Someone Has To Die
2003-2004

The first time I saw emo godfathers The Promise Ring was on one of their last tours. They opened for punky, high-energy favorites Jimmy Eat World. Unfortunately, it was obvious the crowd was not interested in the lilting, orchestral sound The Promise Ring explored on their swan song album Wood/Water. After all, this was the tour on which 30-ish lead singer Davey von Bohlen, recovering from major brain surgery, was hit in the head by a flying beer bottle–the teen crowds just didn’t get it.

But, standing amidst hundreds, straining to hear my favorite songs over the din, I contemplated the catch-22 of singing/songwriting: it requires you to translate your private thoughts and experiences into a marketable product. Listening to Davey sing about his neighborhood, his afternoon coffee, his home, a life without guitars, I felt the beauty of the moments he had carefully distilled into lyrics. As a photographer, I felt these moments in images. So, with the generous cooperation of Davey and drummer Dan Didier, I spent a year exploring the Midwestern life that inspires their songwriting.

The Promise Ring broke up not long after I saw them that first time, and Dan and Davey regrouped with Eric Axelson to form Maritime. My photo essay, “Someone Has To Die,” chronicles the year in between. In the studio, in their homes, against the stark background of Milwaukee, they continue to create music that elevates and celebrates the ordinary moments we all live.