NYC In Focus

A Night to Remember in NYC
On March 20, 2025, I was lucky enough to score a last-minute invite to Pop Evil’s “What Remains” album release party, hosted by SiriusXM’s Octane and the legendary Jose Mangin. Held at Cult of Individuality in New York City, this exclusive, standing-room-only event was a celebration of Pop Evil’s eighth studio album, set to drop the very next day. As a photographer, I couldn’t wait to capture the raw energy of the night—complete with acoustic performances, a meet & greet with the band, and an enthusiastic crowd of rock fans.

I arrived at 5:30 PM, eager to capture every moment of this exclusive event. The venue was packed, buzzing with excitement as fans gathered for an exclusive first listen to “What Remains.” Jose Mangin, the charismatic host from SiriusXM’s Octane—a channel dedicated to hard rock and metal—kept the energy high from start to finish. The standing-room setup meant everyone was up close and personal, adding to the electric atmosphere.

Highlights of the Evening
The night kicked off with a meet & greet session with Pop Evil, where attendees—including myself—received a vinyl copy of “What Remains.” It was a thrill to chat with the band and snap some candid shots of fans meeting their heroes. Then, at 7:00 PM, the main event began: acoustic performances of tracks from the new album. Hearing Pop Evil play in such an intimate setting was incredible—the stripped-down versions highlighted the power and emotion in their music. These moments were pure gold for my camera, and I couldn’t stop clicking.

Through My Lens
As a photographer, this event was a dream gig. The combination of passionate performances, a lively crowd, and the chance to get up close with the band and Jose Mangin made every shot a joy to capture. I loved freezing the intensity of the acoustic set and the excitement of the meet & greet in time. One standout moment was snapping a photo of a girl getting her vinyl signed—she was a nurse and a huge Pop Evil fan I’d talked to in line. I didn’t catch her name, but her excitement was infectious, and capturing that moment felt really cool. The energy of the night, which ran from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, gave me endless inspiration.

Photo Gallery
Here’s a selection of my favorite photos from the event. These shots showcase the vibe, the music, and the people who made it unforgettable.

Wrapping Up
Pop Evil’s “What Remains” album release party was an epic night of music and connection. Being part of this invite-only event, surrounded by fans and hosted by SiriusXM’s Octane, felt like a privilege—and capturing it all through my lens made it even better. If you haven’t checked out “What Remains” yet, do it—it’s a must-listen for any rock fan.

Let’s Work Together
All photos in this post are my original work. If you’d like to use them, please credit me—I’d really appreciate it! And if you’re looking for a photographer to capture your next event, hit me up. I’d love to bring this same energy to your project.