Who is Jay Cameron?
I’m a Scottish composer and lyricist that creates music for film and theatre. Australia was never on my radar, but I fell in love and hopped on the plane, so here I am in this beautiful country.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
If I could start over again, I think I’d like to be a butcher. It’s one of those ancient almost mystical professions where you just have to admire the skill involved.
Who inspires you and why?
Stephen Sondheim would probably be top of the list, not just for his work, but for his philosophy of creating art. He treated it like any other job that you just have to show up for, he didn’t sit around waiting for inspiration to strike. Without this guidance, I would be lost as an artist.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I would scrap VAR from football. It’s ruining the game and is emblematic of a deeper surveillance problem in our culture.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
My wife and I had our best holiday in New Orleans. Obviously the music, food and architecture are awesome, but the people make it. One evening when we were dressed up for dinner walking towards the French Quarter, a waiter ran out of a restaurant and shouted across the street, “Y’all are lookin fresh! Keep it up!”. We felt like we’d made it.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
When friends visit my home village in Scotland, I always take them to the beach nearby and encourage them to take a dip in the North Sea. It shocks you to life.
What are you currently reading?
Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act. There’s some useful tips in there that I’ve been applying to my music sessions, and I’m struck by the lack of ego in his writing. Not one name drop, which is astounding when you consider the artists he’s worked with.
What are you currently listening to?
I saw Nils Frahm perform in Perth a few months ago and have been stuck on him ever since. The physicality and commitment to his performance was just stunning.
Happiness is?
Johnny Cash answered this question with “this morning, with her, having coffee” – That’s pretty dead on for me too.
What does the future hold for you?
I hope to have children one day soon.
Jay is the composer for The Story of The Oars by Nigel Featherstone and performs live on stage in the world premiere at The Street Theatre from 19 – 21 September 2025. For more information, visit: www.thestreet.org.au for details.
Image: Jay Cameron – photo by Nathan Smith Photography