Q&A with Cameron “Roo” Mee

About Cameron

“I was born in Australia, and spent the first 20 odd years of my life there. The moment that made me need to play guitar was Alice Cooper playing under my wheels on the old grey whistle test. I was about 7, and I saw Glenn Buxton’s Les Paul “SG” custom, and just thought it was the coolest thing I have ever seen, I remembering not wanting a guitar, but begging for one, needing it. I started about ten playing classical and quickly moved to electric, I pottered about in Australia and eventually moved to America, attending Berklee; which was a life long dream, at 22, primarily to study with Mick Goodrick. I went through some trials and tribulations, and self discovery while there, then kind of wound up in Nashville playing country music! I wouldn’t change anything for the journey I’ve had.”

Q&A

- Was there a culture shock coming from rural Australia to Boston to Nashville?

I think there was quite a bit. I had visited america, but living here is a whole other kettle of fish. Boston became a home base and I pretty quickly felt like a local. I always wanted to move to America however, so the move felt internally pretty natural. It was a slow adjustment in some ways, but quick in many ways. I just felt at home.

- How did Berklee prepare you for life as a gun-for-hire in Nashville?

I’d say the biggest thing Berklee did was theoretically prepare me. Being able to pick the number system in a couple of songs, being able to very quickly adapt and get into it. It helped me quickly navigate learning a new style of music, at least on a paper level. But man, I got some practicing to do to catch up with some of the cats here!!

- How do you approach working with artists? What are your tips and tricks for fitting in and standing out?

I think the biggest thing is being their friend. You gotta be a good hang, and pleasurable to have around. As good a player as you may be, you’ve got to be a positive character, and yes man. Being able to adapt is key. When someone tells me “that’s cool, but I want this.” You’ve got to be able to do that from now on. My biggest advice is be open, remove your ego from the equation, take notes, and really dig into the studio recordings they present you. I’m lucky enough to know a couple of studio players who played on what I play live, so I can get into their mindset a bit more too, which helps.

- If you could only choose one - studio or live?

That’s tough….but live. Nothing beats the roar of the crowd, playing for tons of people, playing loud (!!!) and changing someone’s life. A great example is that I brought a bloke up to sing on Broadway for his 60th just the other day, and his crew were in tears saying how I made his whole trip and it made his whole experience. Their appreciation has had me smiling ear to ears for days

- How did you decide on the specs for your Frank Brothers Arcade?

Well, as you guys know I was jumping around a bit. But I love korina, that was the easiest part. I just needed that tone! And I wanted two other styles of guitars, but wasn’t happy with available options. So two humbuckers was a must, with a wraparound bridge. I really fell in love with wraps and just can’t get over them honestly. They feel very “at home” for me.

- Where does your Arcade fit in with your sound and your style?

Anything that needs humbuckers gets the frank. But it has this incredible clarity, and note separation. It’s great when I need that “big” sound playing rhythm, but also lead. The Arcade just never sounds thin! When I play with Chayce, it’s my main guitar. But in my trio, it’s the same. With a fuzz and El84 amp….it just sings.

- What was your custom ordering experience like with Frank Brothers?

Nothing but pleasurable. I’m a bit of a talker and anxious about decisions, so being able to call constantly, seek advice, really delve into my final decision was just fantastic. Getting to spend a couple of hours seeing the shop on FaceTime, and develop personal relationship was fantastic. Nothing felt like a dumb question, and every question I had was backed by solid advice and good complimentary ideas.

- Do you get a lot of questions about your Arcade and your rig in general?

The arcade ALWAYS gets looks. Usually “man what is that?? Looks unreal!” And compliments on the tone! My rig is mainly direct for gigs, and I luckily have it sounding great, so I get good questions there, and I’m always happy to oblige. (In my opinion, the secret is analog drive pushing digital amp simulation. ;) )

- Do you ever get booed in Nashville when you're not playing a tele?!

Not a lot, but on some gigs it would be a sin to consider anything but! Luckily I can get away with the frank on 90% of my gigs! But if I’m playing classic stuff, you really just need a Tele. It’s not an option haha. You can maybe pull out a 335, or vintage Epiphone like Leon Rhodes, but you better have those chops down!

- 3 musicians who have influenced you the most as a musician?

My biggest influences are easily three of my teachers.

David Tronzo, who is just a mind blowing player, and saved my life. He helped me really hone in on learning the fretboard, getting to grips with everything, and through a dark period in my life. He encouraged me to really tackle the guitar and overcome my weaknesses one by one.

The next is Mick Goodrick, who I went to Berklee to study with. Mick taught me his discoveries, and about life and philosophy. We developed a unique friendship, and I was his last ever student. I’m currently working on a project for him. Mick truly just changed the game on guitar, and it’s such an honor to be a part of the lineage of studying with him, alongside so many of my favorite musicians. I’m truly blessed to be able to call him a friend.

The biggest influence I’ve had on the guitar, is Tom Shepherd. My teacher growing up. Tom really put me into gear and taught me to not love the guitar, but music, gear, playing, lots of players, and always pushed me to work harder and harder. He put up with the typical teenage questions and annoying moments, even calling me his “annoying little brother.” But Tom is maybe the most versatile and fantastic player I’ve ever heard, and still influences me everyday. I’ve never met someone who can put their mind and heart to a task better than Tom. Whatever he does, he truly masters. It’s incredible!

We speak regularly and I’m always so excited to tell him what I’m up to, and see what he’s up to. He also sold me my first vintage guitar, and old 335, which I named after his daughter, Wren.

- What are you listening to right now?

Lots, and I mean lots of country! Lots of classic stuff, but also 90’s and modern. I’m in a big Tom Bukovac phase right now and digging into Jimmy Herring also!

- Where can we see and hear you?

You can catch me in Broadway in Nashville everyday, and on tour with Chayce Beckham! We’re opening for Jimmie Allan soon, doing some touring, then opening for Luke Combs in Canada in November. (Original scheduled for April.) and I can’t wait to meet you boys at those shows!!

- What's next?

Another frank, more shows, and practice. Lots and lots of practice. But also hanging with my cats.

- How's your cat and does she come on tour with you?

Well now it’s two! I had Yin, then found an abandoned kitten, who of course became Yang. I wish they could come on tour, but they’re pretty into sleeping and not leaving the house haha. Luckily I have fantastic roommates who love them equally as much and help me out when I’m on the road!

- Where can people find you on social media?

You can find me on Instagram at @tonyhawksproskater2 ! It’s just a lot of guitar posts, and then a lot of cats, with the occasional meme in the mix.