Davey Wilson Blog

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Here's To You, John Hughes

2009-08-09T19:27:00.005-04:00

Earlier this week, one of my favorite filmmakers, John Hughes, passed away in New York while visiting family.

Not only did he write and direct Ferris Bueller's Day Off, easily one of my favorite films ever, but also Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club and wrote and produced Pretty And Pink.

His films represent some of the most memorable American Cinema of the 80's.

It's truly sad to see him go, but his influence will live on.

Here's a great clip I found on YouTube looking back at some of Hughes' great work throughout the years:

All Points West 09: Music and Mud

2009-08-08T10:13:00.008-04:00

Quickly, due to the wettest summer on record, All Points West became one of the messiest U.S. festival since Woodstock '99, but the crowds and the bands pulled through.

Over three days I was soaked under torrential downpour, splatted with mud, bruised and blistered, but difficult situations tend to produce great photos so it was all worth it.

Many thanks to Todd at Sony Alpha U.S. for sending me the second A900 body and extra lenses to help me document the festivities this year. The new Carl Zeiss 16-35mm F2.8 for Sony Alpha might be the sharpest zoom I ever shot with — INCREDIBLE glass!

Here's a few selections documenting my festival experience. I'll post more to my site in coming weeks.

Bruce Gilden Does Street

2009-05-26T15:29:00.000-04:00

A cool look at Magnum Photographer, Bruce Gilden.

Modest Mouse "Satellite Skin"

2009-05-23T12:53:00.002-04:00

Loving the new video!

Check this out:

Modest Mouse - Satellite Skin from Old World Monkey on Vimeo.

The Littl'Ans at Ben Sherman NYC Party

2009-04-26T11:32:00.003-04:00

The Littl'Ans made their first bit of hype when Pete Doherty picked the band to tour with Babyshambles, and since played fashion parties for the likes of Dior and everybody else.

The band looked right at home headlining the party for UK fashion brand, Ben Sherman, in New York earlier this week, and packed the store with local hipsters, mods and fashionistas.

As always, Josh Madden delivered a sick DJ set for the night.

Check out my photos from the party here.

YOUR NATURE - MUST SEE IN MAY

2009-04-11T20:56:00.015-04:00

Once in a great while, a new band comes out of nowhere that immediately demands attention. Many will say "I've heard it all before," but somehow this band manages to do it differently.

Back in January, I met a band playing under the name, Frankpollis. Although they received a bit of press attention from SPIN.com and abroad from NYLON Japan, they were still relatively unknown. A close friend, formerly of Columbia Records, signed on to manage them and invited me down for an early look. These guys were all in their young 20s, but performed with a maturity well beyond their years.

Immediately, I booked photos with their management. So rarely do I get to work with a talent this early in the game, and it's been exciting documenting everything — capturing their evolution.

In the few months that followed, they evolved into Your Nature, the Brooklyn band that promises to be one of the most sought after new acts this year. Their sound is a unique brand of Berlin-era Bowie proto punk gone psychedelic prog rock à la Dark Side Of The Moon-era Pink Floyd with a Pavement undertone — all without sounding the least bit retro and with a fresh approach and energy that is unmistakably now.

Your Nature booked a special residency at The Annex, each Wednesday in May. See these guys now and be in the know early.

The Annex schedule is as follows:

YOUR NATURE residency at The Annex this May
5/16 with Wildyaks
5/13 with The Extraordinaires and Invisible Hand
5/20 with Space Camp
5/27 with Real Estate
$7. Doors 8 PM.
Open Vodka Bar 9 PM till Gone.

Listen to Your Nature at myspace.com/yournature.

PILLOW FIGHT!

2009-04-05T21:20:00.003-04:00

Feathers flew as hundreds gathered in front of the New York Stock Exchange yesterday for the annual pillow fight. This year, the demonstration marked protest for many against so-called "corporate bail-outs.".

I'm not sure what my position is on all of that, but when I heard of the pillow fight I had to see it with my own eyes. I couldn't believe it was for real.

