Feels like home

I received an invite a week ago asking if I could go to a friend’s house and watch a Guilford based band called 10P Short gig in their living room.  A link was provided to the band’s MySpace page and I listened to their tracks. I was impressed.

Packing to photograph in a small arena

I thought about packing light, but I knew the lighting quality in the typical living room would be poor at best, so I took out my Nikon D3. Also I knew I would be in a confined space so my 14-24mm was the weapon of choice to combat any crampness I will encounter. Just for speed I packed the essential 50mm f/1.8.

Everything’s normal so far

I turned up on time, which meant I was earlier than anyone else (naturally). This gave me an opportunity to chat to the band. Like all unsigned bands, there was a muted confidence about them. They had combination of humility in their talents but optimism about their future in music. All of them are full time musicians; teaching, session playing and in various music related projects. So far so … normal! Although they are a nice bunch of lads, nothing really shone.

With no experience of a living room gig before I had little expectation. The guests were chatting and in good spirits, with the light clang of beer bottles Matt got the attention of everyone and with that there was a hushed anticipation.

10p Short show their party piece

The lads started with a song called ‘Science’, an upbeat chant that roots in folk music. Very likable, and something I thought I would grow to like. Then 10p Short hit me with their Ace, harmonies. The choreographed harmonizing synchronized Matt’s vocals. There is nothing I can say to describe the silky smoothness of four voices in perfect unison.

The next batch of songs demonstrated their ability to be a united band; unlike other bands where the lead vocals has all the attention, it’s when 10p Short unify that they show their “U.S.P.” as someone described it.

My personal favourite of the evening was a simple lost love song called “April”. Very moving. Something I wasn’t expecting which surprised me; the movement in the song was simple with only the subtle flourish from Adam’s acoustic guitar.

Shiny Happy People

As the band proceeded through their set, they highlighted the fact they seem to play sad songs. The reaction from the room was a silent “So what? We like this!”. Their tone is a little sombre, yet their spirit is honest. There is a familiarity in their songs that is comforting and it helps that the lads are really nice, down to earth musicians. So even though their songs are downbeat, we know that is just their songs and not who they are all the time. Even happy people listen to sad songs.

The lads have a great sound and JUST as importantly have a great business sense. They know that in the music business they have to focus more on business if they are to take their music to new and better places.

The lads are going to Perth in Australia just to do two gigs. They have made a splash down under which is fantastic news!! GigPhotographer wishes them all the best in their new ventures.

Easy to Photography

The arena (living room) was packed tightly. There wasn’t room for me to maneuvre to get the best angle but I chose the right equipment for the right venue. With the wide angle 14-24mm I was able to fit alot into a small space. 10p Short seemed to be used to having their photo taken. I love shooting bands because they are comfortable being at the front of a camera, these lads are no exception. I was conscious not to shoot too much, my Nikon D3 isn’t the quietest of SLRs!

Even though the 50mm is much tighter, I got some great reactions from the band during their set.

A fantastic evening. My kind of music, with my kind of people. Visit the bands page on http://www.myspace.com/10pshortmusic