Music allows us to understand parts of ourselves in ways that we didn’t know we needed to understand. It comes in all shapes and sizes: slow, fast, hard, soft, with a million different genres from all across the world. It’s almost always possible to find a part of yourself throughout the rhythm and lyrics.
Today I sat down with Cam Galloway, a musician, singer, and songwriter from right here in Bracebridge. Growing up here, Galloway found a passion for playing the guitar and performing in front of others. When Galloway was 15, he first realized that he could make a living out of what he loved.
“I was 15; my dad encouraged me to go to open mics at Kelly's Kitchen Pub and sign up for school talent shows. A waitress told me one day that if I could learn 3 hours' worth of songs, they'd pay me. Word gets around fast in a small town and sooner or later I had people asking me to play for their events.”
Since then, Galloway has been eating, sleeping and breathing music. He’s been lucky enough to play at Boots and Hearts Country Music Festival, and open for James Barker Band at the Kee to Bala.
“I grew up going to the festival, so it feels like a full circle moment. And I got to open for James Barker Band at Kee to Bala, which is crazy because the Kee to Bala is the place for music in Muskoka.”
Access to music education in rural areas can be hard to come by. But that never stopped Galloway.
“There isn't any super great music program except for at Monck Public School, which I only moved to in the upper years. The local high school has a good music program, but I’m mostly self-taught. There were good experiences, but I didn't learn by the book.”
Inspired by idols such as the Tragically Hip, Tom Petty, Chris Stapleton and Ed Sheeran, Galloway brings a sound to the country music scene that is entirely his own, with a twist of Muskoka flair. Nashville, New York and LA may be the places for most artists. But as Dorothy says – and Galloway feels as well – there is no place like home.
“I’m very connected to my roots; no matter what happens with my career, I'll always end up coming back to Muskoka. Being here keeps me grounded.”
Every artist, however, has moments when being a performer isn't all sunshine and rainbows. During COVID, several artists felt isolated and distanced from their audiences, unsure whether or not they would be able to continue in their creative careers.
“COVID really shifted the music industry. For a period of time, it felt music would never be the same. Even in this last summer, there are a lot of places where things haven't been as busy. I love performing live, and the thought of not being able to do that anymore really made a lot of artists question.”
Galloway has big dreams still, even though he has already done so much at such a young age. I asked him if he had any dream venues or collaborations he still hopes to one day accomplish.
“I’d love to play a stadium. As for collaborations, Ed Sheeran would be sick, Owen Rigling, all the people I mentioned before – well… the ones who aren't dead, of course.”
Galloway’s advice to any up-and-coming cottage country artists is quite simple.
“Go out and play live. It's how you're gonna create real connections with people. Makes fans face to face. If you have a passion, go for it. You only have one life. Use it to make yourself happy.”
As we ended our discussion, I asked the question: why does art matter to you? Galloway’s answer was simple but powerful.
“Music gives me purpose. I have no idea what I would be doing in my life. Nothing else can do that.”
After speaking with Galloway, I gained an understanding of how every one of us is connected through the power of music and home. Music is what leads us home.