Here's a few photos from the event:

Times Square Sit-In Protests Chinese Occupation Of Tibet

2009-03-15T12:30:00.003-04:00

On my way to see Watchmen, I heard some strange noises. The noises were actually part of a Tibetan Prayer Ceremony taking place during a sit-in to protest the Chinese occupation of Tibet, and the alleged human rights violations by the Chinese against the Tibetan people.

I feel sympathetic to this cause as the people of Tibet are peaceful, neutral and completely uninvolved with global conflicts. There are far to many reports of human rights abuses to be ignored.

Here's some of my photos as I documented the event:

Click any of the shots to see the rest of the set on my Flickr.

FUK WALL ST.

2009-02-08T17:15:00.002-05:00

This building really sums up the feelings of many Americans right now. Ironically, the building is broken down, most likely condemned, standing tall in front of a field of waste.

New York Halloween in Black and White

2008-11-01T20:52:00.009-04:00

Last night, I found myself snapping photos in the West Village capturing the Halloween crowd.

Here's some shots from the night:

Check the rest of the set on on my Flickr page.

My favorite new band in the world

2008-10-14T21:18:00.001-04:00

I finally saw Dead Confederate last weekend, and they might be my favorite new band in the world right now. Honestly, I haven't seen anything like them in well over 10 years.

They take a fresh approach on grunge, but I don't like to think of them as "the next Nirvana".

HAPPY ENDINGS? - Two Years of McCarren Park Music, Film and Festivities Comes To An Abrupt End

2008-09-01T12:01:00.009-04:00

After two memorable years of some of the best summer concerts, festivals and film events (many of which were free), McCarren Park Pool is being shut down to be renovated into an actual swimming pool as part of many recent Brooklyn "development" projects. Sadly, like other recent "developments", this one obliterates more art and culture from the community.

At least this one closed out with a bang. Sonic Youth performed the final concert there on Saturday, with some amazing guests: Wolf Eyes, Times New Viking and Vivian Girls. The show was packed out, and I was happy to be a part of it (thanks friends at AEG!).

Here's a few shots from the event, but you should check out the full site on my site - daveywilson.com (click on "The Final Concert At McCarren Park Pool").

Knoxville's Best

2008-08-28T19:54:00.008-04:00

I just wrapped up a shoot with Knoxville, Tennessee's indie hopefuls, the Tenderhooks.

They are currently unsigned, but not for long.

Check out the recent write up in their hometown paper, Metro Pulse here, and their music on their MySpace.

"Trainspotting" flashback

2008-06-15T18:45:00.006-04:00

"The Worst Bathroom In The World"
Originally uploaded by DaveyWilson
At a coffee shop in Brooklyn, I am reminded of a scene in Trainspotting in which Renton dives head first into a toilet.

Pete Yorn Acoustic SPIN

2008-05-16T11:13:00.003-04:00

Last night, Pete Yorn played a rare free show at the SPIN + Amstel Light Party.

I haven't seen Pete since late last year at the Beacon Theatre, so I was curious to hear a taste of what's to come on his 4th album, due out later this year. Knowing Pete for about eight years now, I've watched him grow so much as an artist, and it's always exciting to see what he does next.

Upon arriving at the 79th Street Boat Basin on the Upper West Side, I saw a swarm of fans stretching out for a good two blocks.

He played two new songs, and lyrically, they sounded like some of his most deeply personal songs yet. Also, he played "For Us", "The Man", "For Nancy," "Life On A Chain," and "Closet".

The show was solid, and seeing Pete acoustic is always cool.

Check out some photos from the show below, and click any to visit the rest of the set on my Flickr.

Jukebox The Ghost

2008-04-20T13:34:00.006-04:00

I recently wrapped up a shoot with Jukebox The Ghost this week.

I first saw these guys with Ra Ra Riot late last year, and was quite impressed -- especially considering I am not so keen on piano rock.

Test shot with Jesse

Here's a sneak peak of what came of it:

I'll post the photos soon.

Their debut album, Let Live & Let Ghosts, is in stores Tuesday. In the meantime, download the Jukebox The Ghost "Good Day" (REMIX) from their MySpace page here.

