Interview: Brandon Carcamo - Composer and Guitarist

Brandon Carcamo is a New Orleans based composer and guitarist. Carcamo recently won the 2020 ACG composition competition with his piece 'Solace' for guitar choir. 'Solace' was planned to be premiered during ACG Fest; however, due to current circumstances the festival has been cancelled. Instead of letting the premiere die, the piece has taken new life through the SOLACE PROJECT. In this interview, we discuss Brandon Carcamo's experience in the time of COVID-19, his compositions, and specific challenges composing for guitar ensemble.

How did you get into classical and jazz guitar? 

I first got into jazz guitar when I was around 12 years old. For a few summers, I used to go to these jazz camps where I was introduced to the musical culture of New Orleans and where I was able to learn directly from experienced musicians in the city. I also went to a performing arts high school called the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts (NOCCA), which was also instrumental in my growth as a musician. My transition to classical guitar is actually very recent. I decided to take a stab at it about halfway through college, and after I had my first lesson, I knew that it would play a big role in my life. I was very fortunate to have some amazing teachers who pushed me in the right direction. After that, I started gravitating more towards classical guitar, but I do go back and forth with classical and jazz sometimes.

When did you start composing? 

I first started composing when I was in college, and it was mostly for film scoring. I wanted to be a film score composer for a time, and so I would try to find any opportunity where I could write music for someone else’s project. I eventually did get the chance to work on a few student films and even partake in a few film scoring competitions, all of which were invaluable experiences for me as a young composer. They really helped in honing my composing “chops”. Besides that, I haven’t written too much music that isn’t related to film scoring. I’m only just now starting to write music for classical guitar, and I’m getting more comfortable with it the more I grow as a player.

What inspired you to write “Solace”?

I wrote this piece thinking of the things we tend to turn to in a time of distress and how that itself is a beautiful expression of our humanity. I used some minimalist textures because I wanted the piece to sound sort of dreamlike, as if the things we find solace in put us in this trance of comfort.

What are some challenges you faced writing for guitar ensemble? 

I think the main challenge that I faced in writing for guitar ensemble was just keeping each part as interesting and engaging as the others, especially when you have to consider how to make each part slightly different in the level of difficulty. The other big challenge for me was creating interesting textures on guitar. I’m more comfortable with the variety of orchestral textures coming from my experience with film scoring, but with guitar, it’s something I had to think about. After writing this piece, I’m starting to think more now about how I can translate orchestral textures to guitar. 

We are living in an unprecedented time due to COVID-19, how has this pandemic affected you both personally and as a musician? 

Obviously this pandemic has been traumatizing to us all worldwide. My father tested positive for COVID-19, and while he is fully recovered now, it was difficult to see him in the state he was in. Like so many others right now, I’m just trying to get by emotionally. As for music, all gigs in the universe have been cancelled for every musician, and I am no exception to that. I’m just trying to share music online right now and do my best to stay connected with others. 

What are some ways you’ve seen musicians pivot during this time of social distancing that has inspired you? 

It really makes me happy to see the output of music that fellow musicians have been sharing over the internet. It’s been really inspiring to watch all of the solos, duets, and orchestras perform virtually. I think this is encouraging more people to share their music and connect with others online. It has definitely inspired me to do just that.

For the health and safety of the guitar community, Austin Classical Guitar has had to change the approach to premiere your piece. What do you hope musicians gain from performing “Solace” in a time of social distancing? 

I know this is cliché, but my hope is that this experience brings us closer together during this pandemic. I know it’s an unusual way to premiere a piece, but we are living in unusual times, and we just have to make the most of it. Even though we are living in a time of social distancing, we don’t have to stay disconnected. I also don’t think there are too many virtual guitar orchestras out there, so I really think that this piece can do something special for us and the world. I’m really hoping that this performance inspires others to share their art, especially our own members of the classical guitar community.

by Jess Griggs