Elliott Mariess | Photography

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Decebal Tower - st james weekender

As a photographer and musician, one of the first things I loved capturing in my early photography career was live music. So, when asked to join Guernsey's Winter Music Festival, Decibel Tower Weekender, I brought my camera to take some photos. The lineup featured local and international acts, and I was eager to capture the spirit of each performance.

HENGE

The cosmic vibes of HENGE were stong! They transported the audience to another dimension. Their out-of-this-world performance was a visual spectacle, with vibrant costumes and energetic movements that begged to be immortalized in photographs. The intergalactic aura of their music resonated with the crowd getting everyone dancing.

Volleyball

Volleyball's electrifying set encapsulated the raw and unapologetic energy rooted in lead singer Rudy's Guernsey upbringing, drawing inspiration from the island's rich musical heritage. Having formed in London, the band's journey has led them back to Guernsey for multiple unforgettable performances. Their psychedelic rock sounds went down well with the crowd.

Stuart Darkin Band

The Stuart Darkin Band marked the inaugural collaboration for these three talented musicians, who are frequently spotted wowing audiences with their individual performances at open mic events. Witnessing their collective synergy on stage was great to see.

McDermott & North

The Australian duo, McDermott & North, brought a refreshing international perspective to the festival, enthralling the audience with their intimate and soulful performance. Their harmonies not only showcased their emotional resonance but also fostered a real sense of connection between the captivated audience and the artists.

HorseMouth

HorseMouth's performance at the St. James was highly anticipated. Originating in Guernsey and later finding a new home in London, the evolution of their sound in this fresh environment was something the crowd was looking forward to hearing. Witnessing the band's growth from front man Elliot’s solo work to perfromaning many festivals as a full band it was great to experience this showcase of an evolution to their sound. The physical and artistic journey undoubtedly impacted their musical trajectory, and it was exciting to visually capture this phase of their musical career.

Play Nice

"Play Nice" are comprised of talented, up-and-coming musicians who were initially influenced by the under age Sound Nights, the band exuded a refreshing energy on stage. Their dynamic performance showcased a seamless blend of youthful enthusiasm, captivating the audience with their original sound. It was evident that "Play Nice" has the potential to make a significant impact in the music scene.

Odd Creatures

Featuring Emma Thomas, previously in the band 'track not found' and now drumming for 'Odd Creatures'. Photographing the band was exciting because of their unique style and lively energy, making it a fun challenge. Capturing drummers is always a skill since they are usually at the back of the stage with little light.

The Decibel Tower Weekender was a testament to the rich and diverse music scene in Guernsey. As I reflect on the captivating performances and myriad of musical expressions, The pictures show the spirit of each band, highlighting Guernsey's vibrent music scene.