Vancamp treats you to a satisfying, flavourful cup of home-brewed Diner Coffee with his captivating debut album — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The first full-length effort from emerging Peterborough, Ont., singer-songwriter Calvin Bakelaar, this eight-song set sounds like the work of a seasoned veteran rather than a relative newcomer. Tastefully understated, emotionally resonant and effortlessly beautiful, Bakelaar’s darkly rich songs go down smooth, bringing you back for endless refills of their unfiltered authenticity and disarming simplicity.
Over the course of this fat-free 26-minute set, Vancamp blends lively indie grit with sentimental acoustic charm and heartfelt storytelling to create a menu of introspective contemplation (This Old Town, Younger Then) and country barnburners (Eden). Along the way, Bakelaar reflects on past versions of himself as he tries to understand how who is his has been impacted by who he was. Nostalgic and intimate, Diner Coffee unflinchingly deals with growing pains, small-town alienation and the bumps and bruises associated with personal growth.
Fittingly, the album’s recording was a challenging undertaking for Bakelaar, who had to learn how to work as a team with a collection of musicians and friends. Recorded in attics and basements in Peterborough and Lindsay, Diner Coffee is a collaboration of close friends that expands on the indie-folk roots of Bakelaar’s previous work.
The independent artist only began songwriting in 2020. Post-pandemic, he ventured into the solo project Vancamp, and quickly connected with local audiences as shows made a comeback. He released his first singles and the EP 523 in 2022, followed by more singles and 2023’s Camper Van EP, spotlighting his unique fusion of country and modern indie folk. His most recent single Don’t Lie To Me, released in May, offered an honest assessment on the need for truth in relationships, pairing upbeat melodies with poignant lyrics.
Bakelaar has performed alongside artists like Mariel Buckley, Beau Dixon, Field Guide and Texas King. His talent and dedication were recognized with the 2024 Peterborough Folk Festival Emerging Artist Award.
Listen to Diner Coffee below, watch him play some of the album’s songs above, and sit down with him on his website, Facebook and Instagram.