Community Spotlight #2 - Nic Howells

Another one of our generous initial contributors, Nic has thrown himself fully into his passion for photography after only one year on the scene. Shooting everywhere from basement shows to Manchester Academy, Nic's love for live music shines through in his work, even receiving praise from the amazing April Kae of Fever 333. Let's see what Nic has to say about his journey:

Pictured: VLURE, Like a Storm, Puni D

How did you get started?

Part of it was 2019, I changed jobs and just went all over for gigs. My best was 5 gigs in 8 days, across 4 cities in 2 countries.I took a Tuesday off work just to go to Paris for a gig. Eventually I just wanted to document them for myself. I used to take HUNDREDS of photos on my phone, I just wanted that one thing that meant something to me, and if other people found something in that then great. Over time I just came to love looking for that ONE moment.

What was the first gig you shot?

A special mention to YNES and their show in Liverpool April 2022, I bought a Pentax KR super short notice and had no idea what setting to use. I didn’t use a single photo from that shoot. Otherwise I would say Wargasm in Bournemouth, December 2022. Took half a day off work in Sheffield, drove 5 hours to Bourney, and the gig was in a basement. I took a Sony RX100 and turns out I did not like that camera. Saw the gig, drove straight back home to Sheff, got home at 2am, and was back at work at 9am. First time using lightroom for that one as well, rough.

Pictured: Skillet

Favourite gig you’ve shot so far?

Either Punitive Damage at BOOM in Leeds, or Skillet in Manchester Academy. Those two gigs couldn’t be more different though. BOOM is like another basement type of venue (no disrespect, shout out to BOOM), and very hardcore centric. It was Puni D’s first ever UK shows coming over from Canada and I just remember being really happy with the shots and the interaction on the post being crazy good. But Skillet was like the white whale, my first ever press pass and I found out ON THE DAY. I had tickets for Wargasm in Sheffield, sold them, drove straight up to Manchester after work and got to Skillet for doors. I remember just having no clue what to do but getting some great shots (and also dropping my lens cap under the stage).

Favourite venue to shoot at?

Brudenell Social Club in Leeds. One of the most underrated ones going for what I like. In the last year alone it’s had Ho99o9 & Graphic Nature play, Dead By April did their first tour in years, and Greg Puciato’s new band Better Lovers has sold out two gigs in one day in October coming up. No/Low barrier and a tiny stage, it's just a social club but has some amazing stuff. TOM JONES played there in the last two years for God’s sake.

Pictured: Spiritbox

Dream artist to shoot?

Fever 333 or Sleep Token. I will not be picking between the two, but the reason is basically the same, both are the kind of bands I listened to and felt like I had been struck by lightning. One of the only times I’ve felt myself well up at shows was seeing Fever in Amsterdam because it's just so pure, and I recently met Jason Butler for the briefest moment at Download and it was just really cathartic. Sleep Token is all about the aura though, there’s something genuinely believable about what they’re doing and I’ll always regret missing the show they played at Leadmill.

Dream venue to shoot at?

Manchester Apollo probably, it’s where I saw my first ever gig. Machine Head headlining, Bleeding Through, Hatebreed and All Shall Perish on support. Whenever I go there I always go and stand in about the same spot even for a little bit. Which is dumb but fight me.

Pictured: Dead By April, Dubwar, Sobriquet

Any tips you have?

Most of all, editing is king. Aside from that, just make sure you have a good time. I hashtag every post with #besafe & #beloved. I feel like everything else comes in time, gigs are crazy places, so just take care of eachother

If you want to check out more of Nic's work and show your support, you can find his portfolio here as well as finding him on Instagram at @nicgoesgigging, and thanks again to Nic for all of the work he's contributed so far!