she/her 📍 Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL

FOUNDER | HEAD OF PHOTO | EDITOR

Hi, I’m Mily — an LGBTQ music photographer who’ll do anything for the shot (yes, even the floor). I started Hard Launch because the loudest, rawest corners of music weren’t being seen — so I built a platform that sees them. That same energy lives in my work: unfiltered, high-stakes, and rooted in real connection. This is for the ones doing it their own way — just like we are.

Favorite Artists: The Cure, Boy Harsher, Acid Bath

Favorite Concert: Charli XCX (brat for life)

she/her 📍 Orlando, FL

CREATIVE OPERATIONS | INTERVIEW LEAD

I’m a recent FAU Communications Studies graduate with a minor in Peace, Justice, and Human Rights. I have been attending concerts, festivals, and all things centered around music since a very young age, roughly 5 years old. My love for the community, the artists and musicians, and the art of music is immensely deep, grounding me in moments of chaos and fueling me with utter happiness. 

Favorite Artists: Still Woozy, Amy Winehouse, Mac Miller

Favorite Concert: Shaky Knees Festival

she/her/they/them 📍 Denver, CO

CREATIVE DIRECTOR | WRITER

Hiii! I’m a spirited college student majoring in business with an enthusiastic personality and a passion for the arts. As an active member of my sorority, I value friendship and empowerment. I love spending time at the beach, soaking up the sun and listening to music. I’m also a dedicated soccer player, balancing my athletic pursuits with my studies while aiming to make a positive impact in my community.

Favorite Artists: Daniel Seavy, Conan Gray, Tate Mcrae

Favorite Concert: Daniel Seavey

she/her 📍 New York City, NY

PHOTOGRAPHER | WRITER

I’m a Brooklyn based concert cinematographer from Jacksonville, FL with 4 years of professional work across the east coast and a deep-seated love of the game. I thrive in fast paced environments, working with my hands, and the unscripted energy of live performances. I’m driven by the power of live music to build community and foster collaboration between different artists and mediums.

FAVORITE ARTISTS: Daft Punk, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Syd Mead

FAVORITE CONCERT: The Dare at Baby’s All Right 2025 - he cut his hand and got blood all over me! Coolest way to get a blood borne illness.

she/her/they/them 📍 London, UK

PHOTOGRAPHER | WRITER

I’m a theatre publicist based in London, England and a proud theatre emo kid. I’ve been going to concerts since a very young age and have had a strong connection to music for as long as I can remember - so it’s no surprise I’m covered in music related tattoos. I’m a strong believer that there’s music for every emotion and there’s nothing more therapeutic than going to a concert, discovering new artists, making friends and singing at the top of your lungs.

FAVORITE ARTISTS: My Chemical Romance, Hayley Williams, Fall Out Boy

FAVORITE CONCERT: My Chemical Romance - Eden Sessions night 1

she/her 📍 Cincinnati, OH

PHOTOGRAPHER | WRITER | INTERVIEWER

What’s up? I’m Hannah and music is something I’ve held close to me since the day I discovered Nickelback in the back of my dad’s truck with a BugJuice in hand. My love for music, artists, musicians and the community has grown a lot since then. Becoming a music photographer has taught me the importance of many things, especially being loud for artists and the voices of others that aren’t being heard. P.S. Support your local artists and music scene!

FAVORITE ARTISTS: Hot Mulligan, Lil Peep, The Story So Far

FAVORITE CONCERT: Turnover

he/him/they/them 📍 Los Angeles, CA

PHOTOGRAPHER

As a creative and lover of music, I've been drawn to live music ever since I attended my first concert. One day I decided to pick up my camera and start capturing events and haven't looked back. I wanted to contribute to the community and scene that has nurtured me as a person, and has fueled my creative spark. So here I am!

