My Great Escape 2022

I didn't actually intend on going to The Great Escape this year, as a photographer, it is tricky not being allowed to take photos of every band you see, you need a pass for most live music. 

However, thanks to the amazing team over at Overture I was given a pass, and I ended up accidentally finding myself at one of the country's best music showcasing festivals, with artists coming from around the world to be seen by the movers and shakers in the music industry. 

As a patient with chronic pain, it isn't easy getting about some days, but with so much music on hand, it was difficult not to go out and enjoy myself as much as I could, though next year I will ensure to get a full photo/press pass!  

I was fortunate to catch a couple of bands with my camera, at the Alternate Escape, the sister festival to the Great escape,  including Dirt Royal, a Brighton rock punk band that is always full of energy and has a dedicated and loyal flowing. 

They were swiftly followed by Yumi and the Weather, a BBC introducing favorite as well as having their latest single being played by Guy Garvey on Radio 6, their Lead, Ruby Taylor, also had her brand new custom guitar. Yumi and the Weather are always fantastic to watch and great with the crowd, you could tell she was enjoying herself as the set went on, she suddenly opened her eyes and there was a big crowd!   

After another day of venue hopping and a round of crazy golf, I was starting to feel my symptoms coming on and was starting to struggle a little. 

Then there was BEX, I wasn't exactly sure what to expect, though I had an idea from their promo photo, I wasn't expecting THAT amount of energy, right out of the gate, they hit hard and didn't let up. Though only a 15-minute set, it could have been an hour, as Bex commanded the crowd, she was in charge, making them get closer and move! It was refreshing to see a band with this much energy, as the gig went on Bex ensured the crowd was entertained, there aren't many bands that rely on two basses, and they pulled it off well, giving them a slightly heavier sound than most. They were fantastic to watch, though all that energy made it a little tricky to photograph, that's the sign of a good gig when the band moves around like that, they are great to watch, tricky to photograph, in low light, with no flash, but I love a challenge, and this definitely is a band I will be looking out for in the future.