Greg Camp discusses life after Smash Mouth and his experience writing ’90s anthems
Greg Camp, a well-known guitarist and songwriter, rose to fame in the 1990s with his iconic hits for Smash Mouth. Camp initially started as a drummer, but the musical influence of EVH led him to explore the guitar. During this period, he collaborated with Carson Daly, a renowned figure who played a significant role in catapulting Camp’s band to stardom.
Camp’s distinctive style, characterized by a blend of loungy alt-surf guitar sounds, was the driving force behind Smash Mouth’s popular tracks like “Walkin’ on the Sun,” “Then the Morning Comes,” and “All Star.” Despite his success, Camp humbly acknowledges that his favorite guitarists do not hail from the ’90s but rather from various eras, including the likes of Dick Dale, East Bay Ray, Andrés Segovia, and Angus and Malcom Young. His musical preferences extended beyond the ’90s trends, drawing inspiration from eclectic sources such as Burt Bacharach, ’60s bachelor pad records, and reggae, which influenced his chord choices and rhythms.
Smash Mouth’s breakthrough came with their debut album, “Fush Yu Mang,” in 1997, which showcased the band’s talent. However, it was their sophomore album, “Astro Lounge,” released in 1999, that propelled them to superstardom. Camp and the band’s producer, Eric Valentine, poured their creativity and passion into the studio, resulting in an exceptional album that resonated with audiences worldwide. Despite the varying degrees of success that followed, Camp recalls the peak of his career with fondness, particularly during the days when the band was firing on all cylinders, and they were surrounded by a talented team of individuals.
Camp’s journey with Smash Mouth was not without its ups and downs, as he left and rejoined the band multiple times before departing for good in 2019. The band faced challenges, and the tragic loss of vocalist Steve Harwell in 2023 dealt a heavy blow. Despite these hardships, Camp chooses to focus on the positive memories of his time with Smash Mouth, cherishing the camaraderie and the shared victories that defined their career.
Looking ahead, Camp is now shifting his focus towards his punk-rock supergroup, The Defiant, with their second album on the horizon. Embracing new musical endeavors, Camp continues to evolve as an artist, drawing from his rich experiences and musical influences to create innovative and engaging music for his fans. As he embarks on this new chapter in his musical career, Camp remains committed to pushing boundaries, exploring new sounds, and leaving a lasting legacy in the world of music.