Ian Maxion Photography

I was hesitant to watch the NBC show “The Sing-Off” for the longest time because I thought it was just the networks way of competing with FOX’s show “Glee”. Actually… it is! But on Monday after dinner, I caught the finally on the duh box and I have to say I was blown away by ALL the talent! These groups didn’t need auto tune, instrumentals, back up dancers… nothing just a microphone.

The final two groups were purely gifted but my clear winner was Street Corner Symphony! These fellas ROCKED! Unfortunately they didn’t win but they should have! ;) Because of them —like the dork that I am— I ended up going back and watching the whole season.  In a weird way they kind of reminded me of the Beatles a little bit. Here they are singing “Hey Soul Sister”.  

Something endearing about a white boy singing “So Gangsta I’m so thug!” haha. But just to prove they don’t need auto tune here they are in rehearsing in their hotel room. So clean!

Amazing no? Who knew an a cappella group can be so cool. Their lead singer, Jeremy Lister, has a voice of an angel! And for a little white boy, he’s got some soul! I took the liberty in doing some musical research (searching his name on iTunes) and can I just say he is an undiscovered talent. Jeremy has 3 EP’s out on iTunes that are download worthy. I suggest adding them to your library especially “Fit”, “Ready to Fall”, “Picturing You”, and “Blend”! I hope they come to perform in SF! 

Aside from Street Corner Symphony the timeless group Jerry Lawson and the Talk of the Town was just oozing classic Motown soul. Watching them perform was like taking a time machine back to the 50’s. O’ what I’d give to live in the days of poodle skirts, milk shakes, and drive-in movies. Here they are doing Duffy’s Mercy. You’ll see what I’m talking about! 

This season was so good I hope next season doesn’t suck! ;( 

This past weekend I took a road trip down to LA to shoot an editorial for LA2Day. During the trip I scored some fabulous vintage tee’s at Venice beach, went to a fun Michael Jackson themed party, had a few rounds with Benicio Del Toro, and came home just in time for a holiday party at the Tech Museum in San Jose. 

I always get nervous before a shoot and this time around I was working with a new crew so I didn’t know what to expect. I was silly to worry because the end product was exactly— to a tee— what I had envisioned. We shot the editorial shoot for LA2day in an abandoned zoo at Griffith Park in Hollywood. Taryn, our little supermodel from Milan, worked it out and I can’t wait to see the photos in the magazine! 

Meeting Benicio Del Toro this weekend was the highlight of my visit. I didn’t know what to expect hanging out with an actor of his caliber. However—three shots of patron later— he seemed just like every other person except for the random people that would ask to take photos with him or scream “Bencio I love your movies” every so oftern. He gave me some suggestions on my career and said I reminded him of his friend Toshiro Mifune—an “Asian Marlon Brando”. Compliment… I think so! ;) 

Before meeting up with Benicio we went to my friend Allison’s Michael Jackson themed birthday party at The Room in Hollywood! It was so much fun and great to see so many familiar faces all dressed up like MJ. Allison’s birthday cake was epic! Cupcakes with photos of the King of Pop. I almost felt bad eating the little pieces with his face on them… oh well! (yummMmm cupcakes).  

We got back to the Bay just in time to make it to my companies holiday party at the Tech Museum in San Jose. Of course my date was none other than my BFF, Vicky! For some reason the whole trip we seemed to have coordinating outfits. This party was no exception. 

This past weekend I directed my first music video for the up-and-coming girl group 4Play! It was my first time heading such a big production and I have to say, it was a blast! I can’t wait to do it again. Here are a few behind the scenes photos taken by Roland P. from Myx TV. 

Big thanks to everyone involved! 
Assistant Director: James Dayap
Key Makeup Artist: Janet Mariscal
Key Choreographer: Michael Burke 
Hair: Wendy Tran
Lighting Assistants: Harry (H2) Harnischfeger, Vicky Lee
Male Lead: Mayer Marx
Catering: Olein Santiago  

Full version video coming soon! ;)