FAVORITE ARTISTS: i_o, Mac Miller, Solomun

FAVORITE CONCERT: MELT 2019

she/her 📍 Orlando, FL

PHOTOGRAPHER | WRITER

I've had a camera in my hand for as long as I can remember. I've been making videos at a very early age and continued to pursue this passion through college in which I graduated with my degree in Digital Media: Video Production. Music has always been a part of my world, whether I'm dancing at a concert or carefully selecting the perfect track to bring my video to life. The moment I realized I could combine my love for music and media is when my career truly began. I've spend the past two years in the music industry as a photographer, videographer, and editor. My work is full of personality - vibrant, bold, and electric.

FAVORITE ARTISTS: The 1975, Knock2, Charli XCX, Lady Gaga

FAVORITE CONCERT: SWEAT Tour or Mainstream Sellout Tour

she/her 📍 Minneapolis, MN

PHOTOGRAPHER | WRITER

I’ve been a photographer since I was 16 years old with a certification from a technical college for Commercial Photography from Orlando, FL. Photography & Music runs deep in my veins, truthfully— and it’s the best way for me to describe the connection I find to the arts and music all around. It empowers us all as a community, and combining my two favorite joys such as photography and music whether if it’s capturing a local band or EDM artist; I find that it allows me to bring the power of music and physical expression through the lens and that brings me nothing but happiness! I love going to festivals, concerts, local shows, and of course I enjoy my down time such as painting, reading, writing, making clay jewelry, and oil pastel work (I’m also a major movie buff! Cinephile for life!).

FAVORITE ARTISTS: Frank Sinatra, Depeche Mode, and Cardi B

FAVORITE CONCERT: Force Fields Festival

they/them/he/him 📍 Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL

PHOTOGRAPHER | WRITER | INTERVIEWER

Hey yall! I'm a long time pit lover and live music connoisseur but a few years ago I started bringing my camera along, and I've fallen in love with the scene in a whole new way. I love capturing moments and people and even more so getting to know the community in front of my lens. When I'm not at venues you can find me washing X's off of my hands to go take school photos for preschoolers! (I absolutely love my job <3) I'm a PBSC alumni with a concentration in fine art where I learned and loved; film, the darkroom and mixed media, and I still love to bring these elements into my work now.

FAVORITE ARTISTS: Billy Joel, Paramore, The Wrecks

FAVORITE CONCERT: Lucy Dacus on the Home Video tour in 2022

she/her/they/them 📍 Chicago, IL

PHOTOGRAPHER | WRITER | INTERVIEWER

I'm a current University of Chicago student majoring in Visual Arts and minoring in Architectural Studies. As a practicing artist and a music lover, my love for photography naturally developed into my interest in concert photography. Through that avenue, I've learned so much about myself and the industry that I've grown to love.

FAVORITE ARTISTS: Eartheater, The Marías, System of a Down

FAVORITE CONCERT: FKA twigs

she/her/they/them 📍 Lexington, KY

PHOTOGRAPHER | WRITER

I am a current sophomore at the University of Kentucky studying Integrated Strategic Communications and Media Arts. Living in Atlanta for the majority of my life, I quickly immersed myself in the local music scene. From hardcore shows at DIY basement venues to raves at the Underground, I found my true passion in music. Photography has been engrained in my life for the past 4 years and I’m lucky enough that 2 of those have been filled with concerts and live music work. I pride myself of being unfiltered, authentic, high energy; just how I like my music to be.

FAVORITE ARTISTS: The Killers, Muted Color, My Bloody Valentine

FAVORITE CONCERT: Zeds Dead

he/him 📍 Toronto, CA

PHOTOGRAPHER

A lifelong concertgoer and photographer, I’m inspired by the freedom of expression that live music enables. Concerts are where creativity feels limitless, with raw moments, shared energy, and an open community. My work is driven by capturing that atmosphere as honestly as possible.

FAVORITE ARTISTS: The Strokes, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Led Zeppelin

FAVORITE CONCERT: Red Hot Chilli Peppers with The Strokes in Toronto

she/her 📍 Orlando, FL

WRITER | INTERVIEWER

Hi! I’m a junior at UCF studying Marketing. I only started going to concerts in 2023, but it quickly became a fun way for me to connect with people. I’m absolutely in love with live music because nothing beats the energy, community, and sound.

