Freestyle photographer Libby Smith went down to BIMM’s Sonic Horizons showcase at the Bristol Beacon last week to catch the vibes.
Words and images by Libby Smith @myfavouritedays
Bristol based lofi DJ Injijo eased everyone into the evening with his relaxing beats, yet still filled the room with a vibrant energy that carried on throughout the event.
Injijo
Image: Libby Smith @myfavouritedays
Performing solo, Casey Ball entranced the audience with her angelic voice and guitar skills. Carefully combining a style that could be described as pop and country, I could truly grasp the emotions and passion in her lyrics.
Casey Ball
Image: Libby Smith @myfavouritedays
Teaming up together for a moving performance, singer and composer Marta Antunes brought her Portuguese inspired songs to life through the wonderful voices of the Women’s Vocal Collective. Antune’s songs had deep rooted history and meaning, which was taught to the audience through the compelling live show, and left everyone in awe.
Marta Antunes conducting the Woman’s Vocal Collective
Image: Libby Smith @myfavouritedays
James Kitchen carried on the night with refreshing indie rock sounds inspired by the likes of Arcade Fire. His powerful voice continued to hypnotise the crowd just like the wide variety of acts so far.
James Kitchen
Image: Libby Smith @myfavouritedays
Helping to bring the alternative rock flavours, Harry and the Brains steered the night in a strong direction with their 2000-2010 alt-rock style.
Harry and the Brains
Image: Libby Smith @myfavouritedays
Continuing the rock vibes, Monet took to the stage with their unique and heavy sound, creating a room full of fun and intense energy that could be felt throughout the night.
Monet
Image: Libby Smith @myfavouritedays
The final performance, Cuffs, helped bring an amazing close to what was an inspiring night. Their passion and angst towards society and the system vibrated through the room, turning the audience into a wave of mosh pits. The punk performance was one to remember, and an amazing experience to capture.
Monet
Image: Libby Smith @myfavouritedays
Cuff
Image: Libby Smith @myfavouritedays
Cuff
Image: Libby Smith @myfavouritedays
Cuff’s sounds causing a mosh pit
Image: Libby Smith @myfavouritedays
Discussing ‘The Space You Deserve: Transforming Stigmas’, panel host, Clara White, sat beside panelists Keeley Hudd, Bashema Hall, Sara Patapiou and Rachel Williams to discuss their experiences within the music industry, and the stigmatisation of artists because of their race, gender, sexuality and more. Their eye opening points of view and ideas on how to tackle stigma in the industry lead to an interesting panel that left me thinking about what I and others can do to bring about change.
Panel discussion: The Space You Deserve: Transforming Stigmas
Image: Libby Smith @myfavouritedays
A fascinating panel around ‘The Future of Music: Technology and What’s Next for Music’ followed. With Saul Bell as Host, this panel reminisced about what electronic music once was, and how it could progress over the next few years. Joined by Dr Riann Vosloo, Chiara Tedeschi Zach Diaz and Saul asked intriguing questions on each individual’s experiences with producing music across the years, how the process now differs compared to the 90’s, and how accessible it is to make music through apps and software. Hearing the panelists’ different views on how technology has affected the way music is made left the audience reflecting on what was next.
Panel discussion: The Future of Music: Technology and What’s Next for Music
Image: Libby Smith @myfavouritedays
