Biography

Introduction

The Hidden Cameras are a Canadian indie pop band. Fronted by singer-songwriter Joel Gibb, the band consists of a varying roster of musicians who play what Gibb once described as "gay church folk music". Their live performances have been elaborate, high-energy shows, featuring go-go dancers in balaclavas, a choir, and a string section.

History

2001–2002: Ecce Homo

The band's first album, Ecce Homo, was released independently in 2001 on EvilEvil. It was after this first release that Gibb assembled a band and they began to perform in venues varying from art galleries to churches to porn theatres to parks. Since these early days The Hidden Cameras have played host to a number of notable musicians, including Reg Vermue, Owen Pallett, Laura Barrett, Megali Meagher (of The Phonemes), Mike Olsen (of the Arcade Fire) and Maggie MacDonald.

2003: The Smell of Our Own

Their 2003 album, The Smell of Our Own was released through the popular Rough Trade imprint in the UK, and on the independent label EvilEvil in Canada.

2004–2005: Mississauga Goddam and The Arms of His 'Ill'

In 2004, they released their third album, Mississauga Goddam, on Rough Trade and also on EvilEvil in Canada. Their EP, The Arms of His 'Ill', was released by California label Absolutely Kosher Records in the same year, and features jacket art specially created by Paul P. and G.B. Jones. In November 2005, the band collaborated with Toronto Dance Theatre on the show "In the Boneyard" at the Harbour Front Centre, Toronto, Ontario. Dancers joined the band throughout the show, playing instruments, and the band performed on-stage in costume. Three of the songs from "Mississauga Goddam", namely "We Oh We", "I Believe in the Good of Life" (a rerecorded version of the same song from the first album), and "Builds the Bone", are featured in the Canadian motion picture, "Whole New Thing".

2006: Awoo

Awoo, their 2006 recording was released on Rough Trade in Europe, EvilEvil in Canada and, in the U.S., on the Arts & Crafts label. The Hidden Cameras are featured on the soundtrack of the John Cameron Mitchell film Shortbus, which premiered in 2006. Also that year, they performed in a Take-Away Show video session shot by Vincent Moon.

2009: Origin:Orphan

Their fifth album, Origin:Orphan, was mastered in May 2009. The music video for "In the NA", a song from this album, was screened at the 19th Annual Inside Out Film and Video Festival. The album will be released on 22 September 2009..

Discography

The band's material has been released on a variety of labels, including Rough Trade in the United Kingdom, Arts & Crafts in the U.S., and EvilEvil in Canada.