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Lots of fun, this one. Jered Scott, the most incredible & prolific photographer I have ever met, gave me approximately 23 hugs at FURNACE FEST in 2021 as we both scrambled to different stations within Sloss. We didn’t really have to say “why” we kept hugging, but I think somehow we both knew deep down it was “because it felt good to be with your friends again”… restoring our empty gas tanks after a bitter winter away from each of our respective creative crafts. A few months later, Jered, Bruno & I jumped on a zoom meeting to start the foundation of what would become “the ultimate Furnace Fest Photography Book.” Each of us played a very unique & specific role in making this book come to life. Jered has “the eye,” Bruno is an unbelievable wizard with layout/design who I will never stop admiring, & I still just “look like a guy who works in IT.” Chad & Zod Carter took some convincing to be the “feature writers” of the book, as did tons of prominent bands & fans who all contributed to this project in large & small ways. Making a 200-page, 10,000-word book is really tough, really rewarding work. I don’t know that I could ever do it again in a 4 month window like we did. It’s a beautiful thing that managed to reflect our lives so well.. you don’t really know what you are getting yourself into when you “strive for pure creativity whilst honing your artistry,” you just TRY. With enough practice, failure, & practice again, there will at least be a few things you can stand, that you are proud of. This is certainly one of those things. We would love it if you grab this super-limited book, & use it to tell YOUR own version of the story with it.