Interview with Camo MC
Camo MC is a popular DnB MC and music producer in Christchurch, New Zealand.
How did you get into MCing? And was your path typical?
When I was a teenager my parents sent me down to the loyal community centre. The youth group was given an opportunity to help run events to raise awareness of youth issues in the community.
We were all given voluntary jobs and one of mine was to host in between the bands. This was my first experience of "MCing" - the rhyming and writing came later.
I don't think there is a 'typical' path really, everyone finds their way to the mic in a different way, but there definitely isn't any short cuts. It's all hard work and dedication.
Do you script things in advanced or free flow?
Bit of both. For years I was strictly a 'free flow' artist as I would be jumping up with DJs I had never previously practiced or jammed with. These days my show is becoming less free flow and more structured as I step into the realm of being an "artist" rather than a host or hype man.
How do you come up with the things you say?
I'm inspired by everything around me. My life, the crowd, the scene, the music, the atmosphere, my experiences, my story, the highs, the lows. All of it. Music is an expression of the soul and my words are how I express that. But it's important I do it in a way that it connects with people, cause music is also about connectivity, as is the art of being an entertainer.
What kind of information do you need to sync with a DJ?
Depends on if I am MCing for them, or they are DJing for me. If I am MCing for them, most of the time I just go with the flow and see what happens, though it's nice to know at least what genre I'll be jamming on haha. If they are DJing for me, a set plan, tracklist and a zip folder with my tunes for them, plus a couple of practices and lots of communication.
What were the main challenges in building your career?
Managing my own life and mental health as well as dealing with an incredibly cut throat selfish and shallow industry.
How often do you rehearse? And how do you do it?
Not as much as I should, hahahah, I mostly practice from home, jamming on my own tunes and freestlying a bit over mixes.
In your opinion what makes a good MC?
Practice. Taking the craft seriously. Mic technique. Breathe and voice control. Being in key with the music or at least trying to be. Writing not only lyrics but original hype lines. Being able to read & connect with the crowd. Lyrics. Dedication. Originality. And knowing when to shut up.
How long after starting did you know that you had mastered the craft, And how did you master it?
I still don't know if I've "mastered it" to be honest. The only reason I say this is because it keeps me hungry and working hard. I like the challenge of knowing that I can always improve what I do. But I think generally it takes at least 10 years to get really good at something.
Do you have a regular DJ for your local and non local gigs?
Resident is my main DJ in the South Island most of the time and Cyrus in the North. In saying that though, this coming summer tour I have lots of DJs from all over NZ doing stuff for me. It really depends on the travel budget and who's available.
How do you promote yourself at the beginning, and now?
At the start, Myspace and Bebo. Hahaha, showing my age there. I also had my own show on RDU, the Tuesday Drive Show w/ The Hour of Power, which was an hour of straight DnB bangers. I also ran my own magazine for a bit. I studied radio when I was just out of high school so I've always been very media savvy.
These days you have to be across all social media, TikTok, Insta, Facebook and Twitter too if you've got the time. I do stuff with Pulzar FM now as well, but the major different now from when I started is that I release music regularly and do music videos which is one of my major forms of promotion.
And of course playing live and touring.
What are some major events that you have MCed at? Any favourites?
I've done Rhythm & Alps twice, once with Concord Dawn and once with my own DJ, Trikkstar, both were epic in their own ways. Electric Avenue with The Nomad was epic, had Ragga Twins in the crowd jamming out to our set and got to meet Charli 2na from J5. AUM festival is always a highlight for me too. Straight family vibes with that lot.
Do you have any international fans?
I'm blessed to have fans all over the world, from UK, to USA, Canada, Australia, Ukraine, Poland, Germany, & more. The internet has made it so much easier to connect. I definitely consider myself an international artist. Can't wait to see the world for myself.