Hiya Cameron, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
What was life like for you before you got into music?
Life was cool and fun—I was just trying to find my way in the world. I did a lot of partying and a lot of hustling to become something for myself. I was in school for business, working as a party promoter, selling weed here and there, and making nutcrackers—just trying to make money to fund my dreams.
What’s the live music scene like in New York right now? Anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)?
The New York music scene is dope—there are a lot of dope artists making moves and a wave of new energy in the city. Some people outside of myself that I’d say to look out for: Zay Moore, Juju FN Baby, Cayenne No Luck, S Da Don, and Cori Quinn. Just a few I really like.
It seems like being a social media curator has become added to the many jobs of a musician. How do you feel about this?
I’m not a big fan of it, honestly. Not only do you have to be an artist and deal with everything that comes with that—you’ve also got to be a video director, publicist, producer, graphic designer, engineer, your own label manager, booking agent, and now a content creator. On top of everyday life, it leaves you with almost no time to actually work on your craft and get better, because you’re constantly learning and perfecting all these other roles.
How do you manage engagement on your socials?
I try to respond to every comment and DM. I do my best to show love back to as many people as possible. You never know what your music means to someone, and that one interaction could make their day—or it could be your next investor or collaborator.
What’s your view on the music industry today?
It’s in a rough spot. I think there are no leaders, no structure—just a lot going on. Artists have so much on their plates now that the art itself is suffering. The music isn’t always the best, simply due to a lack of time or energy, with everyone trying to keep up with the rapid changes happening daily. That’s one reason I think a lot of artists would rather sound like others than develop their own unique sound.
But don’t get me wrong—there are positives too. There are more ways to get discovered, millions of platforms to get your music heard. Recording is more accessible, videos can be made with just a phone, and you can speak to millions of people across the globe in seconds. As technology evolves, it gets easier to handle tasks that once took entire teams.
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
I find myself right on the cusp of greatness. At any moment, I can see myself going on a big run. It’s just a matter of time. Until then, I’ll keep pushing until I get there.
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned recently as you progress with your music?
The higher you want to go, the more it costs.
What was your best experience on stage?
Opening up for Ryan Leslie and getting the chance to meet him. Also, opening up for Trina and being named one of the top performers of the night.
What was your worst experience on stage?
I had a show in Long Island where I completely forgot the words to my song. I asked the DJ to start the track over… and I messed up again.
Tell us something about you that people would be surprised to learn.
I’m a popular loner. As much as I love being outside and in the scene, I also love being alone—just relaxing, smoking, and staying to myself to get my thoughts together.
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
USB Dump is my new series. It’s a collection of records I recorded after my album December Son and tracks that didn’t make Ima Call You Back, sprinkled with some new music I’ve been working on.
Vol. 1 is out now—available on all streaming platforms and exclusively on CameronJayMusik.com. There are 6 tracks on streaming, and 7 on the website for those really invested in me.
What was the recording process like?
It depends. If I’m recording by myself, I’ll play the beat until I catch a vibe. Then I’ll start writing in silence, only playing the beat to go over what I’ve written. I might have something to smoke or drink to set the energy.
If I’m going to a studio, I like to be fully prepared—verse written, ready to record. I don’t want to waste time. I want to knock out the track quickly and move on to the next one.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
Learning how to make something new while still giving my listeners the same me on a record. I feel a lot of artists struggle with this because they follow trends and copy whoever did the sound last, instead of making it their own. The key is to give fans what they’re used to—but with a new sonic backdrop.
Would you change anything now that it’s finished?
Nah—every moment is a lesson. It’s a chance to prepare for the next opportunity and be even more ready when it comes around.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with the world?
USB Dump Vol. 1 is out now on all platforms!
The track “Stay With Me” (produced by M80 on da Beats) is only available on the website version of the project: https://www.cameronjaymusik.com
Also—July 5th, if you’re in New York, I’m doing a concert at The Delancey.
Tickets are available now on https://www.cameronjaymusik.com
STREAM HERE // FOLLOW HIM HERE
FOR MORE CLASS TUNES FROM THE USA CLICK HERE
Tickets for The Delancey Show – July 5: https://www.cameronjaymusik.com/