Sex, Drugs and Rock N’ Roll

Counterculture or Normality

Sex, Drugs and Rock N’ Roll…a cliché, yes; however, fitting nonetheless. These three things are more compatible than babies and breast milk. Since before the time of Elvis, musicians have been frolicking in the sounds of music, the escape of drugs and the pants of women. It has been the overwhelmingly accepted ideology of mainstream America for decades. What is it about music that attracts hoards of swooning women and the lust of the underworld? Is it the rebellious behavior and the fast cars?

The Sixties‘ ushered in a revolution of illicit drug experimentation, sexual freedom and exploration, and the iconic sounds of bands like The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin and many more. It was during this historic period that most believe the phrase, ‘Sex, Drugs and Rock N’ Roll’, was coined. Whenever the conception, this phrase has been a staple in entertainment for years.

There is something so seductive and sexy about this phrase. It represents a counterculture lifestyle that most of humanity has never, and will never, experience; it’s like the forbidden fruit of Biblical times. For obvious reasons, mainstream American has become increasingly fascinated with the phrase. It has become a branding of sorts for anyone living a life of debauchery, entertainment, art and music. Let’s be honest, it doesn’t exactly sound like a bad life.

Though Sex, Drugs and Rock N’ Roll began as three separate entities occasionally representing misled youth and rebellion, it is now a widely used phrase seen on t-shirts, posters and coffee cups in ivy league dorm rooms across America.

‘Sex, Drugs and Rock N’ Roll’, has become a trendy party phrase used by both Main Street and Wall Street America. Luckily, I became a music photographer

Sex, Drugs and Rock N’ Roll

Jim Marshall Proof – Iconic Images of Famous Rock Stars

Jim Marshall is arguably the most iconic music photographer that has ever lived. His images span back to the early 60’s featuring artists like the Beatles, the Stones, Janis Joplin, the Doors, Jimi Hendrix and so many more. Jim’s access to musicians was unprecedented, allowing him the opportunity to capture intimate behind the scene photos of their tours and personal lives. Though Jim is no longer with us, his sprit and iconic images will live on forever.

Prior to Jim’s passing, he released a hardcover photography book entitled, ‘Proof’, featuring some of his most cherished work. The back cover reads, “Proof is a rare glimpse at the creative process of one of the world’s greatest rock-and-roll photographers, reproducing over sixty proof sheets and accompanying hero shots. Taken together they form a photography book unlike others, providing access to great unknown pictures, and insight into the legendary shots of illustrious musical artists and entertainers from the 1960s to the present day”.

If every picture tells a story, a proof sheet speaks volumes – Jim Marshall

I highly recommend Jim Marshall’s book, it is a must have for anyone who loves music or photography. You can find, ‘Proof’, on a variety of websites including, Amazon.

Jim Marshall Proof

Jim Marshal Proof

Annie Drury – Tattoos & Brass Shoes

I recently came across an artist named, Annie Drury; I really dig her melodic style. Here is a video that I found on YouTube. I highly recommend checking her out.

The featured video, along with her lovely photography stills, were shot by ‘Shot By Sodium‘ out of the United Kingdom. They really did a great job; the overall production is incredible.

I hope you enjoy her music…

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_zOKuCBCrY&w=560&h=315]

Los Angeles Music Scene

The Los Angeles music scene is one of the most industry driven music cities on the planet. Musicians have been flocking to L.A. for decades in search of the American dream…becoming a rock star! Since the early 50’s, the LA music scene has been host to some of the most iconic musicians from around the world. With state-of-the-art recording facilities, warm sunny weather, pristine beaches and a healthy population of single women, L.A. has been THE destination for professional musicians for over a half century.

Los Angeles is also home to some of the most infamous live music venues in the world. Rock clubs and music venues like the Roxy, Whisky A Go Go, Hollywood Palladium and Greek Theater have played host to some of the world’s most elite musicians including Frank Sinatra, Rolling Stones, The Doors, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, the Runaways and Gun’s N’ Roses just to name a few. The music scene in L.A. is rich in history to say the least.

Over the last few decades a multitude of industry resources and professional trade schools have become readily available to amateur musicians aspiring to become professional artists. These resources have assisted in the overall development and growth of the Los Angeles music scene by creating a large community of well trained, seasoned professionals with advanced knowledge and expertise in music theory and the art of recording.

The combination of local culture, music history, infamous venues and educational resources have positioned Los Angeles as arguably the most advanced and influential music city in the world. The music scene Los Angeles created has served as a roadmap for industry professionals around the world. With the continued advancement, development and support of local musicians and industry professionals, Los Angeles is poised to remain a heavy hitter in the world of music.

Music Scene in Los Angeles

Austin Music Scene

There is a reason why Austin, TX is referred to as ‘The Live Music Capitol of the World’; it is by far one of the most nurturing and supportive music cities in the U.S. and abroad. From Stevie Ray Vaughan to Eric Johnson, Ray Benson to Willie Nelson, the Austin music scene has been producing chart topping musicians for years.

Over the last 15 years, the Austin music scene has grown exponentially due to its wildly successful industry events and music festivals such as South by Southwest, Austin City Limits Music Festival, and Fun Fun Fun Fest. Austin’s growth can also be contributed to the array of new, state-of-the-art music facilities like the ACL Live Moody Theatre, Austin Music Hall, the Backyard and the Long Center just to name a few. These incredible industry events, festivals and music venues continue to attract visitors from around the world.

As the infrastructure of the industry grows, the music scene Austin has encouraged and supported will continue to see more and more industry businesses flock to Austin including record labels, management companies, marketing and PR companies, recording studios and rehearsal spaces; all of which play extremely important and key roles in the further growth and advancement of the music scene in Austin.

Music Scene in Austin

Nashville Music Scene

The Nashville music scene is rich with country music history. From the iconic musicians that live and play there, to the historic venues that helped shape their careers, Nashville, TN is undisputedly the country music capitol of the world. The city’s incredible legacy continues to raise the bar for aspiring artist looking to fill the shoes of some of country music’s most successful artists.

With the recent explosion of pop influenced, mainstream country music from artist like Taylor Swift and Darius Rucker, Nashville has found itself with more of a spotlight on it than ever before. The streets are lined with live music venues featuring the sounds of young, eager talent and an influx of tourists from around the world seeking to experience this electric time.

The Nashville music scene, and the local industry driving it, have created a much more polished and seasoned breed of talent. With so many industry resources and professional training available to artists, it’s no coincidence that Nashville is known for producing some of the industry’s most successful and recognized names in entertainment.

As Nashville frolics through this magical time in country music one thing remains certain; the incredible music scene Nashville has developed is, and will always be, one of the most influential cities in all of music.

Music Scene in Nashville

Photo of the Week

I recently took this photo of a great friend and an extremely talented musician, Aaron Vaughn Barrera. Aaron can be found playing with his band, Murder My Sweet, featuring guitarist Mark Younger-Smith (Billy Idol) and keyboardist Chris Potter (Ministry). Aaron has amazing range, great pitch and is truly a unique raw talent.

Copyright Christopher Durst / All Rights Reserved.

Aaron Vaughn Barrera Live in Concert - Austin, TX