Camping Party

CAMPING PARTY

Location: Portland, Oregon
Members: Aaron Bergeson (Everything you hear)
Genre: Pop/Shoegaze/Ambient/Americana
Record Label: None yet, though a friend released his album
Camping Party on MySpace

Upon looking at the Camping Party's MySpace, I must say I was impressed. There was such a strong vintage feeling, which is refreshing when half of the music pages I see consist of skinny jeans, bright colors, scary hair, and other unmentionables. Yet, one thing did cross my mind: This is probably a 67-year-old guy who will remind me of Willie Nelson. Despite this thought, I confidently hit the play button and was shocked to hear a mesmerizing combination of an acoustic guitar and dreamy, light vocals in "Anxiety". (I was even more shocked to look through the pics. Aside from a couple vintage photos, I saw a guy far from 67 with HUGE gauges.)
Here's the interview I had with Aaron.


Dang man! How big are those gauges?
My ears are stretched to one and 3/8ths of an inch.

Anywho, how did the name Camping Party come about?
Internet doddling.

What inspired you to start making music and eventually an (amazing) album?
I've been playing music since I was about 6 years old. I would say that my oldest memory of inspiration to play music is the cassette Pet Sounds by the Beach Boys, which I received as a child.


Do you play live often?
For a while, it seemed like I was playing out every two weeks, mostly smaller cafe-type settings.
Any favorite places to perform?
I had a show at the Someday Lounge the other night which went well, but my favorite so far was my show at Dunes Bar.

It looks like you can play a lot of instruments. What all can you play?
I can play keys, guitar, bass, and harmonica. I will pretty much try and figure out any instrument I'm handed.

I noticed via your MySpace that you have a rare appreciation of vintage Americana (old camping photos, Betty Boop background). Any reason behind that?
Honestly, I mostly just like photos from the late 1800's and early 1900's. The Betty Boop background was a random video that was playing behind me at Dunes Bar in Portland. It ended up working out really well with my set.

What has been your biggest struggle as a musician?
Getting the shows I want to play, and money. There are all kinds of instruments and noise devices I would like, but can't afford. I have a lot of material I would like to record in a studio, but don't really have the means.

If you could play a show or go on tour with any band, who would it be and why?
Morrissey, no question. Big obsession of mine.

Are you in any other bands?
Not currently. I'm too shitty to work with other musicians.

What are your other interests outside of music?
Veganism, bikes, and coffee.

Any last thoughts?
Listen to the album Elysium by The Velvet Teen. It's amazing, and had a huge influence on me.

SONGS OF THE DAY:
You can download Camping Party's whole album, East of the Idaho Canal, for free here. (Left click, take it from there)