Behind the Scenes of Camerton Interview

‘Hawk’ (how his name translates into English), a decorated photojournalist/social crusader, and a wiry, bug-eyed ball of energy, was our inside man who hooked us up with the Camerton interview, and concert photo coverage. We did not know who Camerton was about three days before the concert, despite having seen their posters and billboards plastered all over UB. They looked more like the Mongolian Rat Pack, than a ‘boy band‘, with their slick tuxedos, sunglasses, and middle-age. Furthermore, we were only supposed to shoot Camerton’s concert footage, until the day before the event, when Hawk casually told us we had the ‘green light’ to interview the band for the UB Post. We didn’t even know the interview was on the table, never mind having the ‘green light’!

We trotted on over to the mega-music store Hi-Fi, and closed them out ‘researching‘ Camerton from their stock. We also drilled our landlord, Ugi, a hardcore Camerton fan since her early teens, for the band’s impact on her generation, and Mongolian music in general, AND persuaded her to come along, as an ‘interpreter‘.

The day of the concert, we strategically placed Ugi between us, the two fumbling Americans with press passes, to sneak her into the ‘red zone’, or way up in the nosebleed section of the stadium, behind the stage, for the interview. We were told to meet Camerton’s manager when we got inside, but we had to poke around security, until one of the sound guys led us straight to their perch. We were warmly greeted by three of the four members; Ganaa, the chunky one, wasn’t there. After light pleasantries, Mede was left behind to take our questions. He was very warm and gracious, and we never felt rushed.

After the interview, we got escorted out of the area right next to the stage. Apparently, Hero Production Company had exclusive rights to that area, because they were making a DVD of the event. Our ‘Ignorant Americans With Legit Press Passes Act’ did not wash with the 300+ pound security, who spoke perfect English! So we packed in with the ‘groundlings’ and stewed. We got our interview in, but how are we going to get exceptional shots? We despised the Hero-lackeys, with their impotent foot-long lenses!

There were several other bands opening for Camerton. We would be delighted at this extra treat if it wasn’t freezing outside, and if we weren’t pressed into the rope barrier, by overeager 30-somethings, at the sidelines! And of course there were the Hero-stooges strutting around with their evil cyclopean eyes!

It was then that Night unfurled her velvet wings, and delivered us… under the rope! Just like that we transformed into glorious Mongolian Heros, equipped with the Canon of Truth! It was on, and we did the foursome like two starving lions, do an obese zebra with a limp!

The next day we went in and found out we were the only ones to interview Camerton before the concert. Hawk gushed, we logged our first story, and photo for the UB Post!