Paris Paloma rocks the stage at Franklin Music Hall in Philly, PA | Photography by Rebecca McDevitt (@rebeccajeanlimitedphotography) Flower crowns, paper stars, and plenty of tears: The Fatal Flaw Tour gave Philly fans a night they'll be talking about for a long time. Article Contributed & Photography by Rebecca McDevitt If you were anywhere near Franklin Music Hall on October 23, you saw them: flower crowns, floral gowns, flowing skirts, and glitter for days. Paris Paloma fans showed up dressed like they'd stepped straight out of an enchanted forest, and honestly, we've never felt more at home in a crowd. Paris Paloma rocks the stage at Franklin Music Hall in Philly, PA | Photography by Rebecca McDevitt (@rebeccajeanlimitedphotography) The last time Paloma played Philly, it was Union Transfer in March 2025. This time she came back bigger, fresh off an arena run supporting Florence + The Machine, and her fans packed the room wall to wall to welcome her home. The energy was buzzing before a single note was played. Susannah Joffe Stole Our Hearts First Susannah Joffe warms the room at Franklin Music Hall in Philly, PA | Photography by Rebecca McDevitt (@rebeccajeanlimitedphotography) Opener Susannah Joffe walked out in a crown, a tutu, and cowboy boots, and we were obsessed immediately. Part princess, part cowgirl, all feminist fire. Her vocals were incredible, her performance matched them, and she fit this bill perfectly. If you missed her set, go stream her now. SoundCheck officially has a new favorite. A Family Tree for All of Us Paris Paloma rocks the stage at Franklin Music Hall in Philly, PA | Photography by Rebecca McDevitt (@rebeccajeanlimitedphotography) When Paloma took the stage, fans gasped at the set: a tree stretching its branches across the stage, filled with hearts and stars, with a heart at its center and a giant one glowing at the top. To us, it felt like a family tree for the matriarchy, or maybe for everyone in that room who found each other through her music. She kicked things off with Stem The Flow, and the whole crowd was hooked from the first line. The lighting stayed dreamy and ethereal all night long. Fans Gave Paris Paloma the Stars Just two songs later, the fans gave Paloma a gift of their own. As “Miyazaki” began, paper stars rose across the room, each printed with a line from the song. “I won’t let you take it from me”It was breathtaking and so sweet, and you could see on her face that she felt every single one. Three songs in and we were already emotional. Moments like that are why we love this fandom. Fans celebrate with stars at Franklin Music Hall in Philly, PA | Photography by Rebecca McDevitt (@rebeccajeanlimitedphotography) Fans who've had The Fatal Flaw on repeat since September were well rewarded. Ten of the fifteen songs came from the new album, and the crowd sang along to “Rothko”, “Pre-Raphaelite”, and “I Cry in Front of Paintings” like they'd known them for years. Longtime fans got their Cacophony fix too, with “drywall” and “as good a reason” sending the room into full singalong mode. The Moment That Hit Us Hardest Good Girl was the moment so many of us will carry home. Before the song, Paloma talked about the men online who constantly comment on her body, and how she's done listening to them. She talked about how we're always at war with ourselves over our bodies, and you could feel every person in that room nodding along. Paris Paloma rocks the stage at Franklin Music Hall in Philly, PA | Photography by Rebecca McDevitt (@rebeccajeanlimitedphotography) As a woman co-founded publication, we felt that one in our bones. She also opened up about how hard it can be to love a man as a feminist while fighting the patriarchy, and later spoke about toxic masculinity and the pressure that pushes men toward it. It felt like a conversation between friends. Closing With the Anthem Of course, the night ended with labour, the 2023 breakout that brought so many of us to Paloma in the first place. After everything she'd shared on that stage, hearing the whole room scream “labour” back together was pure catharsis. Paris Paloma rocks the stage at Franklin Music Hall in Philly, PA | Photography by Rebecca McDevitt (@rebeccajeanlimitedphotography) Emotional, moving, ethereal, and full of love. Paloma's vocals were stunning from start to finish, and we cried more than once (no shame). With two nights at DC's 9:30 Club still to come, we're already jealous of everyone heading there. Philly, you showed up for her, and she showed up for you right back.

