Joal Kamps + Radio Requests

Want to hear more Joal Kamps on the radio? Request it! You can hear songs off Sojourner on the following radio stations:

Calgary:
99.1 CBC Radio 1
102.1 CBC Radio 2
93.7 CKUA - 403.266.5566 (ext 1)
90.9 CJSW - 403.220.3991
88.9 Shine FM - 403.276.8888
97.7 The Mix - 403.692.0977

Edmonton:
88.5 CJSR - 780.492.2577 (ext 1)
94.9 CKUA - 780.428.7595 or 1.800.494.2582
102.9 Sonic - 780.423.1029
105.9 Shine FM - 780.433.1059

Lethbridge:
98.1 CKVN - 403.328.0988
99.3 CKUA - 1.800.494.2582

Fort McMurray:
91.1 Kaos - 780.791.5911
96.7 CKUA - 1.800.494.2582

Last night: AWESOME

So last night I performed a live set at the Ruby Ellen Designs (RED) launch party! What an amazing evening it was; complete with Ruby's latest designs, snacks and wine, crazy convos, Dori's Diamonds, and a Wizard of Oz theme! Ruby aka 'Dorthy' continued to impress with her latest dresses, as there were a constant hum of "oohs and awes" to be heard throughout the evening. Eleven Eleven Boutique was the host venue for the event, and I'd highly suggest checking out their wares if you're ever in Kensington.

Thanks so much to all the amazing people I met last night - I think it was an inspiring evening to say the least; lots of creative minds huddled into the cozy confines of a clothing shop & art gallery. Calgary get ready... we're about to be unleashed. ;)

busy with a capital 'B'

To reassure you I haven't fallen off the face of the planet, I am still here - alive and well, just getting a lot of things done for this Spring.

Enter stage right: Snowball-effect.

update on the accident

My mother is back home now; roughed up some, but it was a miracle that things weren't worse. We'll know more about the internal injuries as the week progresses. Thank you for all the prayers and thoughts.

Both vehicles were totaled in the accident. The other driver wasn't wearing a seatbelt and likely has far worse injuries - she could continue to use your prayers.

Thank you all.

for those who pray:

My mother was in a head-on vehicle accident this morning. Please pray for her safety as we're waiting to hear from her at the hospital. Also pray for the safety of the other party involved in the accident.

-J04L

2011: it begins

First off, I want to wish everyone the best in this new year. I know 2010 saw many of us through tough times: be it relational, spiritual, emotional, and/or work related. This year, however, is a fresh start - and for many, a 'year of jubilee' so-to-speak. All I have at hand it a luke-warm mug of coffee, nonetheless, I raise a toast to us all: Here's to passionately pursuing our dreams in 2011, and to all of the adventures that will surely follow!

With that said, I sincerely wanted to say a big "thank you" to everyone who has been following my blog (joalkamps.blogspot.com); it means a lot to me knowing that there are people out there interested in my ongoing career in music. A resolution of mine will be to routinely update this blog throughout the year with stories and experiences from the road, as well as musings on certain topics - all of which will hopefully be of benefit to you, the readers - and entertaining all the while. It's very good to laugh. Let's not lose that blessing.

More posts to come,

-J04L

post-Christmas pre-new years

Yep. I'm in the valley of days that nestle somewhere in between. I'm sipping a caffeinated brew and [still] working on updating my press-kit(s). Motivation where have you gone!?

I'd love any ideas/suggestions anyone can offer.

Christmas morning

If you're anything like my family and I, you stayed up into the wee hours of the morning last night - eating snacks, playing games, and laughing your heads off. Our Christmas evening was filled with a whole range of emotions: tears of laughter, tears of joy, and even tears of a heart touched by the simple verse of a poem. Yes, we all write poems at Christmas.

Now, as the sun climbs high into the noonday sky, everyone is beginning to stir in the Kamps house - and the scent of fresh coffee beckons us to fellowship. As I sit and reflect on our old worn couch, there is so much to be thankful for on this, the most glorious of mornings. This past year has seen me face a variety of challenges, trials, and struggles; choices made and their stains of regret. Still, the gentle guiding hand of the Son of Man has seen me through it all. His shepherd staff at my back - keeping my posture whole [creating a holy posture].

So now I go, upward and onward into this needy world - wishing you and yours the best this day, when everything changed two thousand and forty-three years ago.

