How old were you when you first became interested in music?

I have been interested in music for as long as I can remember! My mum played a variety of instruments growing up and my dad ...........

How old were you when you first became interested in music?

I have been interested in music for as long as I can remember! My mum played a variety of instruments growing up and my dad is a DJ so I almost feel I was born into it!

My musical journey started when I joined the Blackpool Music Service Youth Concert Band as a Flautist in my primary school years. I enjoyed several years in the band and experienced performing in some astounding venues including a tour around Germany! Despite thoroughly enjoying the flute, my attention soon led me to singing which I feel is my true passion.


Who have been your role models and why?

There are so many! First and foremost, my dad. He taught me all my good habits from his experience in the industry and I am proud to be following in his footsteps.

John Stevens and Andrew White, two conductors from my time at Blackpool Music Service, taught me the respect and discipline required to work successfully in the industry and I am tremendously grateful for the opportunities they have provided to me over the years!

On a larger scale, my biggest inspiration has always been Leona Lewis who won the X Factor in 2006. I remember being at my Nan’s house watching the final at the age of 9, I turned to her and said “I’m going to be a singer one day like Leona!” and I’ve not stopped singing since. I was even lucky enough to meet Leona in 2016 when I attended her concert at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester!


Why did you choose to become a vocalist?

There are so many reasons why I love to sing. Not only do I love performing and being on stage but I also have recently discovered a passion for songwriting. I feel this really brings out my creative side enables me to share whatever message I would like to through my lyrics. Whilst singing has become my career, it is very much still my hobby and something that I choose to do in my spare time or when I want to relax – it just goes to show how much I enjoy it!


How would you describe your achievements and successes?

I feel extremely lucky and proud of my achievements to date. My first success was representing my High School and winning Blackpool Music Service’s Pop Idol at the age tender age of 12. I was and still am so grateful for this opportunity as it really kick-started my musical journey!

In 2011, I was lucky enough to be chosen to perform at the grand opening of Nickelodeon Land at the Pleasure Beach where I entertained a whole host of celebrities and high profile guests. Sharing the red carpet with such stars really encouraged me to follow my dream of being a vocalist!

Following this, I have gone on to perform at hundreds of venues across the country and have met some incredible artists and musicians along the way. In 2019, I entered an online singing competition to win the chance to perform at the A Star Is Born This Way Arena Tour. To my complete surprise, I won the competition with my rendition of ‘With You’ from Ghost the Musical and was booked to perform at Sheffield Arena in October!!

It was at this incredible venue that I performed my debut single ‘Glitterball’ for the first time. I am thrilled to announce that ‘Glitterball’ will be released on Friday 28th February 2020. Today I have actually been invited to record an interview at BBC Radio Lancashire who will play ‘Glitterball’ on Wednesday 4th March 2020 – I am extremely excited for this opportunity as I’m sure you can imagine!

How do you feel being in a band has influenced other parts of your life in a positive way?

Being a part of the BMS Youth Concert Band has benefited me immensely. Not only did I make some lifelong friends but it taught me the importance of working in a team with other musicians and how communication is paramount. The skills and professional attitude we adopted from the wonderful teaching staff and conductors really set us up to be able to play at such a high standard. I feel I owe a lot to Blackpool Music Service for the wealth of commitment and opportunities that have been provided to myself and so many other aspiring musicians over the years.


What is your ultimate musical ambition?

This is a tricky question as I have so many goals for myself! I think what I really enjoy is making people happy. Not only do I thoroughly enjoy each and every performance I do but it makes the hard work all worthwhile when you see the audience enjoying themselves too.

I would like to continue performing and writing my own music, hopefully an album eventually. Ultimately I would love to perform in some of my dream venues and it would be incredible to perform at a tour of my own someday!


What do you enjoy doing when you are not singing?

I enjoy listening to music, watching shows and going out to watch live entertainment. Aside from this I enjoy dancing and spending time with my friends and family.


What was the first CD that you ever bought/downloaded or were given?

Gosh this takes me back! My first CD was a Sugababes CD that my parents had given me, looking back I bet they wish they hadn’t!! With my costumes from dance classes and the microphone my dad had set up for me in my bedroom, I spent many hours bopping away to this CD in my bedroom. I’m just hoping my parents never caught this on camera!!!

How old were you when you first became interested in music?

I was 6 years old when I first laid eyes on the flute in the window of my grandparents music shop in Blackpool. I really want ...........

