The Future of Live Music Is Bright in Maidstone

Supported by Jace Media Music members Dave Martin and Glen Parkes, 60 students at a Maidstone school explored various aspects of the live music industry from sound and lighting, media, photography, journalism to performance. The students ranging from 13 to 18 managed to get a further insight into the industry when their school hall was turned into a 400-capacity venue for the evening. Events like these have gone on to produce signed artists such as Will Potter of Blondes and Jamie Chellar of Congratulations as well as music producers such as Matt Hua and aim to give the participants an insight into the world we love.

Words and photos by Sophia Nedelchev     

Starting off strong, in the halls of a Maidstone School, the performers started off by playing Hysteria with guitar solos, strong drum rhythms and vocals sang by the lead vocalist. The crowd responded with vibrant and loud cheers which flowed with their music. Not to mention, all of their outfits were impressive.

This spectacular performance was followed by the band ‘Rock Paper Scissors’ playing ‘Electric’ (by Oasis) which the audience sang along to word-for-word leaving smiles all around. As the night progressed, the audience became more unified as they greeted each group/ soloist to the stage. One of the most electrifying performers of this evening was one of the lead vocalist wearing an impressive mohawk and expressing himself truly with his movements on stage: laying on the floor still signing with his legs up in the air, carrying the microphone and of course leaving the stage with his final words being “Pi*s off”.

The movement into the next act was incredibly anticipated as the crowd was broken from the cycle of intense songs into a slower paced, more romantic piece performed by Methuka. Methuka sang one of my favourite songs (Talking To the Moon by Bruno Mars) absolutely beautifully with the lights behind him stationary and the crowd opposite swaying with their torches in hand. His vocals were smooth, as were Santiago’s- the next act. The second Santi stepped foot on the stage floor, the crowd roared with excitement. Seeing him perform once already at the previous band evening only left us with itching excitement for this one. He knows how good he is and you can see it with how he responds to the crowd- waving, blowing kisses and introducing himself. One again, Santi presented us with an eye catching, ear perking performance filled with groovy dance moves and amazing shots. The smoke from the smoke machine captured him perfectly and his vocals and energy motivated and engaged the audience to another level.

Once a few soloists performed, we were met by the band VERTIGO where I stood on stage by the drummer- Harrison- taking photos of his amazing hand work and fast paced drumbeats as well as listening to the vocalist sing and dance with her guitarists alongside. She closed their performance with a little speech of gratitude which the audience listened to with care.

Before the final act, one more group came onto stage with Honey being their lead singer and I was able to take some amazing shots of their performance from the lighting room above the hall ground. Floor 14 ended the night with 4 amazing songs (Waste of space, Shell shock, Blank canvas, Delirium) until the crowd rooted and pleaded them in unison for one more. Granting our wishes, Callum rushed back on stage and they all performed their new song “Woozy”. By the end of the night, we saw smiles and groups of friends hugging. The night was spectacular and I thank everyone for it- I can’t wait for the next ones to come!!