Jungle + Rio Kosta @ Place Bell▪

I’ve obviously always had a huge love for photography and for music, hence why we are both here… But one thing I didn’t realize I would enjoy so much as a music photographer is going to shows where I don’t know the artist and therefore get to discover new music! I specifically requested to shoot this show because I LOVE Jungle, but their opener, Rio Kosta, I wasn’t familiar with. My photo pit buddy Sarah (shout-out to The Music Enthusiast blog) spoke very highly about them, saying if I liked Jungle, I would definitely love them… After the first song, I looked at her with shock and gave her a nod of approval. She was right! I was pleasantly surprised! Their self-described dreamlike funk, R&B, and disco fusion sound was very similar to the likes of Jungle, which immediately had both me and the audience hooked and ready for the main act…

Jungle themselves have a notoriously unique sound when it comes to music. Their songs are immediately recognizable and well beloved. But MY personal favourite aspect of Jungle shows is how they combine that beloved sound with the most incredible visuals. It keeps the crowd engaged (though they don’t really need it) and on their toes, both visually and auditorily, throughout the entire show. They mix super cool shapes and patterns with vivid colours (their infamous orange being the most prominent) and sequences. As a photographer, I have to acknowledge the work that goes into the stage and lighting setup just as much as the work that goes into the music and vocals. Without that added creativity, my photos wouldn’t look nearly as cool as they do.

If there’s one thing you should know about a Jungle show, it’s that it is going to be a PARTY. You will be dancing, the people around you will be dancing, the people on stage will be dancing, the security and venue staff will be dancing… Enjoying yourself is simply, and fortunately, unavoidable at a Jungle show! Sarah and I were lucky enough to spend the rest of the show on our feet and dancing like it was the last show we would ever attend. It’s truly a place to put aside worry and sadness and whatever other negative feelings, and connect with artistry, music and humanity in the best way!