Splice

Media Group

Lunatic Luau 2019

May 21, 2019

Badflower + Fencer

May 18, 2019

Cher brings her “Here We Go Again Tour” to a Sold-Out Van Andel Arena

May 15, 2019

Slayer’s Final World Tour Comes to the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater

May 13, 2019

Pup with Ratboys and Casper Skulls at One Eyed Jacks

May 11, 2019

CEO | Artist Manager | Publicist | Senior Photojournalist

Traits

Research
90%
Tenancity
100%
Patience
10%

Mary Elliott

If you don’t know me in person, you’d be shocked to see that I am over 6’ tall

I work: I own Splice Media Group

I enjoy: photography!

Goals/Dreams: To be the next Rolling Stone!

Niche:
Tell us about your style, and what you contribute to Splice that makes you unique
My photography style is candid. I don’t necessarily like to pose people; I much prefer the raw beauty that I can capture when the subject isn’t paying any attention to me.

Splice (Bucket) List: Adele, Norah Jones, Sarah McLachlan, Guns n Roses, Kiss, Styx, REO Speedwagon, Def Leppard, Journey, Foreigner (again), Bob Seger, Ann Wilson (again), James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Montgomery [Gentry], Little Big Town, Kid Rock, Zac Brown Band, Greta Van Fleet, Ozzy Osbourne …. I could go on all day!

Guilty Pleasures: The Oak Ridge Boys, Statler Brothers, Jimmy Fortune, Cristy Lane, Couponing, Dr. Phil, Smoked oysters, Steak with Blue Cheese Crumbles, Chewy Brownies …

If you could photograph any concert in history, what would it be? Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Conway Twitty

My favorite TV show is: This is Us

Favorite food: Steak

My dream car is: Cherry Red Jeep Wrangler

An interesting fact about me that people don’t expect is: If you don’t know me in person, you’d be shocked to see that I am over 6’ tall. I have Bell’s Palsy.

When you’re not photographing great concerts, writing about them, interviewing artists, doing album reviews… what can we find you doing? Spending time with friends and family. Flying my stunt kite. Doing something crafty. Enjoying the outdoors.

Coverage Areas

Michigan

COO | Artist Manager | Publicist | Senior Photojournalist

Traits

Nice Guy
20%
Humorous
100%
Hardworker
90%

John Swider

Goals/Dreams: To be a tour photographer with a national touring band for a year

I work: Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., John Swider Photography & Lifestyle Photography by Bev

I enjoy: Hanging out with good people and really good food!!!

Goals/Dreams: To be a tour photographer with a national touring band for a year

Niche:
Tell us about your style, and what you contribute to Splice that makes you unique:
Able to capture the energy and raw emotion of a live show and portray it thru my camera.

Splice (Bucket) List: The Eagles, Bruno Mars, Robert Plant, Foo Fighters and too many more to list!

Guilty Pleasures: Sampling and collecting high-end bourbons.

First album I ever owned: Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin

My first concert was: Aerosmith at the Allen Park Civic Area in the early 70’s (real early 70’s)

The last concert I attended was: Joe Bonamassa at the Fox

If I could have attended any concert in history, I’d go back in time and see: Woodstock without a doubt.

Favorite non-photography activity: I love to travel and meet interesting people

The first concert I photographed was: Eddie Money at Pine Knob…………Yes I’m that old !!

If you could photograph any concert in history, what would it be? Altamont Speedway Free Festival in 1969. What really happened there?

The first concert I reviewed was: Foreigner 40

My favorite interview was: Kelly Hansen

If you could interview any celebrity in history, who would it be? George Washington

The last movie I saw was: Insurgent

My favorite book is: The Last Calling

My favorite TV show is: The Voice. Its music-based and entertaining!

My favorite food is: Pizza. There is nothing else!

Five items that are always in your refrigerator: Milk, leftovers, cheese, juices and vegetables

My favorite non-musical activity: Photographing Light Houses and working towards their preservation.

