So here I was, going to Charleville-Mézières, et tiny town in the North of the Champagne region of France, for the 5th edition of the « Cabaret Vert » Festival (green cabaret), a 3 days festival, with an ecological idea behind it. An overall very nice journey, to the heart of why I like so much what is not my daily job. Taking pictures, photos that will last as memories and moments I’ve experienced…

After a little detour to see a friend, here I was on my way to the town of Charleville-Mézières, not far from Sedan and the Belgian border. My howetown is not that far (like 2hours drive), never been there tho.. a perfect way to discover the town and region under a heavy sunny weather, what more can you ask really ^^ Thinking about it, it’s actually going to be the first festival (for pictures i mean) that i will do outside of Belgium, now looking forward to see how it goes, bc usually, the standard in a belgian Festival is quite high already

No issue at all with the photopass, and i was on my way to discover the site, site that is actually really in the middle of the city, no joke about that, yes, it’s a square at the beginning, but surrounded by buildings and everything, interesting to discover ^^ loads of security and fences, people on their way to the Camping place.. you know, the beginning of a festival It’s « only » a 2 stages festival, but it will be more than enough (Dour has 6 stages I think… ) and the sun is there, which will help a lot overall

« Exit Wounds » was opening on the smaller stage the event. One of the very nice principle is the price.  1 euro per artist, and you got the price of the 3 days festival. It’s actually very good and not oftenly we see that kind of simple mathematic explanation. Next would be the opening of the Big stage by « la grande sophie », a french artist.

« Yeti Lane » went on the Small stage and it was time to see Tricky on the main stage, and his downtempo Trip-Hop creating a perfect mood to start the evening/nite. Some tracks are just awesome in live (2nd time I actually saw him live this summer after Les Ardentes ). And this time, i really appreciated some tracks.. First, true he was the singer of Massive Attack on their first « bluelines », but he actually went solo back in 1995 (yes, dunno why, would have though it was was closer to 2000ish… wow). And now, I can say that tracks like « Hell is round the corner », the bass line from « overcome », or one of his latest « puppy toy » is really overwhelming with good intentions, quiet periods that will go slowly and slowly higher, until it blows at ur face. Francesca, the singer that is also on stage is actually helping, her feline way to move her body while sharing the mic with Adrian (yes, less exciting than Tricky right?) is just an image you wanna keep. Sensuality, and good lyrics <3

After the 3 songs, us, photographer are kicked out of the photo pit.. and it suddenly actually make sense for once, when Tricky actually decided to make people come all over the stage.. and the people actually stopped coming when there was no more room left.. wow… but well, everything went well, but my 2 cents is that it was kinda unplanned by the security lads ahah ^^ Tricky’s picture are worth seeing, tatts, floating on the music, open hearted.

Going way up North in denmark to see « the asteroids galaxy Tour », that are famous for being one of the song of the latest ipod ad… Nice sweet pop on stage, it’s during the private 2 songs acoustic session that it makes me happy to be where i’m standing, sharing a moment that only a few can say they have lived. And that is really something worth going through the lack of sleep, hurts, wasted time and all. Totally don’t care right now, just enjoying 3 guys singing for us how sweet life can be sometimes…

Then it will be time to be hit by Ghinzu once again. Saw those Belgian band (from Brussels to be more specific) live a couple of weeks ago after being one of the first belgian band i’ve known, at that time still being in France. Little did I know I was going to shoot them some years later, and feel damn good about it. Gosh now I really have to see them for a full show and not for an hour in a festival… but damn.. it’s pure power, madness, the riffs are just deadly awesome, John is doing his show, the other guys are following and spicing all of that (prop on for the guitarist). Damn, just feel like hit by a truck, but this sensation, for this week end, is a good one, and because it’s unexpected to actually be there for 3 days, then i’m even more appreciating the moment

I’ve missed « zone libre », or at least wasn’t allowed anymore to take any pics, rumor has it it was nice tho. So well, back to the main stage, to jump on the heavy electro of « Birdy Nam Nam », 4 Djs/MCs, 2002 World champion, offering an übercrowded square a way to jump and have a fun that appeared instantly on everyone’s face. Really something to discover, to be on the other side of this fence, and see everyone going crazy for a tune, or bc everyone is simply jumping and enjoying the moment. An absolute blast, and the 4 sound makers are talented, nothing to say about that, they know what they’re doing

Twas then time to head to the Hotel, true i’m not playing 100% hardcore festival style, i’m not drinking either so well ahah ^^ a very nice first day overall, 2 cameras and the gears are kinda heavy tho, but well, you get used to it and don’t feel much more at the end of the day… I’ll remember the good spirit that everyone is having despite the 30 000 people, the proximity with the artists, a shame we weren’t able to do the Acoustic Session with Ghinzu, but well, i’m happy bc i’m making pictures, listening to good people, and overall just happy, which is already quite something

===
In My ears : Depeche Mode -A Pain that i’m used to- : ♫« All this running around/ well it’s getting me down/ Just give me a pain that I’m used to/ I don’t need to believe/ all the Dreams you conceive/ You just need to achieve/ Something that rings true » ♫

Sooooooo. This time, I will not talk about a day or a special event. Nope. I’ll just show one of my photographical habit. I’ve got several, publishing more than weekly some snaps is helping, I started creating collection, about stupid stuff, about repetiting stuff, about the idea of everything seems the same but is so different. Of course i’ll cross this habit more often when it comes to Music, here it is… crowd.. yeah.. just crowd. More over actually just the chance I have sometimes to be at some spot where some of this crowd would like to be. And that is just a deadly feeling.

