For our last interview of 2024, we sat down with talented local photographer Andrea Hoffman @_disposable.life Originally from Tijuana, MX, Andrea captures the raw energy of live shows in heavy music through her lens from Tijuana to San Diego. Balancing her work in Nursing and going to shows, we got to hear what drives her passion for photography and how it all began.

HI ANDREA, CAN YOU INTRODUCE YOURSELF, TELL US WHAT YOU DO, AND WHERE YOU’RE FROM ?

Hi everyone, My name is Andrea I’m originally from Tijuana Mexico currently living in San Diego, I work in a nursing home as an Activities Asst.

DO PEOPLE AT YOUR WORK KNOW OF YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY?

Just a few know about it haha

HOW DID YOU GET INTO PHOTOGRAPHY AND DOCUMENTING LIVE SHOWS?

I always admired photography how you can capture moments and actually feel the picture, my first pictures I ever took was in Tijuana with a digital Sony point and shoot camera.

WHAT ARE YOUR EARLIEST MEMORIES OF MUSIC AND WHO OR WHAT HELPED INFLUENCE YOUR PASSION FOR HEAVY MUSIC IN PARTICULAR?

I always listened to “rock” I grew up with classic rock bands and I want to say that the “heaviest” band I grew up with was Metallica thanks to my dad (I know, I know it’s a different genre but that was the only band I had at the moment and other emo Mexican bands),  when I was like 17 I went to my first local hardcore show in Tijuana because one of my friends brother used to sing in this band called “Days Of Struggle”, after that my friends started to introduce me to more Hardcore, Punk.

I remember when I listened to Terror for the first time my mind almost blew there heavy, mad and always with a good message, until now I never missed a Terror show

WHAT ARE SOME BANDS YOU FOUND MOST INTERESTING THIS YEAR?

Provoker, Big Boy, Speed, Midforce, Grayout (Tijuana), Truth be told (Mexicali), Absolve me (Mexicali), Violencia (Tijuana)

DESCRIBE THE FIRST TIME YOU TOOK LIVE PICTURES, WERE YOU NERVOUS?

I took a few pictures back in the day when I used to live in Tijuana with a SONY digital point and shoot.

But the first time I took pictures was with my film camera and I was very nervous because I knew I only had one chance to capture the moment I wanted plus I didn’t know what the hell I was doing(still happening lol) but ending up turning out not too bad .

ARE THERE ANY ARTIST THAT YOU HAVE SEEN OR LISTENED TO THAT ARE DOING SOMETHING SPECIAL IN MUSIC RIGHT NOW?

I guess I’m a big fan of Terror because I love every speech Scott gives at every show, but I know now lots of bands do the same thing and I love that especially that I see lots of kids at the shows now.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO WHEN YOUR NOT PHOTOGRAPHING?

Enjoy the show, pay attention to every detail in the music and in the energy of the scene.

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ONE SONG TO BE PLAYED RIGHT NOW WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Uff I will choose Spit my rage by TERROR

DO YOU PREFER FILM OR DIGITAL WHEN YOUR SHOOTING? FAVORITE CAMERA?

At the moment I only have one film camera. A Canon EOS rebel G  and one digital Canon EOS rebel T1i, but I love shooting more with film.

WHAT WERE YOUR MOST PLAYED SONGS OR ARTIST IN 2024?

Lots of AFI, Hardcore, Punk, Rap and 80’s music

ANY CRAZY OR FUNNY STORIES YOU WANNA SHARE OF THE SHOWS YOU BEEN TO?

Nothing crazy just that I love spending time with my friends at shows and meeting new people and having a good time.

ANDREA IT WAS GREAT TO TALK TO YOU AND HEAR YOUR STORY. LOOKING FORWARD TO CHECKING OUT SOME SHOWS WITH YOU IN 2025. ANYONE YOU WANNA SHOUT OUT?

I want to recognize a few people that I met this year that have been supporting me, helping me, and giving me tips on photography.

Pixal (@deadpixels.sd)

Oscar (@sidewalkslammed1904)

Evan (@_indecentexposures)

and my friends from New lords booking that always set up sick shows in Tijuana and give me the opportunity of taking pictures.

Follow Andrea on Instagram to check out more of her work @_disposable.life