Words By: Emma Hintz
“Erosion” is one of those songs that makes you stop and hold your breath, almost like you have to transport yourself to another world to really take it all in. The vocals blend together to create this very powerful atmosphere, the way the instrumental gets increasingly fuller and more intense helps to engage the listener and fully take in the story that is being told. It’s not every day that you stumble upon such raw talent, but Camden really has just that. He is sure to become your new favorite artist.
We had the chance to chat with Camden about his upcoming EP, growing up in the midwest, and more.
First of all, can you tell us a little bit about yourself? How would you describe your sound to the readers at home who have never listened to you before?
Hey, I’m Camden. I’m an indie artist based in Los Angeles. I grew up in a tiny town in Illinois, and found my way out here somehow. The music I make is kind of an alt salad of bossa, experimental jazz, folk and just enough rock to keep you from crying.
-Can you tell us a little bit about the writing and recording process for “Erosion”?
My friend, El Saison, and I worked out of his keyboard cluttered house studio in Nashville. We wanted to make something without a preconceived notion of what the music had to sound like, and El started it off with a destroyed SP404 drum loop. He picked up a baby classical guitar, and I freestyled into a handheld mic till we got the verses and chorus. The bridge/back half came later when I was playing the rhodes, and it all sounded pretty naked until Shaan Ramaprasad recorded strings, and Andris Mattson recorded horns. I also had a zoom session with my friend Miette Hope to finalize some of the lyrics.
Me and Luisa Marion recorded vocals in my closet, and then sent it off to Thad Kopec for mixing. I’m so thankful to everyone who touched this record.
-You mention growing up in rural Illinois, do you think your upbringing influences your music?
I grew up in a small town about an hour outside of St. Louis. My dad was a pastor and we’d drive into the city to go to church. It was a multicultural congregation and we sang a lot of gospel music (Kirk Franklin, Israel Houghton..etc). Our neighbor became like a second mom, and she played gospel and jazz on the piano. I always gravitated toward those genres, and some of those chords and lyric sensibilities stuck with me.
-You’re now living in LA, how has the change been for you? Do you find it easier to find inspiration/be creative while living in a hot spot for musicians/creatives?
For sure. Almost anyone you’d want to work with either lives in LA, or passes through at times, so that helps. But I’m also getting a lot of inspiration from being around nature here (mountains, beach, desert, gardens…) I like to find quiet spots and write songs while the
sun sets.
-Do you have any advice for up and coming artists who are struggling to find inspiration?
Don’t pressure yourself too much. Be inspired by others. Go to shows, make mistakes, have fun with your friends, and write from your perspective. Focus more on the process rather than the immediate outcome.
-What’s next for you? Any plans to play shows? Any plans to tour?
“Erosion” is the first off a 4 song concept EP that I’m about to start releasing. I put a lot of work and love into a full series of visuals that I shot in England with Frankie Morely and Liam Painter. I’d love to go on a tour soon though so tbd.
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