Canadian singer-songwriter Cam Kahin will be joining Irish rock band Inhaler on five tour dates from March 6 to March 11. Additionally, on April 6 he will release his new EP, WHEN IT’S ALL OVER. We sat down with Kahin as part of our Get To Know series for some insight into his background, artistic process and ambitions.
BTS: You started making music at age 12. What pushed you to start making music and what did your early creative process look like?
Cam Kahin: The timeline is a bit blurry, but around 12 years old I got an old MacBook from a relative and started to play around on GarageBand. After it was clear I had a strong interest, my parents were very supportive and helped me get the equipment needed to make my own songs.
BTS: Your record label’s page describes you as a multi-instrumentalist. What instruments do you play?
Cam Kahin: I can play guitar, bass, drums and keys all at a similar level. Due to spreading myself a bit thin I wouldn’t say I’m that good at any of them, but I’m at a level where I’m able to write the songs I want to hear, incorporating all four.
BTS: Who would you say are your biggest musical influences?
Cam Kahin: Some bands that really shaped my youth would be Biffy Clyro and Billy Talent. In my early adult life I’ve really latched onto Radiohead. However, the influence comes from so many different places.
BTS: How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard your music?
Cam Kahin: Angsty unpredictable alt-rock.
BTS: How would you say growing up around Toronto has influenced your sound?
Cam Kahin: I actually grew up in a small town called Dunnville of about 5,000 people. I lived there all the way up until September of last year when I moved to Toronto. Growing up there gave me a strange outlook (especially from being one of the only people of colour, which definitely influenced my music), but I’d also credit my internet use.
BTS: Describe your artistic process in making your upcoming EP, WHEN IT’S ALL OVER.
Cam Kahin: There was no specific process. The songs were written over a two-year period and eventually, I discovered a theme and narrative throughout certain songs. I brought the demos of those songs to a studio called Catherine North in Hamilton, ON where we built on them until we were happy with the result.
BTS: After your stops with Inhaler, you’re going to be playing at a couple of festivals this coming May. What do you like about playing at festivals and what’s one you wish to play some day?
Cam Kahin: Playing outside is always nice. Getting to catch some other acts is a treat, as well. Since I was very young I’ve always wanted to play Reading Festival.
BTS: What cities would you want to visit on a tour of your own?
Cam Kahin: I want to see all 50 states before the US expires.
BTS: If you could make a collaborative album with any artist, living or dead, who would it be?
Cam Kahin: Simon Neil.
BTS: Your sound incorporates a lot of different genres, from post-rock to hardcore punk. What sounds would you be most interested in incorporating in the future?
Cam Kahin: I really want to try incorporating electronic music in a way that feels authentic. I’m also a huge fan of folk music. I don’t know if I’m there yet, though.
BTS: Last but not least, what can we expect from you after this EP comes out?
Cam Kahin: After the EP and this string of shows/festivals I want to take some time to work on my first full length. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, so I feel a lot of excitement towards that.
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