So we thought it was time to introduce all the readers to the amazing people behind the SoundCheck Team. Over the last five years SCE has grown leaps and bounds and we just thought maybe you wanted to get to know the team a little more. We are going to be EVERYWHERE this summer so don't be shy, stop us at a show to say hi. The whole idea of SCE started with Hendrik being a FAN of live music. Everyone on our team has the same passion and we love to get a chance to say Thank-You for reading an interacting with us. We asked each of our staff to write a brief bio on what makes them tick, so here it goes.
HENDRIK PAPE...
Born in Mississauga in the summer of 1974 I was adopted by a family in Northern Ontario where I spent the first 20 some years of my life before relocating to the Ottawa Valley and eventually to the Thousand Islands region which is where my family and I call home today. Field Service Tech by day, Live Music Nut by night! I'm a blogger, social media geek, tech, and live music fanatic. To me there's nothing better than a live show, indoors or outdoors it doesn't get more raw than that. Anything can happen and that's what makes it unique and exciting.
I founded Sound Check Entertainment in 2010 to help promote festivals, events and emerging artists from across Canada and the world! I'm a huge fan of all genres of music, if it moves me I'll listen to it. I'm also very proud of what Canada has to offer the music world, we have some extraordinary talent in this country. Part of my goal in founding Sound Check Entertainment was to seek out, discover and promote some of these artists to help them get heard...I'd say we're off to a good start!
COREY KELLY...
Growing up in smalltown Ontario my entire life (Arnprior) and getting to attend events like the Salute To The Ottawa Valley and The Ottawa Exhibition as really my only opportunity to see live shows. I remember the 1st show I attended it was Corey Hart during his stop at the Ottawa Ex in August of '85. It was actually my sister that went but I was lucky enough to have an usher sneak me in and watch 2 or 3 songs and thinking, how cool is this. I also remember making the trek down to Ottawa to catch David Lee Roth's Skyscraper Tour with one of my favorite 80's rock bands ever in Poison. They opened the show in August of '88. I still vividly remember David Lee Roth hoisted above the audience in a Boxing Ring suspended above the audience then riding a surf board over the crowd to get back to the stage. Seriously seeing that at 12 was just amazing and really sparked the passion to attend every show I could and really have since then.
I truly do love music. My go to over the past 20 years has been country but recall purchasing Garth Brooks No Fences back in '90 and really falling in love with the stories that Garth was telling. I can also remember that Please Hammer Don't Hurt'em by MC Hammer being the first CD I ever purchased. I currently reside in the GTA and am so lucky to have a business partner like Hendrik Pape to enjoy this amazing journey of SoundCheck. And look forward to bringing more unique content to your screens...
Follow Corey on Twitter & Instagram
SEAN SISK...
I am a professional photographer from Ottawa, Ontario. Mostly know for musician and commercial work. Having worked with many garage bands, bands starting out to Grammy Nominees. My music photography work has graced the pages of a few many mags. ( Canadian Musician, Chatelaine, The Toronto Star, Fine Lifestyles) As well most of my work is for the artist & labels. I have had the opportunity to work with Open Road, Rebel Waltz, Hollywood Records, Disney Records, Sonic Records, Feldman and more. Working with acts like Tim Hicks, The OffSpring, Alan Doyle, Great Big Sea, Matt Anderson, SoundGarden, Amanda Rheaume, Kelly Prescott, and many others. I also enjoy shooting, band promotional photography, commercial work with CTV, The Amazing Race, TSN, NEW Country 94 and many other rad business.
I also have to mention that I spend a lot of time on humanitarian projects . I launched Pets with Personalities in 2010 and have raised over $25000 for the Ottawa Boys and Girls club and various animal rescues ( Ottawa Humane Society, Hopeful Hearts, Ottawa Dog Rescue). As well I sit on the board for an amazing event in Ottawa, RINGSIDE FOR YOUTH. An amazing event that raises money for the Ottawa Boys and Girls Club. In June I donate a couple days to help out Jason Blaine in Pembroke to raise some money for the Pembroke Boys and Girls Club. When I'm not in the pit I am hanging with the other part of Sean Sisk Photography ...my wife Erin who does all the behind the scenes fun stuff, my 3 girls and my kick ass Bernese Mountain dog...Rylee. Enjoying some hockey, cooking and cold pint. I got here by taking a photography class in grade 10 in High School and getting a 50%...
