SonicShooter - Concert photography and band portraiture by Cary Liao » Alternative Press

Erik Petersen of Balance and Composure

Cary — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 03:20:27 +0000

For the September edition of “My Favorite Gear”, I headed to Doylestown, PA to visit Balance and Composure guitarist, Erik Petersen. I had previously met up with the band for April’s “100 Bands You Need To Know” article. Check out a preview of Erik’s photo below, and pick up the September issue of Alternative Press to read the interview!

Alternative Press – September 2011

Sean Mackin of Yellowcard

Cary — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 06:08:29 +0000

Following Rian Dawson’s “My Favorite Gear” shoot, I caught up with Sean Mackin, violinist and backing vocalist of Yellowcard, at The Dirty Work Tour. In addition to showing off a 100 year old classical and Zeta electric violin, Sean displayed his ninja reflexes by saving my Canon Speedlite 580EX II from hitting the pavement, while holding 2 violins. Read his interview in the August edition of Alternative Press magazine, in stores on July 5th, and check out a video from Yellowcard’s new album, When You’re Through Thinking, Say Yes, below:

Alternative Press – August 2011

Yellowcard – For You, And Your Denial – Official Video

Rian Dawson of All Time Low

Cary — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 02:06:55 +0000

For the July issue of Alternative Press, I was asked to photograph Rian Dawson of All Time Low for the monthly “My Favorite Gear” piece. Having worked with the band several times before, Rian was the only member I hadn’t covered yet. Since his drum kit needed to be in the picture, we were limited to shooting on stage, and to complicate things a bit, the kit was on a 3 foot high riser. Luckily, I brought along a 6-foot ladder, and we were able to use the stage lighting for a little bit of ambiance. To read the article, grab a copy of the new Alternative Press, available on newsstands July 7th.

Alternative Press – July 2011

Check out more All Time Low coverage here!

Balance and Composure

Cary — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 19:12:47 +0000

In November, I met up with Balance and Composure to shoot for Alternative Press’ annual “100 Bands You Need To Know” article. The Doylestown, PA band was at Starland Ballroom winding down the Out With the In Crowd Tour with Senses Fail, Bayside, and Title Fight. I had initially planned on doing the photo shoot outdoors, but less-than-ideal weather forced us to work within the venue. Grab a copy of the April 2011 edition of Alternative Press to read the article!

Alternative Press – April 2011

AP’s 25th Anniversary Party with The Starting Line

Cary — Sat, 29 Jan 2011 18:37:00 +0000

On December 17th, Alternative Press held a special fan appreciation party at the North Star Bar in Philadelphia, to celebrate the magazine’s 25th anniversary. The show featured The Starting Line, who last played together a year earlier, and opened with a new song entitled “Luck”. Check out some of my photos below, or in the March 2011 issue of Alternative Press.

Alternative Press – March 2011

The Starting Line / Photo by: Cary Liao

Kenny Vasoli of The Starting Line / Photo by: Cary Liao

The Starting Line / Photo by: Cary Liao

Kenny Vasoli of The Starting Line / Photo by: Cary Liao

Photo by: Cary Liao

Tom Gryskewicz of The Starting Line / Photo by: Cary Liao

Brian Schmutz of The Starting Line / Photo by: Cary Liao

Photo by: Cary Liao

The Starting Line / Photo by: Cary Liao

And here’s APTV’s coverage of the show:

All Time Low

Cary — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 18:08:01 +0000

Back in October, I photographed All Time Low at their “My Small Package” show at Irving Plaza, New York City, for Alternative Press Magazine. Here are some previews from the January 2011 issue (on stands now), along with a few photos that didn’t make the cut.

All Time Low / Photo: Cary Liao

Jack Barakat of All Time Low / Photo: Cary Liao

Alex Gaskarth of All Time Low / Photo: Cary Liao

All Time Low / Photo: Cary Liao

The AP Tour Fall 2010

Cary — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 05:05:49 +0000

The Fall edition of the AP Tour came to Philadelphia on Thursday, showcasing Bring Me the Horizon, August Burns Red, Emarosa, Polar Bear Club, and This Is Hell. Check out some of the scenes below, and then click on the link to Alternative Press for more photos.

Photo: Cary Liao

Jimmy Stadt of Polar Bear Club / Photo: Cary Liao

Jonny Craig of Emarosa / Photo: Cary Liao

Jake Luhrs of August Burns Red / Photo: Cary Liao

August Burns Red / Photo: Cary Liao

Oliver Sykes of Bring Me the Horizon / Photo: Cary Liao

Hop over to the Alternative Press website to see more photos!

Rusko Photo Shoot

Cary — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:41:27 +0000

Back in August, I was asked to take some portraits of Christopher Mercer (aka Rusko), for an upcoming piece in Alternative Press about dubstep. Initially, I was concerned about doing the shoot backstage, but I soon discovered the greatness that is the Electric Factory backstage. The main lounge was big and contained 2 pool tables, a shuffleboard table, a retro television, a big camel statue, and quite possibly the nicest one-handed bartender in Philadelphia. I had a few ideas in mind for the shoot, but ultimately it was the spontaneous shots using the elements from the room that I liked the best. Check out a few photos from the session, then watch one of Rusko’s music videos!

November 2010 Alternative Press (Rusko)

Rusko / Photo: Cary Liao

Rusko – Hold On (feat. Amber Coffman)

Alternative Press Tour 2010

Cary — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 14:59:13 +0000

The Spring edition of the 2010 Alternative Press Tour rolled into Philadelphia on Friday, featuring Never Shout Never, Hey Monday, The Cab, Every Avenue, and The Summer Set.

Photo: Cary Liao

Cassadee Pope of Hey Monday / Photo: Cary Liao

Jess Bowen of The Summer Set / Photo: Cary Liao

Christofer Drew of Never Shout Never / Photo: Cary Liao

Want more? View additional pics on the Alternative Press website!