My most treasured possession is: My family. Material things can be replaced, family is forever!

My biggest phobia is: Drowning. I get goosebumps just saying that word.

My biggest pet peeve is: Procrastination

My favorite place in the world is: The mountains in the Pacific Northwest

My dream car is: Ferrari 250 GTO

My hidden talents are: That I love to cook!

An interesting fact about me that people don’t expect is: That I am a photographer! That seems to blow people away when I tell them.

CIO | Publicist | Senior Photojournalist

Traits

Passion
100%
Persistence
100%
Patience
100%
Funny
30%
Hardworker
100%

Mark Matson

Passion, persistence, and patience...all in the name of creating that feeling of a show for those that couldn’t get there.

I work: as a technician

I enjoy: Getting that perfect shot a concert

Goals/Dreams: To travel the world shooting concerts for artists

Niche:
Tell us about your style, and what you contribute to Splice that makes you unique
Passion, persistence, and patience…all in the name of creating that feeling of a show for those that couldn’t get there.

Splice (Bucket) List: Foo Fighters, Shinedown, Seether, Queens of the Stoneage, John Mayer, Pink

Guilty Pleasures: Playing guitar

The first album I ever owned was: ELO – Out of the Blue

My first concert was: Stevie Ray Vaugh at the Capital Theater in Passaic, NJ

The last concert I attended was: Gasparilla Music Festival featuring The Roots

If I could have attended any concert in history, I’d go back in time and see: Pantera

Favorite non-photography activity? Going to concerts

What was the first concert you photographed? Candlebox

If you could photograph any concert in history, what would it be? Stevie Ray Vaugh Alpine Valley Music Theater 1990 – his last concert

What is your favorite non-writing activity? Reading

The last movie I saw was: Star Wars – The Last Jedi

My favorite website is: Instagram

My favorite food is: A ribeye

My most treasured possession is: My daughters and my cameras

My biggest pet peeve is: Driving too slow in the left lane

My favorite place in the world is: In the pit at the front of the stage.

My dream car is: Ford Mustang

An interesting fact about me that people don’t expect is:  I look nowhere near my age.

When you’re not photographing great concerts, writing about them, interviewing artists, doing album reviews… what can we find you doing? Listening to music and discovering new bands

Coverage Areas

Florida

CFO | CMO | Director of A&R

Traits

Marketing
100%
Social Media
100%

Marc Carlton

Senior Photojournalist

Traits

Humorous
30%
Easygoing
80%
Dependable
100%

Allen Heimberger

I try to capture as much energy and emotion from the event I can. I want my photos to make you feel like you were there, and know what there felt like.

I work: As a Graphic Artist/Designer

I enjoy: Music, Art, Cold Beer

Goals/Dreams: To be a great Concert Photographer, and maybe win the Lottery!

Niche:
Tell us about your style, and what you contribute to Splice that makes you unique
I try to capture as much energy and emotion from the event I can. I want my photos to make you feel like you were there, and know what there felt like.

Splice (Bucket) List: KISS, Slayer, Metallica, Megadeth, Volbeat, Zakk Wylde, Rob Zombie, Sturgill Simpson, and more…

The first album I ever owned was: K-Tel various artists. It had Beth by KISS on it. I couldn’t buy just a KISS album, so I snuck this one past my parents.

My first concert was: Pink Floyd

The last concert I attended was: Black Label Society

If I could have attended any concert in history, I’d go back in time and see: Woodstock

Favorite non-photography activity? Listening to Music

What was the first concert you photographed? Motograter

If you could photograph any concert in history, what would it be? Jimi Hendrix, anywhere.

What is your favorite non-writing activity? Talking

What was the first concert you reviewed? Motograter, it was never published

What was your favorite interview? Not many interviews yet, but chatting about music with Tyler Connely from Theory was cool!

