Cam Gilmour
Cam Gilmour has been playing music in Australia for a long time first as a drummer for Behind Crimson Eyes then he drummed for Illy. He been doing solo stuff for a while now and with a new EP Anhedonia on the way I needed to know more.
https://camgilmour.bandcamp.com/ all physical orders come with a bonus zine featuring Cam’s written works!
https://www.facebook.com/cam.gilmour/
1. How has being in a band and playing for someone else helped shape your own music?
Playing in Behind Crimson Eyes and touring with Illy and M-Phazes certainly had an impact on my music, but it swings both ways. For everything I regarded with those guys, there were also things I knew I wouldn’t and couldn’t be, and that is where your own sense of self has to kick in. To a large degree we are shaped by our experiences, though sometimes we tend to forget that and like to imagine that we plucked our artistic style out of thin air. The reality is, we are all borrowing, thieving little shits.
2. Do you find song-writing easier or is it more or less the same?
It’s definitely more difficult, but writing and producing your own music allows for a greater sense of ownership, which is what I was really lacking for a lot of years. I’ve often felt misrepresented by association throughout the past and that leads to disconnection with the projects you’re involved in and other ugly internal goings on. So, despite the extra effort to shoulder the entire load, there is something very lovely and liberating about it. It’s still important to know your limits and be willing to seek help or advice when needed
3. What inspires you now when writing music?
You know, I’ve been writing music for so long that it feels more like a compulsion than an inspiration. Occasionally I’ll get a frisson of excitement when writing – if I stumble upon an idea that seems positively brilliant. But those moments are scant and I spend most of my time just sifting through all the bile for trace amounts of awesome.
4. What was the inspiration behind the new EP?
I set out to write an instrumental EP that is hyper emotional and poignant, ‘cause I’m a sensitive starfish with a penchant for piano melody, string sections and hip-hop beats. Every artistic venture that you take on with any gusto carries with it the intention to create and present the best work you are capable of. This EP was no different in that respect.
5.Do you think YouTube has helped the music industry?
Absolutely! Second only to the crazy cat-lady industry.
6. Do you think it’s all about the song-writing or does the right place, right time has a lot to do with it?
I used to think it was completely about the music – ‘a good song will always be heard’ attitude – but I have learnt that you can’t underestimate the role of luck or the nature of the music industry as a capitalist machine that sometimes gives less of a fuck about artistic integrity or ingenuity and more about cashing in wherever it can. If you look at art through a wide lens, you’ll observe that talent often loses out to a pretty face, really progressive ideas gets shoved aside for no-traction trends with a three-week shelf life. There’s not much you can do about it. I have my heroes & heroines and my values about art and that’s about it. I’m genuinely happy for anyone who can make a living from it – it’s tough. I had to fairly dig myself out of bitterness to be able to say that with sincerity.
7. What do you hope people get out of the EP?
I hope people enjoy it, but moreover, feel inspired by it in some way. That’s really what art is all about, after all. It is supposed to set ablaze that ember in your belly and transform it into a flamethrower. Art has enriched my life in countless ways and my little EP (and the Zine of essays I am releasing with it) is just a contribution to this big ol’ world of ideas.
8. Do you have moments where you just can’t write?
Beginning work on any new song still feels like standing on the edge of impossibility and then having to walk forward. I have many, many days where I can’t write, but if I’m feeling brave, I sit at the piano and give it a shot anyway. Woody Allen once said that 80% of life is just showing up – it’s good advice. Other days I feel like it’s all I can do not to vomit from frustration and fatigue, because the artistic pursuit often feels like throwing out anchors as though they were nets. In times like this, it’s good to acquire some problems with definite, solvable answers. If you have a garden to weed or a bike to fix up, I’d advise it strongly. Don’t underestimate the aches and pains of manual labour in easing the psychological ones.
9. Will a feature length be in the cards?
If I’ve got the legs, absolutely! I’m compiling a secret list of poets, singers, musicians and rappers who I would like to work with on a full-length. When I figure out how that will all work I’ll let you know.
10. If you could have anybody in a video clip who would it be?
Geez. That’s a tough one… Okay, I’ve got it. I’d cast Tony Abbott. He’d be playing the role of a flamboyant transgender, Muslim, vegetarian refugee living in Kalgoorlie. Annnd… Action!
