Behind the Music: An Inside Look at Altamadum with Guitarist Cam Thomas

AA: I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Cam Thomas from Altamadum. We talked about his music journey, the band, and his hobbies. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did!

AA: We would love for you to share your background with us more. Please tell us about your origins—where you were born and raised, the environment you grew up in, and how your family traditions and cultural heritage have shaped your identity. Additionally, we’re interested in any significant life experiences that have profoundly impacted you. How have these moments influenced your values, beliefs, and who you are today? Your story is important to us, and we are eager to learn about the unique aspects that have contributed to your journey.

CT: We were all born and raised in Thunder Bay Ontario, Canada. Our environment Definity helped shape our unique and original sound. Our different back grounds and experiences are heard within our music, as we are inspired by art, people, experiences, and our environment. For myself (Cam – Lead guitar), I have a very broad musical taste, and this has helped inspire different genre influences and styles within our music. We all have different inspirations and beliefs but that’s what makes our band so dynamic.

AA: I find your musical journey captivating and would love to explore it in more detail. Could you share the specific moment or pivotal experience that ignited your music passion? What elements of that moment resonated with you deeply and made you realize that this was something you wanted to pursue?

CT: I knew that I wanted to pursue the guitar the moment that I put one in my lap. I loved the way that it felt and saw it as a challenge that very quickly became a healthy obsession. This paired with the passion that was ignited by my old school friend, Tommy Wong and my Dad’s passion for music and rides in his truck listening to different artists, helped me explore new sounds and understand who the different bands and players were.

AA: Additionally, I’m curious about the challenges you faced along the way. Were there obstacles that tested your dedication or would-be setbacks that made you reconsider your path? How did you navigate these challenges, and what strategies or steps did you take to transform your love for music into a successful and fulfilling journey? Your insights would be incredibly inspiring!

CT: I think that any band who is passionate about what they do and is together for any considerable period faces challenges and creative differences and we are no exception to this rule. I think the most prevalent is when people either don’t like a song or are super critical about what we do. We side-step this by believing in what we do to the point where it completely overrides and negative criticism. The other obstacle would be differences of opinion within the band. We have a solid respect and way of communicating with one another that we have built up over the years. This helps not step on each other’s toes when it comes to making creative decisions.

AA: Is there an artist whose music and life story have significantly impacted your decision to follow your passion for music? Their struggles, successes, or unique perspectives inspired you to take the bold step of forming your own band. I would love to hear how their experiences and artistry influenced your musical journey. What specific aspects of their story resonated with you, and in what ways have they shaped your approach to music? Your journey sounds fascinating—please share your insights!

CT: Artists who made the biggest impact on me early on were players like Jimmy Page, Slash, Alex Lifeson. Lifeson from Rush was probably the most impactful as a young Canadian boy from Ontario. He made everything seem attainable and within reach. I really enjoy watching music documentaries to find out more about artists, but I don’t necessarily get as involved in their personal struggles, as I like to interpret the music by itself and let their art resonate with me separately. Now, any artist has the ability to impact me, as I am the most openminded towards music that I have ever been, as long as it has depth and layers.

AA: Could you provide an in-depth look into your band, Altamadum? I'm intrigued by the journey that led to your group's formation—what were the pivotal moments or experiences that united you all as a collective? Additionally, I'd love to hear the story behind your band name "Altamadum" and its significance to you.

CT: It started when Brendan and I hit those first notes and understood that we have a unique musical chemistry together. In grade 10 science class, we were trying to come up with an original band name, which proves to be one of the hardest tasks any band is called upon to do. Brendan came up with a large list of names. Some were great and some were awful. Of the bunch Brendan had written, “Ultimatum” was included in this list. I thought that must have been used before (It was), so I took an eraser to the title and switched it to something unique and different, “Altamadum.” This name was fitting for us as we were aiming to be the antithesis of anything that was happening in the local Thunder Bay (Ontario, Canada) music scene at the time. This proved to be a good choice as it allowed us to be original and creative and set us apart as a distinct entity, not only locally but eventually internationally. Shortly after, we asked James Cole to be included in the lineup, followed by Russ Elder, and most recently, Dre Mollicola.