Of course, people are not looking at me, but sometimes, I’m really like « in front of them », and honestly, what a view that can be. Thousands of people, waiting on someone or something, just here for an artist, for a song, for a moment to share and love. That were you see there is different types of Crowd. Let’s start with an easy one, the quiet one. The one that will not interfer whatsoever, no clapping, no moving, no hands in the air. A crowd, in communion with the music, appreciating.

Then come the crowd that is more into it, that will clap, that will raise the arms, to a spanish wave, that will follow the singer that is waving the hands.. you know.. we’ve all done it, we’ve all liked it, arms to have an idea of ocean of people, feeling, happiness and moment that is never

Congrats to those who actually spotted me taking the snap ahah, there not usually a lot of people looking at the camera, but I could definitely spot a few up to you to find them ahah

The crowd is also a « i wanna touche the sky, let me touch heaven and hammer this beat so that i will never forget this moment ». I’m also like that, we all are, to physically live the experience and the music, to dance, giggle, move, anything that will express this feeling of just being well, and seizing the moment. And that is always a nice thing to remember, how much the crowd needs to get involved for the gig to be more than just « ok », luckily for me, in Belgium, crowd is great, honestly, responsive, loving music, happy, partying. Close as heaven as never. And i got a few gigs were i could say so…

My favorite as to be Arno in the Couleur Cafe Festival this summer. Singin « les filles du bord de mer », he asked everyone to raise their hands, 18 000 people  immediately did so. What a view, what a feeling. He’s a Belgian singing icon, saw him back in Les Ardentes Festival in 08, didn’t know much, learned to know, discovered a talented fellow who’s struggling with life, and a Belgian Crowd who was there for him, waiting for this moments along with two other of his classics songs. And as expected. I had a blast without knowing the 1st time I saw him. Now that I know. It’s just absolutely awesome, especially when ur the only photographer up there bc they were all somewhere else doing god knows what. My little own private moment of communion, of being happy to be there, from this year that changed a lot, that might stop as quickly as it started, but damn, what a great thing that leaves you speechless, and wirth the hours of lack of sleep, the physical fatigue after all of that. Right now i’m just happy, and kinda proud. The best way is to see it larger by clicking here to realise how this could have felt.

In the crowd, you also have got to go with the crowd surfer. This lad (oftenly, way more dangerous for a woman, saw some during the « Les cowboys fringants » concert tho) surfing on the crowd, sometimes the singer, sometimes just someone from the crowd. Never tried (who said « too heavy of course dude ».. yeah well)… i might someday, just to get snaps from up there ahah… I remember the singer from Dionysos crowd surfing to get to the other side to finish the song, i remember having someone almost falling on me in another crowd, i remember this lady under heavy substance in the Venetian Snare gig going on stage, diving, without anyone ready to catch her. That probably hurts a lot. She didn’t seemed to care ahah ^^

I sometimes just look at details, of people being above everyone on someone’s shoulder. We also all remember singing along in the crowd (confession : loved doin’ so on Hey there Delihlah, on open your eyes, on Let Love Rule, on Take Me Out, on La Ouache and so on). Those kind of moments is what makes concert so special as well.

In the end, the most important is actually who’s next to you in the crowd, i like going alone to concert, i like having some friends with me, i like to have special occasion where some friends come to concerts, and so many things to share afterwards, some lyrics, some moments, some moves, some look, some gesture. Crowds are great. Being in it is awesome. Living for it and as one for more than an hour, being a nobody in a bigger moving and loving body. I certainly never said enough to those around me in some concerts how much it was great to live that moment together. Consider this as the « i wish i should have told you so when we were there »

The best way to see all those clichés in a reasonable size is to go and see the album of almost 200 shots on Flickr as usual

===

Tom waits -I Hope that I don’t fall in love with you- ♫ « Well I hope that I dont fall in love with you/ cause falling in love just makes me blue,/ Well the music plays and you display/ Your heart for me to see,/ I had a beer and now I hear you/ Calling out for me/ And I hope that I dont fall in love with you. » ♫

You know what, for once, i’ll not talk about music. Or at least it’ll not be the major theme let’s say ahah. For once, i’m in Brussels. I mean, the whole week end will be in the city i’m supposed to live. Supposed to live, because Dopplr informed me that on the last 6 months, I was not at my place for 63 days (yes, it’s more than 2 months ahah)… But well, when i’m around, I still love being here. So here we were going for a lovely under a great weather (for most of the time at least). « Alors Bruxelles je te la donne » chante Bénabar…

Friday evening, was supposed to go to Viller’s Abbey 40 minutes outside of Brussels. Will not make it for several reasons, a shame, considering that a theater piece by Moliere was created there just for the summer. Rumor has it it was lovely. I’m sure it was. So was heading to the other event of the nite, the birthday of one of the graphist, collegue and friend i’m working with at the studio. She’s turning 25, and we’re heading to their place to put everything upside down.

Oddly enough, I feel good, surrounded by those people who once again broke the idea of me being a producer and learn to know me as « who I am ». As a producer, i’m supposed to be the devil for them, the superior force that will strike on them when they are late, or when we’ll need a black sheep, it will just hit randomly. Not my way to see my job, explaining why I asked to be with them at the same place and being with them, helping them instead of beating them (if i can talk metaphorically obviously). So here we are, 18 months after I started, some are friends, some are just sayin’ hello, some left during production, but in the end… A good thing is coming out of it. Once outside of the studio, there’s no boss or what. What’s happening during businness hours is nothing personnal, just work. And we all forget that, get a drink and have a nice party.

