Setlist.Fm Presents: Who Is Alex Cameron? [NEW ARTIST DISCOVERY]
Setlist.Fm's weekly "Who Is" series is an immersive way to expose readers to up-and-coming indie acts that should be on your radar; written by music fans for music fans. Each week we feature an artist and/or band that's making waves in the music world. The "Who Is" pieces are a tell-all of the artist, showcasing everything from music and performance style, to influences and tour dates. This week, we're bringing you into the wonky world of singer-songwriter Alex Cameron.
Cameron has been making music for a few years, but this past year was formative, with supporting slots on The Killers' "Wonderful Wonderful" tour. He's released two albums and is officially selling out headlining tours, and charming fans with his showman personality. But where did this elusive musician come from?
Australia, to be exact. But is his act a joke or a serious pursuit? You may as well find the answer to be both. Initially, Cameron was a high-concept act where he adopted the persona of a “failed entertainer.” During live performances, he’s often joined by saxophonist and aforementioned “business partner” Roy Molloy.
“I write about the outlier, the table-for-one guy, the guy whose life is a constellation of microscopic tragedies. Failure has been under-explored in music. My characters come from a place where ambition, crippling self-doubt and tragedy intersect."
His sophomore album Forced Witness was released in 2017 and features contributions from Molloy, Flowers, Olsen and Jonathan Rado. As one fan on Bandcamp puts it, his music can be chalked up to "Bogan pop from an alternate nineteen-eighties.” One part slapstick/satirical, and two parts catchy ‘80s pop is the feeling that Cameron chases after in his music.
Cameron and Molloy will reunite on the stage come 2019. They will embark on their duo tour, "Alex Cameron & Roy Molloy: Take Care of Business," starting Jan. 24 in Philadelphia. Head to Cameron's Bandcamp for more info.
