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*Who or what has influenced your writing significantly?*
That is a tough question; in a sense everything we've ever experienced affects us one way or another -- regardless of our willingness to accept that fact. My own personal experience has usually ended up being the fuel behind a lot of my songs -- though this is a surprise usually discovered after the fact. Hindsight has shown me a lot about my writing process and how therapeutic songwriting is for me. Embers in Ashes, for example, is a song that just came all out at once and it wasn't until a time later that I realized, “Holy crap, I know where this song came from.” I think that's also one of the beautiful things about art -- sometimes it just wells up in you and expresses itself in beautiful and haunting displays.
*What highlight in your songwriting/performing could you share with us"
I think one of the biggest moments of self-success with songwriting was when I started feeling comfortable with finger picking and singing at the same time. This opened up a whole new world of musical possibilities and gave me the confidence to continue pursuing my career in music, and at the time, made me take myself seriously as a musician -- which was a key point in my career growth.
A performance high was when I got to share the stage with singer/songwriter Ellis Paul earlier this year. His songwriting style is passionate and raw and I think that I find a lot of inspiration from his style of music. He has toured all over North America and is quite well known in singer/songwriter circles. He does what he loves and he is getting by just fine -- a great inspiration to me as I continue on in my career. Another major high for me was performing at three festivals in two countries in the period of 24 hours.
*What have you learned that you could pass on about songwriting/performing
experience?
If you ever find yourself with free-time while on tour -- say, before your evening bookings, busk. Busk busk busk! There is nothing more nerve-wrecking in my mind than opening up your guitar case and playing for random people in the streets -- not all of whom may enjoy live music… You just have to do it and see what happens.
I find it’s often far more comfortable for me to play on stage in front of an audience than to play to passer-bys and experience all sorts of different reactions. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that the more I busk, the more comfortable and confident I get in professional performance settings.
*Any tips or advice you could give to songwriters?*
Always have a pen and paper within arms reach. I think we've all spent countless hours trying to come up with lyrics and melodies; but when they're forced nothing good ever comes about. Art is often manifested in the moment, and therefore you can never lose out on a chance to pen some inspired lyrics or melodies. Keep everything; it will serve you well at some point.
*What plans or goals do you have for the next year?*
I am currently working on a new album -- the follow up to my EP Waiting. The record should be ready for early Spring and I hope to be hitting the Festival circuit all Summer long, and then get into tours during the fall. Come 2010 I hope to be in Japan or Korea with my music.
*Where can we buy your CD?*
Currently you can purchase Waiting on the internet at www.cdbaby.com/joalkamps or from me at live shows and house concerts. If you are not able to catch a live show, Megatunes, Hot Wax, and Play (Market Mall location) also carry copies of the album.
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