October, 16, 2025 – “COME AND TAKE IT LIVE” AUSTIN, TEXAS.

After a weeks-long U.S. tour, rock and metal heavyweights Saliva, Earshot, and The Founder, along with LYLVC, wrapped things up with a savage final show at Come and Take It Live in Austin, Texas.

In live music photography, just about anything can happen—and sometimes, luck is definitely on your side. I didn’t find out about this tour until a week before, or that I’d be shooting this show until just a few days beforehand. I’ve loved the music of Earshot for years, so, despite some obstacles, I was fortunate enough to get to shoot photos of them. Getting the chance to finally see them live, take photos of them, and hear Wil’s voice in person was pretty freaking amazing. What I didn’t know was I would also have the opportunity to photograph all of the bands who played that night. That only happened when I was looking for a parking spot, which I won’t go into.

Anyone who knows me knows I’ve been a fan of heavy rock and metal forever, so this tour was right up my alley. I realize I’ve probably missed out on some amazing music over the years—stuff I would’ve loved if life hadn’t been throwing me all over the place—but I know about it now, and it’s already made its way onto my playlists. That’s what really counts.

The evening kicked off with LYLVC, a band that wasted no time making their presence felt. From the first note, their performance was loud, raw, and unpredictable, commanding the stage with intensity. Fronted by a fierce female vocalist and a dynamic male rapper, LYLVC blends rock, hip-hop, and alternative metal into a sound that demands attention. Their relentless energy set the tone for an electrifying night.

Watch their newest video “Barely Human” HERE

LYLVC on Instagram

The Founder, fronted by former Hinder vocalist Austin John Winkler, delivered a standout performance that left a lasting impression. Every once in a while, you encounter a set that genuinely resonates on a deeper level, and for me, this was one of those moments.

It was my first time seeing him perform live, and he was nothing short of captivating. His delivery carried a raw honesty—an emotional blend of strength and vulnerability that felt completely genuine. He commanded the stage with ease, creating a connection with the audience that never felt forced.

Musically, The Founder showcased a dynamic sound that balanced emotion and grit, proving both powerful and memorable. If you get the chance to see them live, take it—their music is well worth experiencing. Seriously.

You can check out their new music and find more information on The Founder HERE, or follow them on Facebook or Instagram.

Watch new video “The Fall” Here

As I mentioned earlier, I’ve long admired Earshot, and they were the main reason I was drawn to shoot photos at this show. That in itself says a lot, but seeing them live exceeded every expectation. Frontman Wil Martin has a voice that balances soft intensity with undeniable power, delivering each word with a captivating, almost mysterious quality. His performance shifts effortlessly between calm and explosive, like a volcano ready to erupt. Combined with the raw emotion, honesty, and the weight of the band’s music, it’s easy to see why their live shows keep fans completely engaged. The energy in the room was palpable—fans sang along to every word, turning each song into a shared anthem.

My introduction to Earshot came with the song “Wait,” a track that instantly left a mark on me and remains one of those rare songs that feels like part of the soundtrack of my life. Shortly after, I discovered “Not Afraid” and “Get Away,” which sealed my admiration for the band’s musical and lyrical depth.

With their latest album, Humaning, Earshot continues to build on this journey. Tracks like “Higher,” “What Are You Waiting For,” and “Mistakes I Always Make” recapture the same spark that drew me to their music initially, proving that the band’s vitality and emotional resonance remain as strong as ever.

You can learn more about them and stream their music Here.

You can also follow them on Instagram or Facebook.

Closing out the night was Saliva, delivering a powerful and unapologetic set that capped the evening perfectly. While I was familiar with the band by name, I had not heard their music, so I was not yet sure what they were all about. But that quickly disappeared once they hit the stage—their performance was explosive.

At this point in the night, the crowd was already super charged, and Saliva pushed it over the edge. Their sound was massive—gritty, and full of momentum—and the band’s chemistry on stage was spot on.

Navigating through the crowd with gear really became impossible as the night went on. The crowd was getting bigger and things were already on fire from LYLVC, The Founder, and Earshot, so by the time Saliva began, the room was in full chaos mode—in the best way of course. Fans were packed in, shouting out songs word for word, completely caught up in the moment.

Saliva played a mix of old and newer favorites, and honestly, every song hit, sounded amazing, and was the perfect way to close out such an epic night.

Saliva has an awesome new track out called “Too Broke to Fix,” featuring The Founder, and I’ve already had it on repeat several times. You can stream that HERE or watch their new video first HERE.

Follow Saliva on Instagram HERE or Facebook HERE.