Groovin The Moo w/ Abbey Steven
Hey Abbey, How are you today?
A: Hey! Yeah, I’m great. How are you?
Can you tell our readers about who you are, where you’re from and what you do?
A: Yeah so, my name is Abbey Steven. I’m a freelance music photographer from South-West Sydney J.
We sent you up to Groovin The Moo in Maitland on the weekend, How did you go?
A: Oh, it was an insane day, I had so much fun! I drove up from home. When I arrived, it was pissing rain which made for lots of mud. The mud was weak compared to splendour though, so it was easy to handle haha.
Who did you end up watching, and taking photos of?
A: Let’s see. I caught many amazing artists that day like Barkaa, BBNO$, Confidence Man, The Chats, Skeggs, Denzel Curry, and Ball Park Music. – who were all amazing. Highlights for me though were;
Slowly Slowly – who always g everyone up by infusing the crowd with an energy that flows throughout. With guitars flying and heads banging, it’s impossible to not bounce around during a set from these fellas. If you weren’t a fan before you saw them live, you are now.
Genesis Owusu – his stage presence was phenomenal. He changed from epic, loud, almost scary tunes… To soft, sexy love songs so suavely. With the deepest bass line I have EVER felt in my chest.
Ocean Alley – who were just beautifully nostalgic on stage. The lighting, vocals and sweet softness combined felt like a warm hug that blanketed over all of groovin.
Fatboy Slim – Trying to find the words to describe fatboy’s set is near impossible. But, I’ll give it a go. Fatboy Slim’s set was fucking stunning, to put it simply. He had so many different messages throughout that were comments on the structure of the world/issues we all face. Every person in the crowd was losing their marbles, boppin to his set. Every song he performed on stage flowed into one another, like I was listening to a Beatles album. It all came back to the importance of love in everything we do. That’s what I took away from it anyway…You literally had to be there.
What are your must-haves for a day at a festival?
A: Firstly, Always wearing boots and make sure you are wearing something that is practical but also impressionable... Um - Paw paw cream. Hair clip. A jacket that is easy to lug around. RAINCOAT. Sunnies. Bag of chips. It’s important to have what you need, but you gotta try and fit it into a conveniently small bag and/or pockets.
What is your process for shooting images, what do you like?
A: Absolutely froth a black and white edit, I tend to lean towards black and white more often than not. I love the boldness it brings and simplicity it holds.
What do you like about taking photos of artists / musicians?
A: This is a tough question. I’ve been kind of obsessed with music and photos since I was a kid. Music photography gives us a chance to see musicians bare themselves on stage and captures people in their element, which I love. There’s something so raw and pure about live performances.
What do you have coming up that you are excited to capture?
A: Ooo yeah! I am keen for Mac the Knife at Marrickville Bowlo, coming up in may! I might be capturing a Kisschasy show down in Wollongong too – which is very exciting.
What camera/s do you shoot on?
A: I currently have a CANON 90D which gets the job done but I am saving my pennies for a CANON 5D MARK lV. Very much so the superior canon. I shoot a lot of film stuff too on my CANON 300V, which I adore.
What sub-culture in your city, are you apart of?
A: um, it’s hard to describe my subculture. To keep it short and simple…I love the south coast, live music, Italian food and the footy. I think I’ve just noticed all these things I’m attracted to that are apart of other subcultures, and made it part of me. I don’t think I can subject myself to “one” subculture – does that make sense?
Any last words for our readers?
A: If anything, GO TO GIGS. Go to gigs of artists you don’t even know. Chances are you will leave with a new favourite band.
Where can we find you?
A: find my pics on instagram @abbstevenphoto !! always up for a chat
SUBCULTURE? x ❀ abbey steven ❀