Stargazing with Ninja’s at The Studio 11/19/14

Nothing says a double shift, like making the show completely inconvenient by separating the tour package and sticking it into two sections of the same venue. Starset and Twelve Foot Ninja were scheduled to perform in The Studio at Webster Hall on the 19th since the headliner, In This Moment, took that as an off day from performing on their current tour. With the exception of 3 Pill Morning, who are also on the same route, SIRIUSXM satellite radio station Octane, took it upon itself to host a special private concert featuring In This Moment. Thus, making the night, the official 3 of 4 tour package. Working upstairs for one hour shooting the brand new and beautifully cinematic In This Moment performance and then gunning straight downstairs to catch the other acts was just pure madness due to the population that came in to see the show(s). Lets get two things very clear here. One: Starset and Twelve Foot Ninja SHOULD of played the Marlin Room, a more suitable environment for both bands and a bigger stage that these two deserve. Two: A lot of people complained about the decision to split the bandstand literally have the downstairs show compete with the upstairs. It should of been more coordinated but again, I am not the one in control (although I wish I was).

Starset opened up their set in a cramped stage. Literally no place to move, the front line consisted of guitarists Ron and Brock on opposite side, Adam drumming behind Dustin Bates’ command center, and a cellist in the far back. The cellist was new, as she was not at the previous show at Gramercy Theater. Her appearance was welcome with classical adaptations and a more emotional feel to the songs played. However, when there is good, there is also bad. The crowd was beyond inebriated. Chants of “cello” would drown out the applause and the enjoyment. I could see the frustration build in the bands individual faces, the crowd was into them and then totally out to make them look like village idiots. People can be so cruel at events and ruin the moments for many. Yet, the band pushed forward and played their set. They won over a crowd who were more interested in experiencing Twelve Foot and not giving them an equal chance. Starset won their chance, and even made some friends along the way. I would be happy to think Starset’s third show in N.Y.C would be a memorable one, but the venue and the debutantes who abuse the alcohol were against them this night. This double feature of a tour package belonged in a bigger room… END OF STORY. Special thanks to the guys in Starset for autographing my photos of them I took back at Gramercy Theater. The kindness and admiration from Dustin on the photos was a great feeling to accept. I will continue covering this band no matter what. Also check out their official music video for track four of their Transmissions album “Carnivore” to satiate your curiosity.

Starset Photo Gallery:

Starset Music Video – Carnivore

Austrailian invaders Twelve Foot Ninja were up next. Another tale of deja vu, as this band played this venue seven months ago. It was yet another deja vu moment, except I could not stand side stage for this one thanks to their massive banners on each side mini flight of steps. Already dealing with a tight crowd and no photo pit, I already knew what would happen for this set. Immediately as the first song began, the crowd surfing began and the madness ensued. Mini mosh pits sprouted up thanks to the people protruding alcohol out their pores, and I along with fellow photographer Laura Olsson were caught up in the front as our camera flashes went off to get enough photos. I immediately ran out the audience after the sixth song due to the chaos. Sorry, but broken bones and bruises are NOT part of my repertoire.  After the show, both bands were around to greet fans and chat with everyone. The venue didn’t close out till late as the after party convened in the same place they eviscerated.

Twelve Foot Ninja Photo Gallery:

Twelve Foot Ninja Music Video – Coming For You

Both bands turned the Studio upside down with many of the patrons coming from the In This Moment show in the grand ballroom. I however, felt this show was constricted on time and deserved a bigger room. These bands SHOULD not be playing small rooms like this. Seeing Twelve Foot Ninja play Gramercy Theater last year for Periphery was a show worth seeing. Two times at The Studio this year is enough, time for those guys to get back on the grand stage. As for Starset, their passion for music and unrelenting pursuit to play the perfect “demonstration” as they dub their set is a testament to what this bands full potential can truly be. Put them in bigger rooms and they will bring the people.

Catch you rockers on the flip side!

–Derek Soto–