Cameron Van Peebles is a classically trained musician and jazz saxophonist who began studying music at the age of eight. Influenced by Terry Mullan, Danny Tenaglia and Ed Tramazzo, Cameron began DJing in 1996. Twelve years later, his style has progressed from Chicago House to Tribal Tech to a unique blend of progressive and tech house that showcases thick, funky bass lines with dynamic, shredding mids and highs. This refocusing has landed him some of the most highly coveted residencies at Avalon Hollywood and EM Sundays, two of the biggest and most respected Saturday night and Sunday day parties in Los Angeles.
Listen to Cameron Van Peebles Live Set at Hollywood Canteen:
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I met Cameron in June of 2005 and was immediately taken with his charismatic energy and presence. After witnessing his ability to be both a crowd-pleaser and connect emotionally with his audience during his DJ sets, I knew I’d found a new favorite. Whether you’re a die-hard EDM fanatic or a newcomer to the dance floor, there’s something for everyone during a CVP set. Enjoy his interview below!
What has been your craziest experience behind the decks?
How many hours do you have? I’m not sure if there are specific instances that (1) I could structure in the form of a sentence and (2) are appropriate to print, but I can tell you that a busy performance schedule can result in that moment of clarity when you realize there is absolutely no other way that you could have ended up in this position than to be someone that gets paid to entertain people. Enough on that subject, my mom has a computer.
When did you first discover your love for EDM?
Most people have stories of their first dramatic moment of being exposed to electronic music. Mine was a little different, probably because it was a little earlier. In junior high we used to sneak into this little place called The Warehouse and dance to goth remixes and the sort. I think that was around ‘92. Anyway, goth remixes evolved into acid house, acid house evolved into techno and trance and there you have it. The events also grew past the clubs and into underground venues and then one day somebody said how much fun they were having at this rave. That kind of cracked us up because as far as we were concerned, they were just parties. Raves were what they called them on Dateline.
How does the scene differ now from then?
There’s an old joke - How many party kids does it take to screw in a light bulb? Eleven. One to screw it in and ten to bitch about how much better the last bulb was.
I never got into the easy trap of saying how much better the old days were. In the past 15 years I’ve seen the music evolve and expand, the varieties of people in attendance change dramatically and the potential for success magnify exponentially. These are all good things. True, some of the soul and pioneering spirit that comes with being involved with a completely new art form may have waned. but it’s just the sign of a healthy and maturing industry. It’s all about close friends and wicked beats anyway and that has definitely not gone out of style.
What brought you from Miami to Los Angeles?
The opportunity to do it right. The music industry in Miami is endlessly frustrating. It’s based on the most superficial and ignorant assumptions about what people want. Even though I was considered successful, I felt unbelievably frustrated and needed to expand my boundaries. As much as I love Miami, California offers a level of artistic freedom that very few other places in the world can match.
You are a man of all trades. Successful corporate professional, acclaimed DJ, established promoter and most recently, producer. Which is the most important to you and how do you manage to maintain a balance?
It’s true that I have an insane schedule and huge amount on my plate, but whenever I feel overwhelmed, I try to remember that I am incredibly lucky to be doing what I’m doing at this exact time in my life. That usually stops my whining and gives me renewed energy. End of story.
Who/what inspires you musically and why?
I take inspiration from many places and many things, but never try to put boundaries on where they come from. Always keep an open palate but never copy. I see a lot of kids trying to come up now by copying whatever the newest sound is. They’re digging their own grave because when the fad goes, so do they. Subgenres are not meant to be whole movements in music, they are elements of music that compliment everything else we have built.
What else can we await from CVP in 2008 and 2009?
I’m continuing my residencies at Avalon Hollywood and EM Sunday, plus resurrecting a series of charity events called Will Spin For Food. Plus, there are a slew of new events opening now and I’ve been invited to be a part of many of them. The music scene in Los Angeles is constantly evolving and I’m really excited about a couple things I’m seeing. Production is my biggest focus at this very moment. I’ve got three more releases coming out on Bro.kn records in the next couple months and some remix projects in the works. Like I said, I’m lucky enough to be this busy.
Links:
Cameron Van Peebles website
Cameron Van Peebles on MySpace
Cameron Van Peebles on YouTube
