Welcome to the official page for Camera Obscura, maintained by the band.
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Glasgow’s Camera Obscura have been making music for a decade, carried through the ups and downs of various line-up changes and the tender pain of daily life by the sweetly sad voice of Tracyanne Campbell. The band has had several line-up changes since founder members Tracyanne Campbell and Gavin Dunbar first began rehearsing together back in 1996. Since the amicable departure of Nigel Baillie (percussionist, trumpeter and proud daddy) in 2008, who still pops up onstage occasionally, they have existed as a five-piece.
Prior to 2006, the group had released several indie singles (the earliest of which were collated on a Japanese-only EP called "Rare UK Bird" in 1999) and two full-length studio albums: "Biggest Bluest Hi-Fi" (on the local DIY label Andmoresound Records – 2001); and "Underachievers Please Try Harder" (through Spanish independent Elefant Records – 2003).
A key supporter of the group throughout this time was the late, legendary DJ John Peel who gave them frequent plays and sessions (they were to do five Peel Sessions in total). The band gigged intermittently and over time, they were able to build up a dedicated, cult following throughout UK and Europe.. Their Madrid-based label sub-licensed "Underachievers…" to the respected US independent label Merge Records. Camera Obscura toured North America for the first time in the summer of 2004. Progress was to prove steady but despite discerning fans continuing to discover them in higher numbers, the prospect of the band becoming a full-time concern still remained tantalisingly elusive.
In the summer of 2005, Camera Obscura enlisted the Swedish producer Jari Haapalainen (Ed Harcourt, The Concretes) to work on their next album, "Let’s Get Out Of This Country" (Elefant / Merge - 2006). Pre-production sessions for the new album began in September 2005 and Jari turned out to be an inspired choice; fully realising not just the potential of Tracyanne Campbell’s songs and remarkable voice, but also the ensemble musicianship of the group as a whole. The finished album was and is a strong, confident artistic statement, boasting a more powerful, cohesive sound than any previous Camera Obscura offerings. Brilliantly produced and beautifully arranged, it featured entrancing, immediate pop/rock songs such as the lead single "Lloyd I’m Ready To Be Heartbroken" with its six impassioned choruses, alongside more downbeat yet melodic offerings "Dory Previn" and the stark, sweeping wails of "Country Mile".
Reaction from fans and media was enthusiastic: "You might not find heartache as enchanting as this anywhere else," stated All Music Guide. ‘Lloyd…’, proved the perfect step-off as well, scoring Single of the Week in The Guardian and repeated plays on high profile radio shows (Jonathan Ross and Dermot O’ Leary on Radio 2; Record of the Week on Lauren Laverne’s XFM London show; an A-listing at BBC 6music). After his successful touches on the last album, they returned to Sweden to work once more with producer Jari Haapalainen. "My Maudlin Career" showcases Jari's wonderful understanding with the band. Songs such as "French Navy", "Honey In The Sun", "Swans" and "Away With Murder" typify another strong body of work that’s sure to delight, ensuring the band to continue their upward trajectory. In 2009 Camera Obscura signed a worldwide deal with feted indie 4AD, in a move that some fans felt a perfect match and "My Maudlin Career" was released on April 20th.
Here is the recent channel 4 documentary about the band, presented by Paul Morley.
HI Camera Obscura. I miss your paris concert...it's a shame for me cause lately i buying and listenig your "My Maudlin Career" and it's merveillous. I like a lot like your page. You are a fabulous bands. I like all your songs. I hope to see you when you will come back in paris. (sorry for my french english). See you. BYe and shit for your concerts (it's an Theatre expression before to play on stage). Pierre
The Blizzard and Swans are two beautiful tracks really!!! I hope you'll enjoy listening to my music! Your feedback on it will be welcome! So, thanks so much for having accepted my friendship and all the best from Milan! Giorgio
Great show in St. Louis! It was jam-packed in there, but I stood on my barstool most of the time to see over the standing crowd. Thanks for playing "Eighties Fan" - an unexpected treat. Bought your "Blizzard" cd-single and was pleasantly surprised to see it was autographed by the whole band! Hope you enjoyed your time and that you will come back in the future. Cheers.
Hey gang, This is Beatle Bob, DJ for WEW radio and St. Louis music journalist. I've been giving your show a big plug the last cuple of weeks and I'm heading back to St. Louis after seeing a concert in Chicago last night. Can yu get me on the guest list to review your St. Louis show? Many thanks, Beatle Bob
I feel so privilaged to be able to see you guys play in st louis. only about 6 US shows and we are one of them. your music is wonderful and happy and it will be such an unforgettable treat!
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