How old were you when you first became interested in music?

I was 6 years old when I first laid eyes on the flute in the window of my grandparents music shop in Blackpool. I really wanted to play the shiny instrument and my Nan said to me “You can have lessons as long as you get to grade 8 and don’t give up”. So in 2016 I sat my grade 8 flute exam and was awarded the Horatio Waywell memorial prize by ABRSM which they published in their annual review.


Who have been your role models and why?

Nearly every flute player you ask will say James Galway has had some influence on them as a flautist. However my main role models have been the teachers I have had as I have got older, including my current teacher who is the first flute for the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. All have influenced my outlook on playing the flute and always encourage me to play to the best of my ability. Piccolo, the instrument that a flautist either loves or hates and for me I absolutely love it! Since starting lessons at the Royal Northern College of Music, my piccolo teacher Jenny Hutchinson has taught me that the piccolo is an instrument of its own and not just the same as the flute so this is something that I would love to encourage other flautists to try.


Why did you choose the instrument that you are now playing?

As cliche as it sounds I never really picked the flute. It was always there in the music shop window looking shiny and like a magpie I was drawn to it. Now I am older, I have had more of a say a flute shopping, although stressful, it allowed me to choose an instrument I will probably have for the rest of my life.


How would you describe your achievements and successes?

My biggest achievement to date is when I performed with the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra at the Philharmonic Hall with conductor Vassily Petrenko. Playing at the Philharmonic Hall is an experience I will never forget.

Another of my biggest achievements was getting a distinction in my grade 8 flute exam and gaining the Horatio Waywell memorial prize. As well as this, in sixth form I won the Rotary District Young Musician of the Year and the school House Music Prize.


How do you feel being in a band has influenced other parts of your life in a positive way?

Over my 15 years of playing I have played in MANY bands across the north-west of England. Playing for the Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and Lancashire Youth Concert Band and Symphony Orchestra when I was 17 forced me to learn to drive really quickly. Being able to get myself and my sisters to rehearsals meant that it would relieve some of the pressure from my parents at 9am on a Sunday morning.

But, I would say the best thing about being in a band is the amount of different people you get to meet. I have ended up going to rehearsals with people I had met years before and its like you’ve never been apart. I also ended up studying at Music College with people I have played with before. It has helped me to get along with everyone and I feel that’s why I am such an easy person to get along with now.


What is your ultimate musical ambition?

“Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

I love playing and I love teaching just as much. Seeing the progression in myself over the years and the progression in my pupils is why I love my job. My musical ambition is to be the best flautist and teacher I possibly can be and I am always looking for new challenges to enhance this. As an older sister, it has always been natural instinct to be a role model and if I can do that with music, I will be happy.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not playing an instrument?

When I am not playing the flute or teaching, I enjoy watching my fiancée play rugby at the weekends. I also enjoy walking with my family, photography and eating out at many of my favourite restaurants. Another thing I love to do is shopping. Shoes, handbags, you name it and I’ll buy it. I would love to do more travelling if I had the time but thankfully going on tour with the band allows me to do this at least once a year!


What was the first CD that you ever bought/downloaded or were given?

The first CD I remember owning was a Busted CD. This was also the first live band I saw at the MEN Arena in Manchester. However I think shortly after this it was a James Galway CD which I then got signed when I met him at a concert at the Bridgewater Hall.


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• How old were you when you first became interested in music?

When I was around 2 or 3 when I used to play on my Uncle’s drum set. I used to have my own Winnie the Pooh percussion s ...........

• How old were you when you first became interested in music?

When I was around 2 or 3 when I used to play on my Uncle’s drum set. I used to have my own Winnie the Pooh percussion set and would play with it all the time! I got my first recorder when I was about 5 and from then on I can’t remember not enjoying music!

• Who have been your role models and why?

My main role models have always been my music teachers. They showed me how to love, enjoy and perform music. Especially Lindsay Benson from Blackpool Music Service, who showed me how to be a genuinely kind and loving teacher.

• Why did you choose the instrument that you are now playing?

I vividly remember when I was 6 or 7 in primary school and watching a girl who was older than me performing her flute in assembly. I thought “I want to be just like her” and I couldn’t wait till I was old enough to start having lessons in school. I thought the flute was such a fun instrument and loved the sound that it made. I remember the day we were introduced to the instruments and could “try them out”, I went straight for the flute!

