobby but you get the point.)
We live in an era of technology and I am 100% ok with that. Digital downloads, viral videos and self distribution models have changed the way the music business operates – making record stores having to adapt to survive.
I kept thinking about the microcosm of record stores and my experiences in them – going crating with friends or searching out some import etc. Reflecting on these time I kept coming back to the same question:
“Why are Record Stores Important?”
So I asked people and here are their answers.
Kimber Lanning, Stinkweeds Records / Phoenix, AZ: “Record stores are important because they are community hubs- they are creative gathering places that make people feel connected to their city or town. Music is a social art- it’s best experienced with others.”
Steve Wiley, Hoodlums Music / Tempe, AZ: “Record Stores are important for people that are deeply into music: People like Kristian (co-owner) and I who love to have the vinyl or CD version of an artist’s album. People that appreciate the musical art form of the album, or sound quality above that of a compressed file, or even the visual art of CDs, DVDs, and LPs. People that like to go to a store and be involved with other people that feel the same way.”
@reply: Album artwork. Visual browsing (via twitter)
@hepnova: Bargain bins. Since I select based on record cover, pawing through bargain bins 4 discs has resulted in lifechanging new tunes (via twitter)
I couldn’t agree more. There is something to be said for holding a tangible product, looking at the album art or photography and reading the lyrics and liner notes. To me these things are important. Record stores give me a place to go to so I can talk to other people about new music, old music and nostalgia. Not to mention the networking opportunities it provides me as a music photographer.
I don’t purchase all of my music from record stores – I do use iTunes to download music and I would be lost without my iPods. With that being said to me there’s still a place in my world for the record store.
So today, April 17th, 2010 – find your local independent record store and purchase some music. Take a minute – meet the employees or talk to the owners and start to plug yourself into the local music scene. In the long run by making a purchase you will help ensure that you have a place to go to talk music and be a part of the music community.
What are your thoughts? Do you ever visit record stores or do you purchase music solely online?
Tags: hoodlums music, Local music, music photo, music photography, new music, record store day, stinkweeds, tempe
Photographer Interview Series: Craig Blank
Apr 15, 2010 Friends, Photographer Interview
I find my inspiration for photography in various places. Most commonly from viewing other photographer’s work and Craig Blank leads the pack. With certainty every time I look at Craig’s work I find myself wanting to pick up my camera.
Craig’s philosophy of “Creativity from both sides of the lens” is just one of the attributes that sets him apart from other photographers.
I have known Craig since about 1985 from our little part of the tri-state area, Warren, NJ. I remember the first time hearing from his brother or friends that he was going to The School of Visual Arts in NYC to study photography. I was in awe. You mean photography can be a career and you can learn about it at school? I was blown away.
I asked Craig if he would be willing to answer a few questions for my photographer interview series – so here they are. The following interview was done via email and re-posted without edits. We discuss getting started, subject matter, influences and what’s in store for 2010 for him.
How did you get started in photography? Photography found me when I was around 10. My godfather gave me a Rollei point and shoot. 110 format no less. It has been a bittersweet love affair ever since.
What inspires you about photography? Photography is a powerful language and it is constantly growing and changing, That growth and change inspires me to dig deeper and try harder to create photos to the best of my ability.
What is your favorite subject matter? At this moment in time I am interested in commercial and editorial fashion. My previous (phase) work had been architecture, landscapes and studio still lifes. I now find working with humans in front of the lens brings a surprising element of life to my work. It is also a collaboration of ideas which brings my work to a higher level.
Out of your body of work, what is your favorite photograph? I have included some photos that inadvertently started me on my current path photographically speaking. (Photos posted in article)
Photography and life in general is filled with surprises. I love when that happens and I just go with it.
What’s one thing all photographers should know? Don’t just capture the scene; capture the emotion
(writers note: everyone read that last sentence again…if anyone asks what makes a great photo that’s is a great starting point.)
As you were developing your own style, what photographers had the biggest influence on you? Irving Penn, Alexy Brodovitch, Jay Maisel, Richard Avedon.
What’s 2010 have in store for you? I look forward to making my way in the LA photography market. There are a lot of opportunities here. My goal is to open my own studio.
I want to thank Craig for his time and for setting an example of true professionalism. He definitely understands the mantra collaboration over competition.
I am sure we will see great things from Craig in the future – so watch for him.
For more of Craig Blank’s work please visit: www.craigblankphoto.com
(*please note all attached images are © Craig Blank)
Tags: craig blank, fashion photography, getting started in photography, photo discussion, Photographer Interview, Portrait Photography, studio photography, warren nj
