Off Camera with Sam Jones Season 1 Episode 1 Val McCallum

Off Camera with Sam Jones is a show where Sam Jones, a photographer and director, sits down with various artists and creatives to have a conversation about their career and life. In season 1 episode 1, Jones talks to Val McCallum, a renowned guitarist, singer, and songwriter who has worked with a wide range of musicians like Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, and Sheryl Crow.

The show starts with Jones and McCallum discussing how they first met, and McCallum shares a funny story about how he thought Jones was a paparazzo and tried to avoid him. They then delve into McCallum's early life, growing up in LA and being exposed to music from a young age. He talks about his father being a bassist and urging him to pick up the guitar, which eventually became McCallum's passion.

Jones and McCallum discuss his journey as a musician, starting with his time as a session musician and touring with various bands. McCallum shares how he learned to be versatile as a musician and how that led to him working with a diverse range of artists.

One of the highlights of the episode is when McCallum performs a song he wrote titled "Into the Blue," which showcases his guitar skills and beautiful vocals. Jones and McCallum then discuss the songwriting process and how McCallum approaches crafting a song. He talks about how sometimes a song comes to him easily, while other times he has to work hard to get it just right.

As the conversation progresses, Jones and McCallum talk about the music industry and how it's changed over the years. McCallum shares his thoughts on how technology has impacted the way music is made and how it's been a double-edged sword for musicians. He talks about how he's seen the rise of streaming services and how it's made it harder for musicians to make a living. However, he also acknowledges the benefits of having more access to music than ever before.

Jones and McCallum also discuss the importance of staying true to your own voice as an artist and not compromising your values. McCallum shares a story about his experience working with a producer who tried to make him sound like everyone else, and how he ultimately decided to move on and stay true to his own sound.

Overall, Off Camera with Sam Jones season 1 episode 1 featuring Val McCallum is an insightful and engaging conversation between two creatives who share a love for music. McCallum's stories and performances showcase his talent, while Jones' thoughtful questions allow viewers to gain a deeper understanding of McCallum's journey as a musician.