DEBUT EP REVIEW: Good Person by Camille Schmidt

Camille Schmidt’s debut EP, Good Person, invites one on an intimate journey of personal growth and self-discovery. With Phil Weinrobe at the production helm, Good Person is a collection of six songs that highlights Camille’s talent for blending raw emotion with a folk-infused indie pop sound.

To assist in fostering an organic recording experience, guitarist Sam Talmadge, drummer Pele Greenberg, and bassist Eli Heath entered the studio with no knowledge of the songs they were going to record. Camille would select songs on the  spot from her vast repertoire and she and the band would begin their experimentation of what worked and what didn’t. With Phil’s unconventional approach, he not only captured the genuine essence of the band’s chemistry but songs that feel both intimate and immediate.

From the opening notes, Good Person immerses one in Camille’s reflective world. Good Person explores themes of shame, perfectionism, and the complex journey of self-acceptance and Camille’s lyrics are self-analysing and poignant. As she reflects on her past and her various identities, she offers a glimpse into her journey of becoming who she is and how friends, relationships, and societal expectations have shaped her. This self reflection pairs beautifully with the lush, harmonious, and rich sound provided by the band.

Exploring the struggle to reconcile one’s inner world with external realities, tracks like “Red and Blue”, “Wake Up”, and “Bird on a Telephone Wire” stand out with their haunting melodies and moving lyrics. The band’s live recording sessions infuse each song with a sense of urgency and authenticity, making one feel as if they are right there in the studio.

Good Person embodies Camille Schmidt’s courage to bare her soul and invite others into her journey. The rawness and honesty of the music reminds one of the ongoing process of growing as a person and that something better lies ahead.