Prepping for the New Year

Right now there's a lot going on at the Kamps camp. A LOT. I've also got a latte - well not quite, but it's a delicious caffeine-based beverage nonetheless. The plans for this week are as follows:

- New Biography for website and EPK (Electronic Press Kit)
- Last-minute Christmas shopping (Ewww)
- Spend some time in the woods (Yeah!)
- Jam with a couple other musicians (Also yeah!)
- Begin the mail-out process for radio, reviews, and festivals (Speaking of which, if you know of any good festivals/events that my music would suit, please get in touch with me?)

I also wanted to send a simple well-wished MERRY CHRISTMAS to everyone out there who keeps tabs on this blog. Thanks for stopping by and spending some time. I really appreciate it!

-J04L

Las Vegas to Winter Wonderland

Incase you didn't know, I just finished a road-trip with the Kamps men this past weekend. Las Vegas to Calgary. It was a really great time; I got to enjoy the heat in Nevada and parts of Utah - and I've been trying to savor the memory of warmth. It certainly didn't make me too excited about returning to the cold up in Calgary. Nonetheless, I've gotta make do with the cards I'm dealt...

I woke up to slow-falling snowflakes dancing back and fourth through the sky, coating everything in sight with their fairy-dust like touch. Over the course of the night they've transformed the cityscape into a wonderland of beautiful mystery. It's an inspiring sight to say the least, and I'm hoping that will translate into some productivity today as I consider booking plans for the spring and write new melodies that come to mind.

Wishing y'all a wonderful start to the weekend!

Balcony TV Presents: JOAL KAMPS

Whoohoo! Yes folks, the video is finally here! Nathan and I are really happy with how it turned out (as you know, most live videos don't have quality sound). We had an amazing time filming this song with the E-town Balcony TV crew - and special thanks goes out to everyone involved!

I sincerely hope you enjoy this little offering. You can let us know what you think in the comments below as well as on Youtube.

Accordi-on-the-way

The accordion has proved to be a very challenging instrument thus far. I've picked it up several times since I first received it, but I haven't had all that much time to sit down and hammer out a tune with it. I'm hoping to free up some time in the coming weeks - though I'm leaving for Vegas on Saturday and won't be back 'till mid next week.

In other news: during the last tour I collaborated with Balcony TV Edmonton and filmed a live performance of 'Amsterdamned' with the talented Nathan Pease. The official Balcony TV video should be uploaded sometime within the next 24 hours - I'll keep you all posted.

Much love.

Dry Bones @ Kamps House

Hey folks! This is a clip from this past weekend @ Kamps House. I am really happy with the sound quality on this video compared to past ones, so please have a listen and leave a comment or two.

polka + folk = ?

I was just gifted with an accordion this past weekend. You can guess what that means... "folka" music coming your way. Stoked.

*** I also wanted to say a quick thank you to everyone who attended any of the four house concerts that I performed at this past weekend. It was an incredible time and I was touched to receive so much encouragement and support in pursuing my career dreams. Thank you all.

-J04L

Joal Kamps on RADIO!? Request it!

Calgary:
CKUA 93.7 - 403.266.5566 (ext 1)
CJSW 90.9 - 403.220.3991
Shine FM 88.9 - 403.276.8888
Mix 97.7 - 403.692.0977

Edmonton:
CJSR 88.5 - 780.492.2577 (ext 1)
CKUA 94.9 - 780.428.7595 or 1.800.494.2582
Sonic 102.9 - 780.423.1029
Shine FM 105.9 - 780.433.1059

Lethbridge:
CKVN 98.1 - 403.328.0988
CKUA 99.3 - 1.800.494.2582

Fort McMurray:
Kaos 91.1 - 780.791.5911
CKUA 96.7 - 1.800.494.2582

CD Release Tour - entry 7 (the final chapter)

I realize a good week has passed since the tour was officially over. It's been a new challenge for me to try and keep up-to-date with blog entries and I sincerely hope to keep this going from now on - preferably on time.

This CD Release Tour was an incredible experience for both Nathan and I. To have been able to drive my own vehicle (which I am so thankful for) across the Western Provinces of Canada and share meals and stories with many friends (new and old), and to live off donations and the generosity of our hosts and others has been an incredible blessing and humbling experience. There was a providential kind of provision throughout the three-odd weeks we were on the road, and for that I am truly thankful.

A sincere thank you goes out to everyone we met along the way. Thank you for being part of this blessed experience.

