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10 Questions with ... Jeremy Camp
November 27, 2006
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NAME:Jeremy CampTITLE:MusicianLABEL:BEC Recordings
Brief Career Synopsis:
Discography:
Beyond Measure - 2006
Live Unplugged (CD/DVD) - 2005
Restored - 2004
In 24 (DVD) - 2004
Carried Me: The Worship Project - 2004
Stay - 20021) Can you give a brief rundown of your musical career from your perspective?
The first album released four years ago. I didn't know what to expect really at that point. It was exciting but it was also rough going and slow going, touring in a van with a trailer. Seemed like we were super tired all of the time in very close quarters. There were times of doubt, but it was a growing time. All of this "success" happened quickly, and I'm sure I didn't know exactly where it was all going; it was all so unknown. But that's how it's been, just growing and building to that next step, that next chapter. There were times where we'd get kind of bummed with rough going on the road, but no matter what I knew God had called me to this. There's the strong emotion, feeling that he's using me, with all this stuff going on around me, but it's also humbling because I still see a lot of my friends doing this music thing in the vans and trailers.
2) Imagine life without music. What would you be doing?
Wow, I'd definitely be helping with the Church. I'd love to be a youth leader.
3) Tell us your funniest radio station experience so far.
Oh yes, I was at this show about a year and a half ago. Someone from the station came up to me singing the Building 429 song "Glory Defined" and said something like "I sound like Jeremy Camp." I just said, "That's great!" He didn't know that it wasn't my song, that it was another band's song. I don't know if he ever realized it, even when I didn't sing that song on stage.
4) How has a growing family changed your perspective on the music business?
I'd definitely say that I try to be home more. I could just keep going and going but I have to say to myself, "Pass on that." It has settled me a bit and I'm focused on family more. I know I'm more settled even when they're on the road with me. I'm more at peace. When they're at home and I'm gone, I can feel lonely.
5) Which do you enjoy more, the process or the performance?
My creative side loves the process, finding the different chords and melodies. I love turning that into lyrics. But there's an element of me that loves pouring out my heart using songs, as I go on stage and connect with people. That's just another side that is amazing, too.
6) What are the highlights of the tour with Hawk Nelson and Adie?
There are the fun highlights of being on the road with Hawk Nelson. One of the songs they perform every night uses the kazoo, and Jason brought my daughter Bella out on stage for that. She got a bit embarrassed, but it was cool to watch her out there from the side of the stage. Another cool element is singing with my wife Adie at the end of every set.
7) What's the most important message on the new record "Beyond Measure"?
The chorus of "Beyond Measure" is a huge message to the album: "I know that I've been given more than beyond measure. I come alive when I see beyond my fears. I know that I've been given more than earthly treasure. I come alive when I've broken down and given you control." For me, in my relationship to God, if I'm letting my fears get involved and not trusting the Lord, if I reach the point where I'm trying to control everything, it all becomes a mess. I need to make sure and realize again that God's always been good.
8) What are the stories behind the first two singles, "What It Means" and "Tonight"?
The song "What It Means" came while I had been reading my Bible on a rough day. I started to pray and my face hit the floor. I thought I'd been here a thousand times before, doing dumb things, getting caught up in the busy. I just started getting a picture of the meaning of surrender and of what it means to be a living sacrifice, the ultimate act of sacrifice.
For the song "Tonight," it came from Mark 8:34, "If a man would deny himself and take up his cross...." I have a tattoo of that on my arm. This is a very urgent album for me; it's a call to action. And in this song I'm saying two things: One, take advantage of every moment, and two, I know I'm going to do something stupid, so don't do it.
9) What motivates you to create music?
I've been hearing story after story of how people are going through difficult times and people tell me how the music gets them through those intense moments and situations. God's given me this platform and I need to be a vessel willing to be broken down and used.
10) You've been challenged to a sushi-eating contest by your publicist; what's your strategy to win?
Oh man! She beat me! Strategy is, don't eat for two days prior. No water and no rice, nothing that can taint the stomach from eating more sushi.
Bonus Questions
1) Who would be a dream artist to record with?
Bono for the passion in his songs or Chris Martin for the process of creating music with him
2 ) What is your favorite city to visit?
Portland, OR, or anywhere in the Northwest
3) What is your favorite road meal?
Thai food, any ethnic food really
4) Musical guilty pleasures
Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong
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