Austin Photographer Profiles 130 Local Musicians During COVID-19

Austin TX

30 March, 2021

9:00 AM

Description

AUSTIN, TX — An Austin-based photographer has released a book profiling more than a hundred local musicians who have faced hardship during the coronavirus pandemic. Ismael Quintanilla III, a nationally-acclaimed photographer, released his book "I AM HERE ALL DAY" (IAHAD) this year. The book was created to raise awareness and funds for the local music community that faced unprecedented hardships as a result of COVID-19. The new book is on sale now at iamhereallday.com beginning at just $50 with all proceeds being donated back to several local nonprofit organizations. The 240-page book captures personal anecdotes and custom portraits of 138 artists around the greater Austin area including Jackie Venson, Audrey Campbell of Pleasure Venom, Mobley, Sabrina Ellis of A Giant Dog, Gina Chavez, Tony Kamel of Wood & Wire, and countless others, officials said. Officials said the portraits were taken beginning last March through August 2020 at the personal residence of each artist who was stuck at home due to the COVID-19 quarantine. "Compiling this body of art truly helped to restore my identity with a renewed sense of honesty and vulnerability, both of which I view as important vehicles to make the world a better place," Quintanilla said. "As I began this journey last spring, I've realized that this book has come to represent the daily struggles faced internally by local artists who yearn for creativity and inspiration." Quintanilla said he is hosting a free live stream music concert at 7 Thursday on Facebook. The two-hour event will feature music performances from several critically-acclaimed artists showcased in the new book including Jackie Venson as jackie the robot, Gina Chavez, and Tony Kamel of Wood & Wire, plus The Dead Coats, The Vapor Caves, Caleb De Casper, Jaime Ospina, Pelvis Wrestley, and Glass Shadows. Quintanilla also curated a custom Spotify soundtrack that features all 100+ musicians included in the book that is available now for free online listening. Click HERE to listen.