Music Style Alt/pop/rock

Musical Influences Sundays U2

Artist History The Camdens began their musical career in 1996, after Singer Katy Vernon and Guitarist Scott Walker made separate journeys from the UK to Minneapolis. With a twist of fate, the two met and assembled a band.A year later, the two had more than 25 songs written and were playing in coffee shops all over the Twin Cities. "People often assume we moved here together, or knew each other before," Walker said. "When it took moving 4000 miles for us to meet." In November 1998, seeing a need for their music to evolve to a larger audience, Vernon and Walker introduced the work of Bass Player Brad Konkel and Drummer Tom Henderson. That's when things took off. The Camdens spent the summer of 1999 playing out constantly. They were showcased with such artists as Shawn Mullins, Graham Parker, and Dave Pirner of Soul Asylum's O'Jeez's. "Our biggest crowd was at the Taste of Minnesota summer 1999. We played to a 2000 plus crowd. The week before we played a coffee shop for about 20 people. We did not have much transition time," Vernon said. The fall of last year lent itself to recording their debut album "Halfway Around the World." An album that was released to a packed crowd at Minneapolis's 400 Bar. The album has been touted by Pulse of Twin Cities, calling The Camdens "...a musical oasis in a Minneapolis desert of more trendy styles of music. They are worth looking into." Spring 2000 saw a line up change for The Camdens with John Seals taking over the drumming duties. John brings with him a wealth of talent and experience. Supporting their CD "Halfway Around the World" The Camdens enjoyed another extremely busy summer. They added to the long list of outdoor and indoor venues, as well as opening for such artists as Leona Ness. Playing to ever-increasing crowds, The Camdens continue to build a loyal supporter base as well as reach out to new fans that are learning about the Camdens Melodic Pop. You can catch The Camdens at respected music venues in Minnesota, such as First Avenue, The 400 Bar, the Cabooze and The Fine line. For more information, email us at info@thecamdens.com.

Albums Halfway Around the World

Press Reviews It is always refreshing to take a break for the many gimmicky sounds that pervade the world of popular music. Like a comfortable pair of pants, more khaki than blue denim, the Camdens present a sound that is classic and always in style. When I say that this is basic rock/pop, it is meant in a good “less is more” sort of way. Built on an acoustic pop foundation, there are also traces of rhythmic soul (“Stage”) and British influenced pop (“Sleepless”) with no one sound dominating. The European flavor of this recording would be equally at home in a coffeehouse setting or a hip “scenester” club. It is restrained enough to be played when serving dinner for the first time to that new significant other, yet breezy enough to put you in the spirit on summer roadtrips with no particular destination. The vocals of lead singer Katy Vernon range from moody (“Fall”, “Third Degree”) to happy, often with hints of Natalie Merchant and Bjork. The band compliments Vernon well with their laid back but strong approach. Flutes and other instruments that are sporadically used give some of the songs a bit of a celtic feel. The Camdens are a musical oasis in a Minneapolis desert of more trendy styles of music. They are worth looking into.-David Rangel Pulse of the Twin Cities

Location ST Paul, MN - USA

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