POLARIZE
by Emily Kovacic
Issue #6 May 2017
Welcome to issue #6 of Polarize! First of all, I have to thank anyone who has supported me and my journey with photography thus far. I now officially have a BFA which is wild! Polarize has expanded to Instagram and Twitter, @polarizezine, be sure to follow. This issue features two tours, The Mad Love and We Will Detonate! Very different artists blended into this zine. As always I’m featuring my weird abstracted images and felt it was time to explain them a little more in this intro of the zine. They are a visual representation of what one would feel during that moment of the performance! I love that I can’t recreate the images. The moment and the abstraction is completely unique! I also got to interview the lovely photographer Ashly Kirk who is this years Vans Warped Tour Mutant Pit Reporter. She talks about her favorite artists and gives advice to anyone aspiring to be in the industry. A special thank you to Ashly Nicole, Maria Gironas, Katy Cooper, and Alyson Stokes. I hope that you enjoy this issue! -Emily Kovacic
Contact: Email: polarizezine@gmail.com Instagram: @polarizezine Twitter: @polarizezine
MAD LOVE TOUR
STANAJ
JOJO
Interview With Photographer Ashly Nicole
Let’s get to know you. Where are you from and currently residing? I am from Houston, TX and I’m currently residing in Los Angeles, CA Favorite artists? I absolutely adore Lights Bokan. She’s the best human both musically and as a person. She’s so supportive and always such a warm and welcoming person. I also love Melanie Martinez, Neck Deep, Dance Gavin Dance, Twenty One Pilots, Waterparks, Chase Atlantic, just to name a few. What sparked your interest in the music industry? I’ve wanted to be involved in music since I could talk pretty much haha I’ve always had an interest in singing and still do, however, it’s not something that exactly happened for me. I still occasionally sing on covers and collaborations on YouTube and what not, but it’s taken a backseat to photography. My interest in photography started when I was about 13 and I started shooting music when I was about 17. It all started at a Lights show in 2012, I took my little point and shoot camera with me and actually got some pretty decent photos, I was also heavily into tumblr at this time and was inspired by this photographer named Maysa Askar, as well as a couple others. I saved up for a dslr and started shooting for local shows for bands like Alasana and Conquer Divide and then in 2014 I got to photograph my first Warped Tour (in the pit), and the first band I ever professionally photographed was We Are The In Crowd. Ever since then, I hit the ground running and I haven’t stopped. Tell us what you do in the music industry. I am a music photographer who sings in her free time c: Right now I am currently the Vans Warped Tour Mutant (formerly Monster Energy) Pit Reporter. What I do is take the promotional photos, live photos etc for the tour and the brand, as well as interview bands and non-profits. I guess you could say I’m a photographer/music reporter. Who were your mentors growing up? Music wise, when I was much much younger, I looked up to Hilary Duff and Britney Spears quite a bit, but as I got older, definitely Lights and my late friend Christina Grimmie who has played a big role in where I am and what I’m doing. She used to sort of unofficially vocal coach me and just be there when I needed someone, she was an amazing wonderful best friend and I love her to pieces. As for photography, my dad sort of mentored me. My parents bought me a point and shoot when I was 12 or 13 and then when I got into high school they let me borrow their slr camera and my dad gave me his Canon film camera that he used to use when he roadied for bands back in the day.
As for music photography, again, Maysa was definitely one of my biggest influences and mentors, I’ve always been able to go to her with questions and she’s always been super helpful toward me. 6. Favorite artist to photograph? Hands down Lights haha she always puts on an amazing show. I also love photographing The Used or any high energy bands with cool lighting for that matter. What are your plans for the year? I hope to be a full time touring photographer, but if that doesn’t happen, definitely working with more clients here in LA. I think I’m going to see what Warped has in store for me and go from there. I’m super excited for this summer and that is my primary focus for the time being. 8. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Hopefully still touring and doing this completely full time and making a living off of doing what I love. I hope to work more closely with some bigger names and more of my favorite artists because I just think that should be the goal for anyone doing what I’m doing!! Best advice to give anyone wanting to be in the industry? Just do it -Nike No, but in all seriousness, just don’t give up. It’s definitely a long and difficult road, but you can make it such a fun, interesting, and fulfilling one. There will be bullies, there will be people that are bitter and jealous that will do and say mean things, there will be people that constantly try and tear you down, but you have to ignore them and act like they don’t matter or affect you and keep doing your thing. There’s no set path for something like this, so no one can ever really give spot on advice as to HOW to do it and to 100% be successful, but I always tell people if you’re passionate about it and you know this is what you want to do, you’ll find a way. Reach out to your local music scene, build your portfolio, find a publication, network and get your name out there, and ALWAYS try and improve your craft. Find a style that is unique to you that makes you stand out and just show your art to the world, that’s the best advice I can give, just keep going, keep pushing forward, and don’t give up. Anything else you’d like to add? Thank you to anyone who has ever believed in me and that has pushed me to not only become a better artist, but a better person. I know that I’ll always have some growing to do, but don’t we all? I’m so incredibly thankful to be able to do what I do and to be where I’m at and I hope to help other people grow and to inspire them to go for what they dream of doing <3
All photos courtesy of Ashly Nicole Instagram: @ashlynicolephoto
WE WILL DETONATE TOUR
EMAROSA
SUM 41
PIERCE THE VEIL
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