Jedi Night

2008-04-13T11:24:00.004-04:00

Last night, I was asked to photograph the Jedi Knights Scooter Club's Kickstart 2008 party at Double Down Saloon. Growing up in the UK, I've always been a fan of scooters and mod culture. I even did some work with British Mod clothing giant, Ben Sherman, several years back.

The party was full of good people and good times. They even had some go-go dancers, though I missed the girl fire-blowing.

Click here or on any of the photos to visit the rest on my Flickr.

My first hate mail

2008-04-08T11:33:00.011-04:00

Wow - I just received my first hate mail.

There are always a few people who thrive on attention, especially when they see someone with a camera.

Honestly, I'm a bit of an introvert, known to be shy with people I don't know, and sometimes I just don't want to be bothered.

I guess you can never please everyone.

Anyhow, I thought you all could use a good laugh.

From: nystyle30@hotmail.com
To: info@daveywilson.com
Date: Mon, April 7, 2008 17:03
Subject: Pictures

Just wanted to tell you that your a real arrogant prick. Wow, your a photographer. Whoopty freakin' doo. You act like your some big shot. Your rude, disrespectly and arrogant for no reason. Wow, i take pictures of bands. Your just a loser, plain and simple. Take a look in the mirror, you might even see it yourself. And if everyone had a camara like yours than we could all take those pictures. Go screw yourself and I hope your arrogance screws you in the ass one day.

Have a good one!

Clinton Support From Young People

2008-03-29T17:00:00.005-04:00

Funny that I keep hearing the press declaring Hillary Clinton's supporters to be primarily older women, yet I keep running into younger supporters around the city.

Today, at Union Square, I ran into student volunteers for Hillary Clinton, collecting signatures on a banner and raising funds to increase campaign awareness in Pennsylvania.

Though the never-ending media bias has made it somewhat unpopular to support Hillary Clinton for President, I continue my support because I feel she's shown the most realistic and solid plan for the coming years -- especially in areas of foreign policy, health care and the economy.

Flying Underground

2008-03-28T21:11:00.002-04:00

Flying Underground
Originally uploaded by DaveyWilson

I caught this guy doing back flips at the 57th Street Subway station. I've seen a lot of street dancers doing acrobatics in New York Subway Stations before, but never one who could get that high.

Best Show I've Seen In A While

2008-03-27T07:52:00.007-04:00

You know, I've seen The Raveonettes probably 2 or 3 dozen times, but their show last night at Bowery Ballroom was probably one of the best I've seen yet.

All the older material had been reworked for this new phase of the touring band: Sune + Sharin + Leigha on drums. Clearly, The Raveonettes matured over the last few records, and I feel like this tour sees the band securing their place for the long haul.

Recently, The Raveonettes released a new album, LUST LUST LUST, which has received almost straight 4-star reviews, and for good reason. Check it out yourself and you'll understand why.

Here's a few shots from the show. View the rest here on my Flickr page.

Wheels With A Message

2008-03-22T20:38:00.004-04:00

Walking down Broadway this afternoon, I noticed a long line of SUVs, vans and cars with Tibetan flags. As they got closer, I noticed the gruesome imagery of what appeared to be brutal murders of Tibetan citizens at the hands of the Chinese government. China is infamous for extreme human rights violations, and I'm still surprised the Olympics are being held there this year.

Recently, I read that Spielberg pulled out of directing the opening ceremonies, due to their continued disregard for human rights, so kudos to him.

I can imagine this will only mean more protests this summer.

Click any of the photos to see a bit larger on my Flickr page.

St. Patrick's Day Parade in NYC

2008-03-17T20:21:00.003-04:00

This afternoon, I caught a couple snapshots from the St. Patrick's Day parade on 5th Avenue. Sometimes, the formations from marching soldiers can look really cool when you get it at the right angle.

Click any of these photos to see a larger size on my Flickr page:

Funny Games

2008-03-16T21:46:00.003-04:00

I just saw FUNNY GAMES this weekend. I don't want to say too much about it, but as difficult to watch as it is, I do recommend you see it.

Check out the trailer below:

From Crackle: Funny Games trailer