Despite a storm forecast with torrential rain and howling winds, the queue outside SWX in Bristol was just as giddy and busy as on a sunny summer day. Gig-goers turned up, full of enthusiasm, to support YouTube native James Marriott for a sold-out gig.
SWX echoed with excitement from James’s fans, most of whom already knew the setlist and were chanting his songs before he appeared. This is a testament to his progress as a musician, having released his first project, ‘Slow Down’, on YouTube in 2020. Upon seeing him run onto the stage, his fans erupted into cheers and cries of sheer ecstasy. There was no doubt that he was radiating positive energy in every corner of the room due to his charismatic and infectious charm.
It was an evening filled with both happy and melancholy tunes, and the gig offered something to everyone. The set began with ‘Over My Head,’ and James Marriott’s on-stage presence from the get-go was impressive; he was full of life and engaged with his crowd. He conducted his band, showed his musical skills with impressive guitar riffs and strong vocals.
His song lyrics are thoughtful, fun, and catchy. As Bristol’s show proved, James’s upcoming tour and future music career will be a roaring success. I’m certain that with his YouTube background and regular video updates, his subscribers, who have a front-row seat to his creative process, will loyally support and follow his journey as he navigates his career as a musician.
📸📝 @ciarahillyer
Role: I’m a professional photographer and I love using both digital and film formats.
Qualification: I have two university degrees in photography from UWE in Bristol, BA (hons) and a Master’s.
Available for: Gig shoots, festival shoots, portrait photoshoots, album and single cover shoots and behind the scenes photography.
First attended gig: When I was at school, we had an evening called “Bands Night”. At the ages of 14/15, quite a few of my friends were in a band, playing the drums, guitar and vocals. I would always go and support these nights as I was their biggest fan, but also because staying out until 9:30pm on a school night was wild. These are the earliest gigs I can remember and I remember them so fondly.
First gig shot: BAD SOUNDS! What an impressive show it was.
Dream gig: Heavy question. There are so many and I feel very lucky to have already photographed the likes of Self-Esteem and Arlo Parks. Photographing a Prince concert would have been magic. Right now, I’ll say that photographing U2, during an intimate performance somewhere in Ireland would be more than a dream come true.”
