Camera Can’t Lie is a band that draws you in from the beginning of each song, and holds your attention throughout the entire album. The band consists of friends Eric Arjes (Vocals/Guitar) and Kyle Lindsay (Bass). They just recently released their first full album this summer, which includes captivating lyrics and a comforting musical sound. Toonari Post recently had a chance to interview one of the members of the band, Eric Arjes.

Toonari Post (TP): For starters, where did your band’s name come from? 

Eric Arjes (EA): The band’s name is our take on a phrase from the first televised presidential debates between Nixon and Kennedy. The media said that the camera could not lie, Kennedy looked much better than Nixon, many think that is the reason he won that election. We aren’t in any way a politically motivated band, but to us, it was a name with substance and always inspired us to live like the camera was watching. We want to be true to who we are and what our music stands for.

TP: How do you describe the music your band creates?

EA: I would describe the music as a modern twist on alternative rock. We grew up listening to amazing bands in the 90’s like Goo Goo Dolls, Foo Fighters, Third-Eye Blind, Counting Crows, Oasis, and I could go on forever. And something that connects all of that music together is the big memorable melodies that had an intense emotional connection. That is the same feeling we try to achieve.

TP: Is there a specific message or goal you have for your band? Anything you really want your fans to take away from your music?

EA: Our only goal has been to leave the world better than we found it. We hope that when we make a record, we are writing songs that inspire change and encourage people through the tough times in life.

TP: Your biography on Facebook states you all were inspired by ‘90s rock. But who or what continuously inspires you as a band today?

EA: I would say that as I get older, my musical tastes evolve a little. Lately, I have been really inspired by Americana/Folk/Rock stuff, like Amos Lee, Ryan Adams, Mumford and Sons. Maybe you can blame it on living in Nashville.

TP: How is this album latest album, Camera Can’t Lie: The Album, different from the others?

EA: Well, we really consider this our first full-length record, we have put out EPs before, but this is really meant to be a journey of the last 5 years of our lives. It’s a collection of songs that have been written since the beginning of the band, which is why we called it “The Album.” It feels like a novel or a film to us when you listen all the way through. But what makes it different than what we’ve put out before is that it’s really the best songs and best sounding record we’ve ever made.

TP: One difference is for this last album is you used PledgeMusic.com. What was that experience like?

EA: It was fantastic. Pledge is a really great organization and they’ve been wonderful to work with. We love getting behind charitable organizations and through PledgeMusic, we were able to donate 10% of all the pre-order sales to Mocha Club. We couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.

TP: In what way do you think your past as a band has influenced you today (lyrically, musically, personally)? Or what has been the most influential thing from your past that has made you the band you are today?

EA: I would say that for most bands, brotherhood is necessary to make it work. You are living together; spending every waking moment with each other and that can really affect the music. We were fortunate enough to start our career by just playing shows and having a good time and developing a sound without the added stress of a label or pressure to sell units. I think that early period of playing 250 shows a year at tiny venues and sleeping in the van really made us stronger and has carried over into who we are today.

TP: When it comes to the past and present, what is it that keeps you going as a musician?

AE: I think some day, scientists will research the minds of artists and find that there is something just a little off; maybe we are missing a chromosome or something. For those of us who are drawn to creating art, there really is no escaping it. You can choose to ignore it or fill your time with something else, but that need to create something will always be there. I feel fortunate enough to be able to make music for a living, but the reason I will always keep pursuing it is the satisfaction that comes with creating something beautiful and original and yours.

TP: If you weren’t part of this band, what do you think you would be doing with your time?

AE: I spend a lot of my time as a writer/producer in Nashville, so that would probably consume the extra hours.

TP: What is your favorite part about being in the band? Least?

AE: My favorite part is the camaraderie that comes when you find the right band mates. Least favorite would be the over-night drives through the mountains.

TP: What is the first thing you do when you arrive in the city you are playing a show at?

AE: Usually find a Starbucks. Or if it’s a new city, we tend to enjoy the scenery while we are lost looking for the venue.

TP: Speaking of shows…should we be on the look out for a tour in the future?

AE: We would absolutely love to get back on the road and tour this record. No idea as of now if that will happen but you can always keep updated at cameracantlie.com.

Image Courtesy of   Camera Can’t Lie

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About the author

Marci Swank
I am from a small town in Iowa, and now live in a slightly larger Iowan city where I am finishing my B.A. in English with minors in Professional Writing and Interactive Digital Studies, with an emphasis in Digital Writing & Business. I love to travel, read, write, and talk; the ways I absorb as much creativity and knowledge as I possibly can.