Maty is a talented photographer who’s doing some compositing at the studio. And he had the great idea to create a « one night only take your own portrait » studio at their place, my tripod, his D90, flash with « home made diffuseur », a remote, 2€ glasses and hats and we were all set. And that was epic ahah. Some should be considered as top secret and seen only when the first one of the whole gang will get married, there’s really some collector clichés ahah, but well, you know, everyone happy and loving the idea, there will be some nice moments in there.

ahah, the result will just be brilliant, you can see the whole Album on Maty’s Stream, and that’s definitely worth a look Time to head home and starting to prepare a very nice saturday that is going to take place.

And we’re going to be Tourists, visiting downtown Old Brussels, his Grand Place, the chocolate fountain, some Belgian old tradition I’ve never heard about (Meyerboom), the Manneken Pis, the whole stuff, but well, weather is lovely, and i’m pretty happy to get those people to come and visit my town, hoping they’ll like it as much as I do. Discovering some nice places, surrounded by nice people. You know, the kind of city your not afraid to live in (how’s that I’m talking about Paris? ahaha :p ).

We’re now heading to « bruxelles-les-bains », a summer event that is taking place near the canal of Tour & Taxis. T&T being the place where I first became a Jedi, as long as where couleur café or the cosplay during the BIFFF was held. Feet in the sand, a mojito, some sun.. honestly what more can we ask for?

Heading to the FM Brussel Bus, the friend from Laid-back are going to air a show live from here, always with their fine tunes and good spirit, always cool to have them around, always there to help the nice project they are building, pieces after pieces… Moment where 2 part of my world are joining, the Brussels side and the « from years ago » one. But it turned out very well actually, happy once again to share those sunny and nice moments with all those people

Took some snaps of course, and even if live they sealed the deal without any major issue. Remembers me when I went to shot them in the Studio for their weekly show. Very cool memory. Happy to see people are remembering me as well, who knew ahah

They it was decided it was time to go taste « les sushis de Cyril ». Back in my bday, the « sushishop » near my place add special receipe made by Cyril Lignac (the French Jamie Oliver). New season, those aren’t there anymore, but definitely worth a try, nice dinner, address duty noted. I’ll get back someday.

Time to go to the Fun Fair near the International Train station, randomly bumping into the friends that were with us at Bruxelles les bains, and decided to take a ride… Didn’t seemed much high from the ground.. actually it was… and turning not quickly, but small sensations none the less ahah

Time to head home and rest around a nice red wine glass, time to chill, and just enjoy the company.

===
In My hears : Eagle Eye Cherry -Save Tonite- ♫  » Go on and close the curtains/ cause all we need is candle light/ You and me and a bottle of wine/ going to hold you tonight/ Well we know I’m going away  and how I wish, I wish it weren’t so/ So take this wine and drink with me/ let’s delay our misery/ Save tonight/ and fight the break of dawn/ Come tomorrow/ tomorrow I’ll be gone » ♫

It’s not a goal at all in my life. I have milestones or achievements I think that are/will be way more important than this one. Half a million views on Flickr. The statistic is not perfect, doesn’t count the direct link to the images, or for examples everytime one is displayed on this blog… it’s still quiet something nonetheless. Am I happy about it? sure I am!! I don’t consider myself as a photographer, it’s just a hobby, a way to keep some photographic memories of what was my life at some point was, of what i’ve lived and experienced, who I am. True it’s been 2 years that I now always have my camera with me, didn’t thought it’ll last that long, but now it’s just « me » to have always a way to keep some images of the night, evening, dinner, party, concert, drink, event i’ve been to…

So here we are, 50 images randomly chosen via Flickr River. I’m not the kind of guy that succed in looking at his work on a global scale, being able to judge what’s really good or not.. even if my pictures are good. Don’t get me wring… I like them, I love them, even!!!  For the memories they are bringing. I’m a self made man photographicaly wise, I’ve learned by shooting, I’m developping them « as i feel it ». Which will sometimes bring some good feedback « we honestly don’t fu**in care about the burnt hairs ». someone once commented on a picture…. And he was actually right, learning, growing, changing….

I’ve been to a lot of a concert this year, this might help. When i’m in couleur café (like for Bénabar), in front of thousands of people, there’s mathematically more chance when they google it to arrive on my Flickr… But well. I’ve got some positif feedback, people that like my « Art » (it’s supposed to be Art, but well, not my real idea of Art… my vision of things maybe, even for those words I kinda disagree…) comment and make me sometimes interpret a photo where I was just happy of the graphical result of it. It’s maybe what I like the most actually, just being able to spread with the other people that were there the memories.

Because time is really flying by (I know, it’s common sense, but well.. it’s like so true you know…). It will be 2 years since I arrived in Brussels very soon. 2 years.. wow.. who would have thought? And that where I realise that I used to blog for a stream life… when I left England to move to Ireland, I thought I had so many things to spare with the person I was crossing that I started blogging.. and when I looked at my first entries 3 years ago.. wow…

Gosh 3 years seems a while ago, and so many stuff happend. I used to blog daily, ’cause in a foreign country, especially one that you love, you always got something to tell, that someone didn’t get your accent, that when one of your roomie name Brian and that another roomie ask « Hey vince, Where’s brian? » you smile and laugh on ur side while answering « brian is in the kitchen » (only french can get this i’m guessing), or the nite out you got at the Ball, or at Bob’s in Temple bar (gosh what a nite to remember), how I started working in luxembourg and so on. Those are memories I’ll cherish, because they made me who I am, a French with an irish harp in the heart, surrounded by english habits, and now leaving in the country of the French fries… How European of me

