Camp Calico Brings Indie-Folk Storytelling & “The Dark” to Local Music Somewhere

About Me – Camp Calico

Camp Calico is a four-piece indie rock band from Charlotte, NC. Their songs combine textured guitar layers with strong, melodic vocals. Lyrically, they explore anxiety, self-doubt, and a lingering sense of existential unease, and meet those feelings with themes of purpose, community, and belonging.

Camp Calico Brings Indie Energy to Local Music Somewhere

On the latest episode of Local Music Somewhere, host Greazy Keyz sat down with Charlotte-based indie rock band Camp Calico — members Josh Hoffman, Paul Brazell, Nate Scheperle, and Sam Gladstone. The conversation dug deep into the band’s origins, their creative process, their upcoming single “The Dark”, and the unique role of Charlotte’s growing music scene.

The Story Behind Camp Calico

Camp Calico’s name didn’t come from an elaborate backstory — instead, it was chosen for its sound, rhythm, and playful connection to cats (though bassist Nate stands as the dog-lover exception). The band came together organically, with members meeting through past projects, local shows, and even an Instagram message that changed their lineup. What started as separate gigs and cover bands quickly evolved into a collaborative original project where every member contributes creatively.

“I might bring a song to the table like 70% done, but the last 30% is 70% of what makes it good.”

This ethos of shared creativity defines their sound, blending indie rock, folk, and alternative influences.

Influences and Inspirations

Each member draws from unique musical inspirations, ranging from Local Natives and Tame Impala to Farcaspian and Pedro the Lion. Instead of citing one collective influence, Camp Calico thrives on the mix of styles and ideas each musician brings to the table. Their collaborative approach ensures that no track feels stagnant. Instead, the songs reflect both Hoffman’s production instincts and the full band’s synergy.

The Production Process

Josh Hoffman’s background in production shapes Camp Calico’s DIY approach. The band records everything in-house at Hoffman’s home studio, layering tracks one by one instead of capturing live sessions. While Charlotte has a number of professional studios, the band embraces self-production as a way to keep their music authentic and personal.

“I wouldn’t feel like I was getting everything out of doing this if I wasn’t producing it and getting to record it myself.”

This method gives them freedom to experiment without deadlines, allowing each song to develop naturally.

Life in the Charlotte Music Scene

Though Charlotte isn’t widely recognized as a “music city,” the band feels its pulse as a “musician city.” With venues ranging from intimate house shows to rooms like Petra’s, Snug Harbor, and Tommy’s Pub, the city offers stages for artists at every level.

Paul reflected on how the scene has shaped him: going to shows weekly, discovering diverse bands, and appreciating how grassroots acts inspire creativity just as much as major ones.

On Covers, Growth, and the Lessons Learned

The group also spoke about the role of covers in their journey. At one time, they heard that “there isn’t any art in covering music,” but they now see it differently. Performing covers — from Led Zeppelin to The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside” — sharpened their skills and expanded their artistry. “It’s like doing creative reps… skill reps, you know.” And while the band avoids cliché requests like Free Bird or Wonderwall, they find joy in reinterpreting songs in a way that keeps performances fresh.

New Music: The Dark

At the heart of the episode was Camp Calico’s newest single, “The Dark.” Dropping at midnight across streaming platforms, the track blends driving indie rock with introspective lyrics about distraction, technology, and the challenges of staying connected in a fast-paced world. The band already has multiple singles out, including “Lost Souls” (with a music video available on YouTube), and they’re working toward a larger project with eight tracks in the pipeline.

Fans can catch them live at Petra’s in Charlotte on September 19th, where they’ll perform their originals.

Key Takeaways

• Camp Calico’s sound: A mix of indie rock, folk, and alternative energy with collaborative songwriting at the core.
• Charlotte’s scene matters: While not labeled a “music city,” Charlotte is thriving as a community of passionate musicians.
• DIY production works: Recording in Josh Hoffman’s home studio gives the band freedom to experiment and grow.
• Covers aren’t a cop-out: They’re a training ground, a way to hone performance skills and keep audiences engaged.

Upcoming music: New single “The Dark” is out now, with more singles leading toward a full album project.