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Music and artwork almost always have a relation. And that is no exception for how I've heard of Cam Rackam. This Cali artist was linked with one my favorite bands. But it was only through them I heard of his name, and then got to explore his artwork and immediately feel in love with his style. It was with great honor that I got a chance to interview him recently. So, I present to you, the stylings of Cam Rackam.

Tell me what inspired you to be an artist? And where do the ideas for your paintings come from, what is involved in their development?

All ideas for paintings come from a pre-historic dinosaur scream my pet penguin Marsha makes. Its rather startling.

Which artists have influenced you and how do they impact your work?

Blah blah blah, Nicola Verlota, Todd Shore, blah blah H.R. Geiger, Micheal Hussar, Alex Pardee, blah blah, Ray Cesaer, blah. Every artist answers that question pretty similar.

I do want to say that SPAWN creator, Todd MacFarline created one small piece of art that changed my life forever. I don't think it did to anyone else what it did to me. I'm sure when most kids saw it, it didn't leave any kind of impression at all, but as a 12 year old it fucked me up good. It might not have even been the content or the quality of the artwork, but more of what the artist was trying to do. Create something so dark, so diabolically psychotic, so pure evil, and transformed it into absolute beauty. I felt as if I looked into the abyss and it looked back at me. And worse off, I couldn't get enough of that feeling. Nothing is more rewarding than creating a piece of art that leaves an impression on someone. And Todd got me good.

What inspires you to paint and how do you keep yourself motivated when you get an artists form of 'writers block'?

I don't really get artist block.

You had an art show recently, called '...the message in blood', could you tell us something about your latest series of work and what you are trying to achieve with them?

The Message show was much more Masonic and mythological based than the earlier shows. I don't really have an an achievement agenda with my work, other than toppling governments, smashing religions, starting cults, and sacrificing virgins. You know, regular art show stuff, but with twice the Conan swords.

It is often said that an artist's work in a mirror/reflection of the man and his life. Does the development of your work follow in any way the story of your life?

It's less of a journey of my life, and more of a journey on how I feel or what I believe, and how that changes. It's more the visual representation of doctrines, policies, philosophies, and mysteries I've become interested in or that I subscribe to. You know, Penguin-y satanic metal stuff.

On June 8th you did a live painting at the Koo's Art Center, what did it feel like to do something live? Does it add more pressure to the work you are creating?

Yes. I can't do anything like a normal person. I have to to a live painting during a 45 minute metal show. Crazy lights, fog machines, deafening noise, and screaming fans don't make that an easy painting. But I wouldn't have it any other way. I love it. Plus I'm really stoked to expand my work into youtube.

One of our Sound Faction girls took an Ethics in Aesthetics class a little under a year ago, and in that class they had to choose an artist and discuss the religious and ethical aspects and intonations of the artist. Your name came up in that class. How does it feel to not only have your artwork discussed in a classroom setting but to know it was debated as being ethical in a religious based ethics class?

I couldn't be happier about it! Its funny because some people feel that their religions and faiths are being attacked by me and my work. To me that means I'm doing a good job. If I can create something that challenges someones belief system, or makes them even mad, then the impression I've made is exactly what I set out to do. I think all organizations should be challenged. Whether it be government, political, or religious. Its the only way we can make anything better is to constantly amend and evolve our beliefs. We should respect all doctrines of thought, but be slave to none of them. Then we are truly free.

I understand that you have your own merchandising company, how have you handled the business side of being an artist?

Being successful at art game is more about business and less about talent. Some of the most talented artists will die unknown because they cant put in the hard work of the business side. Some artists don't understand how they can be so good, but no one will give them the recognition they deserve. Well, there's a whole other work side to it too.

Besides your art, what are some other interests that you have? I've noticed that you find the time to help out small bands along the way, is that a personal interest or a work of 'passion'?

I have lots of interests outside of art. They are... they are ... um... well...

I understand that you are a contributor to the Yellow Ribbon fund, how did that come about?

I wanted to give something back to wounded soldiers and shattered families of American soldiers that fought in Iraq. My brother fought, and 4 of my best friends. Soldiers don't really come back to a lot of good jobs, heath benefits, or even thanks. Some of them get hurt, and I feel like our country can seem somewhat ungrateful.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Bringing back the Macarana.

What advice would you give to an artist that is just starting out?

Go to school. I think all talent is composed of creativity and practice. But school will sharpen your technique and hone your creativity. I don't think anyone just picks up a brush an is Picasso. Except for Picasso. And he sucked.

The Sound Faction is make up of five girls (...and Ed) who are random at best, love to laugh and make others laugh. We try to ask all of our interviewees five random questions at the end, so here goes.

What is one piece of clothing that you can't live without, and why?

I can live with out all of them.

If you were a scented candle what would you smell like?

New car smell.

What is your favorite guilty pleasure band or song?

The Final Countdown (Europe).

Who would you wanna win a date with?

Tad Hamilton

If you could be any old school "Rock God" for a day, who would you be, and how would you abuse the power?

I be Kurt Cobain, then I'd blow Courtney Loves head off.

Thank you again to Cam, and check out his MySpace Page, and his Home Page to see his work.