• How would you describe your achievements and successes?

I have been so incredibly lucky to always have had the support of Blackpool Music Service. The amount of amazing support and lessons that they have offered me will never be able to be described with words! I have always been allowed to experience the things that I feel I need to, which has helped me to develop my music and my career.

My most recent success was being offered a job at Blackpool Gateway Academy to begin my teaching career and becoming the music co-ordinator for the school.

• How do you feel being in a band has influenced other parts of your life in a positive way?

It has enabled me to work as part of a team more effectively. When you are in a band, you soon realise that it is not just about you, but about everyone working together. If you just focus on yourself, the band won’t work! It has allowed me to communicate with other people and to consider what I must do myself to benefit everybody. It has also improved my social confidence. If you ask anybody, when I first joined the band and the music service over 10 years ago, I wouldn’t say boo to a goose! Now I am more confident and outgoing and that is all thanks to the social side that has been influenced by being in a band.

• What is your ultimate musical ambition?

My ultimate ambition is to promote the quality of music for everyone within Blackpool. I genuinely believe that music can have so many great benefits to your life, whether you are a few days old or 100 years old! I want to promote those benefits to children and parents within Blackpool and to let them experience the social, cognitive and behavioural benefits that music can have.

• What do you enjoy doing when you are not playing an instrument?

I like to relax when I am not playing an instrument or teaching! I like to go to the gym to burn off energy, however I also love to eat out! Anything where there is food you can count me there. I like to spend time with my family, partner and friends. I also regularly see people from band outside of the band environment.

• What was the first CD that you ever bought/downloaded or were given?

I remember when I was around 5 or 6 and hearing a song by McFly on the radio. I loved it that much that I dragged my Dad to Woolworths to see if they had it. It was the single ‘All About You’ that had just been released. I still have it to this day!

• How old were you when you first became interested in music?

It was just before my twelfth birthday I first became interested in music, bizarrely I had no interest whatsoever in musi ...........

• How old were you when you first became interested in music?

It was just before my twelfth birthday I first became interested in music, bizarrely I had no interest whatsoever in music before spotting someone at school playing drums and decided I’d like to give it a go, and the rest, as they say – is history.

• Who have been your role models and why?

Musically I have had numerous role models over the years as I have developed as an artist. Three of particular note are Matt Garstka of Animals As Leaders as he is an extremely technically proficient and versatile musician and represents everything I have always been interested in musically and continues to push boundaries. Dave Weckl also as he has always been at the forefront of Jazz and Fusion and is a highly respected session musician. One more notable drummer, Hannes Grossman, has been a huge influence on me, he’s been raising the bar in technical death metal for years, and recently he’s been inspiring me to constantly strive for that next level, to push the art in new directions and to never settle for just being ‘good enough’. Some other names worth mentioning would be Virgil Donati, Ray Luzier, Vinnie Colaiuta and Craig Blundell, they’re the kinda guys that inspire me to keep going, no matter the odds.

Why did you choose the instrument that you are now playing?

In a sense I don’t really feel I actually chose the drums I believe they chose me – as cheesy as that sounds! I saw someone playing the kit close up for the first time and couldn’t wait to get started. My great uncle was a drummer and my dad is a frustrated drummer so maybe it’s something I inherited…..the fact that a kit can be so versatile from a small jazz kit right up to a sprawling prog metal kit and anything in between really appealed to me, a kit is so much more than just a tool to knock out a beat with.


• How would you describe your achievements and successes?

I have been lucky enough to play some world famous venues with BMS Youth Concert Band – and step in for other BMS Bands as and when asked. In 2012 I took part in a successful Guinness World record attempt, myself and 797 other drummers played together in the world’s largest full drum kit ensemble. Whilst at college I won ‘Outstanding performer of the evening’ at their Battle of the Bands competition and also picked up the student award for excellence in music. I have played Tech Fest with Chiasmata, this is a well respected UK Metal Festival where I was invited to jam with some of the top musicians in this field, I was honoured to be asked to step up to the kit and the opportunity was amazing! I also played Preston Guild Hall with Atomic Brass supporting both Hypnotic Brass and Too Many Zooz who are world famous in their field and have recorded with Beyonce no less. I have recorded an E.P with Atomic Brass and an album with Chiasmata for which I wrote and recorded my own parts - this is currently pending release. I am now also working with local band Avarus who have recently signed to a management company, as a stand in for their permanent drummer, and will have some very exciting news shortly, watch this space or check out my page at @camjboothofficial I’ll be announcing it there.


