The yearly EDM festival IleSoniq has come and gone for 2017. And it was another year of music, dancing and people going crazy at Parc Jean-Drapeau! I’ve been lucky enough to have been a festival photographer since it’s beginnings, going from the smallest stages hidden in the woods, covering the main stage’s fireworks and huge light shows, to this year, covering the second stage, the La Vie Bud Light stage with headliners such as Markus Schulz, Getter, Migos and one of my personal fave, Infected Mushroom.
What to say about EDM other than that it is it’s own culture. It is a mix of people, colours, music styles. Sure, there are the drugs that always seem to make their way around the scene, but in it’s essence it is about having a good time. The skies opened up a few times, even delaying the festival for a few dozen minutes, but that never stopped the crowd from enjoying themselves.
It is a bit different to cover a festival like IleSoniq as a photographer. The artists themselves are for the most part behind a table. But they are so into their music, that getting shots that give off that vibe is essential. And what to say about getting photos of the fans! Sure, people will quickly pose for you if you raise your camera. Getting the depth of the crowd and the balloons and flags that are there. But finding people that are in their moment is what I like to do. Eyes closed, grooving, going crazy… showing how people enjoy their music and their festival is key.
With all that said, it was a great festival on a new, temporary site. The promoter did a bang up job getting things running. And working a festival like this, where I clock in an average of 12 kms a day of walking, can be exhausting (well, it is exhausting), but having the support of fellow photographers who pitch in for coverage, crew and stage managers that keep you informed, security that keep you safe, and the runners who brought me food to keep me fed, and so many other people behind the scenes that make it what it is.
Here are a series of images that best represent my 2 days at IleSoniq 2017. All images shot for Evenko / IleSoniq, use only with permission.
