We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Harris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
I believe success and happiness exist through my rule of 3. Rule 1. Be a good person Rule 2. Do good work Rule 3. Network, network, network. If you embody and live by these rules, you will find your life vastly improves! First of all, if you aren’t a good person, no one will want to work with you or recommend you. Secondly, well doing good work speaks for itself. It’s the same principle; if your work is terrible or sloppy, no one will work with you. Lastly, networking is a HUGE factor. I wouldn’t be where I am in making a craft beer and metal music festival if not for years of getting to know countless bands from all over the World and making strong connections.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
After decades of studying photography, I slowly progressed into filmmaking and making music videos, and then into becoming a festival creator/organizer. I have had a passion for music my whole life, so my work has grown more towards musicians and the metal sub-culture. My thesis in Grad school was focused on the Atlanta underground metal scene and the issues surrounding metal culture as a whole. I would describe my work as edgy, dark and somewhat isolated at times. It really depends on what I am photographing and how I am feeling. I have worked as a freelance photographer for a long time. I enjoy it because every job is different and there are new challenges each time. Also, having to adapt to any client, or situation takes a special skill that I feel I have acquired due to these challenges. It is fun, but also not always steady work, which is the hardest part. I would like my work to speak to people, from my photography to my festival. I think as artists, when we create something, we hope that others relate to what we made. I love putting a festival together because it allows me to curate the bands that I want (and have gotten to know over the years) to play, along with some amazing craft beer and mead! It feels like one big family between the bands, the art vendors, the beer crafters, and volunteers. I just hope that I what I do brings a smile to someone’s face or speaks to their heart in some capacity.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh man. This is a hard question, because Atlanta has changed so much in the past decade. A lot of my favorite spots are gone now. The one place I would always take someone was The Highlander, which closed their doors after 3o years. It was a true home away from home, with great staff, food, music and vibes. But another hotspot that is a must is the Clermont Lounge, which is famous for it’s special reasons. The rooftop bar at the newly renovated Clermont Hotel is also a nice place to watch the sunset. Other than that, I would take someone to Little Five Points especially for a few dining places, Elmyr, Vortex, Corner Tavern, etc. I would take them to Criminal Records and Junkman’s Daughter for shopping, and once it’s back, The Porter, for their large beer selection. Another place I would go is East Atlanta Village. EAV is still one of the best edgy, grungy, fun places in town, between Mary’s, The Flatiron, 529, The Earl and more, you just can’t beat it. It’s a wild place on the weekends. For walking/hiking I like to take people to Stone Mountain, Piedmont Park or The Beltline. Ponce De Leon is also a favorite street, with the Plaza theater, Righteous Room and The Local and Bookhouse. Hopefully, *cough*, these places will still be around if they aren’t bulldozed in the next year. The Masquerade is still one of my favorite music venues. I am very sad the old building has become what is has become, but I am relieved that they were able to find a spot in The Underground.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I definitely would like to thank all of my photography teachers throughout the years, because without them I wouldn’t be where I am. I would like to send a shoutout to Angelica with The Bizarre Bazaar, because without her help and generosity I would not be able to pull off Blast Beats and Brews Festival each year. She’s the best co-host and a super talented artist in her own right. I would also like to thank Matt McGachy from the Canadian band Cryptopsy and the Vox and Hops podcast. Without getting to know him via zoom chats during the pandemic, I never would have had the spark to create this festival! He has been such a great supporter of my work with the fest. More than anything, I really have to thank so many friends, friends in metal bands, friends in the craft beer industry, and more, for supporting me and believing in me to pull of Blast Beats and Brews Festival. So many friends volunteer their time on the day of the festival doing security, floating, entry door, beer pouring, set up/break down, stage hands, etc. which is integral to the success of it. Without them, I couldn’t do it.

Website: www.blastbeatsandbrews.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blastbeatsandbrews_fest/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blastbeatsandbrewsfest

Other: www.emilyharrisphotography.com www.midnightschildrenblog.com

Image Credits
Emily Harris (self), and Mar Morannon

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