I love music. I know that’s something we all say but I think my rationale stems deeper than just notes. You could also say that I love musical artists. They are such a diverse group of individuals, each with their own flows and motivations, yet they all take the same stage with hopes of providing listeners with a message. I’ve had the rare opportunity to interact and connect with multiple individuals and have even partaken in a few songs myself (that will probably never be heard). One such opportunity arose at the Lincoln Theater in Raleigh, North Carolina. The event was titled the Unity Experience and it was hosted by Oakcity Entertainment & Productions.
Backstage, I had a chance to photograph and capture these artists before they hit the stage. Some were fueled by intellect, others used the mic as a form of emotional release. By listening to their stories, I now had a greater understanding of the unconditional love artists have for music. When it finally came time for them to hit the stage, I snapped away hoping to capture that same essence that they seek in words.
After the concert the remaining artists and guests headed to the parking deck across the street to host a cypher session. For those who are unfamiliar with this term, a cypher is a circle full of individuals who take turns freestyling. The cypher is the true test of a musical artist’s ability to think on their feet; starting with a simple subject and then weaving a story that flows according to the beat.
Below are the links to the Soundcloud pages of the artists, so you can follow them. Enjoy the music and continue to let the tunes flow.
The Golden Moment 