When I photograph a band for the first time, I'm either excited or nervous. If im lucky im both. Excited to see how much im able to capture their energy, both over the top and nuance. Nervous that I wouldn't, or worse I can't. Photographing Alvilda was pure joy from start to finish. Fresh from France on their first American tour, this band brought such infectious energy that my usual pre-shoot nerves melted away completely.
Their relaxed, fun-loving vibe had me shooting with more confidence and clarity than I've felt in ages.
Their sound is a delightful throwback: pop-influenced rock with twee undertones, all wrapped up in jangly guitars and dancing bass lines. The music has this heavenly (actually a bit like the artists Heavenly) quality that's become increasingly rare.
Even with my terrible high school level French, I could feel the happiness radiating from their lyrics, themes of innocence and joy that felt genuinely refreshing in the current state of this world.
There's something magical about capturing a band that's genuinely having fun on stage, and Alvilda was overflowing with that spirit. Unspoiled and far from cynical. They reminded me why I fell in love with concert photography in the first place: those moments of hope, aspiration, and genuine passion.