Airiel Down

 

On March 20th I saw one of the best live music shows I have ever seen in my life.  Raleigh NC’s own Airiel Down took the stage at The Lincoln Theater.  My friend Joe Brantley knows Beaux Foy (vocals and guitar) and was good enough to get me a few minutes of his time before the show. I met Beaux and Taylor Traversari (drummer) in the green room of The Lincoln and I liked both of them right off, they are very personable individuals.  The other members are Michael Abe (guitar Viola, and back up vocals), Lani Abe (bass), Steve Grove (guitar, keys, backing  vocals). If I had to describe the show in one word it would be “ENERGY”.  Beaux definitely has the talent to be a front man but also enough energy to outrun a camera shutter. I pride myself on my photography and with that said this was by far the most challenging band I have photographed and the most fun.  What impressed me the most is it is obvious they are here for the fans. Several times fans were brought on stage to be a part of the show. The most memorable was a  Will, a twelve year old boy who was brought on stage with his guitar and jammed with the band on “Wasted” from their first album Vision.  It was refreshing to see a band of talented musicians with such a large following that still shows so much attention to the folks who support them, I believe that have not lost sight of what is most important. They have their hand in all aspects of their music from song writing, booking, marketing,  public relations, web design, and videos which in my opinion would keep the art from being diluted from outside sources.  Airiel Down’s music has made it’s way all over North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia as well as the Olympics and Carolina Hurricanes Hockey games. They even collaborated with the Wake County Sheriff’s Department on the video for the song “Quick”. It would seem they have made quite a name for themselves but are down to earth enough that they should be around a long time to come.  They played several songs from their new album Shine which was sold out at the merchandise table before they went on stage. The show started with the video they made with the Wake County Sheriff’s Department projected on large screen above the stage. As that wrapped up fog began to roll out on stage and the green and yellow lights set a somber tone. That lasted almost a second and Airiel Down dropped the hammer and did not let up until the last song about an hour later. The Lincoln Theater was standing room only filled with all walks of fans from all ages. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the band and seeing them in their element. Excellent work Airiel Down this was this first time my trigger finger was tired from photographing a band, and in one long set.