AA: How many members make up the band, and what distinct roles does each individual play within the group's dynamic? It would be enlightening to understand how each member's unique contributions and talents enhance the overall sound and identity of Altamadum

CT: We consist of 4 musicians and 1 producer – Cam (Lead Guitar), Andrea (Dre) Mollicola (Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar), Brendan Byers (Drums), James Cole (Bass), and Russ Elder (Very Most Senior Executive Producer, as he likes to be referred to lol). It differs each time but for this latest album, it usually started with a riff idea from either Dre or I and that begins the creative process. We all build from that one initial idea. There have been other times that I have had fully composed pieces of music that I brought to the studio for the others to hear and add their ideas to. There is even one song on the forthcoming album that Brendan wrote the drum composition for initially. The continuity is the most important part of any album that we make, and we all play a crucial role in ensuring this. If something doesn’t make sense, we either alter it or swap it for something new that does.

Band members: Brendan Byers (Drums) Cam (Lead Guitar), James Cole (Bass), Andrea (Dre) Mollicola (Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar) and Russ Elder (Very Most Senior Executive Producer

AA: how would you characterize your music? What influences or themes do you explore in your work, and how do those elements combine to create your distinct sound?

CT: Altamadum is a blend of many different musical styles, most prominently rock/hard rock/alternative. Our influences can range anywhere from 1950s and 60s music, all the way to modern day music. We have carved out our own signature sound and style over the years, both through writing and performing original music. In the early days, this was primarily under the influence of our rock heroes and those who inspired us. Like most bands in early development, we learned and included a lot of covers in our set lists. Through this process, we were able to build something unique and special that is our very own.

AA: Could you provide a more in-depth exploration of your latest single, "No One In the Sky," which you released last year? I'm genuinely intrigued by the inspiration and narrative that shaped the single. Please share your connection to this track; what emotions or life experiences influenced their creation?

CT: “No One In the Sky” was an instrumental idea that I had from years ago. This was placed in our vault and I wasn’t sure if we would use it. I ended up re-examining it and re-working it and it became (more or less) the completed version. This inspired Dre to write lyrics. He ended up creating an honest and sometimes hopeless view that we all feel at some point in our lives. This song is probably one of my personal favorites on the forthcoming album, as it goes through different moods and is incredibly dynamic, both stylistically and in the overall production.

AA: Additionally, I'd love to delve into the behind-the-scenes aspects of the production process. What specific sounds and riffs did you incorporate to enhance the overall auditory experience of each song? What techniques, tools, or equipment did you utilize to craft the unique textures and atmospheres that characterize the music? Any insights into your creative approach and the technical choices made during recording would be greatly appreciated!

CT: Speaking to the writing process, we were able to collaborate in our studio more on this album than the past couple of albums, as we were able to share ideas and work together building each song out. We were intentional with how we approached the writing process and wanted to fuse our different influences together. An example of this would be on our single “Call to Me.” This was the first song that we wrote with Dre and has a good marriage of our signature style and Dre’s Pop Punk influences. We are very fortunate to have our Producer (Russ Elder) execute the actual production process. The studio helps us capture ideas and some of the ideas on this album were written and captured a few years ago so we were able to grab them from our “Vault” and add polish to them. This was a lot of fun as well. This album is one of our greatest achievements as a band, in terms of our discography.

AA: Can you recall the details of your very first live performance? Describe the setting, the crowd’s energy, and the anticipation leading up to that moment. What were your thoughts and feelings as you stepped onto the stage, and how did it impact you both during the performance and afterward?

CT: Our first live performance as Altamadum was in our Highschool and consisted of James, Brendan, myself, as well as a few friends. There were approximately 300 people in attendance, and it was for a charity fundraiser called “Net 141.” This fundraiser assisted in the purchase of mosquito nets, assisting in the prevention of disease in Africa. We love playing shows like this because it’s for such a great cause! I remember being incredibly nervous for this show as we were 16 years old at the time and had never played a show as a band before. We Played 3 songs: “Sgt. Pepper” and “Revolution” (Beatles covers) and closed with the infamous “Free Bird.” This was a big milestone for us and the beginning of our discovery of our live personas.

AA: Can you share a funny or embarrassing moment from a live performance?

CT: We have many haha! The one that always comes to mind is when Brendan threw his drumstick at our ex-singer’s ex-girlfriend’s head (tongue twister). The crowd was applauding after our final song, and she picked the wrong time to turn away from the stage. The conversation afterward was fun to witness LOL! Brendan said he watched the whole thing happen in slow motion as the drumstick left his hand.

AA: Could you tell me about any upcoming projects, tours, or collaborations you look forward to? I'm eager to hear what you're most excited about and any details you can share about these initiatives!