Peace and love,

-J04L & Nate

CD Release Tour - entry 6

Once our concert in Enderby was over we headed out to Salmon Arm to crash at the Stellinwerff's for the night. They were gracious hosts, allowing us to sneak into their open garage during the wee hours of the morning. I'm sure we looked like cat burglars, sneaking up the driveway, prying our way into their massive wooden carport doors...

Fast-forward several days, several house concerts, delicious meals, warm beds, epic conversations - and you would find us in Edmonton, AB. Nathan and I kept ourselves busy with dropping off records at radio stations, playing several gigs each day, and catching up with friends we hadn't seen in some time. Despite my Calgarian roots (and the traditional rivalry that comes with), I really enjoyed myself during our time there. Good friends, family, and lots of support for the local arts. I cannot name everyone, but quick shout-outs go to: Jennz, Jamie, Rob, Karisa, Lisa Marie, the Tiemstra gang, Aaron, Alex, Joel, Kasim, and the host of other awesome people we met while we were up there.

With the Northern AB leg complete, Nathan and I hit up Blackfalds for a gig at a local cafe: After the Grind. What an awesome space! This venue is apparently the oldest building in Blackfalds and had the most wonderful old-school hardwood floor ever. Uneven, stained, and creaky as ever, I was in carpentry heaven. While we were there we ran into a bunch of other friends and family - thank you all for coming out!

All tour my vehicle has been having issues on-and-off, so a tough decision was made to postpone our date in Brooks, AB. We will be there. Count on it. ;)

-J04L & Nathan

CD Release Tour - entry 5 (all for Enderby)

So where were we... ahhh yes, sleeping in the vehicle in Enderby, BC. This was a new experience for both Nathan and I. In the past I have slept in several different vehicle makes and models - none ever as comfy as my Toyota Camry wagon. I slept in that sweet ride for six weeks in the middle of Winter while I was living in St Albert, AB. I'm getting off-topic already. Coffee cup needs refilling.

Now Nathan and I didn't get much sleep that evening in Enderby. The city had been ripping up the main street to put in some new water lines, and coincidentally the side-street we chose to park on was transformed during the night into a quarter-mile drag-strip for all the locals to avoid the construction. Every ten minutes we were startled out of our uncomfortable state of pseudo-sleep by the obnoxious roar of a diesel truck flooring it through the blackness. All this suffering was well worth it though, for come morning we discovered the glory that is 'Hungry Jack's'.

This place was recommended to me on past tours but I had no idea where it was located. Amazing breaky. So good. I think I even saw Nathan shed a tear between sips of freshly pressed organic apple juice.

During the day we drove into Salmon Arm, suited up at the local thrift-store and then hit the recreation center for a swim. What a quaint town. We headed back to Enderby for our gig at Cliff's Cafe, which was utterly stellar, and met a tons of amazing new people - and some great local talent. Big shout-outs to Adam (venue owner and music supporter extraordinaire) and Ryan Murphy, a local gem of a performer. Enderby will definitely be a regular stop for me on future tours through BC.

Stay tuned for more to come!

-J04L & Nate

CD Release Tour - entry 4

Well Wednesday and Thursday passed us by rather quickly. We headed out early in the morning to arrive just minutes before our scheduled gig at the Cannery Coffee Co in Kelowna. After the gig we met up with good friends of mine, Matt & Louise - who offered us a place to stay while we were in town. We shared a lovely meal together and quickly caught up on life before parting ways for the evening; they headed out to see Stars, and Nate & I opted to have ourselves a little pool tourney. It was a massacre. Nathan cleaned house.

The next morning we headed out of town to Bliss Bakery (blissbakery.ca) in Peachland. We performed a noon-hour concert for the customers and staff and sold a hefty number of albums. It was quite the way to start the day. Sidenote: if you're ever in or near Peachland, go to Bliss Bakery. I've spent several years traveling and in all my time out on the road I've never experienced such delicious panini; and I lived in Italy!

Friday we made the short drive to Vernon and spent the afternoon hanging around at the Talkin' Donkey. What a great space! Done up in brick and exposed beams, there is a large hall area at the centre of the building with little nooks and wings for extra seating areas. After we finished our set and ate some epic sandwiches we drove off into the night - to spend our first evening sleeping in the vehicle. Needless to say, not a lot of sleeping was done. I hadn't realized how much lower the seats reclined in Shark the Battletank (RIP).

-J04L & Nate

Oak Street House Concert