FAVORITE ARTISTS: Solange, Laufey, and Ariana Grande

FAVROITE CONCERT: Tyler the Creator’s Chromakopia and Ken Carson’s A Great Chaos

she/her 📍Miami, FL

PHOTOGRAPHER | WRITER

i am a full time dj with a passion for photography and the music scene. I started going to concerts at a young age and then followed into the EDM scene in my teens. Being an artist, my love for music and the culture drives my creativity and pushes me to explore different scenes and new artists!

FAVORITE ARTISTS: Doobie Brothers, Chris stussy, Sabrina carpenter

FAVORITE CONCERT: Fleetwood Mac

he/him 📍 Denver, CO

WRITER

I’m a college student at Aims community college in Greeley, CO studying business finance, I’m very involved with local politics and have always been fascinated with politics in general. I started attending concerts in 2022 with my first concert being The Weeknd’s After Hours til Dawn tour, since then I’ve attended probably 30-or-so primarily attending smaller more indie acts. I’ve always had a deep love of music, even going on to create my own in recent years.

FAVORITE ARTISTS: Jean Dawson, Dijon, The Weeknd

FAVORITE CONCERT: Jean Dawson @ The Fox Theater in Boulder

she/her 📍Sydney, Australia

PHOTOGRAPHER | WRITER

I’m a 29 year old elder emo teenager! I quit my retail workplace to become my own boss behind the camera, and love every minute of it. My love for capturing the little moments is what brings me most joy, seeing the tears of the crowd or the sweat from the artists, I love making those moments into art!

FAVORITE ARTISTS: Avril lavigne, Eminem, bring me the Horizon

FAVORITE CONCERT: I went to a bliss n eso concert pregnant and it was the best thing ever!

he/him 📍 Orlando, FL

WRITER | INTERVIEWER | GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Hello!!! My name is James and I am currently a student at the University of Central Florida studying Game Design and Studio Art. I have always held a deep love for all kinds of art, but music and digital art are extra special to me. The very first concert I attended was 10,000 Maniacs back in 2018, and ever since I've been obsessed with going to all sorts of shows. For quite a few years now I've been helping friends around the world with producing songs and shows, but now I want to take a step back into being more active in my local scene. I truly believe that music has the power to create unbreakable bonds, and I cannot wait to contribute to the community behind it.

FAVORITE ARTISTS: My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Nightwish

FAVORITE CONCERT: My Chemical Romance - Long Live The Black Parade

he/him 📍Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL

INTERVIEWER | WRITER

I’ve been an alt hairstylist for 13 years, I take alot of inspiration from music videos and concerts. I love combining music, fashion, and hair and creating photoshoot concepts. I’m very passionate about equality and human rights.

FAVORITE ARTISTS: Ekkstacy, Doechii, Doja cat

FAVORITE CONCERT: Kali Uchis

she/her/they/them 📍 San Diego, CA

WRITER | INTERVIEWER

I'm a recent graduate from the University of Colorado, Boulder where I volunteered with Radio 1190 on campus and had my own show on air! I have always loved music, having participated in my high school marching band and continuing my passion at the Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps, Anesidora winter guard and Icon winter guard. Music brings me closer to my friends, my family, and myself. I feel most alive when dancing to a good beat!

FAVORITE ARTISTS: Wet Leg, Fall Out Boy, and Lorde

FAVORITE CONCERT: Mannequin Pussy

he/him 📍 Tampa, FL

PHOTOGRAPHER

I’m a freelance photographer with a strong passion in visual storytelling. Motorsports, and music are my favorite to cover. Something about the pure adrenaline that goes into both that gets my heart pumping and brain juices flowing.

