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The Camerawalls 
Dear Clem,
I have been a fan of your music since O&L days and I’ve always admired the way you composed the lyrics and the music. To me you were the heart and soul of everything it was and when The Camerawalls debuted and I got your album, I knew it. I was right all along and the music is just amazingly refreshing, revitalizing, mesmerizing, nostalgic and inspiring. You’ve never been shy of about letting the world know about being influenced by Lennon and The Beatles (I am a big Beatles fan me self). However, there is a lot of YOU in your music than your influences. I am very intrigued as to how you came up with such lyrics. Do you grab the nearest piece of paper you can find? Does the music comes first or the lyrics? Are you most inspired when you’re happy or when it’s the opposite? I’ve read of some people who write the happiest tunes at their darkest moments. Are you like that too? Does the band have plans to release a cover album in the future and what bands would you cover, name one. I’m sorry to ask so many questions and perhaps there shall be more in the future. I am deeply enthralled by your music and I hope The Camerawalls keep soaring immeasurable heights and bounds. Wherever the road may take you, let the travel be worthwhile. Take care and all the best!
First of all thank you for patronizing my work over the years. Although I maybe openly influenced by a lot of artists, I try my best to inject most of who I am into the music, making it personal at the least. Mostly reflected into the lyrics. Oftentimes during the development of a new song idea, the lyrics comes first and the challenge of churning out the appropriate beat, mood and melody is secondary to interpret the song. And sometimes the lyricism and melody can be contrasting, like a happy tune over depressing words.
I am actually toying with the idea of releasing cover songs. Always been my dream of perform on record any song from The Beatles or The Smiths.
Thank you for wishing us well!
What song have you composed (OaL or Camerawalls) that when the first few notes struck you that you knew that it will be a good song? Any song that has a special meaning to you?
Thanks for this question. It made me think, but find it difficult to give any specific answer. When I write a song, more often than not, each one strikes a personal chord in my heart. Each one has a special meaning and because the fact it ended in the track list of any of the albums I produced i knew deep inside it is good enough. It maybe one-sided but you see not all can hear what I hear or dig what I dig.
Hello, from a state near Mexico. I love your creations. In many ways, The Beatles is big influence in your music, although not quite the lyrics. You definitely have your own. I think your music is better performed in smaller, intimate venues; definitely indie…:)
Now I also sense you are influenced by certain books, perhaps poetry. What books have influenced your lyrics…? And if you don’t mind: Which college did you guys meet? What were your initial career plans, besides pursuing a music career before Orange and Lemons?
The plagiarism accusations with Sony a few years ago looked nasty; but I’ll ask some questions about that later.
Thanks.
Thanks for your wonderful insights. I do enjoy performing in a more intimate setting. And yes, I am somehow influenced by a number of books and authors from Brazilian novelist Paolo Coelho to authors of children’s books and even poetry of e.e. cummings. Largely depends on what I can grab on or loaned to me.
I studied Hotel and Restaurant Management in PWU while Law is an undergrad from PUP. We met outside school as we pursue the band and music as a hobby. Mid college as I developed my understanding of the guitar and songwriting, becoming a professional recording artist became my initial career plan and the opportunity presented itself thru O&L.
Thanks, Clementine.
Now having your own recording company – in your case, Lilystars – gives you immediate control of many things that you create, especially copyright issues. But your competitions will be tight, you’re up against multinational corporations such as Sony Philippines or Warner Philippines. That’s why your venture to have Lilystars is brave, in a country such as the Philippines. By creative content alone, those big companies are watching you…perhaps even drooling. Do you think sometime, in the future, you’d allow your company to be a subsidiary of one of those multinational music companies, even if the contract specifies total(?) creative control of your creations?
The reasons why I put up my own label is further turn my hobby into work and give me total creative and business control. Lilystars is a very small label and since I own it I have no fear of being bought out nor do I compare it with the Big 5. I have fun learning and coping up with the challenges of the business side of music giving me a balanced perspective as opposed to just being a musician. I never thought about competition, my general concern is putting out good music and help like-minded, deserving but underprivileged artists grow and find their sound and niche market on a global standpoint. A humble contribution to the struggling band scene in the country. If in the future, Lilystars would be offered with such an opportunity, my doors are open to explore a win-win relationship with any of them. After all good music is suppose to be universal and accessible.
“After all good music is suppose to be universal and accessible.”
I couldn’t agree more, although in our time universality and accessibility often lean on big publicity machines…corporate controls, aggressive ad campaigns.
I am always amazed at talented music recording artists from the Philippines who are just as good – artistically, that is, or even better – than those who are signed in big recording studios, usually in the UK and the US. But these studios and their talent scouts guard who they sign, fiercely.
This makes sense, because these scouts are businessmen, investors. Charice Pempenco was able to break through those studios, I think, because of the package that is ‘Charice the image’ with a great voice: something that got under the skin of Oprah and her audiences. Her case is able to break through subtle racist tendencies in the US against persons of color, from the Philippines or anywhere. Sarah Geronimo is probably a better singer and performer than Charice…but she doesn’t have the x-factor that attracts scouts to sign her up, I think; and that x-factor is not her talent, because she has lots of it.
However, your output is definitely not like these artists. But I’m hoping you make it bigger out there (because you deserve it) and penetrate internal politics in big music studios…which no doubt includes the formidable politics of racism…
…I think I’m already rambling here. But you don’t ignore posts here, and have opinions, definitely, about things, so I thought I’d move the discussion a little bit this way…:)
Will there be a covers album? Would love to hear studio versions of covers from your gigs. Especially Blur covers if you’ve done them. Speaking of, what’s your favorite Blur song? Mine’s This is a Low, still trying to learn how to play the intro on my acoustic, lovely song!
A covers album is a nice idea for a future release. Would be keen to consider that. We’re not much of a Blur fan but I like their song The Universal.
Will you have any gigs in Manila in August?
Yes we will. Will post soon!
I ordered 2 copies of the Pocket Guide to The Other World sometime last March and I still haven’t receive them.. How long does it take for you guys to ship to Canada?
DI NA BA KAYO MATUTULOY7 DITO SA PALAWAN?
Hi Clem, whos your favorite metal band?
None.
clem where did you get your lennon glasses? when is the next album?
Vivian Sarabia Optical. Next album before the year ends!
i really like your music. and the way you write your songs are just…wow.
anyways, do you guys have an age limit for people who want to send you demo tapes?
Thank you Chy. No age limit whatsoever. You can use our dropbox at http://lilystars-records.com.