Meet KAMEO | MUSICIAN / SONGWRITER

We had the good fortune of connecting with KAMEO and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi KAMEO, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I chose to pursue an artistic career simply because of the freedom it offers. You can express yourself freely, at your own pace and in whatever way you ultimately see fit. You can push boundaries. When really deciding career paths, you want to find something that makes you happy, something you want to wake up to and have no issues with the work. Creativity leads to innovation. To me, there is nothing more exciting than seeing an idea come to life; a thought that manifest in existence. UTILIZE THE POWER OF THE MIND!Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a songwriter/performer. I have been making hip-hop music for about 6 years now and have really been refining my craft every year since 2015. I am most proud at my improvement year to year as far as my mental approach to creating, as well as making my ideas reality. Everything I’ve earned has come from self. Not to say that like I have had no help from key figures on this journey, but I have never had a “co-sign” per say and have always put up my own money to back what I believed in; even when I couldn’t afford it or it made less sense to give more of myself to something that may have seemed materially unfulfilling. The rewards have felt so much greater, and I have never really thought about going about my business any other way. This approach may leave some confused and I may have even distanced myself from others because of it, but I really am a firm believer in self-refinement. There’s true power in that. Looking for hand-outs, outside gratification is something for kids in my opinion, and the only people who think otherwise are the people I don’t need around me. They probably aren’t even supporting me to begin with so it’s all good. I started making music with friends in high school who many talked the talk, but aren’t walking with me today. Who said they believed in a vision and would do whatever it took to see it through, yet quit not even halfway. That can be discouraging for some, but for me it is fuel. Knowing that my words and actions can be trusted. Weeding out those who lack ambition. It has made me a stronger individual and has helped improve my product (art) immensely. It has forced me to make tough decisions on my own, trust my instincts, and give my music everything I got without much distraction. I had to hone in on my unique manner, and doing so set me apart from the crowd. My unconventionality has really brought forth the genuine individuals who truly support my work and has inspired follow a similar path. 1 2 B DOWN RECORDS is my latest venture and has been the most exciting yet. This is where I have been releasing all of my current content independently, no middle man. In this digital age of streaming via Apple Music, Spotify, etc. it is very easy to get lost in the shuffle of the new artists releasing music/videos everyday. Not to mention not earning & seeing the true worth of your hard work with the inadequate payout system these DSP’s operate under. 1 2 B DOWN RECORDS is providing my supporters the opportunity to grow with me as an artist and as a person. They can buy directly from us, knowing that nobody else but the creator of the art is benefitting from their $$$. It is a focused effort to bring the fan and the artist closer together. They are no longer investing in the unknown. Too often in the music industry non-creatives benefit from the creations of artists. It is almost the norm at this point an often complained about. This is my response to that. I am bringing the art directly to you and this way it will only grow bigger and better. Open communication between the artist and consumer. I want my listeners to know what they are getting and who they are getting it from, this way the final product will be satisfactory for all parties involved. Many artists reach the apex of their careers and forget, or don’t even realize who propelled them there. With 1 2 B DOWN RECORDS I aim to do the opposite. I want people to be proud to say they 1 2 B DOWN… We are welcoming all the love with open arms and will send it right back in audio form. 12BDOWNRECORDS.COM includes: Physical copies Merchandise Streaming (Music + Videos) Special Announcements & Giveaways APP COMING SOON!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
2 of my favorite food spots are definitely the breakfast klub & Gus’s Fried Chicken. The Galleria is definitely a site to see. There are some dope vintage shops on Westheimer Rd. & of course I have to wrap a day up with my people @ Goldskin Records, making classics. BIG S/O to Lesley, Twigg, Position 7, Spvcedd (GO CHECKOUT “THE SOULFUL MOODS OF KAMEO” ALBUMS!) Jazz, Olasegun …

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My older brother CJ; not to discredit the many others who deserve a shoutout. He also chose an artistic career, and he is one of the most innovative and creative people I’ve had the pleasure of knowing throughout my whole life. His thinking is grand and he sees endless possibilities when it comes to everything he works on. Through him, I have been able to recognize the beauty in creation which led me to where I am at today; creating beautiful timeless music. Not to mention, he was the one person to formally introduce me to kinds of music that has molded me. He has let me grow into my own man, and has always been there to teach me things without it ever being a hassle; taking time out of his day to show me new techniques that are elementary to him at this point. Because of him I am often ahead of the curve and know things most wouldn’t at the stage I am at in my life.

Website: 12BDOWNRECORDS.COM

Instagram: @LILPRETTYTONE

Twitter: @LILPRETTYTONE

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbarmPvRnA-vPBJoLyj-nlA

Other: https://cambanks.bandcamp.com/ https://soundcloud.com/camgotthejuice