Now the question remains, if Flickr is a way just to keep track of what i’ve done, will I be happy to share that with my loved one when the times come, will my kids/grand kids will one day have access to « I saw grandpa’ vince when he was young.. he made some stuff OMG…. » ahah.. I don’t have the answer to that… A little reverse engineering tho to prove my point.. would i be happy to have those kind of « lifestream » on my parents, see them young and doing loads of stuff.. true it was another time, and I love them how they are, but the thought is kinda fun… and I don’t know if I’d look at it

On the other hand, it is true that I never put personal stuff, no one can read if i’m still a bachelor, if I met someone, if I’m happy about my life (that is actually not true, there’s really 3 depressing posts in here), but you get the point. I’m just trying to share a moment of my life, to those who are concerned and to those i randomly met who that googled « around the world in 50 years 3D« , I’m happy about the 30ish people who are on my RSS, I mean I probably know them, and i’m not « trying to have a stat issue » like some might have on twitter (where they are all running for followers… what a shame…).

Way more people come to my Flickr account than in here, it’s more than fine with me. Fun to see how people came to Flickr on the other hand, usually googling, and sometimes misssing the point. One of the popular request that point out to one of my album is « metal concert »… well.. i’m not really a steeler guy (or am I… those who know for which US NFL team I am would have smiled here), i’m more pop rock.. and it’s pointing to the « eagles of death metal concert », that was one impressive gig, but well.. not really metal…

You’ve got the classical « butterfly coldplay lovers in japan » that is not getting to the day i saw this astonshing and heart warming concert, but to a cliché of one of those butterflies we brought back and taken months afterwards. « gloria devil may cry » is also one that get me a dozen weekly, as the « franz ferdinand live » (i’m happy about this set so that’s cool). My most viewed cliché is off course a bad one.. but well, a fan forum is bringing a lot of people to it, whereas clichés i’m really proud of are barely seen. It’s ok actually, those are the little treasure i’ll just keep for me.

Half a million. It’s a lot some might say, the most important is that i can carry a little bit of dream sometimes, and people thanking me for such or such clichés. Verba Volant, scripta manent. It also works with the photos

===
In my Ears : Gary Go -open arms- ♫« you’ve got to look myself in the eye, and say it’s gonna be alright…« ♫

Ok. I can’t write. True story, we all know that. Nonetheless, just read a sum up of a Nine Inch nails concert in Nîmes by Sandrine (lady i’ve never met in my life, friend of someone who saw her on one of my pic in a Eagle Of Death Metal. How cool is social web sometimes?? ahah), and now, I wanna share why this report touched me. Taking the exemple of the 24hours trip to Manchester last month just for a gig, for one simple gig, but that was a perfect sum up of what’s making my life right now. Starting point is actually February. Wasn’t sure if I had to go there. But from this own simple nite. A lot, i mean a LOT of good things came out. Things that will brought me to Manchester last month as previously said, and hopefully to Dublin in the next…. and to many more as well *crossing fingers*

In February. Main act was the Script, in Brussels, not my hometown, just the one i’m in for work. Yes, the script… girlie thing some might say nonetheless, Irish, talented, fun, well written wasn’t asking for more. Support Act was Gary Go, English, talented, fun, well written, wasn’t asking for more either. Took some snaps.

Put them on Flickr as usual, even wrote a blog post about it (and you know how many times i blog per year.. not that many ahah). I think that in first arrived a message from Gary Go asking for the permission to use the photos on his FB page. Sure thing, help yourself

Then, via Twitter, RCA,record label from the script asked for an email address of mine. Got to confess, I had sparkle in the eyes when I received the first mail from @sonymusic.com ahah.. who thought that someday something like that would happen. They asked for the pics too, with me gladly allowing to spread the clichés.

At some point, i’ll also ask for a photo pass for their concert in Luxembourg, gladly approved as well i went there, had another blast. Long story short, at some point, I  had Gary Go on the phone « hey Kmeron, would you like to come to Manchester to take some snaps while we’re opening for the Take That Circus Tour? ».

Went straight to the train station, from Brussels, train was easier than 36hours before leaving overpriced flight. Called back. « Yup, i’ll be there ». The day before being there (Take That was on for 5 nights there, 5 time 60 000 people!), I saw a webcam that was taking a snap every 10minuts. Ok… now there’s a lot people i’m officially stuck with fear.

Can’t think. Can’t do anythink (see, there’s jokes even in english, how deadly is dat). Following day, here we go for the whole shabang. Brussels to London by Eurostar (easy part, used to it, loving it). In the meantime, I wonder what was my life 3 years ago, and that’s where I realised I didn’t thought more than half a second of not going to live this Journey….

Weird to see sometimes life’s made of step, and ur climbing one after the other even without really noticing. Just at some point you stop, you look forward, and see how high you are, and you didn’t expected that. I mean, i’m a nobody photographicaly wise, and here I am, invited by someone who will play in front of 50 000 people. How insane is that? Especially when it’s been only 2 years that i’m making some pics just for fun, and here we’re asking me because I have « a good eye ».. ahahah….

So tryin’ to keep the flow and still trying to go up on the steps, one at the time, not on a clockwork agenda.. Just keep going forward. « Don’t worry, life is easy » as some might say.. The good thing about Brussels is that talented artists are coming in here, for cheap prices usually, allowing lads like me to do like tons of concerts. Should check, but i’m probably around 160 since the 1st of January… Yes.. might be a lot, but festivals are helping increasing the number you know.

