Ginger Root | Texas Review | Ralph Arvesen
Ginger Root performing during the Melancholy Tour at the ACL Live Moody Theater in Austin, Texas on April 23, 2025. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)

Ginger Root is the brainchild of Huntington Beach native Cameron Lew, a multi-talented musician and visual artist who describes his sound as “Aggressive Elevator Soul.” Blending the smooth textures of '70s and '80s Japanese city pop with the groove of classic soul and the DIY ethos of bedroom pop, Ginger Root crafts a nostalgic yet forward-thinking sonic experience. ​

Lew launched Ginger Root in 2016, initially as a solo project to explore songs that didn’t fit his previous band's style. His debut album, Spotlight People, set the tone for his genre-blurring approach. He gained early attention through his inventive “Toaster Music” series, where he recorded multi-instrumental covers inside his 2004 Honda Element. ​
In the studio, Lew handles all aspects of production, while his live performances feature a trio, including high school friends Matt Carney (drums) and Dylan Hovis (bass). Ginger Root has toured with acts like Khruangbin, Hippo Campus, and Omar Apollo, and headlined his own tours, bringing his unique sound to a growing fanbase.​

Ginger Root's discography includes albums like Mahjong Room, Rikki, and SHINBANGUMI, each showcasing his evolving style and storytelling. SHINBANGUMI, released under Ghostly International, is a concept album that follows a Tokyo TV executive's journey, blending retro aesthetics with modern themes. ​

Beyond music, Lew is deeply involved in the visual aspects of Ginger Root, directing and editing his own music videos, which often feature VHS-style visuals and narratives inspired by Japanese media. His work has been featured on platforms like Spotify Fresh Finds, Billboard Japan, and BBC Radio One. ​

With his unique blend of musical influences and visual storytelling, Ginger Root continues to carve out a distinctive niche in the indie music scene, offering a fresh take on nostalgia-infused pop.
Fan reviews:

Ginger Root played an amazing show!

I honestly can’t say I was expecting for Ginger Root to put on such a crazy, good show! I can honestly say this was my favorite concert ever, I never thought id be moshing to a Ginger Root song!

There is no substitute for Ginger Root! What can I say, blew my expectations out of the park. The bands technicality was exceptional, but they had no hesitation to do something new and cool live. The combination of audio and visual aesthetics are full of inspiration and mastery. Thank you Ginger Root!

Best concert ever! It is one of the best concerts I have listened to, the technique, the artistry, the entertainment, everything is perfect!

Ginger root is awesome, his crew puts on an amazing audio and visual show. I will always try to see them when in town. Great merch. I’ve been listening to their music for some years now, I recommended them constantly. Can’t get enough.
Setlist for the show at the ACL Live Moody Theater
  • Welcome
  • Better Than Monday
  • Karaoke
  • Over the Hill
  • I'm Fired?
  • No Problems
  • Overdrive Academy
  • There Was a Time
  • CEO
  • Only You
  • Giddy Up
  • Uncontrollable Urge
  • Loretta
  • Show 10

Ginger Root shared the stage with Japanese Breakfast at the ACL Live Moody Theater. They continue across the United States with the last stop at the The Sylvee in Madison, Wisconsin on September 10, 2025.

Ginger Root
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Photos by Ralph Arvesen
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