On The Road with Hungover
I got the opportunity to spend a few days with Hungover from Florida recently when they rolled through New York on tour. I could just say that it was a great experience but that would be an understatement and it wouldn't do them justice.
I spent a long time saying to myself that I would never go out with a band that I didn't know for many reasons. I wanted to make sure that the chemistry was there otherwise it wouldn't be beneficial to either party. I decided to hop in a van with Hungover after only being friends with Mikey through the internet for a couple of years. To be real with you, I'm glad that I did because I've never felt more at home than I did with these guys. Right off the bat, I was snapping photos of them that I was thrilled with like this photo of Evan on the Big Picture Media balcony.
First things first, I have to mention that their stage presence is incredible. During my first night with them in Poughkeepsie, I was speechless when it came to how much energy they gave off on stage. Not to mention, Marc's interaction with the crowd made me realize what a great frontman he is. Hungover is a band that is going to be climbing the charts very soon because they are the entire package. In addition to being great musicians on stage, they are also some of the most genuine and caring individuals off the stage. There was something about my time with them that just felt right. Despite meeting for the first time, I felt like I was part of the team. There was no bullshit, they didn't put up a facade, or treat me differently. They just let me do my thing. I've worked with countless bands but not too many can compare to these guys.
One of the most valuable aspects of my time spent with them was that they let me see more than the band Hungover. They allowed me to get to know them on a more personal level. As somebody who has a hard time opening up to people I know how difficult it can be to let people in, I can't imagine what it's like when you have a complete stranger in close quarters with you.
Throughout the couple of days I spent with Hungover I learned a lot about them and saw parts of them that I related to. From Austin's top notch playlists (which included just about every pop artist I listen to right now) to Marc's love for Red Jacket Apple Juice, I knew that Hungover and I were going to get along just fine. I've really never met a group of individuals that not only had Zara Larsson on their playlist but also Little Mix AND lost their shit over Red Jacket. The best part about my entire time with them was that they also allowed me to see the vulnerable parts of them. The fact that they trusted me enough to get an insight into their lives in that way is something I could never take for granted. I listened when they spoke with me about their personal struggles and watched intently when they played any song they wrote themselves.
Not to mention, they looked out for my well being as if I were one of their own. I remember at the Troy, NY show when I wasn't feeling too well (probably because I was exhausted coupled with not eating much that day) both Mikey and Gabe offered their help. As I sat in the green room holding my bag silent, I saw a look of concern flicker across Gabe's face after I had mentioned I wasn't feeling okay. He offered to go with me to get food even if it meant traveling outside of the immediate area. After a little while, Mikey said he would go to the van with me so I could grab a muffin. These two actions alone speak volumes to me about the guys in Hungover. That night I must have run into a dozen friends who only after the fact said something about my demeanor but these two were there to help right when I needed it (even though I'm stubborn as heck and wouldn't let them). There aren't many people you meet for the first time that are willing to go out of their way for you like that.
I could really go on forever about how great Hungover is but you should find out for yourselves. Go to one of their shows, check out the Wilt EP , tweet at them to see what's up. Bottom line is that these guys are some of the most caring and selfless individuals I've ever met. They've really changed how I feel about touring and have given me the confidence to do more of it. The few days I spent with them were some of the best I've ever had in 2016 and it gave me so much creative freedom that it left me feeling refreshed as a photographer. I haven't been this excited to share a set of images in a while.
Now without further ado - check out a few galleries of them from NYC, Poughkeepsie, and Troy.
Hungover - @hungoverband
NYC
POUGHKEEPSIE
TROY
