In Detroit Rock City (1999), it’s 1978 and a group of friends in a KISS tribute band from Cleveland are trying to attend a KISS concert in Detroit. Their goal is made difficult by a number of obstacles, including an overly protective mother, a brief stint in Catholic school, and a blossoming romance. Though the film is an enjoyable stoner-comedy, it did — in my mind — cement Detroit as some kind of musical valhalla when I saw it as an impressionable teenager. Turns out, that impression was not entirely wrong.
ACRONYM, otherwise known as Amy Nicole, is one of Detroit’s best hidden resources. As a journalist, photographer, events curator, and creative director, ACRONYM has her finger on the city’s pulsating music scene. Not only is she the founder of “Found In The Underground” — an biannual music festival that brings together Detroit’s rising artists, ACRONYM also directed “Get On Up,” a 2018 music video for Chicago-based legend Matt Warren, landing promotions on MTV, BET, and VH1.
As a photographer, ACRONYM partook in several photo tours, and had photographed some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Billie Eilish, The Chainsmokers, Normani, Gucci Mane, 21 Savage, 2Chainz, RZA, Wu-Tang Clan, Snoop Dogg, St. Vincent, and more. Many of her photos have been featured on artist instagram accounts, including those of Rob Zombie, Quavo of Mgigos, James Maslow, Good Charlotte, The Offspring, Our Lady Peace, Bayside, Wilson, among others.
Aside from her award-winning photography — ACRONYM was named Best Portrait Photographer by “Hour Detroit Best of 2017” — she is also involved in the fashion industry. Earlier this year, the busy creative launched her own clothing line, which includes hats, shirts, and shoes. Over the years, ACRONYM has put her training in the Digital Arts and interest in all things creative to good use, building up an impressive portfolio of work, while learning new tricks, and upgrade her skillset as well as her equipment.
For more info on ACRONYM’s work both past and present, make sure to check out her podcast and social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Note* Artist Spotlight is made possible by our partner.