Words: Ray Cobra/Photo: Kayla Kreller

One of the things I love about going to concerts are the people I meet. Over the years I have met some of my nearest and best friends at shows. Concerts are a place where people of all walks of life come together for one purpose, to enjoy something that they love.

A little over a year ago I started noticing this young lady with a camera at a lot of the shows I was going to and shows I was working. So one day I decided to chat with her. We had a good conversation about music and the local scene. She also mentioned that she knew of my work, when I asked her name, I knew who she was as well. I had seen her work on social media.

Much like a musician does, Kayla Kreller is quickly making a name for herself as one of the best photographers around today. And at this rate it won’t be long before she is more widely known for her pictures. She is something amazing, and I would highly suggest that you go check out her work. You can check her work out at BlazingChakrams Photography. But before you do, here is Five Albums to edit to.

“As a photographer I often feel like I spend more time editing than actually shooting. One thing that helps pass the time and get me hyped up to do the slightly less exciting part of my job is listening to great music. These are the five albums always in rotation on my Spotify playlists while I’m editing.” –Kayla Kreller

Something Else – Something Else

This first album definitely won’t be a surprise to anyone that knows me. Something Else is not only my favorite bands to work with and are some of my favorite people in the world, but they’re also my favorite band to listen to. I would say that maybe I’m a little bit bias, but from the moment I started listening to this album when it was released on the first day of 2019, long before I was friends with any of the guys, I knew it would be a huge part of my life. It’s always great to have an album that you never get tired of listening to, one that you could just put on repeat forever, and this is that album for me.

Cream Soda – Rare Candy

I was introduced to Rare Candy’s music last year by my wonderful best friend, Halle. We had shared hundreds of our favorite artists with each other, but Rare Candy was the one that stuck with me the most. Rare Candy, a.k.a. Alex Wieringa of the band Belmont, hails from Chicago, and when my friend and I took a trip there last year we listened to his music as we explored the city. I’ve been hooked ever since. His twangy, acoustic pop punk sound and relatable lyrics are really something unique and always at the top of my list of music to listen to while editing.

Overexposed – Sleep On It

I’m so glad I discovered Sleep On It when I did. Back in 2017 I went to Indianapolis to see As It Is, but little did I know I would be seeing one of my now favorite bands for the first time ever. Sleep On It was the first band to play that night, and they impressed me beyond words. Overexposed will forever be one of my go-to albums in any situation. From Window (my personal favorite), to Autumn (I Wish I Was Better), to Fireworks, there isn’t a single song on this album that isn’t an absolute banger.

Midnight – Set It Off

Set It Off is the most recent band I’ve started listening to on this list. Back in February, I was at Stauf’s editing some photos from a show the night before and decided to give Midnight a listen since I had requested to shoot a show in March that Set It Off was playing. Let’s just say by the time I left the coffee shop that day I already knew all the words. March came around and I ended up landing that show. I lost track a long time ago on how many shows I’ve been to in my life, so I definitely don’t say this lightly, but their live show was life changing. It was one of those nights that reminded me why I do what I do.

This Story Is No Longer Available – Jared & The Mill

Jared & The Mill is another band introduced to me by my best friend, Halle. They’re a band incredibly close to her heart that she was kind enough to share with me. We saw them together for the first time at Rumba Café in April, and I haven’t stopped listening to their music since. Break in the Ether was the first Jared & The Mill song I ever listened to and is now one of my favorite songs of all time, so it only makes sense that the album it’s on would make this list.