Punk isn’t just what happens onstage—it’s what survives between shows. It’s a network of people doing things their own way, with the tools they’ve got. That’s what this shoot was about.
Global Discontent is a band that gets that. They’re part of Barcelona’s current wave of punk that still believes in something—and still makes noise about it. We met up in Poblenou, an area whose contradictions reflect the scene itself: old factories, fading tags, tech offices trying to clean things up but never quite succeeding. Perfect.
The Setting: No Permission Needed
We didn’t scout high-rises or polished murals. We picked an abandoned warehouse, a backdrop that didn’t need explaining. Cracked cement, rusted metal, walls covered in graffiti. Nothing curated. Everything earned.
The band showed up ready.
No stylists. No borrowed gear. Just what they wear (and some extra t-shirts), how they move, and the energy they bring with them.
Building Comfort Before the Click
They’re not into posing—never have been. From the start, I knew this wasn’t going to be a “stand here, look there, chin up!” kind of shoot. They’re a band that feels awkward in front of the camera, and forcing it never works. That’s why, when I know a group needs time to loosen up, I make the effort to visit a couple of their rehearsals beforehand. Just me, them, and the music. No lens between us—just letting them be in their element. It builds a kind of quiet trust. So by the time we get to the actual location, even if we’ve only got a couple of hours, we’re not strangers. That day, I still had to direct them, sure—but there was enough ease between us to capture something honest. Not polished. Just real.
The Tools
I shot with what I always use: fast primes. Lighting was totally natural. Anything more would’ve killed the mood.
In a few frames, I let motion blur take over—shutter dragged just enough to mimic the chaos of live shows. Imperfect, but alive.
Why I Bother
Shooting bands like Global Discontent isn’t about portfolio building. It’s about participating. Punk only keeps breathing if people keep doing things. Flyers, shows, photos, zines, meals after practice—this is how scenes survive.
This shoot wasn’t work. It was contribution.
Aftermath
When I sent the photos, the response was simple and honest. “These are killer,” one of them said. Plans were already in motion to use them for the next poster. That’s what matters. Not likes, not reach—utility. That someone else in the scene can take what I make and run with it.
Closing Thoughts
Poblenou has changed, but it still holds traces of everything that came before. Punk’s the same. It evolves, but its backbone doesn’t snap. Shooting Global Discontent in this space felt right. No spectacle, no excess. Just a band trying to do their thing—and someone with a camera trying to keep up.
Not every photo needs to be perfect. But if it feels honest, it’s done its job.
