Oak Ridge, TN born Camo Brian has dabbled into music as early as age nine. His love for the different genres of music is portrayed in his first single with Average Joe Entertainment “Already Famous” available today. This infectious rap-country song has a heavy message of acceptance and self love mixed with perfect vocals, great lyrics, and amazing production.
We caught up with Camo Brian to ask some questions about himself, his music, and what his future holds.
CN: Where did your love of music come from?
CB: My love for music was instilled in me as a child. My mother used to sing “Still Holding On” by Luther Barnes and the Red Budd choir to me everyday. I was too young to understand what she was going through. All I knew is that she would cry while singing it, then appeared to feel much better when she finished. It’s a staple within my culture. There were songs that were relatable to every emotion you may feel. Music helped me make it through the day and encouraged me to strive to be better. When trying to overcome so many obstacles and barriers placed before me, I leaned heavily on music to help me stay strong.
CN: Did singing come first or songwriting?
CB: Singing definitely came first, but it wasn’t necessarily by choice. The first church I remember attending was St. Joseph’s House of Prayer in Knoxville. And boy did they get down! Although we were in church, it always felt like we were partying! So I would sing along with everyone and try to keep up with so many of the great voices I would hear around me. When we moved to Oak Ridge and began attending Spurgeon Chapel, I was “voluntold” to get up in the choir and sing — Didn’t really have a choice in the matter.
CN: Can you take us through your songwriting process? In addition to writing your own material, have you written songs for other artists?
CB: When writing songs, I really can’t control what comes out. Whatever state I’m in mentally and emotionally will come out in the form of music. It’s more of a release. It’s a way for me to express my feelings in a form everyone can understand. I have written songs and verses for others in the past but not on a major level. Recently, I was contacted to write for a few mid-majors and majors so I am extremely excited about that!
CN: Your music encompasses several genres, what is it about their styles that have you using them in your performances?
CB: Each genre holds a special place in my heart! Country music always reminded me of home. The rolling hills of East Tennessee is a beautiful place and country music tells our story. Rap would tell of stories about the struggle and the environment most of us would go through coming up. It wasnt always a pretty picture painted but for some of us, it was our reality. R&B and its presentation of love would resonate with me because I have such a big heart. I always searched for that love that so many would croon about in their songs. Rock was always my preference when getting ready for a football game. I was known as a hard hitter on defense and for some reason rock had me ready to put a lick on opposing teams. As I stated before, the different styles of music always served a purpose and helped express my emotions and feelings.
CN: Do you prefer one genre more than the others?
CB: I really don’t have a preference of genres over the other. If I’m having a good day, I will listen to music that expresses it. If I’m having a bad day, I will do the same. If I’m feeling loved, i will tune in to some loving music. If I’m not feeling loved, there are loads of options for me to choose from.
CN: You also give lessons on songwriting to Boys & Girls Clubs in your hometown of Oak Ridge, TN. Do you think that has a lot to do with the positivity in your music?
CB: The positivity in my music really began once I had children of my own as well as when I began to work for a psychiatric residential facility for kids. My son once asked me to listen to one of my not so positive songs of the past when he got in my car. I told him no but was more upset about how he even knew about the song. I had never let him listen to it. Also, as some of the kids from work would go on home passes and sometimes they would return asking me questions about my old self. I didn’t want that message to affect who I had grown to be. So i began making songs that my kids could listen to and recite without fear of them cursing, shooting, or demeaning women. I have a daughter and I raise her as a little princess and want her to be treated with respect. All women deserve that.
CN: Released today (August 5) is your debut single “Already Famous.” The song is about accepting your girl the way she is. Is this a true story or just a message?
CB: As with all of my songs they come from some experience in life. I would sit and watch my life partner get all dolled up to go to the grocery store. She would search for heels to go to the gas station. Wear a ball gown just to go to the movies. I would always tell her that she didnt have to do all of that with me. I wasn’t with her for all of that. Just be yourself. If that’s what you WANT to do, then I would support you 100%. It’s your body and your choice. Just know that I would never make that a requirement and most certainly won’t entertain others who do that. You’re “Already Famous” in my eyes!
CN: What’s one thing readers or listeners can take away about who you are as an artist, what would that be?
CB: Once listeners get a taste of my music, they will recognize quickly that I’m relatable. I’m not gonna tell you a fantasy story. I’m gonna tell you the good, bad, and ugly about real life situation. There will be a song for everyone on my album. Something that touches your soul. That’s what’s needed today. It’s not gonna be about money, cars, clothes, and fast women.
CN: What’s in the future? Are you working on an album or possible tour when permitted?
CB: I am excited to see what the future holds. There have been a few options of tours already thrown my way but obviously we haven’t reached that point yet due to the pandemic. During this time, I am continuing to build my catalog so when I am let out the gates we are off and running. There have also been several artists who have expressed interest in working with me so hopefully these sessions will take place in the near future. I also have began writing for others and I look forward to seeing these artists careers take off as well.
To download or stream “Almost Famous” click here.