If you could interview any celebrity in history, who would it be? Jimi Hendrix

I get mistaken for this celebrity: Michael Anthony Hall

The last movie I saw was: Star Wars Episode 8

My favorite book is: Art of Motorcycle Maintenance

My favorite TV show is: Ash vs. Evil Dead

My favorite website is: Drudgereport.com

My favorite food is: Pizza

Five items that are always in your refrigerator: Diet Mt. Dew, Gatorade, Eggs, Cheese, and something that is going bad.

My favorite non-musical activity: Relaxing

My most treasured possession is: My Family

My biggest phobia is: Failing

My biggest pet peeve is: People Chewing Loudly

My favorite place in the world is: Wherever I am at the time, by New York City is pretty cool!

My dream car is: Dodge Hellcat

My hidden talents are: I am a fine artist

An interesting fact about me that people don’t expect is:  I am a great cook!

My crush is: My Wife, of course!

When you’re not photographing great concerts, writing about them, interviewing artists, doing album reviews… what can we find you doing? Either DJing a party, or relaxing with a beer.

Senior Photojournalist

Traits

Cheyenne Comerford

I like to take photos that make people see things in a way that they might normally not

Cheyenne Comerford Photography

I would like to be a touring photographer. I enjoy music, riding horses, playing guitar, and rollerblading.

Splice (Bucket) List: Pretty much any Rock artist. It’s what I grew up listening to and what I’ll always love.

The first album I ever owned was: Fallen – Evanescence

My first concert was: Goo Goo Dolls

If I could have attended any concert in history, I’d go back in time and see: Van Halen in their prime.

Locations

Michigan Canada

Senior Photojournalist

Traits

Jessi McKee

Guilty Pleasures: collecting vinyl

I work: As a freelance photographer

I enjoy: Concerts and discovering new music

Goals/Dreams: To make a difference

Niche:
Tell us about your style, and what you contribute to Splice that makes you unique
Unique perspectives

Splice (Bucket) List: Blink 182, Alkaline Trio, PUP

Guilty Pleasures: Collecting vinyl

The first album I ever owned was: Blink 182 – Enema of the State

My first concert was: Billy Idol

The last concert I attended was: Future Thieves

What was the first concert you photographed? Bald Eagle Mountain and Two Cow Garage

What is your favorite non-writing activity? Volunteering at an animal shelter

What was the first concert you reviewed? The Weeks

If you could interview any celebrity in history, who would it be? Tom Delonge

My most treasured possession is: My Nikon

Locations

Missouri

Senior Photojournalist

Traits

Problem Solver
90%

Adrienne Row – Smith

I enjoy music, video games, satire, philosophy

I work: Freelance photography (specialized in commercial, promotional, and events), I also do retouching and editing services.

I enjoy: Music, video games, satire, philosophy

Goals/Dreams: Be famous

Niche:
Tell us about your style, and what you contribute to Splice that makes you unique
Passion for promoting not only big-time artists, but local musicians as well

Splice (Bucket) List: Janelle Monae, Beyonce, Janet Jackson, and either Montebello Rockfest, Heavy MTL or Osheaga at least one

Guilty Pleasures: Sweet foods

The first album I ever owned was: Rise Against The Sufferer & the Witness

My first concert was: Sheryl Crow

The last concert I attended was: Amos the Transparent

If I could have attended any concert in history, I’d go back in time and see: Michael Jackson

Favorite non-photography activity? Reading / Video games

What was the first concert you photographed? Local Battle of the Bands

If you could photograph any concert in history, what would it be? Michael Jackson, or Beyonce’s Super Bowl Performance

What was the first concert you reviewed? Psycroptic

If you could interview any celebrity in history, who would it be? Janelle Monae

The last movie I saw was: Panic Room

My favorite book is: Symbolic Economy

My favorite TV show is: The Office

My favorite website is: Adrienne Row – Smith Photography

My favorite food is: Strawberries

Five items that are always in your refrigerator: Sriracha Hot Sauce, Strawberries, Yogurt, chicken

My favorite non-musical activity: watching movies

My most treasured possession is: Nikon D750

My biggest phobia is: I hate snakes

My biggest pet peeve is: Not clear instructions

My favorite place in the world is: my bed

My dream car is: Tesla Model 3

My hidden talents are: I have an uncanny ability to problem solve

When you’re not photographing great concerts, writing about them, interviewing artists, doing album reviews… what can we find you doing? Reading philosophy books, or planning out my next personal photography project.

