vanCamp

Blending lively indie grit with sentimental acoustic charm and heartfelt storytelling, VANCAMP captivates listeners with his authentic sound. An independent folk artist, VANCAMP is the musical alias is Peterborough Ontario’s Calvin Bakelaar, who took on songwriting in 2020. Post-pandemic, Calvin ventured into his solo project, VANCAMP, and quickly connected with local audiences as live shows made a comeback. His latest single, “Don’t Lie to Me,” released in May 2024, is an honest reflection on the need for truth in relationships, pairing upbeat melodies with poignant lyrics. In 2023, VANCAMP unveiled his second EP, “Camper Van,” a unique fusion of country and modern indie folk. Calvin has had the honour of performing 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. Looking ahead, VANCAMP’s upcoming album “Diner Coffee” is set for release in September. This new collection delves into themes of growing up in a small town and not fitting in, building on the sounds introduced in “Camper Van”.