Hello Monday!
If you’re looking for some fresh music to ease yourself into the new week, then look no further than our Track of the Week from BIMM Birmingham’s Cameo.
Having just completed her Artist Development Diploma, we were super excited to hear Cameo’s debut single ‘Runaway’. Take a listen, and discover more about the track below.
What was your inspiration when you began writing the track?
You know the saying, you don’t write the song, the song writes itself? Or something like that!
‘Runaway’ really wrote itself. Before I was even able to pinpoint that emotion, I had a song about it
Reflecting on it, I can see the lyrics are about losing yourself to something darker, something more blue, like depression. You’re fighting a side of yourself that so desperately wants to disappear. It’s also about the conflict between right and wrong. Not wanting to run away into the dark stuff, having to constantly fight it. Some people think it’s about a boy, I get that, there are a lot of “he” and “his” but that was just an easy way to phrase it, having a separate identity. But I like people having their own interpretation, its not just my song anymore.
Are there any artists that inspire you when writing?
I love Amy Winehouse! I remember hearing her lyrics when I was a younger and was so confused how someone could be that emotionally vulnerable, and at the same time confident. It took me somewhere else, it so perfectly created the setting, the people, the emotion and it was super smart. Everything meant something. This changed the way I approached things musically, I wanted to be honest, and use my craft in a meaningful way. I used to write in a journal but I guess that’s what songwriting does for me now, I can just be expressive without fear or judgement.
What is key to your sound and how do you make your music stand out?
It’s always been about emotion for me, that’s what stands out and it’s what I try and put the focus on. I found it really hard to be honest when I started writing, I was scared and embarrassed, but it’s one of the most beautiful things. Hearing how people connect to my music makes me the happiest of humans. I want to write/leave/give something meaningful, otherwise I see no point in it.
How does your songwriting process work?
It’s all over the place! With ‘Runaway’ I wrote the lyrics first, then the producer saw it on Instagram and made the instrumental. That’s typically the process, write whatever comes up. I normally have a melody line in my head whilst writing, they always come together for me. Then I’ll run over to the piano or guitar, find a couple chords and that’s about it. On the odd occasion I get sent over a track and asked to write on top, but I find it really hard to connect to if I haven’t got complete control.
Describe your sound in 3 words…
Messy, vulnerable, powerful.
How has studying at BIMM helped you develop as an artist?
BIMM has been a wonderful, beautiful and fab experience! I found that being in a constant musical environment has done wonders for my drive, motivation, creativity… for everything! The teachers have been super lovely too, they are really cool, being able to speak to adults that actually get it is a weird thing for me, but they do get it, and the freedom that comes with that is what every aspiring musician needs. I’ve met some amazing people, who inspire me everyday.
BIMM really has been special, not just for artist development but for normal human development. The support and love I have received will stay with me forever.
What’s next for you?
More music! I’m taking some time out of the education system, just because I wanted my focus to be on creating, I’ve been looking at BIMM for after my gap year, but how does one decide which college? They are all so nice.
But more music, more expression more wonderful things, I have another single coming out soon, and its so cool, one of my faves I think. Very chilled and jazzy and happy.
