We were lucky to catch up with KC Cameron recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, KC thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry? Any stories or anecdotes that illustrate why this matters?

In the music industry we just need to be very careful. We’ve made it easier than ever to distribute your information and get potential audiences to know who we are, while simultaneously devaluing that name and brand recognition. When so much content is available online we are disincentivising the live show. We are making it harder for venues to put butts in seats. Then combine that with the only time you can sell a copy of music that will pay any margin, being at the live show or on your website, vinyl, merch etc. we need to be careful that independent music isn’t lost completely. It’s already about the worst investment you can make, it’s only for the love of the music and the fans of it, if you don’t get to play for the fans in person anymore, it’ll be a sad day. Support live music and keep showing up!

KC, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Emerging country singer/songwriter and military veteran KC Cameron released his sophomore album “Average” in 2023. That EP is now followed by the singles “Hopalong”, “Forty” and “Church” all released in 2024 ahead of the release of the first studio album “Forty” in October of 2024. Steeped in elements of neo-traditional country and heartland rock, the Midwest-based musician uses his own unique approach to meld timeless arrangements with sharp, poignant musical storytelling inspired by self-growth and the sights, sounds and characters he’s encountered while playing music all over the country for the past fifteen years.

Recorded at yellow DOG studios in Wimberley, TX, the EP was produced by David Percefull and features four original songs all written by Cameron. Other players on the EP include Geoff Queen (Steel Guitar); Casey Johns (Bass); Wes Barlow (fiddle); Colton King (Guitar); Percefull (Piano/Organ, Guitar) and Julie Meridian (Harmony Vocals).

“Forty”, with 10 songs in tow was also produced by Percefull along with the producing duo Luke Mills and CR Pendleton was recorded in Wimberley, TX , Columbus, OH and Holdrege, NE and it fraught with influences throughout KC’s life. It is available now for pre-sale through Cameron’s website.

“”Average” is an ode to taking a glance back at life from your mid-30’s,” explains Cameron. “As a kid that wanted to try everything; ever sports, cowboy sh*t on horseback, racing anything with a motor… You eventually look back grateful for all the cool experiences and education but also knowing you were just ‘so-so’ at a lot of things. Right up until you find the thing you really love.

“For me this started to happen when I found music. Music and writing songs just clicked and I knew that’s what I wanted to do. There are a lot of comparisons that can be made for finding that special occupation and finding that special someone. Maybe you date a bit, maybe you thought you found the one and it didn’t work out. Maybe more than once. So “Average” is a story of how it’s ok to be ‘about average at most things’ but if you find that thing that really makes you happy, give it all you’ve got.

the EP kicks off with the richly constructed, honky-tonk tinged title track and first single followed by “Long Way”, a timeless ballad that finds Cameron reflecting on the downfall of a relationship. Backed by swooning pedal steel and steady harmonies. “Lincoln” is permeated with Western swing and outlaw country leanings and the fiddle-heavy “Man From Tennessee” rounds out the four-song collection on a nostalgic note.

While hailing from Detroit, MI (the stomping ground of Bob Segar, Ted Nugent and the Temptations), Cameron grew up country in his family’s quarter horse business where the records spun had names like Reba, Garth, and George (Jones and Strait).

Nearly twenty years ago, during his tenure at Michigan State University, Cameron realized his musical capabilities and started playing drums with local bands around town. Eventually, he was writing his own songs, playing solo acoustic shows and fronting his own band.

in 2015, Cameron joined the Army through the Nebraska National Guard. Throughout his time in service, he has been commissioned as an Intelligence Officer and had multiple tours of active duty. Simultaneously, he’s been able to hone his musical craft. On a recent tour, Cameron got to combine his careers by playing shows on base in Africa on his days off while COVID restricted USO and Armed Forces Entertainment tours abroad.

April of 2022 brought the reveal of Cameron’s homespun debut EP, ‘Don’t Get Better’ which is available for streaming and download everywhere music is found along with the music video for the title track that gives a bit of a window into who he is and where you can find him on and off the road.

Looking ahead, Cameron plans on touring extensively in the Midwest and South along with his wife and songwriting partner Kali Indiana. Stay tuned for tour updates.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn trying to predict the next step so often. As a military guy we are all about process. When you take an action you should expect a certain next step. We are progressing sure, but the music business doesn’t really have a defined process. You can’t predict where it will take you and the people you’ll meet. Sometimes you just have to let it happen and that’s been hard for me. They weren’t lying when they said it’s a long way to the top. It’s a long time to the stop. Oh and the stairs head in a downward direction more often than they do up. So stick with it, open your eyes to the subtle opportunities presenting themselves, listen to the people that know, and strap in for the long haul while constantly reminding yourself why you started all this in the first place.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

If I have a reputation I like to think it’s that I work very hard to do the best I can every day and I’m good to people. Be honest without apology and be the most professional one in the room in an industry where it might be just as cool to be the opposite some days. Don’t fall into that trap, be yourself. We already have a George Straight, just be you and it’ll be fine.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kccameronmusic.com
• Instagram: @kccameronmusic
• Facebook: KC Cameron Music
• Twitter: @KCCameron5647
• Youtube: @kccameronmusicofficial
• SoundCloud: KC Cameron

Image Credits
Riley Cameron (photos) Logan Bartels/Bartels Creative (artwork and graphic design)