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SCOTT BURNS...
I love trying to get "THE" shot : capturing that moment in a performance that shows the artist's raw emotion. I always work to capture an artist in the most flattering manner. After all, if they look good, I look good, right? That is what I strive for every time I shoot.
I have been a music photographer since 1983. I have photographed artists onstage, backstage and beyond. Past photo assignments/publishings include: Ampex Recording Tapes, Q107FM, Metallion Magazine, Warner Music Canada, Hit Parader Magazine, Sound Check Entertainment, The Lovelocks.
I am always listening to music - and I mean constantly. And that includes many genres (Rock, Country, Jazz, Blues, Metal, Reggae). I have been going to live concerts since I was 12, and playing guitar since I was 13. So, combining my love of music with my passion for photography was just such a natural fit for me. Live event photography is what I love to do!
Passion, Integrity, Professionalism, and Perfectionism. These are the words that describe how I work and my approach to my photography.
Shooting for Sound Check Entertainment has allowed me to be a part of a creative and collaborative team of professionals, who are committed in bringing fresh, consistent news, stories and images from the entertainment world to our readers. It is an honour and privilege to work with them!
Follow Scott on Twitter & Instagram
JAMES BENNETT
I am a Professional Photographer based in Halifax, Nova Scotia with plenty of experience photographing musicians, festivals, concerts and events. James is one of the premier East Coast Photographers when it comes to live events. I can often be found shooting many of the events in Eastern Canada such as Cavendish Beach Music Festival, Royal International Tattoo Festival, Casino-NS and many of the professional sports teams based in Halifax.
I strive to capture that one photo that tells the story and mood of the event and often receives positive feedback from his subjects. Over the years I have developed a strong fan base and am often in demand to cover many of the events in the Maritimes.
I am a recent Music Nova Scotia nominee in 2015 for Visual Artist of the Year and is currently up for East Coast Music Association Media Person of the Year. I am also proud member of Music Nova Scotia and the Canadian Country Music Association.
Some of my favourite moments over the years have been attending the Zac Brown Band Concert at the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre. Covering many festivals as the official photographer, I truly enjoy shooting for the Cavendish Beach Music Festival each summer in PEI. Another favourite moment was covering the CCMA Music Week in Halifax, NS in 2015.
I have to say I really enjoy country music especially Canadian Country Music with some of my favourite acts being Dallas Smith, Brett Kissel and Jess Moskaluke one of my favourite artists continues to be Brantley Gilbert and find a real connection with the hit song "One Hell of an Amen".
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RAY WILLIAMS...
Born in Toronto but now reside in GTA west, I did my photography training at Sheridan and Mohawk College. I have shot Hundreds of concerts, three songs at a time. From small clubs shows to big arenas. I enjoy the fast pace of shooting on the fly always planning my next move to capture that next brilliant shot.
I have photographed a wide verity of bands that include: One Direction, The Guess Who, Il Divo, Pink, Platinum Blonde Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, Tebey, Zac Brown Band and many others.
For almost a decade, I have been the photographer whose lens has defined the concert scene. A few publications were my work is has been published is Canadian Magazine Home and Cottages, Mississauga News, and front page of the Brampton Guardian sports pull-out section where I captured the last game, the last goal of the Ontario Hockey League Brampton Battalion. I had the privilege of walking the Abby with Canadian PGA star David Hearn and capturing LPGA Michele Wie at the Manulife LPGA Classic.
I have been told; my work ethic coupled with my ability to comprehend and understand great concert composition and lighting is second to none. I take every photo shoot like it's my first. And I always strive to capture that next unique image.
I have said I haven't mastered my craft, and yet my photography career is ever-evolving and expanding. The next chapter will be even more iconic as I continue to create the images that define and influence generations to come.
Follow Ray on Twitter & Instagram
BILL WOODCOCK...
Well if your reading this you must really be bored... So I was born and raised in a small town and have a thirst for good Canadian Whiskey and amazing Country Music.
