I created this site so I could help musicians spread the word about the music they make. I also love how after I review the amazing music of the artist they are willing to answer a few questions I have for them. I like to do these questions so we can get a little bit more behind the scenes on how the music is made. And not only will you see them as a musicians but in a more personal light.
This week I was able to catch up with Kim Cameron from SideFX. Now you may remember we did a review on the EP ‘Still Spinning’ a few weeks ago. What was nice about this EP is it all had the summer feel music which is what we need on our summer time playlists.
Now if you haven’t gotten this EP you need to do so once you are done reading this interview. It is the music that will help complete the music you need for summer. We are also pleased to announce that SideFX will be touring! The dates of these shows are below:
August 14- XVI Lounge – New York, NY
August 17- Sunset Tavern – Hagerstown, MD
August 24 – London, UK
September 8 – Adams Morgan Day – Washington, DC
October 7 – Teavolve – Baltimore, MD
October 12 – Knob Hall Winery – Clear Spring, MD
January 24 – Verona Mississippi Stadium – Verona, MI
If you are going to any of these shows please let us know how the show was! Now let’s get onto the important thing you wanted to read…the INTERVIEW. Enjoy.
First off I just want to say thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer these questions for Catch My Ear. I have to say the music that you released with the ‘Still Spinning’ EP is perfect for the summer. How are you able to come up with these up-tempo songs?
I do a lot of dancing in my kitchen! You may think that sounds odd, but I love to cook and I love to drink wine, so as soon as the bottle is open and the spices start sizzling….music is turned on…loud. And, I really only cook when it’s for someone else, so there is always a little romance involved. What better way to inspire, right? Good food, wine….good company?!
You also did a mashup of ‘Not Into You’ and ‘A Little Bit’. What made you decided you wanted to put these two songs together and how did that process go about?
I have done a number of music videos, so I knew I wanted something different. These two songs ended up with the same BPM, so that made the mashup idea workable. The next part was the content. Once the songs were done, I thought, we could do a sort of yin-yang concept where you watch a couple struggling to stay together, while the other couple can’t seem to admit they are in love.
I also wanted to make sure people understood that I was trying to spin the concepts together, not just musically, but thematically because relationship are in a constant state of motion. So, the pole dancing was the medium I used to portray that idea. Of course, because the one song was making a parallel between giving flowers and the feeling of falling in love, I had to shoot the video at just the right time this past spring when the everything was in full bloom.
Have you ever released slower paced music?
My second album, ‘Turning Point’, is more of a mid tempo alternative pop album. While the songs mean a lot to me personally, I did not have as much fun performing them live except in singer/songwriter venues. I really love the high-energy, dance until your feet hurt kind of atmosphere.
How is the writing process for you and what is the typical time frame on writing a song?
For the most part, it’s more about a mindset. If I am in touring mode…forget about any creative song coming out of this head. But, if it’s alone time, and I am relaxed, maybe by a beach, the song ideas just flow without trying. If I attempt to set up times that I want to write, nothing, and I mean nothing, will happen. I definitely have different modes. Some songs are written in a day, while others take a few days. My best hooks and melodies are typically the ones that flow out fast. I love when that happens!
Are you working on new music? If so when can we expect to hear it?
I am always working on new music, but as far as finishing anything anytime soon…I think it will be awhile. I want to complete a few songs for some of the private network catalogs that have been dying to be called ‘done.’ The goal is to do a full release of Still Spinning in the next 12 – 15 months, but I will need some new inspiration.
Also what type of sound is the new music?
I am definitely diggin’ the EDM vibe, but I think going forward, I want to add more male harmonies to the mix. I also want to hear something super fresh from the percussion side of the house in the next songs–something that would never be considered for EDM. I am not sure what that is right now, but I will know it when we come up with it! For example, on the Christmas song I wrote a couple years ago, we used a pizza box to add a little cardboard brushing sound. I am not saying we are going to call Domino’s for the next set of tunes, but, then again, we just might.
Will you be going on tour soon? If so when will you be on the road?
My next big gig is in New York City on August 14th. It is the official EP release party and I cannot wait. It takes place on the rooftop of this very cool venue called the XVI Lounge. I have several actor friends and photographers attending, so it should be very swank. A week later, I am performing in London, England, which will be my first time! I am also hoping to announce another Caribbean tour for next year.
Is there a certain place you want to perform at?
I would love to tour in the south of France and Brazil. Both countries love new, original dance music…and they know how to party. Just my style.
What has been your favorite performance so far and why was it your favorite?
Performing for the VA Hospitals has been the most rewarding for me. They gave us so much. Performing for them is a way for me to remember what they did for me. I met a WWII nurse who touched my soul a couple years ago. It’s just one of those experiences that never leave you.
What music are you listening to and has this influenced any of your new music?
Right now, I am into this major country phase. I love love love the song “Have a Beer with Jesus.” The lyrics are so perfect and paint this picture that brings tears to your eyes. I am not sure any country songs have influenced my writing, but I certainly enjoy their story-telling nature. My bigger influencers these days are Kylie Minogue and BT, from two different perspectives. Both have timeless sounds to them. That’s always my goal.
If you do have a free time what is it that you do?
I love to bike and run when it’s nice out, but my big treat is going to the pole dancing studio and getting my butt kicked. It’s the hardest exercise I have ever attempted to conquer. I love the challenge and how much stronger it makes me feel. So, I guess you could say that I am hooked.
We would like to thank Kim again for taking the time to answer these questions. Now please make sure to see the mesh up video SideFX did below.