Locations

Canada

Senior Photojournalist

Traits

Eryn Smith

Eryn Smith

I work: I am a full time student working retail and an internship with Vinnie Mac. I also freelance concerts for my personal website.

I enjoy: Attending concerts, anything and everything spooky, going on hikes, and my camera.

Goals/Dreams: As of now, my goal is to graduate school and get a job in the music industry working as a tour manager or publicist.

Niche:
Tell us about your style, and what you contribute to Splice that makes you unique
I believe I can bring not only my unique eye for photography and creative ideas, but also my forever growing knowledge in public relation and social media.

Splice (Bucket) List: Foo Fighters, Weezer, Knocked Loose, The 1975, John Mayer, and Modest Mouse.

Guilty Pleasures: My biggest guilty pleasures are naps and Red Bull. They don’t go together at all, but I couldn’t get through a day without either.

The first album I ever owned was: All Time Low

My first concert was: John Mayer

The last concert I attended was: Warped Tour 2018

If I could have attended any concert in history, I’d go back in time and see: Spice Girls

Favorite non-photography activity? Hiking

What was the first concert you photographed? Chase Huglin

If you could photograph any concert in history, what would it be? Foo Fighters

If you could interview any celebrity in history, who would it be? John Mayer

The last movie I saw was: Heathers

My favorite book is: Cell by Stephen King

My favorite TV show is: It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia

My favorite website is: Twitter

My favorite food is: Sushi

Five items that are always in your refrigerator: Red Bull, cheese, salsa, almond milk, cherries.:

My most treasured possession is: Camera

My biggest phobia is: Heights

My biggest pet peeve is: Loud chewing

My favorite place in the world is: Chicago

When you’re not photographing great concerts, writing about them, interviewing artists, doing album reviews… what can we find you doing? Honestly you can find me at more concerts. Even if I’m not working, I’m still there. Concerts have such an atmosphere that I absolutely love to be in. I can never get enough.

Locations

Missouri Illinois

Senior Photojournalist

Traits

Smiley
100%

Trevor Redford

Goals/Dreams: Travel the world with my camera and music then eventually settling down with a home by the ocean. A simple dream, but that's good enough for me.

I work: Videographer and editor for an ice rink management company

I enjoy: Music (playing and listening), Hockey, Baseball, Video Games, traveling when I can afford it.

Goals/Dreams: Travel the world with my camera and music then eventually settling down with a home by the ocean. A simple dream, but that’s good enough for me.

Niche:
Tell us about your style, and what you contribute to Splice that makes you unique
Awesome photos and maybe some video of your favorite bands and musicians!

Splice (Bucket) List: The Wonder Years, Sum 41,

The first album I ever owned was: Hybrid Theory – Linkin Park

My first concert was: Green Day with New Found Glory and Sugarcult

The last concert I attended was: The Get Free Tour with Silverstein, Tonight Alive, Broadside & Picturesque

If I could have attended any concert in history, I’d go back in time and see: Any Blink-182 concert with Tom during the Take Off Your Pants & Jacket era.

Favorite non-photography activity? Trying to play hockey haha. I just started a couple years ago.

What was the first concert you photographed? I honestly can’t remember it was so long ago.

If you could photograph any concert in history, what would it be? The Green Day Blink-182 Tour

What was your favorite interview? I only filmed it, but Ian Cole from the Columbus Blue Jackets was an awesome interview.