Anyway. I know I can be seen by some as a concert addict. Might be true. Even if i’m always going to see artists I wanna see anyway, (not artists that are totally on the other side of my musical tastes e.g. : hardcore rap etc). But the fact are here. Sometimes, going to concert is good for your health (mentally and physically).

I know while changing from train station between St Pancras and Euston, it will be tiring, and that my body, hurting on a daily basis with my inflammated back spine, will not like. I fuckin’ don’t care. i’ll like it. I know that in the rush, i will not think or feel it anymore, and that is also one of the most remarkable things about it, for 90 minutes, I do not care anymore that I won’t be able to walk afterwards, that i’m not really sure where i’ll sleep after the gig, that those emotions are way over things that « just going to a concert ».

Feel free, feel painless, enjoying as long as it’s lasting. Even if it’ll be a one night stand. Who cares, i’ll be able to tell my grand children that when I was young, I was living a fully 120% over the limit life, going around Europe (for the moment at least ahah, who knows), and was happy about it, because I was able to see and experience things that are beyond the understanding of so many people.

Being in front of a 20 000 people crowd in Belgium in a Festival, in front of Arno, a Belgian Singing Icon, with everyone raising their arms. It’s just absolutely breathtaking… and that’s exactly that kind of experience i mean. I’m 27, but sometimes feels like a kid in a candy store..

Arrived in Manchester, took a cab Me : « to old trafford cricket ground? » Mr. Cab Driver : « oww, the Take That thing, ur going to see the concert? » Me : « yup, something like that..  *slight smile* ». Arrived there, called, « yeah, just meet that one there, he’ll have the pass ». walking, actually at the exact oposite flow of people it seemed ahah, but here I was, given a backstage pass for this concert, and going there as well to meet Gary. And there, those small minutes that are just not running fastly enough… stressed as hell, can barely breath, can barely realise how everything’s happening so quickly, that in the time of a lighting strike, I have other people that have faith in me and in my « talent ». True that one of my closest friend is always telling me « you’ve got something, trust me ». I never trusted her fully, I’m like that, can’t take a step backward to realise if what i’m doing is nice or not. So thank you also to you, the little angel that poke me everytime remembering me that what i’m doing is actually nice and everyone is liking it. Ta présence m’est importante, même qd tu t’enflammes pr une histoire de litterie et de girafe

The whole crew was welcoming and friendly, me i was like « i’m not here, act normally, i’ll just take some snaps when i’ll be cooled down and realising truely ». Everything went smoothly, enjoying the moment, even called the little angel for a surprise worth loosing a kidney to pay the bill bc she was not feeling well ahah. It was the script. supporting as well the Take That Tour on this date. Security couldn’t let me take proper snaps.

No biggie, wasn’t planning to anyway, the call was the most important. Meeting one of the irish lads afterwards was also very rewarding, especially when they recognise you « yeah, you were also to luxembourg right, you know that one of ur pic from brussels was my desktop picture until like 2 weeks ago, you’ve got something man, really ». And those that are icons of thousands are now human, telling you, poor fatty french 27 years old boy that they love ur pics, when ur leitmotiv is that « everyone can be a photographer »… Life’s funny sometimes True moments, other talks as well, no need to write about it here, but nice moment, for me who was shy to introduce myself.. asked Gary if he thought I could go and say hi « sure, go on, don’t be afraid vince come on » will he answer.. ahah… little did he know how much his smile and friendship meant.

But well, once again, living the dream, especially when it’s not my job, and just a pure hobby, that will give me strength to deal with the daily problems I’ll encounter. Burned memories in a brain that has issues letting go souvenirs or moments that could have been so much more. Ready to go and do the exact same thing anytime soon, crossing fingers for end of August in Dublin, could be nice to come back to the town that build me as a man and is so present in my heart (see how happy i was when the irish flag appeared in Snow Patrol’s gig last week!).

Everything seems like a roller coaster that will just not stop even for a minute. Watch out not to be screaming anymore in the big downhill, that would mean i’m not liking it anymore, and that will not have to happen anytime soon trust me ahah.

Boring stuff to read, I swear i’ll do better next time. But this trip to Manchester, just for 20 hours was intense, and full of hope. Hope that is allowing me to keep going, dreaming, desiring, living, experiencing, sharing, loving, on a daily basis, still in this incredible rollercoaster.

===
In my ears : Nine Inch Nail -Hurt- ♫ « I hurt myself today/ To see if I still feel/ I focus on the pain/ The only thing that’s real/ The needle tears a hole/ The old familiar sting/ Try to kill it all away/But I remember everything« ♫

I couldn’t really remember how it all started. Did I loose a bet? Did I had nothing to do before taking the train? Did I thought it was a good idea at that time? But the facts are here, in July 2008, Loooping was born. Loooping’s my Mascot now. Loooping is having an exciting life, and he just turn one year old (question is, how much is it in puppet/wolf year). Let’s sum up a year on the road, learning, loving, aiming, living. And now loooping even got a Facebook page, feel free to add him

18th of July seemed to be the first real cliché that Loooping took. Lost somewhere in France, on his way to Switzerland… That was quiet a blast (the weekend and the road, more the road actually i’ll say now.. ahah). And it was the starting point of a nice year actually. I’ve also missed the 10k days. You know, the numbers in the title of the post, well, i’m over the 10 000 now, 10 000 days since the day I was born.. ahah

I also went in Germany, in Luxembourg, in France (my nationality actually), in Belgium, in England.. so many trips and so many memories…