Rachel Bochner performing at the Philly Kung Fu Necktie | Photography by Rebecca McDevitt (@rebeccajeanlimitedphotography) From a crowd singing along to flying bras and a whole lot of chaos, Rachel Bochner brought the energy, the personality and the kind of connection that makes live music special to Philadelphia’s Kung Fu Necktie. Article Contributed by Rebecca McDevitt. Photography by Rebecca McDevitt. Rachel Bochner performing at the Philly Kung Fu Necktie | Photography by Rebecca McDevitt (@rebeccajeanlimitedphotography) Philadelphia got a little louder, hotter and a whole lot more chaotic on October 21, when Rachel Bochner brought her Sorry If It’s Selfish! Tour to Kung Fu Necktie. Between the singalongs, flying bras and a questionable Magic 8 Ball prediction, the night had all the makings of a memorable show. But what made it so much fun was watching an artist who seemed to be having just as good a time as everyone in the crowd. Kicking Off the Night With Janna Jamison Janna Jamison performing at the Philly Kung Fu Necktie | Photography by Rebecca McDevitt (@rebeccajeanlimitedphotography) Janna Jamison opened the evening with vocals that reminded us of Dolores O’Riordan of The Cranberries. There was a distinctive quality to her sound that gave her a little rock princess energy, and we were absolutely here for it. Add in her heart shaped guitars, which we immediately fell in love with, and she was a fun introduction to the night ahead. Welcome to Rachel's World Rachel Bochner performing at the Philly Kung Fu Necktie | Photography by Rebecca McDevitt (@rebeccajeanlimitedphotography) With roughly 40 to 50 people packed into Kung Fu Necktie, the atmosphere was intimate, sweaty and wonderfully chaotic. The bar's eclectic, thrifted decor set the scene, while a giant bandana style banner featuring Bochner's name and a lit clothesline full of bras gave the stage plenty of personality. And yes, more bras would eventually make their way onto that stage. Bochner's energy was infectious from the moment she started performing. Backed by drummer Sierra Leuschen and guitarist Rianna Kopcho, she brought a liveliness to the room that made it difficult to look away. You could watch her perform all night and still want another set. She has that kind of stage presence, the kind that makes you want to come back and see her again because you know the experience will be just as much fun. Rachel Bochner performing at the Philly Kung Fu Necktie | Photography by Rebecca McDevitt (@rebeccajeanlimitedphotography) At one point, Bochner sat on a chest, shook a Magic 8 Ball and gave a thumbs down. No explanation needed. It was silly, unexpected and completely on brand for a night that never took itself too seriously. Then came the bras. With an entire clothesline already hanging behind her, the crowd seemed determined to contribute to the collection. It was ridiculous in the best possible way, and watching it unfold in such a tiny room only made it funnier. The crowd brought just as much energy as Bochner herself. A few girls at the front sang and danced to every word, and their enthusiasm spread throughout the room. Everyone seemed ready to let loose, sing loudly and enjoy being there. That sense of freedom was part of what made the show feel special. As an openly lesbian artist who shares her relationship with fans online, Bochner creates a connection that extends beyond the music. The room felt welcoming, offering LGBTQ+ fans a place to be themselves, sing their hearts out and celebrate alongside one another. From Lovergirl to Fault Line Bochner's 16 song setlist leaned heavily on her latest album, I Guess A Sure Thing Couldn't Go Down Gently, with Leuschen and Kopcho helping bring the new material to life. Hearing the songs with a full band gave them an extra punch, making an already exciting record feel even bigger in a room where everyone was so close to the action. Rachel Bochner performing at the Philly Kung Fu Necktie | Photography by Rebecca McDevitt (@rebeccajeanlimitedphotography) She also made room for familiar