The last movie I saw was: Ready Player One

My favorite TV show is: Scrubs

My favorite non-musical activity: Video Games

My most treasured possession is: My camera

When you’re not photographing great concerts, writing about them, interviewing artists, doing album reviews… what can we find you doing? Filming and photographing hockey games

Locations

Michigan

Senior Photojournalist

Traits

Anna Tollstam

Guilty Pleasures: eating fruit bowls at 3 am while watching 90's movies

I work: At Starbucks

I enjoy: Going to concerts

Goals/Dreams: I hope to become a tour photographer

Niche: Tell us about your style, and what you contribute to Splice that makes you unique:
I love all kinds of music

Splice (Bucket) List: To shoot a music festival (preferably pop, rap, hip-hop, R&B type, really upbeat)

Guilty Pleasures: eating fruit bowls at 3 am while watching 90’s movies

My first concert was: Jason Michael Carroll when I was 6 years old and it was an interesting experience.

The last concert I attended was: Harry Hudson

If I could have attended any concert in history, I’d go back in time and see: Michael Jackson or Hannah Montana when I was between the ages of 6-11

If you could photograph any concert in history, what would it be? Machine Gun Kelly currently or Woodstock

If you could interview any celebrity in history, who would it be? Brendon Urie

My favorite book is: This is Where it Ends

My favorite TV show is: The Office

My favorite website is: https://annatollstam.wixsite.com/annatollstamart

My favorite food is: Avocados or bananas

My most treasured possession is: My camera

My biggest phobia is: Bugs with many legs

My biggest pet peeve is: Rude people

My favorite place in the world is: Chicago

My dream car is: Tesla

When you’re not photographing great concerts, writing about them, interviewing artists, doing album reviews… what can we find you doing? Working or school

Locations

Michigan

Photojournalist

Traits

Ken Penn

My goal is to produce high-end music promotions with photo and video

I work: as a professional commercial, fine art, and entertainment photographer

I enjoy: Music, Art, Fashion, Traveling, Vegan Food

Goals/Dreams: To produce high-end music promotions with photo and video.

Niche:
Tell us about your style, and what you contribute to Splice that makes you unique
Many years of experience photographing bands of all types.

Splice (Bucket) List: Guns & Roses, Depeche Mode, Metallica, Bjork

Guilty Pleasures: Ariana Grande, Justin Timberlake, Morrissey

The first album I ever owned was: Run DMC Raising Hell

My first concert was: Red Hot Chili Peppers Live at VCU Shafer Court

The last concert I attended was: American Nightmare

Favorite non-photography activity? Drawing

What was the first concert you photographed? First major band was AFI in Charleston South Carolina

If you could photograph any concert in history, what would it be? Woodstock

What was the first concert you reviewed? Morrissey Live at Red Rocks, Morrison Colorado

What was your favorite interview? Gwar during GwarBQ

If you could interview any celebrity in history, who would it be? Morrissey

The last movie I saw was: Three Billboards

My favorite TV show is: Wild’n Out

My favorite food is: Vegan “Chickn”

Five items that are always in your refrigerator: Almond Milk, Hot Sauce, Tofu, Veg Chickn, Sunkist Grape

My favorite non-musical activity: Riding Motorcycles

My most treasured possession is: my photo equipment

My biggest phobia is: drowning

My biggest pet peeve is: personal space

My favorite place in the world is: Hawaii

My dream car is: Electric VW Bus

An interesting fact about me that people don’t expect is:  I’m 6 foot 4 inches tall with a lot of tattoos

When you’re not photographing great concerts, writing about them, interviewing artists, doing album reviews… what can we find you doing? Photographing conceptual fine art

last updated: 03/2018

Photojournalist

Traits

Ron Claus

My goal is to continuously improve my skills as a photographer. I want my photos to tell a story, pull someone in, lead them on a journey and make them smile!