Gotta confess it’s actually quiet tiring, but i’m a passionnate wolf so well.. wha can I say.. you know.. just following Kmeron and posing for him is no big deal, but he’ll sure need some holidays at some point.. probably some time in the next 6 months or so (yes, it’s a wide window to shoot ahah). But every trip is worth going, for friends, for some clichés, for some people trusting a little bit of talent, for being there with someone who’s having a bad period in his life, anything. We’re young, we’ll earn the right to rest when times come. 120% on a daily basis. « If everything’s fast, then nothing’s fast » ahah. Sound stupid, but damn that is so true

Thanks to everyone who dared take care of Loooping in Public, the cliches wouldn’t be as swell if he was always sitting somewhere. Honestly and truely appreciated, hope no one will be bugged by the photos i’ve quickly chosen to show this year in a lifetime

True to say i’ve been in strange places sometimes, in strange situations. But being invited to Manchester for a concert? how could i say no… To be on stage in front of 6 000 personnes in Belgium? just wow… Having fun, not thinking much about the rollercoaster that this has been, but worth every lack of sleep hours, time spent in trains, airplanes or car, just for a smile, someone dancing, a cliche, a « thank you ». I’ll do the same. Wish my 2nd year will be as great as this one, ’cause it’s really something (yes, i’m just saying over and over again the same thing.. but come on.. who could have said 3 years ago, in my hotel room in Dublin where I’ve learned, all by myself, the disease I have -no other word, it is a genetical disease- that i’ll live fully and kinda happily between countries, concerts, friends, lovers, memories, unforgivable moments, tears, doubt moments, being human in fact…

That’s maybe why I’m happy Loooping’s in my life. When I see the collection it’s starting to be. I realise how much I live fully while I can, no second thought, first come first serve to book, and always positive stuff will come out of it. No doubt at some point this will change. As Mark said to me (yup, the one from the script) « at some point, there will be a low, that’s why it’s so cool you already like what you do, ’cause when the down’s coming, it makes everything so much easier » No need to say more. I love what i’m doing. I do know what i’m missing tho. At some point it will not be missed anymore, just have to be patient with that… and im quiet patient already ahah

Everything will really kick back once the summer will be finished. Right now it’s the Festival Season. Calm on weekdays, intense on weekends. You just have to get the habit. And now that when September will hit, everything will get the full speed once again. Kinda waiting for it ahah

As usual, the Cooolection is on Flickr and is growing on a weekly basis

===

In My Ears : Snow Patrol -You’re all I have- ♫ « It’s so clear now that you are all that I have /I have no fear ’cause you are all that I have » ♫

Of course i’m not objective on this one. They are irish, they are talented, they have published my pictures from their brussels gig on their official website, and i’m having a photo pass for their concert in Luxembourg Tonite. After driving their through the nite (4 til 6.30 am yup, after a very nice evening in Liège in belgium actually), wandering around the city during the day, it was time to reach « Den Atelier », the venue of Tonite, and prepare for what would once again be a very nice moment.

Went there with 3 friends, that didn’t saw the gig in Brussels I saw. « How are they live? » would ask one « honestly? a lot of fun, energy, passionnate by what they are doing and singing, why do ya think i’m here once again ^^ « . And that would sum up perfectly the mood of the nite. Support Act was SpLeeN, a luxemburgish act. Nice, not as was Gary Go though (once again twas one of the best support act i’ve seen so well). But let’s move on to the St James Street Natives we all want to see. This time, i’ll be ready to shoot Glen (the drummer), because on stage, the drums are on the right and not « as used to » on the dead center back of the stage, so i barely saw him the first time, a shame considering that he’s a good drummer!

Fade to black, crowd (not sold out though   ) screams, Glen is coming on Stage and style in the dark starts the show, Mark (guitar is coming as well), obviously when Danny (lead singer) arrives, I lost my right ear once again ahah, but damn this feels good to have a crowd that responsive! The piano of « before the worst » starts all.. and then i became an Irish again… I remember why this country changed me, changed my life, and still haunts me from time to time, the exact place where I change to fall from teen to a man that will handle is life. Remembering the spire, the pubs, the people I met, and it feels damn good. And Grafton street, sweet grafton street with his BK, HMV and so on … *dream face*(tickle me everytime i look at the movie « once » as well don’t worry).
♫ « It was Dublin city on a Friday Night/ You were Vodkas and Coke, I was Guinness all Nite/ […it was grafton street on a friday nite/ I was down on one knee and you were mine for life« ♫

« Talk you down » gives a little bit uptempo (love the drums on this one), the voice of the singer seems more calm than in Brussels even if they were tired : (you should hear the cute irish accent) « Man, we litterally just came out of the plane, we’re like so exhausted… and we’re surprised, we were expecting like ten people here ya’ know » *crowd shouting* then the guitar of « Break even » splits the venue in a nice mood, and the crowd -young yes, but nonetheless- jumping, claping and singing. <3 those moments, the exact reason why i like concert, why i like photography concert, ’cause in those kind of moments, we see how good people can be, how they can be passionnate and be there for stuff that others can not understand.
♫ « I’m still alive but I’m barely breathing,/ Just prayed to a god that I don’t believe in,/ ‘Coz I got time while she got freedom,/’Coz when a heart breaks no it don’t break even.« ♫

