Pre-eminent Sheffield photographer Benji Wilson (@jamburrito1) has been capturing the essence of the city’s DIY music scene, warts and all, for a number of years now. After years of sweaty gig shoots and capturing the personalities of some of the city’s up-and-coming artists, he has compiled these moments into a book, Causing a Scene: Vol 1, which Exposed’s Sean Johnson spoke to him about last month.
Tell us a bit about what has gone into the book?
The book captures the Sheffield live music scene in photographs, but particularly as a snapshot from within the past two years. I started taking photos in Sheffield in 2021, just after the pandemic. I wanted the collection to portray a succinct chunk of time.
When did you first get into photography?
I’ve always had some interest in photography, but I never took it seriously until my partner bought me a Pentax film camera for Christmas in 2020. I kind of just got hooked on the manual process of it, waiting for your negatives to come back and little things like that!
During my first year, I shot Sheffield live music gigs exclusively on film, until I could afford to buy a digital camera that was up to scratch. I still shoot a fair amount of material on film, but I tend to lean towards digital photography because it’s much more cost-effective. I try to carry across techniques on film like multiple and long exposures with my digital works.
What inspired you to capture a music scene?
Growing up, I was always into music and looking back at bands from the past. For instance, looking back at Nirvana, there’s a specific photographer who does these black and white film shots with flash and focuses on the energy of the crowd and the gig. I always used to look at the liner notes of photos of the bands that I was into.
These days, people still have those photos, but they tend to be a lot more digital and on social media, which just doesn’t have the same kind of longevity and intimacy of holding something physical. I think it’s similar to how everyone started buying vinyl again: people long to have a physical product.
With the book, I wanted to pay homage to the era of having really high-quality music photos that capture the energy of the gig rather than just the musicians themselves.
Who features in the book?
It’s a good cut of the local music scene from the past two years. It’s definitely very instrument and band-focused. I know there’s a huge electronic music scene in Sheffield, but I’m personally more band-focused and the photo collection is a snapshot from my point of view.
The people who feature the most are probably FEMUR, the first band I shot coming out of lockdown. Mickey Nomimono also features heavily. We’ve worked together on loads of projects. The aesthetics he has just suit my style so well. I’ve tried to include as many people I’ve worked with as possible!
What are some of your favourite moments captured?
For me, the Jarred Up Shakespeare’s event over Tramlines has always been my favourite, pretty much every year since it’s ran. It’s the energy in the room; it’s so hot and sweaty and all the bands are so happy to play, so full of energy. That’s always a highlight for me.
From starting to work with musicians outside of a live gig setting, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know them a bit more. Obviously, if you shoot a gig, you might say hello, but you don’t really get to know the people. If you’re doing a day shoot or a music video, you’re gonna get to know people more closely and then you can create something that works with their energy and aesthetic.
Do you have any advice for local aspiring music photographers?
My general advice to anyone wanting to start out in photography is to be prolific. Just be yourself, don’t worry endlessly about getting the best gear.
Where can you find the book?
The book is currently available to preorder on my website, Jamburrito1.com and will be released on 26th July. You can also find it through a link on my Instagram page, @jamburrito1.
A few local retailers will also be stocking copies: Novel, Crookes; La Biblioteca, Sheffield City Centre; and Kelham Island Books and Music, Kelham Island
Causing a Scene: Vol 1 is out now. Order now at jamburrito.com.
