Shout About It Live - The Jjohns, Buffalo Riot, M.A.N.E and more: Constellations, Liverpool

Exhibitors at Shout About It

Mixing music and gig photography for Shout About It Live in Constellations at the Baltic Triangle, this is a one off kind of festival as Getintothis’ Warren Millar reports with a personal view.

Shout about it live is a music festival and gig photography festival now in its second year and is the brainchild of Georgia Flynn who is herself a freelance photographer. In Georgia’s own words “Shout About It Live festival creates a space for creatives within the music industry, bands, artists, fans and all those behind the scenes to come together and celebrate all aspects of live music.”

This year the festival was held in the soon to be no more Constellations in the Baltic Triangle. With a line up of over 28 bands and artists and 16 music photographers from all over the world exhibiting their work, including this little old writer, this was one festival we didn’t want to miss.

The festival kicked off on the Friday night with an invitation only viewing of the exhibition and live music . Getting there nice and early, in order to set up my images in the exhibition part of the festival, it was hard to think that Constellations, this time next year would cease to be. On a personal note I will miss this great venue where I have seen and photographed some great artists and bands.

The music started off with Melinda Ortner, from Los Angeles now living in London with a very cool laid back set which seem to please the growing crowd.

Next up, and with a real contrast change came Corby-based alternative/psych four piece band Luna Rosa upping the beats just a little with their set. Right on the heels of these guys (have to say the turn over from one band to the next was impressive) came local lads Shamona who changed the direction again with their blues/rock/pop set and a couple of covers thrown in the mix as well.

Headliners for the Launch night were another great local band Scarlet performing their always tight and energy filled set which was well received by all there.

Turning up on the Saturday we were surprised by the smallish crowd which never really filled up to any extent for the day which was a shame really given the line up that was on offer. This on the other hand gave us the chance to take a look at some of the great photography on display in the exhibition. It was nice to see that the images exhibited were just a diverse as the music during the festival.

On the music side of things for the Saturday some of the stand out sets on the day came from local lads The Jjohns, Brothers Of Mine, playing for the first time as a three piece band and Chester-based Indie rock band Idle Frets .

Best three sets for me personally were alt Indie band The Buffalo Riot. The chilling and yet powerful and soulful voice of Tabitha Jade and Cardiff based indie rockers Himalayas who unfortunately played a blinding set to a rather smallish crowd but none the less smashed it on the night.

We left Constellations on the Saturday night hoping for bigger crowds for the Sunday and wondering what people want for less than £1 per band and a weekend of top music and gig photography.

Liverpool’s Grand Central Hall ready for new gig season as new promoters take charge

So feeling a little tired but looking forward to to the day, Sunday finally arrived at Shout About It Live and it turned out to be a lovely chilled out acoustic day. Again it was a shame about the turn out from the punters but this wasn’t going to stop the faithful at Constellations enjoying the day.

It started off for us with a lovely set from Canadian duo Novusolis and some lovely vocals from Amanda and Zachary playing a rather unusual but sweet sounding electric guitar. One word suits these guys and thats enchanting.

Some rather cool jazzy stuff followed with Mel Bowen and his band and then, by contrast, Astles came on stage with their ambient sounds, again chilling everyone out.

Other top sets from the day worth a mention came from the popular Mersey Wylie, Nick Ellis and Eleanor Nelly.

M.A.N.E did an excellent job despite tech problems with his guitar early on in his set and then to close the night Tom Speight did a splendid set.

So all in all it was a great three days at “Shout About it Live” and a massive well done must go to Georgia Flynn for putting this festival on again for its second year. From a personal point of view it was nice to mix and chat to other gig photographers and do what we love at a festival that is all about great live music and gig photography. Well done Georgia.

Images by Getintothis’ Warren Millar