Kayleigh Leith - She touches your heart.

Story, photo, and interview by Chris Koppers

Kayleigh Leith, a Pittsburgh native, moved the Netherlands some years ago. Her mission? Getting started with a solo career as a singer/songwriter. Her debut album was mainly made within the legendary premises of the Cutting Room Studios in New York City.
Whenever you are in need of sensitive, heart-touching, contemporary-modern country music, Kayleigh is your choice - the one and only.

Leica M3 in the vibe

Story and photos by Victor Anthony

My dad always advised me to use “the right tool for the job”. Your father probably said that, too. And I have found that the “right tool” for photographing acoustic musicians in an intimate venue is a Leica rangefinder. Why? For starters, it is easy to focus precisely in low light. But its greatest virtue is the whisper-quiet shutter. Mine is an M3 made in 1960. I have it serviced every five years or so and there’s no doubt that it will outlast me by decades. I have just one lens for it, a 50mm f2 Summicron and, like the camera, it is just right for the job.   

Thomas Stelzer Trio feat. Katie Daniels - the ultimate combo

Story and photos by Chris Koppers

Thomas Stelzer has been playing music for over 30 years and he runs several projects like his Bloody Rhythm Fingers, The Gospel Passengers, The Burnes, and he Farmer's Breakfast Counrty Band. He combines the jaunty Southern Blues with the distinctive vibe of New Orleans. Born in Dresden, Germany, Thomas Stelzer's musical legacy traces back when he was about 12 years old. He worked with artists like Eddie Bo, Marcia Ball, Charlie Miller, Marc Adams and many, many others.

Teitur Lassen - Let the dog drive home

Story by Chris Koppers/Simon B. - photos by Simon B.

Teitur, a Faroese singer/songwriter from Denmark, appeared at MTV's you heard it first program and some of his songs can be heard on several motion picture soundtracks, such as "Aquamarine" and "My Super Ex-Girlfriend" - just to name a few.

Teitur's latest release "Let the Dog drive home" was composed with other top notch musicians like drummer Derek Murphy and bass player Mikael Blak.

The story behind the pictures. Courtesy of Simon B.

Wandering in Leica land: upcoming gigs

I plan to come along with my Leica and somewhat special you will not see that often: a big, bad, and handsome lens - the Elmarit 135mm f2.8. It is sharp, and surprisingly, it does not a hefty number on its price tag.

Photo gear – get down to the nitty gritty for music-related shots

I normally use a Rolleiflex 3.5F type 3 with various films such as Ilford HP5 plus, some Deltas (400 & 3200), and Kodak T-Max 400.  For special occasions, I prefer to shoot with two Rolleiflex’s – 3.5F and Automat type 3 with the distinctive ‘flare factor’. Moreover, there is a designated camera for heavy studio labor: a Mamiya RB 67 Pro SD with numerous lenses (65, 75, 150 SF, 180, and 100-200mm lens).  I am not a BIG 35mm fan, but there is a Leica M4 with a 135mm f2.8 and a 35mm f3.5 ready for somewhat that a Rolleiflex might not be able to catch. Let’s say I am not able to shoot within my favorable shooting distance (2-4ft), the Leica is the tool to cover this distance.

                                       

Why analog cameras? A few reasons...

-          A purchase for a lifetime.
-          Easy handling, sturdy and dependable.
-          No attraction to thieves.
-          Nobody takes care of what you do.
-          Got no ‘professional’ appearance
-          No batteries needed.
-          Never-ending fun.