Meet Kevin Sullivan, also known as Field Medic. He has a genre of music you can’t put in one category. For me, I was introduced to Field Medic in 2018, when he was opening for Wallows on their first North American tour. Shortly after that, he opened for alternative band Remo Drive, and during that run they made a stop in Pittsburgh, PA. That was the first show I ever photographed, and the first show that truly sparked my interest in concert photography.
Fast forward to 2022, and Field Medic is on his first headlining tour. It began shortly after releasing his most recent album grow your hair long if you’re wanting to see something that you can change. He made a stop near Cleveland in Lakewood, OH at Mahall’s on Nov. 5, 2022. You could tell that his fans were truly excited to see him perform again. I have traveled with my close friend Ella for many shows, and this show was almost exactly a year from when we last saw him at Union Stage in Washington, DC. Before the show, Ella and I spoke with fans outside who also saw him on his run with Remo Drive, and we even saw fans in the crowd that we met from a prior show.
Performing with a band for the first time was something new to see from Field Medic, but wow.. just wow. Drummer Nate Lich and bassist Dakota Floeter really added an extra element to his songs. In the past it was just Field and a boombox, but due to the fragility of boomboxes, it became hard to tour with them. Though he always had one backup stereo, Field Medic knew he needed to bring some friends along with him on tour. His indie-folk music led to fans cheering all night long. Hearing everyone sing along to his music really made for a fulfilling night.
Seeing the growth from his performances while also seeing where my photography has led me is something I’m so thankful for. It is cool to be able to continue to support artists while also pursuing the things I am passionate about. Below are two images from the first show I shot at The Fun House on Sep. 16, 2018.
Write up with photos by Madalyn Schaller, @madalyns.photos via instagram.
Live from the Pitt 