Sometimes you have to travel the world to realize everything you’ve always wanted was closer than it seemed. This is the lesson that Matthew Fisherkeller, aka Fish, learned after 9 months cycling around the world with nothing but his guitar. During his coming of age journey Fish wrote the songs that would eventually become the music on Bad Camper’s debut album “What You Love Comes Along.”
Before life on the road Fish grew up in a musical family in the San Francisco Bay Area. At 9 years old he picked up the drums and then later went on to earn his bachelors and master’s degrees in music. He thought he had his life laid out for him, however the ending of a long-term romantic relationship changed everything. As he contemplated his life’s purpose, the Dakota Access Pipeline protest was gaining more attention and Fish felt the call to go and support the Standing Rock Sioux tribe in North Dakota.
Fish spent a total of 3 months at Sacred Stone Camp. Within a few weeks of being there, the freezing temperatures caused many people to leave, and Fish became the only remaining person able to run the kitchen. When he wasn’t cooking for hundreds of people a day, he was jamming and forming the ideas that would later inspire his music project Bad Camper. Forever changed and deeply inspired by his experience at the camp, Fish decided to start a solo cycling trip around the country and eventually Europe and North Africa. He hit the road with nothing but his bike and guitar, reconnecting with himself and his dreams, and drawing inspiration from the places he saw and the people he met along the way. During the course of this 9 month journey across the US, Europe and North Africa, Fish conceived and wrote the majority of the songs that would eventually become Bad Camper’s debut album. Upon returning home and with the help of long time friends, Thomas Levy (Bass Guitar), Lily Sorenson (Vocals), Jordan Latini (Lead Guitar), Mia Bella D’Augelli (Violin) and producer David Lipps, they meticulously crafted the songs on the band’s debut album "What You Love Comes Along."
As Bad Camper continues to create music fans can expect consistent new jams, a series of music videos, behind the scenes footage and renegade camper van performances in their custom converted van.
The Bad Camper Family
This is Fish
They write a lot of the music and the lyrics for our songs while cycling cross county with their little guitar
If you’re messaging us in the middle of the night and someone replies - it’s probably Fish. Apart from singing and cycling they really enjoy broadening their perspective by meeting new friends and exploring new places.
This is Celia
They love to share tea and sing wonderful harmonies. Delicious for the body and soul
Celia was the first human to share the common dream and desire with Fish to form the Bad Camper family and travel the lands sharing music, art, and ….tea =]
Other folks you’ll see around (Past Band Mates)
This is Irina
She is the most badass cat you might ever meet… climber, skydiver, hang-glider, and activist.
Irina and Fish have been friends since college years, but their relationship really began after spending 2016/2017 winter at Standing Rock. She’s always down to sing and will be featured in videos for years to come =]
This is José
He is our band dad - you can feel his wisdom pierce through you as he gazes though your soul
For José family always comes first, which is why we love him. Even though we would love him at our studio 24/7 and on tour with us - he knows his priorities and we respect that fidelity immensely.
This is Jordi
He plays guitar, makes us smile, nourishes us with his kindness and fresh attitude toward life.
Although Fish’s high school friend’s life path doesn’t run evenly along side the Bad Camper family we hope he is still always around to do what he does best - jaaaaam!
Jordi wrote and recorded most of the guitar riffs for What You Love Comes Along and Album II for which we are all very grateful and proud.
This is Thom
His lack of dance skills and unwillingness to look at the camera is made up for by his charming personality and wonderful taste in surf rock and memes
If you want chill, call Thom. if you want to rage, call Thom. if you want to start a business, call Thom. WHEN IN DOUBT, call Thom. When covid-19 hit Thomas needed a fresh start faaar away from the west coast, we hope he returns one day and until then - BIG LOVE BUDDY KEEP TRUCKIN’
Thomas wrote the bass lines for most of What You Love Comes Along, for which we are eternally grateful.
This is Lily
Her kindness and willingness to help is only surpassed by her loyalty and her humor
Lily was singing songs with Fish in high school, and has always been there to support him and his dreams. She recorded all the vocals on What You Love Comes Along and although her dreams and passions brought her back to the city of angels she continues to aid Bad Camper with her talents and artistic expertise.
This is Maxx
His experience, skill and advice are dearly appreciated
Maxx was around when Fish was in High School, always guiding as a big musical brother with his experience of drums, gear, songwriting, performing and more. His wisdom and perspective are invaluable and will always be welcome =]