favorites. “Groupie” brought us back to her Lovergirl era, while “Your Manhattan” gave the crowd another opportunity to sing along. “Stupid!!!”, “By The Roxy” and “Say That You Don’t” were highlights from the newer material, adding to a setlist that showed off where Bochner is as an artist right now. Closing with “Fault Line,” one of our favorite tracks from the new album and one of its most high energy songs, was the perfect choice. The crowd was singing and dancing along, and the room's energy carried right through to the final note. It was the kind of ending that left us wishing there were a few more songs on the setlist. Why the Small Shows Matter Kung Fu Necktie may have held only a few dozen people, but Bochner made the room feel much bigger without losing the intimacy that made the night so memorable. There were no massive production tricks needed. Just great music, a crowd ready to sing, a band bringing the songs to life and an artist who genuinely seemed to love every second of being onstage. Rachel Bochner performing at the Philly Kung Fu Necktie | Photography by Rebecca McDevitt (@rebeccajeanlimitedphotography) Between the bras, the Magic 8 Ball and the crowd singing along, there was plenty to laugh about. But underneath all that chaos was the reason we keep coming back to live music: the feeling of being in a room with an artist whose energy makes you forget about everything else for a little while. Walking out of Kung Fu Necktie, our takeaway was simple: what an awesome show. No Magic 8 Ball needed. Rachel Bochner was a sure thing in Philly, and we're already looking forward to seeing her again.

Pinhead Gunpowder, Billie Joe Armstrong, performing in Detroit, MI at St. Andrew's Hall | Photography by LJ Portnoy (@ljportnoy) Billie Joe Armstrong traded stadiums for St. Andrew’s Hall, and a sold-out room of longtime Green Day fans got raw, unpolished East Bay punk up close. Written by LJ Portnoy and Mark Portnoy Photography by LJ Portnoy Pinhead Gunpowder performing in Detroit, MI at St. Andrew's Hall | Photography by LJ Portnoy (@ljportnoy) Green Day has packed Comerica Park twice in recent years, in 2021 and again in 2024. On Saturday night, Billie Joe Armstrong was standing on the stage at St. Andrew’s Hall in front of a sold-out crowd of roughly a thousand fans. Pinhead Gunpowder doesn’t come around often, and Detroit knew it. Who Is Pinhead Gunpowder? Pinhead Gunpowder, Billie Joe Armstrong, performing in Detroit, MI at St. Andrew's Hall | Photography by LJ Portnoy (@ljportnoy) If you know Billie Joe but not this band, you’re not alone. Pinhead Gunpowder formed in the early ’90s and came out of the same Berkeley punk scene that raised Green Day. Billie Joe plays guitar and sings. Behind the kit is Aaron Cometbus, who handles drums and lyrics, and he’s the primary writer of the band’s songs. Pinhead Gunpowder, Aaron Cometbus, performing in Detroit, MI at St. Andrew's Hall | Photography by LJ Portnoy (@ljportnoy) Cometbus is an East Bay legend in his own right: he publishes the Cometbus fanzine and has played in bands like Crimpshrine and Cleveland Bound Death Sentence. Bill Schneider holds down bass and vocals. Jason White rounds out the lineup on guitar and vocals, and Green Day fans will recognize him: he’s been part of Green Day’s touring and recording band for over two decades. Pinhead Gunpowder, Bill Schneider, performing in Detroit, MI at St. Andrew's Hall | Photography by LJ Portnoy (@ljportnoy) The band started with a different lineup. Original guitarist and vocalist Sarah Kirsch left the band, and White took her place. Kirsch passed away in 2012, and her place in the band’s history still matters. Even the name has a punk origin story: it comes from a brand of “high octane” green tea that Cometbus found while dumpster diving. Pinhead Gunpowder, Jason White, performing in Detroit, MI at St. Andrew's Hall | Photography by LJ Portnoy (@ljportnoy) The band never chased the spotlight. Its members treated it as a break from their main bands, with no pressure and no real touring, just a chance to be a garage