Music Archives - Mike Nicolaassen Photography

Deliverance

Mike Nicolaassen — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 13:56:30 +0000

Observational imagery for brands with a human story.

Music

Venue: Merleyn
City: Nijmegen

Black Bottle Riot, formed in March 2008 in the Netherlands, is renowned for their dynamic fusion of rock, blues, and soul. The band comprises Simon Snel (lead vocals, guitars, blues harp), Mike Sedee (guitars, backing vocals), Jaap van den Berg (bass), and Mark Weerts (drums, backing vocals).

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Blessing in Disguise

Mike Nicolaassen — Tue, 07 May 2019 12:48:04 +0000

Venue: Zwarte Cross
City: Lichtenvoorde

Music

Spent the day with Black-Bone at Zwarte Cross, documenting the hours surrounding the performance — from backstage moments to the energy on stage.

A day shaped by noise, waiting, movement, and live music culture.

Black Bone - Zwarte Cross, Lichtenvoorde

Black-Bone was a hard-hitting rock band from Eindhoven, Netherlands, founded in 2007. The band was made up of Steef van den Bogaard (vocals and guitar), Sven Hompes (bass and backing vocals), and Jules Eck (drums). Drawing inspiration from legendary acts like Guns N’ Roses, AC/DC, and Motörhead, they became known for their electrifying live shows and raw rock ‘n’ roll energy.

Their journey began with the release of their debut album, Back to Mayhem, in 2012, followed by their sophomore record, Blessing in Disguise, in 2015. Over the years, Black-Bone had the opportunity to share the stage with some of rock’s biggest names, including Deep Purple, Slash, and Status Quo, and performed at prominent festivals like Bospop and Paaspop.

After over a decade of rockin’ out, Black-Bone made the bittersweet announcement of their disbandment, thanking their loyal fans for the support and memories they created together.

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In the Spirit of Fire

Mike Nicolaassen — Tue, 25 Sep 2018 13:09:56 +0000

Music

For Black Bottle Riot’s album Fire, I had the honor of creating portraits that embody the open, soulful, and electrifying spirit of their southern rock sound.

This project was more than just a series of images—it was about visually translating the raw energy, passion, and grit that define the band.

After two years of relentless songwriting, touring, and honing their craft, Black Bottle Riot was ready to hit the studio, bringing their signature blend of heart and intensity to life. Fire is more than just an album; it’s a reflection of their journey, a powerful statement of their evolution as musicians. Every song is infused with stories of perseverance, freedom, and unfiltered rock ‘n’ roll energy—something I aimed to capture in each portrait.

The images mirror the album’s dynamic character—deep, vibrant, and steeped in that unmistakable southern flair. From intimate close-ups to powerful group shots, every frame tells a piece of their story, showcasing the camaraderie and authenticity that drive their music.

Being part of this creative process was an incredible experience. Watching the band pour their soul into this project and capturing those moments of pure dedication and emotion was a privilege. Through these portraits, I wanted to give fans a glimpse into the heart of Black Bottle Riot—where passion meets music, and where Fire truly comes to life.

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Dead Moon Night

Mike Nicolaassen — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 14:04:01 +0000

Observational imagery for brands with a human story.

Music

Venue: Merleyn
City: Nijmegen

Fred and Toody Cole are the core members of the iconic garage rock band Dead Moon, formed in Portland, Oregon, in 1987. Fred, known for his gritty guitar playing and raw vocals, and Toody, a powerful bassist and vocalist, formed a musical partnership that became the heart of the band. Their sound, characterized by lo-fi production, catchy melodies, and a punk rock ethos, drew from a variety of influences, including rock ‘n’ roll, garage, and blues.

Despite limited commercial success, Dead Moon became highly influential in the underground music scene. They were known for their relentless touring, DIY attitude, and a catalogue of fiercely independent albums. Fred and Toody’s chemistry, both onstage and off, made them one of the most respected and enduring duos in underground rock music. Their songs, often filled with themes of love, loss, and rebellion, have earned them a loyal fanbase and a lasting legacy in the world of garage rock.

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