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I used to love Camera Obscura, but it seems like they fell off the face of the earth a bit in recent years. Desire Lines is their first album in four years and it’s got me excited about them again and about their upcoming performance at Bluesfest. I took the opportunity to send them a few questions and find out what they’ve been up to and what we can expect from the show here in Ottawa (and their new album). We heard back from Carey Lander.
Apt613: Why a four year hiatus? What have you been up to?
Carey Lander: We needed a break after touring My Maudlin Career for a long time, it felt necessary to take some time out to remember what normal life is like before charging in to start a new record. Some difficult stuff was happening in our personal lives that meant there was a delay in being able to work on the songs, but as soon as we were able,we booked into the studio in Portland.
Apt613: Are you looking forward to your tour dates in Canada? Any favourite Canadian moments or places?
CL: Yes, we always look forward to playing in Canada and I don’t think we have ever played at a festival there before so that will be cool. Discovering you can get veggie hotdogs from the street vendors in Toronto on our first trip there remains a treasured memory. We were pretty impressed.
Apt613: You’re on the line-up for the Ottawa Bluesfest here in Ottawa. How do you like playing big festivals? Is it tougher to connect with your audience in that type of environment?
CL: It’s certainly a different experience and a different kind of challenge. It can be simultaneously extra nerve wracking and slightly liberating to play in front of a crowd who might not be familiar with your music.
Apt613: What should we pay attention to on the new album? Anything you would like us to listen for specifically?
CL: I’d love you to listen to it in order from start to finish, the way it is intended to be heard. For a start though, check out “Troublemaker”. The coldest thing we’ve ever done.
Camera Obscura play the River Stage at Bluesfest Friday July 6 at 6:30pm.