band again. That made each release feel like an event: the compilation Jump Salty, the Carry the Banner EP, Goodbye Ellston Avenue, Shoot the Moon, and 2008’s West Side Highway 7". Then, in 2024, they came back with Unt, their first new music in 16 years. That brings us to Detroit, and a room full of people who never thought they’d get this chance. The Openers The Idiot Kids performing in Detroit, MI at St. Andrew's Hall | Photography by LJ Portnoy (@ljportnoy) Detroit’s own The Idiot Kids kicked things off with a hometown set, followed by Night Shop, who has been holding down support on the band’s East Coast and Midwest dates. Both set up a night built on guitars, grit, and no-frills punk. Pinhead Gunpowder: Straight Out of a Time Machine We’ve been Green Day listeners since 2005, and we’ll be honest: we came for Billie Joe. We left with a new appreciation for Pinhead Gunpowder. Pinhead Gunpowder fans in Detroit, MI at St. Andrew's Hall | Photography by LJ Portnoy (@ljportnoy) The band opened with “Asheville” and went straight into “Life During Wartime.” The sound is a direct line back to early Green Day, roughly the 1994 to 2004 era: raw, unpolished, and loud in all the right ways. Where Green Day has grown into a stadium-sized, polished machine, Pinhead Gunpowder keeps it scrappy and authentic. Nothing about it feels overproduced. It feels like punk the way it started, in small rooms with people who love it. The crowd skewed a little older, and most of the room were Green Day fans who’d waited years to see Billie Joe somewhere this close. Watching him walk onstage in a room this size felt like stepping into a time machine. For a lot of people in that room, us included, that was the whole night. A 29-Song Marathon Pinhead Gunpowder didn’t treat this as a quick side-project set. The night ran 29 songs deep and pulled from across the catalog, including “Reach for the Bottle,” “Before the Accident,” and “Losers of the Year.” Along the way, the band covered Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi” and “Do You Know Where You’re Going To,” broke into a quick “Happy Birthday,” and teased “Second Street” before “On the Ave.” Our favorite detail closed out the night. The band played “Unt” a second time, because Billie Joe had flubbed it earlier in the set. A stadium band would never. A punk band in a thousand-cap room absolutely would, and that’s the whole point. An Awe-Struck Moment Some shoots are just work, and some are surreal. We grew up with Billie Joe on our walls, and on Saturday he was right in front of us. We were the ones creating the images that, years ago, would have been the poster on that wall. Pinhead Gunpowder, Billie Joe Armstrong, performing in Detroit, MI at St. Andrew's Hall | Photography by LJ Portnoy (@ljportnoy) It was mesmerizing. For about ten seconds, we just stood there, dazed, before remembering we had a job to do. Full-circle moments don’t get much fuller than that. Long Live the Side Project Pinhead Gunpowder is a rare chance to see one of punk’s most beloved side projects in a room small enough to feel personal. If you grew up on Dookie, Insomniac, or American Idiot, or just love punk that isn’t polished, catch them whenever they surface. Shows like this don’t happen often.

Here we offer artists the ability to submit their information for a featured article covering them and their story! ARTIST SUBMISSION Are you a musician? Do you know a musician, band, or talent that is prime for the spotlight? Submit an artist today. Artists who are submitted may be the cover story or featured in a future issue of SoundCheck Mag! Your Full Name* Your Email* Band/Artist/Talent* Artist's Page/Website* Why should this artist should be featured?* I am:* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit Do You Know a Concert Creative Worthy of a Feature? Whether they're a photographer, videographer, choreographer, lighting tech or anything in between, you can submit them for a chance at a full-length feature in a future issue of SoundCheck Mag through our RAW Spotlight! Submit Here!