« The end where i begin » will remember us how much his voice can go high pitch (there we can see a little bit of pushing for the high notes but no biggie), and will just be the opening for « This is the reason why we are here, it’s called We Cry ». And yes, it’s good for radio, but the lyrics are just so much more. Talking about James Street, the neighborhood where the Guinness brewery is. When i used to live in dublin, i was south side, next to Rathmines in the Griffith College (17 2B, the number of the flat, numbers that will always be with me), where as James Street is more north compared to where i was. How i remember walking in this city, loving it, so many nationalities, accent in the language, attitude even under the influence of booze, ahah, i’m back there just with a song
♫ « Sometimes we don’t learn / from our Mistakes/ Sometimes we’ve no choice/ But to walk away, away« ♫

« If u c kay », « fall for anything » and « man who can’t be moved » seal the deal… This is some artist we’re having in this small venue, and everyone is loving every single note coming from those leprechauns « rusty halo » with his hip hop accent and rythm (the bass ahhhhh) will close the flow of this very tight main set. They will be back with 2 awesome encore « i’m yours » and « we can be heroes ». Security tried to pull me out around this time (they’re just doing they’re job, i agree… nonetheless… keep your head on ur shoulder will you?), and once they cleared the fact that i had a photo pass and everyone was ok for me to take picture, i was able to come back in the place, of course behind and way too far to take the slightest good clichés grrrrr :/
♫ « Yeah I’m looking for the right type of pleasure but all I find is pain/ Now there’s no light to guide me on my way home/ now there’s no time to shine my rusty halo« .♫

The time to come out, happy once again of a fairly consistent set (i’m now willing to hear some new songs, dunno what we can expect actually). Big up for the « i’m yours » intro when Danny explains « this song has been wrote after a nite we had a lot of wine… we’ve all been there you know what i mean » ahah when i think about it and this song is just *sigh*
♫ « I may not have the safest touch/ I may not say the words as such/ And though I may not look like much/ I’m yours« ♫

Eveyrone loved it as usual, i took the time to bought buttons (yeah, i’m like that, even with a photo pass i got to get something, just like that when i love the concert i saw.. might sounds stupid, but don’t feel ashamed at all to show artists i like how much we like them) that i will offer to my friends that were there time to hit back the road after 40 hours, 3 countries and a memory full of nice moments. But before, i’ll wait for them to come out, just to take some clichés out of stage, to show how much they actually are human you know, they are loving what they’re doing, they’ll thank everyone that stayed an hour after the end to see them, they’ll sign, take pictures, smile, talk.

Gave a moo card to Glen and to Danny « do you want me to sign it or are you giving it to me » they will both say actually « don’t really know, the thing is that i don’t have anything to make you sign, but once again, impressive gig, thanks a lot ». Danny to wrote « to vince then right » when i said i was the photographer from the brussels gig.. But i suspect he just remembered from the card with my name on it I just gave him hehe I truly and sincerely hope to be able to see them again, even if they are touring in some festival this summer, but on dates that i’m already booked by other artists elsewhere (eg  while i’ll shoot peaches in july :/ ). Farewell in the meantime, and once again, thanks to Mark who saw the pics from brussels, Tom who contacted me to put them on the site and gave me with Quinner a photo pass

Exhausted, but worth it every second of the way. Now having red bull instead of blood in my veins… Slainte!

 All the pictures can be seen in Hi Res on Flickr as usual

===

In my ears : Snow Patrol -Chasing Cars- « If I lay Here/ If I just Lay Here/ Woud you lie with me/ And just forget the world? »

It’s been more than 18 months that i’ve moved to Brussels, heart of Europe (rumor has it). I didn’t came here for the FUN-tastic weather, nor for the language i can’t understand (remember « dank u » for thank you -this is probably only funny in French actually), nor for the pleasure of a 19th moving, and 5th country in 4 years. Nope, just a project, from a Studio that you probably never heard about. Nwave Digital. Now currently on what is a nice project, one of the only one like that in Europe, in stereo (or in « 3D » if you want). It’s called « Around the World in 50 years », I can’t talk about it obviously but well. I might be able to share why I like being in here on this project.

After the destruction of the Studio in Luxembourg (issue with the North American team, world war between the studio, and a nice project called « 9″ going back to America, leaving freakin talented artists behind…. pffff…). I asked myself… « what now? »…. I’m a PR & media guy.. would i want to go back to london? dublin? tryin’ the US? stay in France (that idea actually went for like only 15minutes during the ads of a football game gotta confess). No. I’ll have the opportunity, given by the tip from a friend (who was also animator in luxembourg) about this studio in Brussels.

In less than 10 days, got 2 mails « hi it’s me vince » « when can you come to visit? » « tomorrow » « fine » « hi, there…! » « thanks for coming » « no problem, i was just yesterday in paris anyway just for a day » « can you start in 2 months » « yes ». ahah.. longer than how i started in luxembourg (a week legend tells), but nonetheless impressive.

So here i was, coming to Belgium. The project is a long feature, called « around the world in 50 years », talking about a turtle as the main character I would need a lot of time to come properly in the production pipeline, this is only the 2nd long feature of the studio (1st one being the first ever film made only for 3D, it was « Fly me to the moon » who came out last summer), so of course, not everything’s perfect, but that’s also why it’s challenging on a daily basis, we’re creating a film, we’re happy about that (or at least most of us), it’s not always easy regarding the time we have, but that’s why I also love those projects, for the pression, the moments spent thinking about how we can arrange stuff and the facft that i’m surrounded by people with talent…

Yes… The crew!! got to confess that they had needed some time to not see me as a proper « foe », but a real allie, someone that is here to help them, and not only to scream at them like the cliché of production guy would say. That’s why i’m sometimes invited to drinks outside the studio, and that they come to see me with the issue they are having before going to see my 2 bosses. This is where, sometimes, my philosophy « If you’ve got a problem, solve it, then when solved i’ll spread the word we had an issue » is taking all of his sense

So well, between barbecues, evening’s at the studio, this project is going forward, and yeah. I’m fuckin’ proud to see right now, in Cannes, a 12m long poster of our movie in front of the Hilton. I’m fucking proud of being part of it and trying to help as much as possible. We’re not pixar, dreamworks, bluesky -the lads of ice age-, but we’re making a movie that WILL come out (those who have known like me a project that is unwillingly have a full stop will know the feeling).

