January 31, 2011

Interview with Passenger (Mike Rosenberg) by Eva Rinaldi

Mike Rosenburg

Passenger is a classic journeyman musician, cut from the same mould as Van Morrison, Neil Young and John Prine. His latest critically acclaimed album 'Flight Of The Crow' which features collaborations with Josh Pyke, Boy and Bear and many others was self funded entirely through money earned busking across Australia & the UK. He returns to the road off the back of a sold out headline tour to again take his audience on a musical journey from the humorous to the heartbreaking.

Being a journeyman musician, the name 'Passenger' suits Mike perfectly. “Watching the world go by, song writing, story writing set about a series of collaborations with musical friends along the way; after the band broke up I just kept the name,” he explains.

Mike has performed in quite a variety of venues. I wanted to know the difference between busking on the streets and performing to an appreciative audience of 20,000 people. He was happy to oblige. “Some buskers perform all day, some are totally unique in their performance, it’s a different mindset busy presenting their show living a life of wonder outside the office cube and down a carefree highway,” he starts. “It’s great to actually treat to feed each other, it’s so amazing to perform in front of a live audience that have paid to watch you; sometimes I would get nervous not knowing how I would come across to people and trying to tap straight into the crowd is a great feeling.”

The most difficult part about being in an industry of feeling, emotions and art, it is quite an effort to balance the two aspects of feel and finance. So how does Mike aka Passenger measure success? “Selling over a hundred CDs in a bag was a great feeling, it’s not about selling it for the money but the buzz you get when strangers are listening to your CD in their car. It is a wonderful and extraordinary feeling,” he says.

Worst days for the singer? “In the worst day of busking sometimes cops move you along and there are so many things you can and can’t do it all depends in different towns with the different laws it all varies."

Passenger’s new album “Flight of the Crow” is currently making the rounds. The story behind the name is as unique as the sound on the album. Mike explains: “Well one my songs is called Flight of the Crow. He’s caught in a net depressed and sad and has a lot of stuff to let go.”

One or two of Passenger’s songs reminded me a bit of Simon and Garfunkel. I wonder if he's heard that before.I ask anyways. “I have, it’s a massive compliment, I’ve heard that before. It’s incredible.” He adds that his “influences have also been Neil Young and Bob Dillon- anything from the 1960s.”

Speaking about the media, Passenger is one of those singers who steer clear of what people think about his work. “I try not to read my reviews. Everyone will always have a different perspective of you and you won’t always please everyone. However it’s great to get recognition.” He doesn’t fail to mention Rolling Stone magazine where his music was rated a 4 on 5.

Passenger’s collaboration with Boy & Bear has led to the IMB Building Society commercial. As Mike explains, he “met them as mutual friends, at a gig on board, a lot of fun doing a track with them, one thing led to another.” Apart from this combined effort, Mike is also looking forward to touring with 'Old Man River'. “Met a month ago at the same booking agent, a great and talented guy, we just got along,” he explains.

Passenger’s song 'What Your Thinking?’ has beautiful lyrics that mention “Just a photograph in a draw” and “the ghosts we can't forget”. Explaining what’s behind the words, Mike explains: “Own experiences everyone can relate to some break up or an old photograph you find, past and hurt I try to write things that people can relate to everyday circumstances, things about life.” More interesting is the fact that his album was recorded in one day. Was that stressful?

“Extremely stressful, I went in as a drums and bass player, normally people take a week to do that, it looked like it wasn’t going to happen, overall it was a huge success,” he replies.

Other than travelling and music Passenger’s hobbies include “football, soccer, swimming, walking and reading.” In the course of the interview Mike also adds his fascination for history. “You wouldn’t probably think it’s very surprising or even very cool but I love to read history books, I love anything about History,” he says.

Passenger is all ready to perform in Sydney with shows lined up throughout the country in February. “Annandale is a great venue; I’m excited to go back it’s quite a rock and roll kind a feeling great audience,” Mike exclaims.

Without thinking too much about his professional and personal highlights of this year, Mike has smartly chosen to continue his journey and enjoy the ride. “I don’t think it’s something you can ever guess what will happen sometimes when you think it’s going to work out it doesn’t and vice versa quite often hard to predict,” he explains.

Passenger will be performing at The Between the Bays Festival that happens at Penbank, located at the end of Rickards Road in Moorooduc, Mornington Peninsula (Mel Ref 146 G8) approximately 1 hour south of Melbourne. There is 35 beautiful acres to spread out in and enjoy the day, nestled ‘Between the Bays’ and just five minutes from Mornington, which has many different accommodation options.

Websites

http://www.thedwarf.com.au/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passenger_(British_band)

http://www.thedwarf.com.au/nd/interviews/passenger_mike_rosenberg

www.cvp.net.au

www.blackchords.com

www.myspace.com/blackchords

The Next Three Days: My First Red Carpet As A Photographer, by Eva Rinaldi - 30th January 2011

Daniel and Russell Crowe




Jack Thompson


Sting


Lincoln Lewis


Eva Rinaldi and Jack Thompson

It was my first time doing the red carpet as a professional photographer. You can just imagine how exciting it was.

