Hidden Cameras

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". In the past, their live performances have been elaborate, high energy shows, featuring go-go dancers in balaclavas, a choir and string section. Large banners, created by Joel and often featured on the band's record covers, are hung from the ceiling and lyrics are projected onto the wall. Yellow streamers thrown into the audience accompany the song, "Golden Streams" and band members lead the audience in special made-up dances for particular songs.

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 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.

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.

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.

Albums

• Ecce Homo, 2001
• The Smell of Our Own, 2003
• The Hidden Cameras Play the CBC Sessions, 2003
• Mississauga Goddam, 2004
• The Arms of His 'Ill', 2004
• Awoo, 2006

Singles

• "Ban Marriage" (2003)
• "A Miracle" (2003)
• "I Believe in the Good of Life" (2004)
• "Learning the Lie" (double single release)(2005)
• "Death of a Tune" (2006)
• "Awoo" (2006)

Soundtracks

• Sommersturm, directed by Marco Kreutzpaintner, 2004
• Shortbus, directed by John Cameron Mitchell, 2006
• Whole New Thing, directed by Amnon Buchbinder and co-written by Daniel MacIvor, 2006
• Small Town Gay Bar, directed by Malcolm Ingram, 2006
• The Lollipop Generation, directed by G.B. Jones, 2008

External links

• Official Site
• Official EvilEvil Site
• Review of "Awoo" on Subculture Magazine