SUPERSONIC SYLVIA
Bathed in Echoes: Supersonic Sylvia at Whelan’s
I had the distinct pleasure of capturing the breathtaking performance of Supersonic Sylvia recently at Whelan’s, and it was truly one of those rare nights where the sound and visuals seemed to intertwine and hang in the air like mist, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere. The band is an incredibly talented three-piece from Wexford. They brought forth a sound that felt simultaneously haunting, beautiful, and otherworldly. With the electric guitar and violin weaving around each other like wisps of smoke, their set drifted gracefully between beauty and unease in the best possible way. It wasn’t just music; it was a mood—a captivating ambiance that gently pulled the entire room into stillness. Eager to experiment, I wanted to try something new that night, so I brought a flash. It’s a tool I’ve tended to avoid at gigs in the past, but curiosity ultimately got the better of me. I quickly learned something vital. While flash certainly has its place in photography, in this particular kind of environment, it seemed to strip away everything I cherish about the natural stage lighting—the rich mood, the intricate texture, the enchanting mystery. It flattened the atmosphere, robbed the shadows of their inherent drama, and silenced the evocative story the lights were already engagingly telling. Realizing this, I ultimately ditched the flash after capturing only a few frames and returned to what I know best, allowing the beautiful streaks and splashes of light to lead my photographic journey. The deep purples and soft blues, illuminated by the gentle glow coming off the stage, paired perfectly with the unique sound that Supersonic Sylvia created. There was something exquisitely profound about the way the violin cut through the room, both fragile and sharp at the same time, making every frame I took feel like it belonged to a dream. As a passionate photographer, moments like these serve as heartfelt reminders of why I love what I do. It’s not merely about capturing musicians on stage; it’s about seizing that feeling—the small, specific kind of magic that only happens when sound and light dance together just right, creating an unforgettable experience for everyone present.