• How do you feel being in a band has influenced other parts of your life in a positive way?

Being involved in a number of bands covering several different genres provides so many new and interesting opportunities and experiences. I have made so many friends and learnt so much due to my social circle expanding enormously as a result of being a musician, I’ve been lucky to meet and keep in touch with some very influential people. Working with a band teaches great teamwork skills and self-confidence and tests your ability to problem solve as almost anything can happen in a live situation, you have to be able to think quickly and react immediately to any given issue whilst still keeping everyone else in time, it’s a huge responsibility.

• What is your ultimate musical ambition?

My ultimate musical ambition is to play my favourite venues both big and small (from small but world famous jazz clubs to large stadiums) and be accepted as a technically proficient, influential and respected drummer/session musician. As I have progressed and improved as a musician I find myself more interested in music that is more technically challenging, pushes you to the next level, and really forces you to think. I am always striving to achieve something new and never sit still long enough to get bored.

• What do you enjoy doing when you are not playing an instrument?

I enjoy working out a lot in my spare time, it’s very cathartic and makes me feel healthier and just generally makes life easier. Other than that I enjoy studying philosophy and psychology , meditating and listening to a wide variety of music which helps me to keep a clear and focussed mindset and expands my musical interest.

• What was the first CD that you ever bought/downloaded or were given?

I think the first album I bought myself was ‘All Hope Is Gone’ by Slipknot, that really got me interested in metal drumming. An early one that also made a big impact was ‘Systematic Chaos by Dream Theatre which was my first exposure to odd time signatures and more complex songwriting techniques and really instilled in me a drive to constantly expand my abilities to see just how far I could push myself and my craft.

• How old were you when you first became interested in music?

Gosh, well for as long as I can remember. My brother Zac got a keyboard for his 4th birthday and I clearly remember being ...........

• How old were you when you first became interested in music?

Gosh, well for as long as I can remember. My brother Zac got a keyboard for his 4th birthday and I clearly remember being cross that it was his! I had to wait my turn to play on it, I was 3 at the time but loved to have a go, I was just annoyed I had to share it! Zac was able to go and have lessons, I just looked at his worksheets and picked up some things by copying him. Music to me was always like a secret code, I loved the way you could write words within the music, I thought I had my own secret way of communicating.

• Who have been your role models and why?

One of my biggest role models is actually a close friend of mine. The saxophonist, Jess Gilliam.. she is incredible. Not just as an artist, musically she is phenomenal, but as I have grown up along side her whilst attending the RNCM, she was a student just a year above me, her hard work and determination has shown me that amazing things can happen if you follow your dreams and work hard. Amazing opportunities are out there for people just like you and me. I always thought they happened to superstars only. Following Jess, watching her chase her dreams and make them become a reality, she is incredible. Watching her now host the Proms and launching her first classical album, she made me realise that if you dare to dream something, it can happen with enough dedication.

• Why did you choose the instrument that you are now playing?

I loved the keyboard, it became the best toy ever! Until I became aware with a piece of music that the keyboard we had didn’t have all the notes on it! I was only 4 then, but I was upset I couldn’t play the piece I wanted as the notes were missing. Mum and Dad soon came to realise I was in need of a full size piano and we were lucky enough to have a second had one given to us. When I was 5, there was a meeting in school about instruments my brother, who was then 6, could have access too. I sat with my Mum and saw the long funny instrument with funny keys... the flute. I asked to have a try, but was told my hands wouldn’t reach the keys. I have always been pretty stubborn, and left crying!! My Mum bought me a plastic one from the Early Learning Centre, a toy one with a curved headpiece so I had no trouble reaching all the notes. I was so happy that I could play it and took it into school. Little did I know then that the teachers were pretty shocked and contacted Mr White to explain my age, as I was too young for lessons. Fantastically, he agreed, that he would allow me to attend lessons. And so it began! My parents had to order me a special flute with a curved headpiece to start with, it was purple and came from Australia, and it was my pride and joy! My fingers could reach all the keys, and thanks to Mr White allowing me to begin lessons, I was off! The flute has always been my passion. I love the piano but there was something about the flute, the challenge to make any sound out of it, the way you can change the tone. Unlike my little keyboard, I had all the keys on it and could take it anywhere. It never left my side!

