10 Questions for Kim Cameron of the Side F/X Band
I’d like to introduce you to Kim Cameron (AMP3’s newest client), a former IT executive who’s left the corporate world behind to chase her lifelong dream of singing. Kim is not only a talented songstress and band leader, she’s also a compelling songwriter and did I mention she’s drop-dead gorgeous?
TM: You’re taking a risk by leaving behind a lucrative corporate job in order to pursue your dream of singing. What’s your biggest fear?
KC: In this shaky economy, it is a big risk. And there is not a day that goes by that I do not think “What am I doing? Am I crazy?” But then, I get on stage or I go into the studio and those fears go away – that is, until the bills come and I go through it all over again! I suspect that cycle will continue for a while.
TM: Your music is a very eclectic blend of genres. Tell me about that.
KC: I love variety and if I love variety, I think others love variety. I mean, music is like moods – some days you want it soft, some days you want to get up and dance. I wanted to create an album that allows people to switch to the songs that fit their mood. It’s ok to like country one hour and then want to ‘rock out.’
TM: You also wrote all the songs on the album. How was the songwriting process for you?
KC: Difficult, rewarding, satisfying, frightening, captivating, bewildering, frustrating – all in one!
TM: You just released your first album, Contradictions. What does the title refer to?
KC: It’s a play on meanings. I feel I am a contradiction – being known as a corporate gal but really I am secret rock star. The music is also full of contradictions – some of the content itself could be tearful, yet the sound forces you to tap your feet. These are just examples of course.
TM: Do you have a favorite song on the album?
KC: It depends on my mood.
TM: Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
KC: Oh yes, so many. I could type all day. Alicia Keys, Annie Lennox, Dave Matthews, Carly Simon, Sting, Rascal Flatts, just to name a few.
TM: You have a big fan base in the military. Why is that?
KC: I suspect because they know I respect them and believe in their mission and spirit. I wrote a song in their honor, My Hero, but I think it is more about respect than the song itself.
TM: It’s not common to find female band leaders. What has been the biggest challenge for you as a frontwoman of an otherwise all-male band?
KC: Having to guide the men! I find most male musicians lack a strong sense of discipline – meaning they are not very organized. They also do not want to take the time to listen to the other musicians. I think every successful band needs a woman’s touch to keep the piece. My band members treat each other with a lot of respect – and I believe it is because a woman is present, forcing them to relax and listen more before reacting.
TM: You’ve done a lot of benefit concerts. Any particular cause that you hold dear to your heart?
KC: I generally only perform at benefits that either help children or the military – or their extended families. Not to say I would not perform at other benefits because there are a lot of good ones out there, but those are the ones that have immediate call to me personally.
TM: What’s your favorite thing about performing live?
KC: Watching people dance!
Make sure you catch Kim Cameron and the Side F/X Band if you’re in the Washington D.C. area! For more info, visit the band’s official site.
This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008 at 8:03 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
