Attention, Attention...: A Photographic Tribute Blog of The Academy Is...

Artist Jane Oct 08, 2011

Two years ago (yes, I'm a late bloomer), I discovered how truly awesome The Academy Is...were thanks to a friend. I'm always looking and keeping my eyes are ears open for great bands to listen to and to photograph. These guys were both. They were some of the most energetic bands to shoot and I'm so happy I was there to capture some memories of the past couple of years.

I first shot The Academy Is... in March of 2009 at a tiny little club in St. Louis called The Fubar on their Snakes & Suits tour. There were no song limits and while I was sandwiched in between people after the show to get an autograph as a favor to a friend, I was pleasantly surprised at how approachable and down to earth they are. I had a brief conversation about Bob Dylan and their t-shirts. Little did I know that I'd come to photograph them 3 more times in the coming year and a half, and what an impression they made on me through their performances and their kindness.

The Academy Is @ Dupage County Fair

In July of 2009, they played the Dupage County fair in the quiet suburb of Chicago known as Wheaton. It wasn't your typical concert setting. It was a fair complete with funnel cakes, games, and probably horse feces somewhere. Then there was their stage and trailers. When I arrived, the "will call" area didn't have my tickets and I was being tossed back and forth between 2 ticket stands until a security guard offered to figure out the situation. When he spoke to the band, they let me come and photograph them even though the situation with the photo pass was all mixed up. I'll never forget that, and that meant a lot considering I had driven 5 hours from St. Louis. I stuck my head in and thanked them, and while I'm not big on autographs or having my photo taken with bands that I meet, I suggested for them to strike a pose, and this was the end result:

Attention, Attention...: A Photographic Tribute Blog of The Academy Is... photo 3 Beckett & The Butcher

Unfortunately, the concert was canceled after 4 songs due to an electrical storm that fired up shortly after they went on. Even though we were all bummed, including themselves, that it was cut short, I got some of the best shots of them that night, in my opinion. It wouldn't be the last time but that night was full of positivity despite the odds.

Attention, Attention...: A Photographic Tribute Blog of The Academy Is... photo 4
William Beckett live @ Reggie's Rock Club

In December of 2009, it was only appropriate to close out the decade with going to see William Beckett's acoustic show at Reggie's Rock Club in Chicago. That was the first time I used my telephoto lens to shoot from all different angles, and it was awesome to hear such songs as Winter Passing, The Fever, Classifieds, and his acoustic cover of Alkaline Trio's Radio. One of the highlights of the evening was when Danny Stevens of The Audition came onstage and brought a bottle of Jack Daniel's with him. I remember William taking a swig and making a comment about how it was his "Lil' Jon" moment "getting crunk". Hilarious. I'm glad I captured that moment in time for you to see. If only it had been caught on tape...

The Academy Is..."Almost Here" 5th Anniversary Show @ The Metro

Unknowingly, the last time I'd ever shoot The Academy Is... was at their 5th Anniversary show of "Almost Here" at The Metro in their native Chicago. The energy was tremendous, and hearing the album being played chronologically was amazing. They were never short of fantastic when it came to their live shows. It came as a complete but pleasant surprise that they linked my photos on their official website home page. I never got to say thank you for that. It meant a lot. How odd is it that it was their anniversary show and the last time I'd ever see them live or photograph them as a band live? Strange but possibly not. I don't believe in pure coincidence. Everything happens for a reason.

Attention, Attention...: A Photographic Tribute Blog of The Academy Is... photo 6

While I'm truly saddened by their break up, I'm also very interested in seeing what musical route the members will take now. I'm very happy I have the memories that I do, and it's true what they said in their official announcement: they made their mark, and they made their mark in my book as well, both as a music lover and a photographer. I want to give a special personal thanks to the band for sharing their talents with the world and letting me capture their greatness through my lenses. Your generosity and vision will never be forgotten, and I know I speak for their fan base as well when I say that. We'll be waiting to hear your future musical endeavors and (hopefully) tours. If that happens, I'll be there with a camera and a smile...Thank you again, TAI.

Sincerely, Jane

Now time for TAI picture spam! Enjoy!