One-half of alternative rock group The Band CAMINO leaned against a stage gate, sipping Coors Light and chatting with fans. Less the tattoos and cool presence, the two could almost blend in as regular festival-goers. Distraction caught up with the band at the Riptide Music Festival in Fort Lauderdale to discuss their music and advice for college students. 

I first discovered the band last July at a Mo Pop Festival afterparty in Detroit. I remember my aunt turning to me, eyes wide, proclaiming a loud “wow,” mid-set. That single word encompassed the fervor among the audience as they stared at the stage like kids at Disney World.

With melodies reminiscent of The Killers and Franz Ferdinand, The Band CAMINO brings their own flare to a modern wave of rock music. From their first EP, “My Thoughts On You,” to their latest album, “Tryhard,” the group has nearly 2 million monthly listeners on Spotify and signed with Elektra Records in May 2019.

Jeffrey Jordan (lead singer), Spencer Stewart (guitar and vocals), Graham Rowell (bass) and Andrew Isbell (drums) formed The Band Camino in 2015 when the musicians were students at the University of Memphis. 

Jordan discussed college’s influence on their group.

“I don’t think college is for everyone, but if it’s important to you and your field then it is,” said Jordan. “I was a music business major and my classes were definitely informative to what I was doing and me growing up.”

Stewart agreed.

“It [college] brings together a bunch of likeminded peers. It gives you perspectives that you’d never have outside of just getting into the business,” said Stewart.

The Memphis-based group offered advice to university students pursuing careers in music. 

“Don’t get lost in the subject, get lost in the people around you. Music is social. Understand what they’re saying and understand that you have a voice,” Jordan said. “Music is a different language that everybody speaks. It’s important that you say what you mean.”

The Band CAMINO finished their second national headline tour this fall and will begin their first European tour in February. The musicians said being on the road has greatly influenced their sound.

“Traveling is the fastest way to get more perspective. The more perspective you have, the more you have to write about,” said Jordan. It teaches you that you’re in a bubble with limited perspective. It teaches you to open yourself up.”

words & photo_anjuli sharpley