Doing something the first time is special. You know, getting your First drivers license, kissing, making love, giving birth and you get the picture.

Today I had the privilege and pleasure of shooting 'The Next Three Days', a drama staring my friend Russell Crowe.

The shoot wasn't without incident either, such is the often the case in the world of photography.

Oh, I got my own 'get out of jail' cards too, pun intended. My flash malfunctioned during the shoot and another photographer helped fix it. Even in the life of a photographer some things are always supposed to remain private and not be exploited by the press, as happened to me at a very sensitive gathering I went to a couple of months ago. You will have to read my upcoming book for the full story on that.

Just ask Russell Crowe about privacy, or lack there of. Crowe is indeed a person who has also had quite the love - hate relationship with photographers over the years, as if you didn't know.

That's right, you also want to know about the movie!

A normal married couple's life is turned upside down when Lara Brennan (Elizabeth Banks) is accused of a murder. Three years into her sentence, Lara's husband John (Russell Crowe) is struggling to keep their family together and, realizing his wife's deteriorating condition, he decides to break her out of prison. That's where the real action begins.

Oh, some people ask me of what media film I like... 'One Hour Photo' starting Robin Williams... it's one classic example of what photography is not supposed to be about. Paparazzi staring Cole Hauser and directed by Paul Abascal is also highly recommended. Rest assured I'm trying my best to set an example of what photography is supposed to represent.

See you back on the red carpet soon.


http://www.thenextthreedaysmovie.com/index.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Next_Three_Days

INF http://www.infdaily.com/

Photography: http://www.flickr.com/photos/evarinaldiphotography

W http://www.humanstatuebodyart.com.au/photography/

January 26, 2011

Joel O' Keeffe goes Airbourne at Big Day Out, by Eva Rinaldi



Joel O'Keeffe Airbourne have a reputation for putting on theatrical live shows. Their passion for rock n' roll shines through the camera as they shout with energy and enthusiasm, chugging beers (even smashing and throwing cans on their heads on occasion) and jumping from the stage to play in the crowd.

At festivals, front-man Joel O'Keeffe has also been known to climb the rigging, and at this year's Big Day Out he went a little further than normal, causing the crowd to go wild.

Check out the pictures I took of the entire escapade Joel, you're crazy!!

There’s something about the kind of potent rock and roll fury that Airbourne Rocks out, all music firing, that makes you want to drink a cocktail straight down your throat.

I dont even drink, I admit. But that’s the thing about these Aussie pub rock rebels. Their music, like new album No Guts. No Glory., are perfect soundtracks for drunken debauchery, and “that’s what we’re here for, mate,” says rowdy lead guitarist and vocalist Joel O’Keeffe.












Airbourne official website

Big Day Out

Eva Rinaldi Photography

BIG DAY OUT PHOTO'S















The Vines















January 25, 2011

Love is real...


Well, as some of you know I’m a part time taxi driver for my dad, he is blind and I am his eyes...Today I was cursing at the traffic lights because I was hungry and mumbling to myself and wanted so badly to drop him home.

Crossing the street was an elderly couple. A short woman with a red jacket holding the hand of an older gentleman. He was frail walking with a cane he had a round face, and wore a navy suit. My bitterness vanished and I was amazed at their patience.

They slowly walked, and appreciated each step. I doubt they were thinking about the destination. I bet they were just enjoying a walk on a sunny afternoon. I took a deep breath and smiled as they passed by my car I had a smile on my face thinking about how sweet it was that they were holding hands.

I did not know their story. I did not know how they met and what challenges they faced in their lives. However, I could tell they were happy.

Then a man waved at me with a smile on his face, he looked towards the woman and let go of her hand walking to my car. He knocked on my passenger window. I opened it, “May I help you?” He smiled, winked, and pointed at the woman behind him and said the three most beautiful words I have heard “love is real”. It was the most beautiful moment I have ever heard. Even if this man did not say anything or glance a smile and a wave to me I would have been a little happier but for a short moment until my Father yelled at me “che cazzo stai parlando?” “nobody dad” I said… Those three "love is real" words really echoed throughout the entire day and this was just a stranger.

I will probably never see him again or his wife,I hope we can all appreciated what strangers teach us. I think moments like these are miracles that are overlooked and how we are lucky to see these special things in the world and yes my father is still a pain in the butt :)

Australian Cricket Team gets dunked, by Eva Rinaldi

Photography by Eva Rinaldi

Family Day was a huge success to bring families together as an unofficial "thank you" for their support throughout the year and have a bit of fun before the year ramps ups again.

Vodafone raised awareness of the Alive & Rewarding benefits for family and friends and raised money for the Flood Victims.

There were approximately 1000 -1500 families and a few special guests including the Australian Cricket Team.

A few of the Australian Cricket team members were dunked into the pool of water by a ten year old girl with a strong pitch.



Anticipation... this is the part when he gets dunked lol






signing of autographs



face painting