Music has been such an important part of my life. I can’t sing, and I can’t play an instrument, and I pretty much have zero rhythm, but music has played alongside me since the day I was born. My parents raised me in a house full of music. I loved holding the albums in my hands. I especially loved the ones that opened up and had all the photos on the inside – photos of the singers in the studio or hanging out with the band. It was a glimpse into a world otherwise completely unknown to me. It also felt intimate, like I was looking at photos from somebody else’s photo album. There are countless photos of the Beatles in the studio. Of Frank Sinatra in the studio. Or Crosby, Stills, & Nash. The list goes on. It was a window into their lives, and a glimpse at the behind-the-scenes, which made it feel more real.
If you’ve been following my blog, you’ve heard me talk about Krista Baroni for years now. I know I’m slightly biased because she’s one of my good friends, but she’s also just straight-up talented. I was lucky enough to accompany her to Dirt Floor for her last day of recording on her album, Alabaster Girl. The experience was everything my heart could have dreamed it would be – beautiful and emotional and serious and funny and sad and exciting and celebratory. Since Krista would say the Laurel Canyon music scene was one of her musical influences, I was excited to create some of those very special studio photos I stared longingly at as a kid. The atmosphere at Dirt Floor was just perfect. Eric Lichter, the owner and producer extraordinaire, creates a second home for his artists. I loved seeing how well he understood Krista’s music and her vision and how natural it was for them to work together. And he and Steve Wytas (mixer extraordinaire) welcomed me with open arms, both as Krista’s friend, and as a photographer. The access they gave me allowed me to capture the whole process of recording, which was amazing. I am utterly in love with these photos – not only do they capture my good friend’s courage and vulnerability and joy and dedication, but they also document this life-changing day for her. And they give you a little glimpse into Dirt Floor…
