NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--New York-based photographer and director Jeff Kennedy of Kennedy Etc., best known for his dynamic imagery of fashion models, has created a historic, six-page spread for Rolling Stone featuring “The Great 8” unsigned bands competing for the most important cover in music. Shot at the legendary Milk Studios in New York City, Kennedy connected with each artist on a personal level to bring their iconic shots to life for the “Best of Rock 2011” issue.
“This was one of the most refreshing shoots of my career as the artists were so appreciative and excited about the whole process,” said Kennedy. “I love to collaborate with the talent, and in this case the artists were so open and eager to be creative that the approach was very effective. We truly captured each band’s personality during the shoot because they were willing to try new things.”
The photographs complement a series of branded content films directed by Kennedy for Garnier Fructis and Rolling Stone. Each of the films showcase the bands’ musical journeys – performances, advice sessions with industry experts, and consults in the Garnier Green Room with rock and roll hairstylist, Peter Butler. For the four final bands, Kennedy directed additional ‘Inspiration Videos’ in and around New York City and Brooklyn, providing audiences with an intimate glimpse into each artist, their passions, and what motivates them to pursue their dreams.
Kennedy’s work on the Rolling Stone cover contest comes on the heels of another project - the Garnier Fructis Rock Your Style Files, a video series featuring some of today's most talented musicians talking about their music, inspirations, style, and influences. Featured artists include Grammy-nominee Janelle Monáe, Diane Birch and Delta Spirit, among others. In the latest Style File, shot at the Voodoo Music Experience in New Orleans, Janelle Monáe talks about her chic black and white wardrobe, her self-named hairdo, and how she rocks her style before hitting the stage. "We were able to work with each artist to promote their current projects, who they're touring with and their upcoming album releases," said Kennedy. "By giving music fans insight into their favorite artists, the Style Files spotlight musicians in a unique way while revealing their strong music and style sensibilities." The Style Files series is currently available on YouTube, Facebook, Taxi TV and Rollingstone.com
Kennedy’s breadth of directing and still photography work in the fashion and lifestyle genre includes commercials and ads for various brands and publications such as Rolling Stone, Calvin Klein, Levi’s, Maybelline New York, Garnier Fructis, Bath & Body Works, TRESemmé, Con Air, Starwood Hotels Group, McDonald’s, ESPN, Kidzbop and Xbox Kinect. Kennedy also has an extensive music video roster, working with major record labels including Warner Bros. and Atlantic Records and featuring such artists as Snoop Dogg, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, Lil Jon and the B-52’s. His long-form work spans live concerts, reality television projects, documentaries, and includes two feature length films, PSA campaigns and digital and other branded content. Learn more about Jeff Kennedy and his work at www.kennedyetc.com.
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