FAVORITE ARTISTS: Playboi Carti, Riordan, Gunna

FAVORITE CONCERT: Berlioz

she/her/they/them 📍Calgary, Alberta Canada

PHOTOGRAPHER | WRITER | INTERVIEWER

University dropout here! After seeing my first concert - Alice Cooper - at the age of 6 years old, I was immediately hooked on live music. I’ve now seen well over 200 shows around the world, and have been capturing them behind my camera for roughly 2 years now. In my free time, I write music, mess around on the guitar, climb big rocks, and travel the world with my dog, Doggy Parton. I love the community that music has brought to me thus far in my journey, and I can’t wait to make beautiful art with beautiful individuals.

FAVORITE ARTISTS: Stevie Nicks, Joan Jett, Amy Winehouse

FAVORITE CONCERT: Black Sabbath

she/her 📍 Tampa, FL

PHOTOGRAPHER

I’m a live music photographer, videographer, and editor who’s been working across multiple disciplines in the music scene since 2019. Through artist relations, hospitality, artist management, and media, I’ve developed a deep passion for the culture behind live music. Capturing moments that live forever and getting to create real-time FOMO is a true privilege. While my niche leans toward faster-paced, harder styles, my ultimate goal is capturing an artist’s energy and the aura they bring to the room — encompassing the entire experience.

FAVORITE ARTISTS: Sickmode, Apashe, Kruelty

FAVORITE CONCERT: Verknipt ArenA 2025

he/him 📍 Raleigh, NC

PHOTOGRAPHER | WRITER

I’m Patrick Gibson, a photographer who sees life like a movie and loves capturing the moments that feel real,m and emotional. I mainly shoot portraits, weddings, and concerts. Photography became my creative outlet over time, and it’s now how I connect with people. Outside of photography, I’m also involved in modeling and love exploring fashion, music, gaming, and creative spaces that inspire bold ideas.

FAVORITE ARTISTS: Sleep Token, Type 0 Negative, Wind Walkers

FAVORITE CONCERT: Sleep Token

she/her 📍 Orlando, FL

PHOTOGRAPHER | WRITER | INTERVIEWER

I am a photo and video editor and a film school graduate from the University of Central Florida, currently serving the Orlando area. My love for moving and still images stems from my vivid imagination as a child and my tendency to find beauty in the mundane. In Orlando, I have worked as a social media manager and news editor. I am currently located in Downtown Orlando within Innertoouterbeauty Salon. I specialize in creative and editorial photoshoots.

FAVORITE ARTISTS: Fall out boy, Neck Deep, Hot Mulligan

FAVORITE CONCERT: Neck Deep

he/him 📍 Portland, OR

PHOTOGRAPHER | GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Hello! My name is Xavier Damo and I’m based in Portland, Oregon, specializing in live music and event photography. I'm known for capturing high- energy, candid moments that tell real stories. Whether its a concert, private event, or local gathering, I focus on preserving the atmosphere and emotion of every moment. Let's work together to create memories you won’t forget. 

FAVORITE ARTISTS: Illenium, Sippy, Maoli

FAVORITE CONCERT: Chainsmokers at the Wynn

she/her 📍 Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL

WRITER | INTERVIEWER

I’m a PR, Advertising, and Production student at USF. The music industry has been my home since childhood. Both of my parents were producers so the backstage was my playground. My love for music and the event industry has grown greatly over the past couple years and I love sharing that love with the world.

FAVORITE ARTISTS: between friends, the Beatles, and Lorde

FAVORITE CONCERT: The Backseat Lovers in 2021 for 20 bucks at Crowbar

they/them 📍 London, UK

PHOTOGRAPHER | WRITER | INTERVIEWER

I am a linguistics graduate, currently working as a learning support assistant in London, UK. I took up concert photography and writing/reviewing last year and never looked back. I also started volunteering at different UK festivals, which led to me fall in love with the scene even more. Music helped me to get to know truly the loveliest people ever, and I hope that this community keeps on flourishing with Hard Launch.

FAVORITE ARTISTS: Paramore, Spiritbox, Twenty One Pilots

FAVORITE CONCERT: Sleep Token at Download 2025