A place for fans to submit their concert materials including photos, videos, and best moments from their favorite shows and artists. A collective archive of unfiltered fan magic. Welcome to The Vault: Fan Edition— a fan-built digital archive, curated by SoundCheck Mag. This isn’t just a place to drop photos or stories. It’s a sacred space for everything that makes fandom electric, chaotic, and real. Think backstage tears, parking lot parties, pit selfies, polaroids taped to your mirror, or the TikTok you made at 2AM when your favorite artist announced a tour. Every whisper, every scream, every spark—preserved. Because your moments are the ones worth remembering. We’re collecting: Concert footage (any era, any vibe) Fan edits, memes, and handmade signs Outfit pics, DIY merch, posters Emotional breakdowns (written, audio, or video—we want them all) Art, letters, journals, and unreleased fan content Anything from the before, during, or after that tells your story No filters. No pressure. Just you, being a fan. Why “The Vault”? Because these are the things you save. The videos you watch on loop. The ticket you kept in your wallet. The blurry photo that somehow means everything. The industry documents the stage. We document the soul. UNLOCK THE VAULT. ADD YOUR MOMENTS TODAY. First name* Last name* TikTok Handle (For Credit) Instagram Handle (For Credit) Email* A window will open once you submit to upload your files to a DropBox. Thank you. Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit

LJ (Laura Jean) Portnoy is the Chief Executive Officer of SoundCheck Mag. About LJ Portnoy Co-founder, Chief Executive Officer, Midwest Photography Coverage, & Editor-In-Chief of SoundCheck Mag A Life Behind the Lens For LJ Portnoy, photography isn’t just a profession—it’s a way of preserving moments, emotions, and artistry. Her journey behind the lens began at an early age, inspired by a family friend who worked as a photographer. She spent countless hours recreating photoshoots with her best friend, discovering the magic of capturing emotion through the camera. But it wasn’t until she attended her first concert at thirteen that she found her true calling. "There was something about freezing a moment in time—the energy, the movement, the connection between the artist and the audience. I knew I wanted to be part of that world," she recalls. Her deep connection to concert photography became even more personal following the tragic loss of a close friend and fellow photographer, Olivia, at just 17 years old. "She was one of the most gifted photographers I had ever met. I promised myself I would continue capturing everything in her honor, creating magical moments the way she did for others." With that promise in mind, LJ immersed herself in the world of live music photography, continuously pushing the boundaries of her craft. The Moment That Changed Everything One of LJ’s defining moments as a photographer came when she photographed Sabrina Carpenter. "The excitement, the realness, the visual energy—it all swirled together to create magic," she says. The images quickly gained traction, amassing over 850,000 views across social media platforms and spreading through fan communities, Google, X, and Instagram. That experience became a turning point. "Seeing my work resonate on that level gave me the confidence to truly pursue this. It was proof that my art had a place in the industry. From that moment on, I never looked back." The Art of Capturing Real LJ’s approach to photography is deeply intentional. She describes her style as capturing beauty, raw emotion, and realness—always with a strong focus on the eyes. "If you can capture someone’s soul, everything else falls into place," she explains. She also embraces the ever-evolving nature of photography. "The best part of being a photographer is that you never have to stick to just one thing. You can always experiment, always grow. That’s what keeps it exciting." Building SoundCheck Mag SoundCheck Mag was born out of a shared vision between LJ and Rebecca McDevitt—a vision to amplify artists beyond the mainstream and celebrate the full spectrum of live music. "We saw an opportunity to showcase the indie and underground music scene in a way that other publications weren’t," LJ explains. "While major outlets focus on global superstars, we wanted to highlight the rising artists, the creatives behind the scenes, and the fans who make live music what it is." More than just a publication, SoundCheck Mag is a community-driven platform designed to bring artists, fans, and industry professionals