CT: We are going to release the 3rd single off of our forthcoming album this month (January 2025). The 3rd single is called “Living in Your Shadow” and will be released on all streaming platforms Jan 28th and the album titled “Through Darkness Through Fire” will be released on all streaming platforms Jan 31st. We are going to continue to release music videos and promo videos on YouTube/Instagram and continue our latest press run. We are currently practicing a new setlist for upcoming shows, this year in Thunder Bay.

AA: If you were presented with the incredible opportunity to open for any band or embark on a world tour, which bands would you choose to join on this exciting journey, and what specific reasons drive your passion for touring alongside them? Consider the musical styles, the energy of their performances, and how their artistry resonates with you personally. What unique experiences would come from collaborating and sharing the stage with these artists?

CT: If I had to speak for the whole group, I would say Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Tragically Hip, Green Day, Trivium, or any hard rock band from the 80’s. This is a tricky one as we listen to a lot of different music, but these are some of our influences (as a group) and that’s why we would select them.

AA: What does success look like to you?

CT: : This is a great question, as I know it’s different for most people. For us, success is when we get to share our music with people all over the world and they share how our music impacts them. We are fortunate as we currently get to do this, thanks to support from our listener and technology. When someone shares the impact that our music has had on them, it never gets old and is always a very humbling experience, as music has meant so much to us throughout our lives.

AA: How do you define happiness in your own life?

CT: Happiness is a state of mind that usually comes from finding joy and purpose in what we do. In relation to our music, happiness is finishing a song or album and getting to sit down and listen to it and having that “goosebump” feeling, hearing it together in the same room. At this point, we know that we have something special that we are excited to share with the world. It can also come in hearing the crowd sing our lyrics back to us and watch how our music moves them, in that particular moment.

AA: What are some activities you enjoy doing in your free time?

CT: I enjoy many things! I enjoy Playing/listening to music, all lines of business that I am currently involved in, working out (weight training), travelling, spending time with my amazing family & partner (Chelsie) at the lake, being an Uncle to a gorgeous little girl (Lina), reading and drinking coffee (mostly philosophy, phycology, social science, and business leadership), video editing, playing Nintendo Switch and doing things around my house on weekend afternoons.

AA: Share three individuals who have significantly influenced your life, positively or negatively, and explain why.

CT: Geez, these are tricky questions! There are too many people to name here, as I have been fortunate enough to have had many mentors in many areas of my live over the years but a few names that influenced me very early on (and still very much do) are my Dad, Mom and all 4 of my Grandparents. They laid the groundwork for who I have become today. They are all to thank and to blame LOL!

AA: When it comes to movies, what are some of your all-time favorites? What is it about these particular movies that resonate with you? Is it the storytelling, the characters, the cinematography, or something else?

CT: I am a big horror movie fan, but my all-time favorite movie is The Godfather I & II. I love everything about these 2 movies, and I think they are perfect in every way. I love the character of Michael and how Al Pacino portrays him. Goodfellas is also a personal favorite watch of mine. I like Rocky 1-4 because who doesn’t like an underdog story? For horror movies, I love The Exorcist and The Omen from the 70’s, all 80’s slashers are a guilty pleasure, and most modern horror movies.

AA: As for TV shows, which ones do you find yourself eagerly tuning in to? What about these shows captivates you—could it be the plot twists, character development, or the overall production quality?

CT: My partner (Chelsie) and I just finished “What We Do in The Shadows”, which is a “turn your brain off” kind of vampire comedy. We are currently binge watching “Always Sunny in Philadelphia.”

AA: Regarding books, which ones are at the top of your list? What makes these books stand out to you? Is it the writing style, the themes, or the emotions they evoke?

CT: I can’t select just one. I am currently reading “The Trail” by Franz Kafka and it’s quite good and thought provoking. I’m about to read “Crime & Punishment” by Fyodor Dostoevsky. I’m not sure that I could choose just one but “The Plague” by Albert Camus and “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell would be on my list. Gladwell is one of my favorite authors and he is a fellow Canadian! I have been leaning more towards the poetic philosophical authors (like Camus) lately.

AA: Which podcasts do you highly recommend and why? What sets these podcasts apart from others, in your opinion? Do they offer valuable insights, entertaining content, or something else that keeps you hooked?

CT: I’m not a huge listener of Podcasts but I like “philosophize This” or any and all of the Podcasts that have featured us over the years. We have received tremendous support from all of these amazing podcasts, and we are incredibly grateful. People can find them/follow them, through our Instagram.

AA: I'm interested in learning about your favorite bands or music artists that you're passionate about. Additionally, I'd love to hear all the details about your most memorable concert experience - the atmosphere, the performance, the venue, and anything else that made it special for you.

