Today we’d like to introduce you to Cameron Bethany.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in Memphis, TN with a strong church background, which where my gift of music was first discovered. I grew up singing in the church choir which I thoroughly enjoyed. From middle school to high school, I sang and acted in several stage plays from the school auditorium to the Orpheum Theater. As I grew older, I felt a yearning to explore music other than gospel.
The transition from gospel to secular music was definitely no easy feat. I started accepting gigs here and there at local clubs, lounges, and private parties in Memphis, and instantly fell in love with the euphoric feeling it provided, but my family was unaware. We weren’t allowed to listen to much music outside of gospel in our household, so the idea of them finding out that I was singing music that wasn’t gospel really instilled shame and reluctance. At the time, I couldn’t have guessed that the majority of my family would be in full support, but turns out they were.
From there, In 2014, I made the decision to take a step back from gigs to focus on creating the music I hadn’t heard, while pulling inspiration from songs and artists I was in love with. On that journey, I reconnected with old friend/ producer IMAKEMADBEATS in 2015, and the rest was history. He was in the process of starting a Memphis- based label/ production company called “UNAPOLOGETIC”, and when we met about the mission and goal, I knew this was an opportunity for my individual voice to be cultivated fully.
In 2017, we released my debut EP entitled, “YOUMAKEMENERVOUS” on all digital streaming platforms. From there, my song, “Brand New” quickly grew and was licensed and synced for use on Netflix show “Trinkets”, as well as for commercial use by “Gillette”, the shaving company.
I am currently working to complete my sophmore EP, but the release date will be announced in the future.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve battled with several struggles including, but not limited to: spirituality, depression, anxiety, self-acceptance, imposter syndrome, and self-identity.
Not to mention, working a 9-5 when you know you are meant for so much more. Wanting to take that leap to fulfill your dreams, but also having bills to pay. Every day I am getting closer to that goal, but some days? The impatience is real. It’s all a part of the journey, though.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a singer/songwriter and visual artist. I specialize in enchantment, as I always aim to leave my listener feeling like they’ve been transported to another world. I love mixing different sounds and textures that already exist to make something new. Music is to be recycled in a way. I love tapping into old styles when making music and I sometimes even incorporate classical training on songs when you would least expect to hear it.
When it comes to my visual art, it’s a newfound love that I discovered after I lost my job in 2018 after 8 long years. I took some time off to refocus, and during that time, I found a love for digital art. I love creating things that bridge the gap between cleanliness and subtle chaos. A lot of times, I enjoy just opening my canvas and letting whatever just be… whatever. It helps me to not take myself too seriously, which is what tends to happen in my everyday life.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I was blessed to be able to find a team of like-minded individuals that all are amazing at their crafts. I’d probably be better off saying they found me.
The best advice I can give is to become as self-sufficient as possible while in search of a mentor. Interdependence will always serve you more than co-dependence will. Find someone who admire that is further along on a path that most closely resembles a path that will help you grow and expand. It’s important to remember that no two journeys are alike, and what works for one isn’t guaranteed to work for the next, so even when things don’t pan out the way you may hope, leave room for education. There’s always something new to learn.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.CameronBethany.
com - Instagram: instagram.com/
cameronbethany - Facebook: facebook.com/
cameronbethany - Twitter: twitter.com/
cameronbethany_ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.
com/channel/UC_ 6QVxOtVm2WIJ3j8MAPIpg - SoundCloud: https://
soundcloud.com/ cameronbethanymusic
Image Credits:
Catherine Elizabeth Patton
Darnell Allen
Cameron Bethany
