Day 241

241/365, originally uploaded by Aaron LaRue.

Today I shot a show on campus. This is Lissie, who's slowly turning her youtube success into a real career. I caught her in an off moment that I think is pretty powerful.  


Her voice is incredible, she has the talent to make it, but she's definitely not famous and still gets nervous onstage. It's kind of endearing actually, especially since she nails every song. She is making a name for herself by singing covers, and that's what she's known for, but she has some original songs too. She came out onstage and played a cover and it was awesome. When she finished, she said her next song was an original. Then, before she started, she took a step back from everything and there was this incredible moment. The crowd was quiet, and so was the band, and a kind of stillness filled the air. She looked down at her feet, wiped her hands off on her jeans, and took a deep breath. She ran her hand through her hair, looked back up and walked back to the mic. Then she sang her heart out and it was spectacular. 

It was incredible to watch. In that moment everything came out. All of her insecurities. All of her self doubt. All of her nerves. Everything rose to the surface. And then she let it go and walked up to the mic and put herself out there and it was amazing. And it was so amazing because I felt it and I could relate. 


And her song was good. Everything she sang was good. And her one-man rhythm section was awesome:




He was playing bass, singing, playing the bass drum with his right foot, and playing the hi-hat and the snare with his left foot. I can't even fathom how hard that would be! It was an awesome show, and it was nice to actually see some live music again (I haven't gone since Portugal. The Man). Plus I got paid to go! So today was a good day.