• How would you describe your achievements and successes?

I have been lucky enough to have an incredible musical journey and I am so thankful for the opportunities and experiences I have been given. More so thankful to the people who have helped me and supported me along the way. My biggest achievement and one that makes me smile every time I think about it has to be performing for the Queen at Buckingham Palace, it was the scariest yet most amazing thing I have ever done in my life.

• How do you feel being in a band has influenced other parts of your life in a positive way?

It has improved my social confidence and introduced me to a vast variety of repertoire, which has improved my musical ability as well as my personal interaction with peers. I have gained understanding of working together, building and supporting each other within a team, working on our strengths and weaknesses to collectively help one another. These skills have helped me so much in my personal life and my confidence, knowing people are there to support you, feeling in a place where you belong… and it is all thanks to being part of a band.

• What is your ultimate musical ambition?

This would be to perform with a prestigious orchestra, such as the BBC Philharmonic at the Proms. It would be amazing to be able to travel the world performing music everywhere with such an amazing collection of musicians, that is my dream.

• What do you enjoy doing when you are not playing an instrument?

I love the gym, weightlifting and CrossFit. This has become my main hobby and when I am not playing in an orchestra, band or practising, I am usually found at the gym! I love socialising with friends and travelling with my family.

• What was the first CD that you ever bought/downloaded or were given?

The first CD I was ever given was James Galway. My grandad bought it for me when I started playing the flute. My brother and I used to do little concerts for our grandparents, and I remember granddad bringing it as a present to say ‘Well done’ on Sunday after our little performance. I still have it to this day!

• How old were you when you first became interested in music?

I was about eight or nine, well knee high to a grasshopper! I was always interested in drums and one of my first memorie ...........

• How old were you when you first became interested in music?

I was about eight or nine, well knee high to a grasshopper! I was always interested in drums and one of my first memories was going to see my dad in a Christmas concert at the Preston Guild Hall playing cornet/trumpet, but I spent more time watching the percussion section. Just watching them running around hitting, shaking and blowing whistles and sirens fascinated me.

• Who have been your role models and why?

The first guy that got me really interested in drumming was called Brendan Needham and he gave me my first couple of lessons. He was the first percussionist that I ever really saw in concert. The job that he was doing then is the job that I’m actually doing now, in the Corps of Army Music (CAMUS), so I have something aspire to.

• Why did you choose the instrument that you are now playing?

It’s something different and although I personally find it easier to be good with one instrument, i.e. cornet, when you have a whole family of instruments that you have to be good at then it’s a challenge and fun to do. How many times do you watch a rock band and concentrate on the drummer? He is always the one doing the most movement than anyone else in the band. Also you can play the same piece of music several times but play different percussion instruments e.g. timpani one day, xylophone the next.

• How would you describe your achievements and successes?

Achievements: Grade 8 Trinity Guild Hall on drum kit, Grade 5 ABRSM tuned percussion, Grade 5 ABRSM Music Theory.

I’ve played for HM the Queen for the Queen’s Birthday Parade/Trooping the Colour 2018. I’ve done various Buckingham Palace garden parties.

I’ve done two, one month tours of Canada working with Spruce Meadows in their show jumping competition. We also worked out of British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) working in local schools and Canadian legions and also worked with the Royal Canadian artillery.

• How do you feel being in a band has influenced other parts of your life in a positive way?

It helps with people skills because you end up meeting people that you wouldn’t normally cross paths with. It also helps with self-confidence. If you have supportive people in a band, like Andrew White for example, someone who is very good at what they do complimenting you for something you have done then that builds your confidence. It helps with time keeping too! It gets you used to being somewhere on time. You have to be there otherwise the show can’t go on without you as the drummer is vital.

• What is your ultimate musical ambition?

One of my ambitions was to join the army as a musician. The fact that I was able to achieve that and to be able to carry on is my goal. As long as there’s a beat in my heart there’s going to be a beat on the drum!

• What do you enjoy doing when you are not playing an instrument?

Socialising with friends and co-workers, trying to keep fit, listening to other percussionists to see if I can pick up any tips or tricks of the trade from them. I play very contrasting games on my Playstation 4 such as, GTA 5, Far Cry 5, Tom Clancy Ghost Recon Wildlands.

• What was the first CD that you ever bought/downloaded or were given?

‘2007 Regional Brass Band Contest pieces’, I would have been eleven.