I work: The week as an Engineer; My free time as a Photographer

I enjoy: Being around people and having lots of fun! Part is spending time with my family, but I really enjoy discovering music, traveling and being outdoors.

Goals/Dreams: My goal is to continuously improve my skills as a photographer. I want my photos to tell a story, pull someone in, lead them on a journey and make them smile!

Niche:
Tell us about your style, and what you contribute to Splice that makes you unique
The WOW factor. I want Splice’s audience to have the experience as if they were at the concert themselves through my lens.

Splice (Bucket) List: Oh my, such a long list here, but I’ll keep it short: Rolling Stones, Metallica, Alice In Chains, Kenny Chesney, Alison Krauss, Paul McCartney, Ozzy Osbourne, Rob Zombie, ZZ Top, Mark Lanegan, Red Wanting Blue

Guilty Pleasures: Going to the movies with a large bucket of buttered popcorn

The last concert I attended was: Joe Satriani G3 Tour 2018 at the Hard Rock Rocksino

If I could have attended any concert in history, I’d go back in time and see: Johnny Cash, Jimi Hendrix, Elvis, Sex Pistols, Buck Owens, Waylon Jennings, Chuck Berry

Favorite non-photography activity? Aside from my family, I really enjoy attending motorsport events, airshows and hot rod cruise nights during the summer. Camera in hand of course!

What was the first concert you photographed? The Reverend Horton Heat was my first time photographing a concert

If you could photograph any concert in history, what would it be? Tough question, as I wish I could have photographed both Soundgarden & Nirvana

Photojournalist

Traits

Kristen Derr

My first concert was New Kids on the Block when I was 8

I work: software developer and photographer

I enjoy: traveling, sewing, cats, and snakes

Goals/Dreams: Travel as much as possible

Niche:
Tell us about your style, and what you contribute to Splice that makes you unique
Concert photos from large venues and smaller clubs!

Splice (Bucket) List: Thursday, Circa Survive, Jawbreaker, Finch (if they ever get back together…)

Guilty Pleasures: reading advice columns

The first album I ever owned was: The Offspring- Smash

My first concert was: New Kids on the Block when I was 8

The last concert I attended was: Pianos Become the Teeth

Favorite non-photography activity? Creating anything! I draw, build things, and design and make most of my own clothes.

What was the first concert you photographed? My friends Jonathan Monument

If you could photograph any concert in history, what would it be? I’ll always regret not getting into concert photography until after Finch broke up.

My most treasured possession is: My picture collection, going all the way back to my 35mm film camera from the 90s.

My biggest pet peeve is: When people drive slowly down the on-ramp and stop at the bottom. The ramp is there for you to speed up, not slow down.

My favorite place in the world is: New Orleans

Photojournalist

Traits

Temma Hankin

Goals/Dreams: A house with an avocado tree in the yard, and a garden full of tomato and pepper plants, so I can have fresh guacamole and salsa at all times.

I work: In the entertainment industry

I enjoy: Spending quality time with my dog.

Goals/Dreams: A house with an avocado tree in the yard, and a garden full of tomato and pepper plants, so I can have fresh guacamole and salsa at all times.

Niche:
Tell us about your style, and what you contribute to Splice that makes you unique
Photography

Splice (Bucket) List: Andrew W.K., Chromeo, Jungle, Missy Elliott, Die Antwoord, and if you’ve got a time machine handy, David Bowie.

Guilty Pleasures: Singing songs to my dog/re-writing songs to be about my dog and then singing them to him.

The first album I ever owned was: I had a box full of Elvis, Michael Jackson, and Chipmunks cassettes. I’m sure that my parents heard “Heal the World” far more times than they ever wanted to.

My first concert was: Weird Al Yankovic

The last concert I attended was: Gramatik

My favorite book is: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

Five items that are always in your refrigerator: Hot sauce, champagne, eggs, tofu, and garlic.

An interesting fact about me that people don’t expect is:  I used to drive a Cadillac hearse.