So, back on April, 10th, Red Bull Sound Select and Parade of Flesh brought Man Man to Club Dada in Deep Ellum. It had been a long day, but Man Man is my favorite band band. I discovered them in 2011 upon the release of Life Fantastic. They were nearly instantly my favorite band. The music is intricately simple, sometimes quietly beautiful, but more often giving me that driving indie rock beat I need to propel me through the day. There’s layers of melody and unusual choices that give nuance and interest I can never quite put my finger on. The lyrics are liquid poetry. And that is more than I could ever expect from a band. This band has had an emotional impact on me. It is the great achievement of art–to move the human soul. And some art moves more than other.
This was my third time to see Man Man, and my second time to shoot them. (I took plenty of shots at the Mohawk in Austin last August. Maybe some day I’ll get to posting a few of those, too…) I’ve been to a LOT of live shows in my lifetime. Man Man BRINGS the energy. It’s some of the best onstage energy, presence, and dynamic interest I’ve seen in my life. Maybe I’m partial, but I believe it’s just that these guys bring it in ways most musicians can’t.
Nearly six months ago, I remember vividly what a magical night this was. This was a night I went out alone. (Which isn’t unusual. I love my partners in crime. But I am quite capable of drumming up trouble all on my own.) This also makes it easier to shoot. I can engage conversation if I want to, hide behind my camera if I don’t. I met some fascinating human beings that night, including folks with Parade of Flesh who introduced me to all of Man Man. The Universe brought me some beautiful synchronicity this night, and an unusual turn of events that abruptly truncated the deep conversation I was engaging with Ryan Honus. (It was unfortunate, and not my story to share, and I trust everything worked out in the end.) I entertained one more fascinating conversation with another fascinating human being before heading home quietly to bed sometime around 3:14 a.m.
After six months, here are my favorite images from the night:
