So we thought it was time to introduce all the readers to the amazing people behind the Sound Check Team. Over the last five years SCE has grown leaps and bounds and we just thought maybe you wanted to get to know the team a little more. We are going to be EVERYWHERE this summer so don’t be shy, stop us at a show to say hi. The whole idea of SCE started with Hendrik being a FAN of live music. Everyone on our team has the same passion and we love to get a chance to say Thank-You for reading an interacting with us. We asked each of our staff to write a brief bio on what makes them tick, so here it goes.
HENDRIK PAPE…
COREY KELLY…
Growing up in smalltown Ontario my entire life (Arnprior) and getting to attend events like the Salute To The Ottawa Valley and The Ottawa Exhibition as really my only opportunity to see live shows. I remember the 1st show I attended it was Corey Hart during his stop at the Ottawa Ex in August of ’85. It was actually my sister that went but I was lucky enough to have an usher sneak me in and watch 2 or 3 songs and thinking, how cool is this. I also remember making the trek down to Ottawa to catch David Lee Roth’s Skyscraper Tour with one of my favorite 80’s rock bands ever in Poison. They opened the show in August of ’88. I still vividly remember David Lee Roth hoisted above the audience in a Boxing Ring suspended above the audience then riding a surf board over the crowd to get back to the stage. Seriously seeing that at 12 was just amazing and really sparked the passion to attend every show I could and really have since then.
I truly do love music. My go to over the past 20 years has been country but recall purchasing Garth Brooks No Fences back in ’90 and really falling in love with the stories that Garth was telling. I can also remember that Please Hammer Don’t Hurt’em by MC Hammer being the first CD I ever purchased. I currently reside in the GTA and am so lucky to have a business partner like Hendrik Pape to enjoy this amazing journey of Sound Check. And look forward to bringing more unique content to your screens…
Follow Corey on Twitter & Instagram
SEAN SISK…
Sean Sisk
I am a professional photographer from Ottawa, Ontario. Mostly know for musician and commercial work. Having worked with many garage bands, bands starting out to Grammy Nominees. My music photography work has graced the pages of a few many mags. ( Canadian Musician, Chatelaine, The Toronto Star, Fine Lifestyles) As well most of my work is for the artist & labels. I have had the opportunity to work with Open Road, Rebel Waltz, Hollywood Records, Disney Records, Sonic Records, Feldman and more. Working with acts like Tim Hicks, The OffSpring, Alan Doyle, Great Big Sea, Matt Anderson, SoundGarden, Amanda Rheaume, Kelly Prescott, and many others. I also enjoy shooting, band promotional photography, commercial work with CTV, The Amazing Race, TSN, NEW Country 94 and many other rad business.
I also have to mention that I spend a lot of time on humanitarian projects . I launched Pets with Personalities in 2010 and have raised over $25000 for the Ottawa Boys and Girls club and various animal rescues ( Ottawa Humane Society, Hopeful Hearts, Ottawa Dog Rescue). As well I sit on the board for an amazing event in Ottawa, RINGSIDE FOR YOUTH. An amazing event that raises money for the Ottawa Boys and Girls Club. In June I donate a couple days to help out Jason Blaine in Pembroke to raise some money for the Pembroke Boys and Girls Club. When I’m not in the pit I am hanging with the other part of Sean Sisk Photography …my wife Erin who does all the behind the scenes fun stuff, my 3 girls and my kick ass Bernese Mountain dog…Rylee. Enjoying some hockey, cooking and cold pint. I got here by taking a photography class in grade 10 in High School and getting a 50%…
Follow Sean on Twitter & Instagram
SCOTT BURNS…
I love trying to get “THE” shot : capturing that moment in a performance that shows the artist’s raw emotion. I always work to capture an artist in the most flattering manner. After all, if they look good, I look good, right? That is what I strive for every time I shoot.
I have been a music photographer since 1983. I have photographed artists onstage, backstage and beyond. Past photo assignments/publishings include: Ampex Recording Tapes, Q107FM, Metallion Magazine, Warner Music Canada, Hit Parader Magazine, Sound Check Entertainment, The Lovelocks.
I am always listening to music – and I mean constantly. And that includes many genres (Rock, Country, Jazz, Blues, Metal, Reggae). I have been going to live concerts since I was 12, and playing guitar since I was 13. So, combining my love of music with my passion for photography was just such a natural fit for me. Live event photography is what I love to do!
Passion, Integrity, Professionalism, and Perfectionism. These are the words that describe how I work and my approach to my photography.
Shooting for Sound Check Entertainment has allowed me to be a part of a creative and collaborative team of professionals, who are committed in bringing fresh, consistent news, stories and images from the entertainment world to our readers. It is an honour and privilege to work with them!
Follow Scott on Twitter & Instagram
JAMES BENNETT
I am a Professional Photographer based in Halifax, Nova Scotia with plenty of experience photographing musicians, festivals, concerts and events. James is one of the premier East Coast Photographers when it comes to live events. I can often be found shooting many of the events in Eastern Canada such as Cavendish Beach Music Festival, Royal International Tattoo Festival, Casino-NS and many of the professional sports teams based in Halifax.
I strive to capture that one photo that tells the story and mood of the event and often receives positive feedback from his subjects. Over the years I have developed a strong fan base and am often in demand to cover many of the events in the Maritimes.
I am a recent Music Nova Scotia nominee in 2015 for Visual Artist of the Year and is currently up for East Coast Music Association Media Person of the Year. I am also proud member of Music Nova Scotia and the Canadian Country Music Association.
Some of my favourite moments over the years have been attending the Zac Brown Band Concert at the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre. Covering many festivals as the official photographer, I truly enjoy shooting for the Cavendish Beach Music Festival each summer in PEI. Another favourite moment was covering the CCMA Music Week in Halifax, NS in 2015.
I have to say I really enjoy country music especially Canadian Country Music with some of my favourite acts being Dallas Smith, Brett Kissel and Jess Moskaluke one of my favourite artists continues to be Brantley Gilbert and find a real connection with the hit song “One Hell of an Amen”.
Follow James on Twitter & Instagram
BILL WOODCOCK…
MIKE HIGHFIELD…
I have always loved music, and that is something I inherited from my father. Growing up, we always had records on and he had seemingly an endless supply to choose from. To this day, he has a whole room dedicated to his records, posters, memorabilia, and photos from a lifetime of loving and supporting music and the arts. So, obviously that set me up to appreciate it all myself and it is something I proudly share with him.
I took up live music photography kind of naturally. I have always loved taking photos, almost to the frustration of some of my closest friends. I want to capture a moment I feel others might miss. My own social circle is composed of some very talented musicians, including my better half Bianca. This has helped and encouraged me to improve daily. I will never reach what I would imagine perfection is but, I love trying.
Sound Check Entertainment is a great outlet to bring great artists we come across to life, for the readers and fans who might not have the chance to catch some of the shows happening across the country.
One comment
I respect these guys. Their whole life is a mix of eternal festival and professional outreach. I think they are happy.