This past weekend I attended the Annual iMatter Festival in Horseheads, New York at the Chemung County Fairgrounds. After hearing so much about iMatter Festival, I knew that I had to go this year. The festival primarily books bands that are Christian or present a positive message through music.
The festival primarily books bands that are Christian or present a positive message through music. This year’s lineup included August Burns Red, UnderOath, Sworn In, Impending Doom, Microwave, Rivals, Such Gold, and ‘68.
When I first arrived at the fairgrounds, I walked down the hill towards the stages and surprisingly enough there was a corral of horses. Certainly not something typically presented during a the rock festival. But it helped to set the tone for the iMatter Festival. A tone of importance, value and appreciation for “moment”.
I enjoyed sharing my day with the horses as I maneuvered through the field and amongst the fans to photograph bands. As dusk approached, I began to anticipate photographing August Burns Red and Underoath. They are both well know and acclaimed bands in the alternative music scene. During the August Burns Red set, I was able to work from backstage. I thoroughly enjoying sitting backstage capturing the live energy from a different perspective. The band even acknowledged me by posing mid set for a photo of the guys together.
Underøath was up next. As they prepared the stage and set up equipment, I chatted with a few of the bands. Spencer Chamberlain and fellow bandmates ran onto the stage to begin their set which included "Teeth", "Blue Note", and "Rapture". The crowd immediately went mental at the sight of the frontman. Spencer made a point to be involved with the crowd by giving high-fives from the stage. Underøath closed out their set with "A Boy Brushed Red Living in Black and White", "Bloodlust" and "Writing On The Walls". Smoke filled the stage to create state of confusion or uncertainty. Perhaps to mimic the new album ‘Erase Me’.
I was not entirely impressed with Underøath’s new album but after hearing it live; my views have changed. Overall, iMatter was a fun festival and an even more important message; iMatter.
All pictures courtesy of Ashley Kalinoski photogrpahy
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