INTERVIEW: Cameron Hawthorn — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Cameron Hawthorn

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I have been speaking with Cameron Hawthorn...

about his latest song, Dancing in the Living Room, and what it is all about. Hawthorn talks about the song’s personal message and reveals whether there is more material coming along – I ask what music he grew up listening to.

Hawthorn tells me how he got into Americana and Country and which artist he’d support if he could; whether he will play the U.K. at some point; which albums are most important to him and how he spends his free time – he selects a pretty cool song to end things with.

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Hi, Cameron. How are you? How has your week been?

My week has been great, thank you!

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

I am an American singer-songwriter who fuses elements of Country, Americana; Folk and Pop/Rock. I come from a small town in Kansas and find a lot of inspiration from my time in the Midwest. My new music is my most honest to date and I'm singing openhearted about who I am.

Dancing in the Living Room is your new single. What inspired you to write the track?

I remember always thinking how special it was to dance freely with my boyfriend in the living room of our apartment - being gay, it's not as easy to dance as a couple in public together as it is for a straight couple. I wanted to express how special that moment is for a couple; when it's just the two of you in the privacy of your own four walls.

Is it difficult to talk about the pride of being in a gay relationship at this time in America? Is it liberating or was it scary discussing your experiences through music?

The difficult part is putting it out there. But once that's over with, it feels extremely liberating.

How did you get into music? What attracted you to genres like Americana and Country?

I've been into music from a young age. I grew up doing a lot of musical theater and learned piano pretty young. I started songwriting when I was in high-school and it was just a hobby then. When I graduated from college, I knew it was what I wanted to do with my life. I grew up on Country music. I'm from Kansas and all of my family is originally from Oklahoma. Country music is in my blood and it just feels like home to me.

Might there be more material coming later in the year?

Definitely. Be on the lookout soon for more songs that will be leading to an E.P.

When you were growing up, which artists/records did you hold dear?

One of my first C.D.s was the Grease soundtrack. I was also obsessed with The Wizard of Oz from a very young age and would sing along with Somewhere Over the Rainbow every time I watched it. I honestly loved old musicals so much growing up. My parents would have Country radio on in the car and, on Saturday mornings, in the living room and my mamma and pappa would always have old Country tunes blaring from their little radio out on the back porch.

I didn't really get to know those artists and songs until later but that was where the roots were. As a teenager, I loved singer-songwriters like Missy Higgins, Gavin DeGraw and The Fray.

Do you have a standout memory from your time in music so far?

The release of Dancing in the Living Room has been incredible. The response from people has just been so overwhelmingly positive and it inspires me to read the comments and messages from people that have been inspired by the music and my story. That really means the world to me and more.

Which three albums mean the most to you would you say (and why)?

Grease: The Original Soundtrack from the Motion Picture - first C.D. ever.

Chariot by Gavin DeGraw - first time I was attached to an artist and every song on an album.

Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves - I'm so inspired by Kacey as an artist and this album is so poetic and beautiful.

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

Kacey Musgraves. All I'd ask is that she'd do a cover of Somewhere Over the Rainbow with me.

Are you planning any gigs in the coming months?

I hope to play an L.A. and Nashville show very soon!

Might we see you in the U.K. in 2019?

That would be a crazy adventure and I would love it. We'll see!

How important is performing? Do you prefer it to life in the studio?

I love both. They're very different. I absolutely am addicted to the energy of being on stage and the element of the audience. It's electric. But the studio is often where my creativity flows as a songwriter and I love the collaboration process with producers and musicians.

IN THIS PHOTO: Kelsy Karter

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

One of my best friends, Kelsy Karter, is on fire right now with her new music. I'm really digging Jade Bird and Ruston Kelly as well.

IN THIS PHOTO: Jade Bird/PHOTO CREDIT: Austin Roa

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

I try and make time to relax. I think it's really important to have a balance of work and relaxation because I'm often inspired in moments of relaxation and ‘chillin’ - and just for my own health and sanity. I love conversation over good coffee with friends and new people. My happy place is by the water; whether that's a pool or a beach or a lake.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

My guilty pleasure is girl Pop. I adore an artist named Sigrid and her song, Don't Kill My Vibe, is one of my sing-it-loud-in-the-car anthems. Enjoy (smiles).