Behind the Scenes With: CAMPTACONIC, Your Newest Obsession

I recently had the chance to interview one of my new favorite groups, CAMPTACONIC. I’m going to go ahead and say that they’ll be one of your favorites soon too, based on the sheer fact that they’re like nothing you’ve ever heard.

They’re a bit unique in that they sort of became a group by accident. In January of 2019, four friends, Aire Atlantica, Zuli, TK, and BlackJeans, scheduled a 5-day no-strings-attached, secluded writing “field trip.” It was on that trip that their first project, VOL. 1, was born. The name “CAMPTACONIC” was later solidified during their car ride back home.

Much like the unique sounds of this group, each member has an interesting background that has an origin in Long Island, New York. There love for music was apparent as many of the group members played in bands throughout middle school and high school. A few of the members even played in those bands together. As they got older they’d began to take risks, and ventured into solo projects. Their unique solo experiences are what fuels the pop projects that are produced under the “CAMPTACONIC” moniker.

Could you all briefly describe your writing and music-making process?

Zuli (Z): I think it’s hard to truly pinpoint because every song is different, but lately I’ve been going back to the simple method of “does it feel right?” and using that to propel my creative momentum. If a melody or a phrase inspires me, [I] allow myself to not overthink the narrative or chords and focus in on the general feeling of the song and allowing that to guide the writing. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CAMPTACONIC (@camptcnc) on Apr 13, 2020 at 12:34pm PDT

Aire Atlantica (AA): Specifically on the CAMPTACONIC writing trips, we’ve all tried to explore new ways of writing songs together. I think that reflects in the sound of the projects, which is different from our solo material. 

BlackJeans (BJ): Yea this project is so collaborative that it allows us to bring what we do to the table while pushing each other out of our comfort zones and take risks and commit to things without the second-guessing that comes with doing things on your own. I think it’s why we’re able to put an album together in a shorter amount of time. 

What do you all enjoy most about being musicians? What’s the most challenging part?

TK the Architect (TK): Music provides a really unique opportunity to express yourself while simultaneously connecting with people.  Super grateful for that.

BJ: I think we most enjoy the opportunity music gives us to explore and express different ideas and feelings in a way we otherwise wouldn’t be able to. The most challenging part in that is being able to translate what we’re hearing and feeling into something tangible and knowing when to get out of our own way to let it happen.

What’s your favorite body of work that you all have done so far?

AA: I think we impressed ourselves with our ability to write VOL 1 since we went in with no expectations, goals, or anything. With VOL 2, we knew what the approach was, what we were capable of doing in 5 days, and we were excited and reinspired. So I think we definitely raised the bar with VOL 2.

What are the top songs on the CAMPTACONIC playlist right now?

AA: The new Knxwledge album has been on repeat for me, and I’m also always listening to old soul music. And sprinkle in some Playboy Carti.

TK:  Zuli and I are obsessed with the new 1975 song.  I’ve also been spinning the new Still Woozy track “Window”.  With everything going on, it’s nice to have songs that are upbeat to keep us going.  

Z:  Agreed with TK haha also been loving Algorhythm by Childish Gambino, and the new COLORS session by Gabriel Garzon Montano.

BJ: Oh, damn. The new GGM COLORS Session is dope, that’s a good one. Also been digging on the new Hayley Williams EPs. Also been a sucker for “Watermelon Sugar” and “Adore You” by Harry Styles.

Gabriel Garzon Montano’s COLORS Session <3

What’s a little known fact about each of the group members that most people don’t know?

BJ: Our writing sessions are fueled by Harvest Snaps and we hope to partner with them one day on a future collab. 

Also, three of us have begun contemplating taking up drag queen personas……but we’ll let you guys decide which three that is. 

[We’re] showing people that making music should be fun and doesn’t always need to be this meticulous process. 

ZULI

What do you all hope to accomplish with your music, and your influence?

Z: At the end of the day, I just want to connect with people and make a body of work that I’ll be proud of years down the road. With CAMP, I think the biggest thing about this project is letting go, and finishing ideas while they’re happening as opposed to dragging it out. That mentality has changed my perception on songwriting and I hope it’ll inspire others to trust in themselves and to not get lost in their head. [We’re] showing people that making music should be fun and doesn’t always need to be this meticulous process. 

Any last words of advice for those who are looking to become professional musicians?

AA: I think the first bit of advice would be to have fun with it and not put too much pressure on the process or what you want to achieve. If you get too caught up in trying to sound like someone or accomplish something very specific, you won’t be learning and finding what works.

Also, I think being flexible, and being able to do as many things in music as possible is extremely important. So early on, taking in as much info as possible, knowing (but not necessarily mastering) the many processes of songwriting, production, engineering, and being willing to learn is really important. And again, HAVE FUN WITH IT!

---

Are you obsessed with CAMPTACONIC yet?

I knew you would be! They don’t want to give too much away about their upcoming projects, BUT they do want you all to check out their latest release VOL. 2. It’s a followup to their first release VOL. 1 and highlights their growth as a group. I’ve conveniently included both releases below (and on my playlist, if you’re following), so check them out and let me know what you think in the comments!

---