We recently connected with Camille J and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Camille J thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
For me, being an aspiring artist has been a very knowledgable experience. when it comes to the different positions that makes up a team, I wear about 90% of those hats HaHa. With that being said, I spend a lot of my time studying all things
managerial, legal, instrument production, cinematography, fashion, set design, etc. On top of studying my main attributes such as vocals and choreography, there are times when I wouldn’t sleep for days because I am glued to a computer screen doing extensive research on the music industry. By the grace of God, I was blessed with many artistic talents. My mom, rest her soul, and dad were both in the in entertainment industry. They both worked with me on my craft, constantly drilling me and rehearsing with me. It started off as a family bonding experience but they saw star quality in me. So they enrolled me in extracurricular activities that also assisted in molding my talents. As I slowly progressed , I later learned that with the industry constantly changing, it is extremely important to keep that note in mind. I wish I had learned that early on. Not knowing that vital information may have prevented me from “staying with the times” and not evolving in a timely fashion. However, of the knowledge I did gain, I would say the most crucial piece would have to be, taking the time to turn your talent from hobby to lifestyle if you want to truly excel. I cant stress enough how pivotal it can be if you simply, study and practice as apart of your DAILY routine. Practice doesn’t make perfect, because there’s no such thing. BUT it makes for a damn good expert! I am currently taking the time to reassess and gain more vocal skills. It be can unfortunate with how inaccessible knowledge can be at times. While so much information is at our fingertips, it also requires one to have some sort of monetary freedom. I have delayed my vocal training and have had many opportunities that I have passed up on due to my financial position. This has also created obstacles for me to dedicate myself to evolving. EVERYTHING COSTS! but being a smart entertainer requires you to know about the right timing as well as the right doors to burst through. With that mentality, a lot of us creatives can begin to push the needle and EXCEL!
Camille J, 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?
Camille J is an alter ego for all the things that Camille Alexandra wouldn’t dare to do nor say HaHa! I am more than just an entertainer, I am an innovator. Life as a recording artist, professional dancer and actress is one hell of a rollercoaster. While these different talents go together “Real Bahd” they also don’t. For example, training as a dancer requires certain breathing techniques that vocal-breath techniques contradict. With my duality I have to work extremely hard to find a middle ground and new ways to merge all of my abilities constantly. On my down time from singing, dancing, and acting, I also am usually in the the studio composing. Whether it be songwriting or producing, I love formatting new ways to use my instruments, My creations are deeply routed in my life experiences or the many life experiences of the world. I concoct relatable messages through either of my art forms to then share it with the world. I truly believe that the motive behind my artwork allows for my microcosm to unify and feel similarly. When I think back to how my dreams began to come true, I noticed that it wasn’t just an overnight success. My journey, in particular, was just that! A Journey! Over the years Ive had a chance to taste a range of successful moments. Constantly being in rooms where I trained to enhance my craft, led to my many connections in the industry. Those around me that held great power, saw my talent as well as my drive and cared to nurture that. I remember quitting my job so that I can be available at all times for countless opportunities. Once I switched into “Grind Mode” thats when I began to see the doors slowly open. One of my biggest moments as a Recording Artist was to be able to tour throughout the United States alongside legendary RnB Girl Group “Danity Cane”. Around that same time, my career as dancer was also propelling. I had the privilege of performing in back of Travis Scott at the Vh1 MTV awards. The list goes on but just like there are many highs to my career, there were many lows. there were many nights I slept cold. No heat…No Hot water. I like to refer to myself as the black butterfly ;) …not a moth, but a black butterfly HaHa! I have many stages that are slow and steady like a caterpillar, as well as stages that are stagnant and in my cocoon like larvae. HOWEVER, I always end up reaching my fullest potential. At some point I’m able to spread my wings and soar through the wind no matter the task. And did I mention, I do this all while being a full time MOM. My daughter, who is now 10, requires me to show up for her 24/7. She has a career of her own in which I am currently managing as well. We’ve spent late nights in the studio together as well as performing on stage together. Both in utero and in the flesh. Its a MAJOR balance that I have the honor of conquering…most of the time HaHa! I am so very proud that with the many obligations I’m required to commit to, I have never decided to quit on my own personal goals and aspirations. 20+ years in the game and I’ve still remained optimistic and able to keep my work ethic on 1000%. In conclusion, my journey goes a lil something like this; Background Dancer to Motherhood, to RNB girl group “GLO 96” member, to solo career, with nothing but hurdles in between. Soon I will grant you all with a documentary style film that features what goes on behind my scenes.
How did you build your audience on social media?
At first, I was not a fan of building a social media presence. I often conflicted with my morals and principles surrounding me sharing certain intimate subjects about my life. Sorry, I’m old school *chuckles*. With the assistance of my daughter, and her love for digital entertainment , I was able to find a middle ground and find how my journey can be influential to the millions of people that log on to social media every day. With that being said, instead of just promoting content as my alter ego Camille J.. I decided to be more transparent with my viewers. That is when I noticed my reach had extended far pass the demographics I had in mind for my audience. I then began to map out what strategies I can use to turn my fans into super fans. Relatable experiences + a form of art mixed with love and compassion for all people is what helped me generate true supporters. Aside from strategy, consistency is an essential key. This part of the process is something that I still currently struggle with. If it’s not due to life life-ing, something abnormal usually gets in the way. But because I’ve learned that the one person is alone in their obstacles, I am now willing to even share with my following some of those moments of despair. For those that are out there attempting to gain a following via social media advise you to. 1-find your niche, 2-split your content, ideas up to fit over a span of two weeks, 3-capture your content and store them in the arsenal, 4-once you’ve gained enough content, utilize all platforms similarly and post previews, followed by full releases, 5-utilize family and close friends to always support your content first (shares, likes, comments) 6-IGNORE THE HATE 7-repeat the steps consecutively for about three months and watch the numbers soar.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I love art. I truly do. In addition to loving art, I love life, I love LOVE, I love spirituality, I love to just be. I feel as though it is important to pour into the things that you love. While I have a career in music and art, I also have deeper meaning and goals that succeed outside of that. I believe that a person‘s mind, heart, and soul is the portal and connection to a higher power. God has made me aware that my purpose is not only to touch the lives of people who enjoy art, but to also help heal minds to what ever capacity that may be. I have a deep connection to mental health due to many experiences involving those with mental illness. While music is my foundation, I plan to use that foundation to build an empire geared towards the progression of mental health. While I can’t get into detail just yet about what I’ve been conjuring up, I will say I am extremely thankful for the platform that I have created through art. I have been able to use art as a stepping stool to fulfill my other purposes. It’s been a “rite of passage” for me. My mother who suffered from a silent battle with mental illness is looking down from heaven, smiling at me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.camillejmusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itscamillej/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19DdXDdEA9/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Twitter: https://x.com/camillejmusic?s=21
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjWvITy2o7fHLNU1_ePU4Vg
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@camillejmusic?_t=ZT-8teHcjtOYN0&_r=1
