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 song writing 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.
