Q&A with Emerging Country-Soul-Rock Singer & Songwriter CAMERON DUBOIS

Cameron DuBois is an emerging country-soul-rock singer & songwriter from Montgomery, Alabama. She’s spent most of her time developing her own unique brand of sound in two prestigious American South musical destinations; Nashville and Muscle Shoals. The 27 year-old multi-talented independent artist has spent numerous hours along the muddy banks of the Tennessee River where she’s been collaborating with two of the industry’s top songwriters and producers in Michael Curtis (Randy Travis, Fleetwood Mac, Blake Shelton) and Cindy Walker. Her unique country-rock-soul hybrid sound has kept her busy performing throughout her home state of Alabama, and landed her opening performances with Thompson Square, Easton Corbin, John Michael Montgomery, Dylan Scott and Neil McCoy since 2018. She’s also released a series of singles like “The Home Place,” “Lipstick & Chrome,” “Never Love Me Back,” and “Peace” which highlight her diversity as a singer and songwriter. In September of 2020, Cameron released her latest single project, “Bridges” which continues to build upon her blossoming career as an aspiring country artist.

Check out the music video for Cameron DuBois’ latest single “Bridges”

What first got you into music?

The radio. I remember from an early age singing along in the car to some of my dad’s favorite artists at the time.

Who inspired you to make music?

My dad. Growing up, we were always singing along to something on the radio whether it was country music or rock n’ roll, both of which are very influential in my music today.

How did you learn to sing, write, and play?

Ever since I was a young child, I used to sit and teach myself a song from one note keys on piano. I have always had a passion for music. I sang my very solo for my 5th grade musical. However, I have always been super shy growing up so I mostly developed a love for singing behind closed doors. At the age of 13, I really started getting interested in guitar. I finally got a “First Act” for Christmas that year and would sit and teach myself chords from watching YouTube videos. As I got into high school, I taught myself chords on piano by ear. Finally, my senior year of high school, I sang and played “Imagine,” by John Lennon on guitar. That was the very first time singing in front of a crowd since Elementary school.

How would you describe the music that you typically create?

My music is mainly country with soul, R&B, and southern rock influence. I grew up listening to all genres of music but have such a passion for country music.

What is your creative process like?

It varies. Sometimes I will get an idea or hook; whether it be from talking in conversation, or reading a book, or something off of a sign. If I am cowriting, typically we will go in and sit down and just talk about what has been going on lately in our lives and develop a song out of our discussion. For the most part, especially if I am writing alone, I develop a melody in my head and then write a song based off of the melody.

Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?

No, I try to portray exactly the message I want the listener to receive.

Have you ever dealt with performance anxiety?

Absolutely!! My performance anxiety mostly comes from talking on stage. I try to hide it as much as possible.

What’s an average day like for you?

During the weekdays, I typically wake up, check on any news or business on my music, and get a workout in and end the day with dinner and Netflix. I have two writing sessions and at least one band practice out of the week. On the weekends (sometimes Thursday-Sundays), I have shows typically every night. Given the 2020 circumstances due to COVID-19, my shows have varied.

Who would you most like to collaborate with?

Luke Combs or Kane Brown would be really great artists to collaborate with.

If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?

That’s tough, there are so many great artists I’d love to open for!! Probably Luke Combs!

What is one message you would give to your fans?

Thank you for all of the support over the past few years. It would be extremely hard to pursue this dream without all of your support, love, and sharing of my work.

What is the most useless talent you have?

I can only raise my right eyebrow and right upper lip. I can hyperextend my elbows. I can restate the Preamble to the United States Constitution (which might come in handy one day).

Do you sing in the shower? What songs?

Yes I do, and it usually is the latest country hit song. I like to sing a lot of Beyonce songs too.

What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

I would be working a 9 to 5 Civil Engineering job. I interned with an Environmental Engineering Consulting Firm while in college, so I would probably be working with a similar company that deals with water treatment.

Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?

I have opened for Dylan Scott at Chingawassa Days, Neil McCoy, Thompson Square, Easton Corbin in Montgomery, AL, the Josh Abbott Band at the Crawford County Fair, and John Michael Montgomery at Rich Hill’s 4th of July Celebration in Rich Hill, Missouri. I have opened the Toadlick Music festival in Dothan with the National Anthem. I also was the headliner for Montgomery’s 4th of July Celebration in 2019. My favorite venues were the shows I did in the Midwest. I had a lot of fun visiting the small towns and meeting the artists we opened for.

I will be playing the Alabama National Fair with Bama Sounds in Montgomery Alabama on October 14, 2020. I also have acoustic shows I will be playing, which are available on my website camerondubois.com.

How do you interact with and respond to fans?

Typically I interact with fans at shows. Given the COVID-19 circumstance, I have been interacting with fans on all my social media platforms including my facebook music page @CameronDuBois, my Instagram account @CameronDuBois, my YouTube Channel, as well as on my website CameronDuBois.com.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

I feel as if the internet has provided many independent artists, like myself, more opportunities to get exposure and share our music platforms to a worldwide audience.

What is your favourite song to perform?

Currently, my favourite song to perform is “Shallow,” from A Star Is Born. It varies throughout the year.

Which famous musicians do you admire?

Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Maren Morris, Miranda Lambert, Beyonce, Rihanna, Etta James, Adele, Aretha Franklin, Nat King Cole (Influences growing up with my father: Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Beatles, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac)

What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?

One time when I was about 6 years old, I called the cops in the middle of the night on my brother because he was calling me names. I didn’t actually think they would pick up and when they did I hung up. They showed up at our house a few minutes later. Try explaining that one to your parents haha.

What is the best advice you’ve been given?

Do what you love, work hard at it.. eventually, the money will come along.

If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?

I would love to see more females being played on Country Radio (a 50/50 of male and female artist.)

What’s next for you?

I will be playing mostly acoustic small (safe environment) shows the rest of 2020 and recording and releasing new singles. I am currently working on a Christmas record to release next (November 2020).