So well, here i am, happy in Brussels, living my life on a daily basis. « Don’t worry, life is easy » as i always say. And it’s this. Every project, we’re learning, trying to go foreward… and yes, you can call me care bear, but i have faith in my job and in this studio. Can’t talk about the movie, just taking snaps that are currently available on the web but well, maybe you’ll think about me if you ever go and see it when it comes out. As you can see on the banner, Studio canal will distribute it, which is actually a very good news

Right now, « Awakening » would be the appropriate word for what my life is. And currently waiting to see what the other projects are to keep moving forward and keep learning ( so no, i will not become a professionnal photographer as the last couple of weeks discussion were inviting me to. Not enough talent, and need a daily basis work with human interaction).

Might go and see also a « 4D » version of a 13minutes long attraction of the movie in Europa Park (Germany) this summer, if anyone cares to join…

And obviously, this is just the fun times, I can’t show really the studio, because of all the sketches, color key and stuff on the walls or on the screens :/

===

In my ears : The Knack -My Sharona- ♫ « Ooh my little pretty one, pretty one. /When you gonna give me some time, Sharona?/Ooh you make my motor run, my motor run. / Gun it comin’ off the line Sharona/Never gonna stop, give it up. /Such a dirty mind. Always get it up for the touch/of the younger kind. My my my i yi woo. M M M My Sharona… » ♫

Surrounded by teens copycat… The belt backward (the opening is on the back) eww, the colors in pastel tones (pink, green, black, black, and another version of black hehe), lip, eyebrow, nose or tongue piercing. Right now I feel old. Yup, im back in the rotonde of the Botanique one day after the sweet Loney, Dear made me go through thousands of sweet feelings… Tonite, French rock band « Second Sex » is coming to take the stage in a pretty emptied venue… Dunno really what to expect actually… But should have seen it comin’!

In front of me, one of the teen, you know, the one with Blue converse, robbie williams haircut and nailed belt (ok, i might have just discribed a third of teens, other third being gothics, and last one « dudes & gals that aren’t really sure on which side to go »). He’s saying « I’m sure it’ll be better than The Script and Jason Mraz ». WOW. Stop right here, i saw those 2 artists… Am i still a teen or f***** what? No support act is supposed to come, so we are patiently waiting.. This group has been the support act of the über talented Muse… That must mean something!! Little did I know at this time..

And this is going to be a short post… Days after, i just remember i lost 3.5euros (the half of the ticket price, the other one for what can be considered as actual nice pictures)

I couldnt tell right now what songs i heard that nite.. Some where in French, others in english, mostly talking about sex & women (like most of rock n roll some might say…), and no THAT many differences between tracks.. Total disapointment..

Im just having fun taking pictures basically, which is already a good thing true ^^ but well… No, not for me at all… Girls in the venue are going crazy but i just dont get it (pretty much the same reaction when i see Robert Pattinson « playing/being » Edward cullen in theatre. That’s just so not happening… Emptyness…)

Maybe the fact that the lead singer actually said at some point (gosh, that means i was actually focus on them right?? Eww)  » and tonite, after midnite, our friend here on the keyboard will turn nineteen!! »… Did i just heard nineteen… Ok let me switch directly to the other concerts of this month (miss kittin  & the hacker or les cowboys fringants, where i’m sure ill feel more stuff in a fifth of a song than the whole gig tonite…)

Dont get me wrong in here, i wish them all the luck in the world and a successfull carreer, but right now, i could as well hear the Einstein’s theory of relativity in ancient greek while looking at Matt Damon’s alltime marathon filmography (and come on, this is really boring) that it will talk more to me than the hour long experience i just had..

[and yes, this is rough, but see, sometimes i see bands that i shouldn't be proud of] What can I say other than that.. I’m really freakin’tired.. really.. coming out (no, not of the closet) of the Domino Festival week (amongs other The Whitest Boy Alive, Squarepusher, or Nico Muhly), and some other concerts… Nites are short, and physically, it’s becoming a little bit difficult.. But loving it, so what can we say against that hun?

As usual, all the set can be seen on Flickr

===

In my ears :  Sharko -Excellent (I’m your man)- ♫ »I’m special, excellent/You’re special, excellent/ Good in bed, excellent/I’m your man, excellent« ♫

So here I was, looking at the mountains of Les Vosges, one of the many moutains we have in France. This weekend was good, and for once, don’t worry, I won’t write about it (pretty much no one is actually freakin’ caring anyway, so why bother on this one, when the people I’d want to tell about were there too). So here’s just a quick sum up of nice Memories.

I arrived Thursday nite actually, 5hours of train instead of 3. A year ago, it was 2h to go to London. Time has been flying by.

Drink in Metz on Friday :

Saturday, leaving for the moutains.

 Sunday, the only reason why we actually decided to came here in the 1st place.

 ===

In my ears : Les Cowboys Fringants -L’expedition- ♫ « Prépare toi Petit Garçon/ Elle sera longue l’expedition/ Et meme si on en revient jamais vivant/ Il faut marcher droit devant« ♫