CT: My favorite bands change daily. I’ll go with 3 that I am currently listening to, that are newer (All for different reasons) – Drab Majesty, White Lies and Architects. The most memorable concert experiences that I attended were probably Guns n’ Roses, Fleetwood Mac, Avenged Sevenfold and Tame Impala. The first 3 bands inspired me to take guitar playing seriously and Tame Impala was one of the better shows that I have witnessed, due to it being in London’s O2 Arena and the lighting/sound was phenomenal.

AA: What three standout qualities make you truly exceptional as a guitarist?

CT: Firstly, very flattered! I would say that I seem to have my own distinct style (so I’m told) that people seem to be able to pick out from other guitarists. I have been told that I have a good ear for melodies. I like to work with Russ to create a guitar symphony throughout most of our pieces. Thirdly, I listen to everything from Jazz to Metal Music, so I think all the styles seep into my playing, both consciously and subconsciously.

AA: Could you delve into your experiences with mental health and share how those experiences have influenced and shaped various aspects of your life? I'm particularly interested in specific moments or challenges, how you've navigated them, and the lessons you've learned.

CT: I used to deal with anxiety, and I think overcoming this and other obstacles has helped me see things differently and ultimately, helped my creative vision in some way. I will have to give this more though, as it is a great question that might take more reflection to gain an accurate answer that truly reflects this question correctly.

AA: What's your strategy for networking and forging connections in the vibrant world of the music industry?

CT: I’m responsible for managing our Instagram and Public Relations for the most part. My strategy has been to network and meet as many people as I can, both virtually and in-person. I try to cast an image of the band that I am proud of and that the other members are proud of too. We have the benefit of the studio, editing equipment, photo editing software and the following that took us years to build. My biggest advice would be to market yourself as a band/artist that you would want to see, that currently isn’t completely represented. Uniqueness can sometimes be lacking from commercial radio so finding a way to merge the two, while keeping the art intact is a good strategy. It’s like the “Trojan Horse Method.” Find something that catches and let the rest of the work follow.

AA: Imagine you can step back in time and live in any historical period. Which era would you choose, and what draws you to it? Dive into the allure of the past and let your imagination wander!

CT: I would either choose the 60’s in England to experience the music scene at the time (British Invasion) or earlier to understand how language was created. Someone else answered this question with the latter answer and I thought it was a brilliant answer!

AA: If you were allowed to explore a completely different career path, what would it be, and what motivates you to choose? Consider the aspects of this new profession that intrigue you, such as the skills you’d like to develop, the impact you wish to have, or the personal fulfillment you seek. What experiences or passions drive you toward this alternate career, and how do you envision it aligning with your values and aspirations?

CT: I honestly don’t know, as I have had the luxury to explore most things that I am passionate about in my current career paths or past career paths. I might like to write a book at some point around an idea or topic, similar to the books I have outlined above.

AA: How do you stay motivated and focused on your goals during times of uncertainty or change?

CT: I usually take goals in bitesize pieces. “I work today, for my success tomorrow” is how I see accomplishing goals, meaning I am investing in myself and those around me so we can succeed tomorrow and beyond. I’m a very driven/motivated individual but on days that I’m not, I fake it. I have a clear vision for the things I want to accomplish, and I am willing to sacrifice as much time and energy as it takes to achieve all of my goals. I like impacting and inspiring other and this helps fuel me as well.

AA: If you had the opportunity to sit down with your 18-year-old self and share some wisdom, what advice would you offer? Are there particular experiences or lessons you knew earlier that could have shaped your journey differently?

CT: I wouldn’t tell him anything except “Enjoy the ride - You got this, kid.” I wouldn’t want to divulge too much information that could change the trajectory of the path that I have created. I also know that I had to learn lessons through experience, and I wouldn’t want to deprive “Young Cam” of those experiences.

AA: How do you stay inspired and motivated during creative block or burnout?

CT: We are fortunate, as we don’t have many creative blocks. We also use music as our escape, so we don’t often face burnout either. The best way to avoid burnout is usually to shift dates of release or reevaluate our order of priority on curtain items in flight.

AA: What message would you share with everyone if you had the world's attention for five minutes?"

CT: Life is too short to live it by someone else’s agenda or expectations. Today, we have the power and ability to influence and impact others. We shouldn’t waste this opportunity.

AA: We are grateful to Cam Thomas from Altamadum for graciously sharing his story and interests with us.

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*** All photos and video by Altamadum , unless otherwise noted **