together. Through artist spotlights, behind-the-scenes stories, and fan-submitted experiences, the magazine offers a unique perspective that goes beyond the surface. Our Mission: Beyond the Headlines While many publications chase headlines from headlining artists, SoundCheck Mag is about telling stories. "Our mission is to take you deeper inside the music you love, while helping you discover the next big thing along the way," LJ says. "We want to highlight the full picture of the industry—from the musicians on stage to the tour managers, lighting technicians, and photographers who make it all happen." The Future of SoundCheck Mag Though launched in February 2025, the magazine has already made waves. But for LJ, this is just the beginning. She envisions SoundCheck Mag growing into a leading force in music media, with: Monthly digital & print issues featuring exclusive interviews, concert galleries, and deep dives into the industry. Brand partnerships & sponsorships to bring fans closer to their favorite artists. Exclusive behind-the-scenes content from concerts, festivals, and major music events. Live events, ticket giveaways, and artist collaborations that elevate the fan experience. "We want to bring fans closer to the music in ways they’ve never imagined," she says. "From backstage access to in-depth artist features, we’re creating a magazine that truly immerses you in live music." Leading SoundCheck Mag As Co-founder, CEO, Midwest Photography Coverage lead, and Editor-in-Chief, LJ wears multiple hats to bring SoundCheck Mag’s vision to life: Strategic Growth & Innovation – Developing scaling plans, revenue strategies, and partnerships. Editorial & Content Creation – Writing articles, concert reviews, and designing magazine pages. Concert Photography & Videography – Covering live performances, creating immersive visual stories. Website & Social Media Management – Overseeing the magazine’s digital presence and community engagement. "The best part about running SoundCheck Mag is that every day is different," she says. "One day, I’m photographing a concert. Next, I’m designing a magazine layout or brainstorming new ways to engage fans. It’s challenging, but there’s nothing more exciting than building something from the ground up." Beyond Photography: A Creative Force LJ’s creativity extends far beyond photography. She is also a graphic designer, painter, writer, and digital content creator. Over the years, she has published more than 70 articles across various platforms, including LinkedIn, Medium, and personal blogs. Making an Impact in the Industry Beyond storytelling, LJ and her team at SoundCheck Mag are passionate about reshaping the live music experience. With rising concert ticket prices making live shows inaccessible for many, she sees an opportunity to highlight smaller, more affordable concerts where fans can still experience incredible performances. "Most people can only afford to attend one to three concerts a year because of how expensive major tours have become," she explains. "But there’s an entire world of smaller shows where tickets range from $25-$100—and these are often the most intimate, passionate experiences. We want to showcase these artists and venues, giving more people a chance to fall in love with live music all over again." Advice for Aspiring Photographers & Writers For those looking to break into the music photography or writing industry, LJ’s advice is simple: Capture everything. Go to as many concerts as possible. Build your portfolio—shoot local artists, experiment with different styles. Find a publication that aligns with your vision. (Or contact us—we’re always looking for new talent.) Personal Favorites and Fun Facts Top Artists: Justin Bieber, Jon Bellion, Jonas Brothers, Quinn XCII, Sabrina Carpenter, Kendrick Lamar, AJR, Matt Maeson Favorite Albums: Purpose (Bieber), The Human Condition (Bellion), Happiness Begins (Jonas Brothers) Dream Artists to Shoot: Justin Bieber, Matt Maeson, Noah Kahan, Quinn XCII, Livingston A Personal Motto That Drives Her Work LJ lives by a simple but powerful philosophy: "Capture everything." "Every moment is fleeting. If you’re not capturing it, it’s gone. I love pausing time in a moment, in a photograph. In a way, I feel like a time traveler, able to transport myself and others back into that specific moment, if even for just a few seconds. And that’s the superpower that is photography." With this vision in mind, LJ continues to push SoundCheck Mag forward, shaping the future of music media one photograph, one story, and one unforgettable moment at a time.