PopImpressKA Journal | Events, Charities, Art, Fashion, Movies

PopImpressKA Journal: Kim Cameron - American Recording Artist & Author

by Olga Papkovitch

September 16, 2019

Kim Cameron is an internationally acclaimed electronic dance music artist. Kim, who performed twice for the NFL (Giants and Redskins) to over 70,000, has toured across the country and internationally, garnered millions of YouTube views, featured on Comcast's Xfinity, and won Album of the Year, Best Live Performance and an American Songwriter Nominee.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW:

1. PJ: Where did you grow up?

Kim Cameron: I lived in several states on both coasts, but my formative years were spent 10 miles from the sandy beaches of southern California…or in the words of Nicolas Cage, I was a Valley Girl. My teenage years consisted of skateboarding and playing in a marching band. My best friend had a backyard pool which I showered with devotion each day after school.

2. PJ: What is the most memorable experience you had while growing up?

KC: My memories growing up were of music. My parents were big on road trips. We didn’t have a lot of money, but we had a big station wagon, a large tent with a gas-heated Colby stove which took to the highways across the country. Our rides were filled with Elvis Presley, Doobie Brothers, Cat Stevens and Masterpiece Theater on our car radio. I was a lucky kid…even with a poor family, we found economical ways to see most of the 48 states, hiking in every National park.

3. PJ: What is the most valuable lesson your parents have taught you?

KC: My parents taught me the value of eating meals together. I think it’s a luxury now, to take time to shut off our electronic leashes and simply just be with family, friends and great food. I value those times more and more, as the world becomes more impatient. They also taught me the value of nature. Hiking a lot as a kid, showered me with Bryce Canyon vistas, Grand Teton mountain ranges, Santa Fe’s spectacular forests, and so much more. These memories are still so clear to me, and all with still a wonderment.

4. PJ: Being a book author, radio show host, recording artist and now a movie producer and creator, what do you think is the most challenging to be able to handle all these tasks?

KC: I kind of sound like I have A.D.D……I guess I have always been up for a challenge. You can never be perfect, but that doesn’t mean we can’t keep trying, right? All of these areas were, and still are, a big challenge for me. So, I guess, I keep trying to perfect each one, one day at a time.

5. PJ: Who inspires you?

KC: These days, nice, good hearted people. We have been so selfied, that I am inspired by those who are really looking out for others before themselves. For some reason, social media has turned the camera inward to a point, where those who are still looking to make a difference, can make the smallest contribution, and be a hero in my eyes.

6. PJ: What inspired you to be a children's author and publish a book?

KC: Honestly, it was never on my projected path until a tour with my band led me to a small island in the Caribbean called St. Barths. An 11-year-old approached me after one of our sets, and after a few minutes we began talking about the sea and sea life. She mentioned that her favorite sea creature was an octopus. I found that so interesting, given that most little girls pick starfish or dolphins to be their favorite sea animal. After thinking more about the little girl, my guitar player and I wrote a song the next day on the beach – as sort of a tongue-in-cheek- called ‘Mr. Octopus.’ My guitar player suggested I write a song that brings the song to life….and well…the rest is history.

7. PJ: Next year you will be releasing a movie based on your children's book, Could you please tell us more about it?

KC: It stars a little girl, Emma, on vacation off the island of St. Thomas, who discovers magical sea-grass that gives her the power to talk to sea life. Emma meets a few sea creatures with her ‘powers.’ There's Oliver, a shy young octopus who's full of adventure but too timid to explore with his friends; and Steve, an out-of-place starfish who discovers he has powers of his own. Together, the quirky trio set off on a grand adventure to find buried treasure, along the way learning important lessons about friendship, self-confidence, protecting the environment, and the power of imagination.

It will be approximately 75 minutes, 2-D animation, original soundtrack and multiple voice-over characters. I am very excited!

8. PJ: From all the world touring that you have done, including your debut concert in China, what is the most memorable experience for you?

KC: Touring abroad is the most challenging and the most exciting. It’s the gift of being in a new city, with new cultures to experience, new languages, new surroundings. China is now my number one concert, but Croatia was also pretty magical. No two concerts are alike, just like, no two countries are alike.

9. PJ: Where else would you like to perform out there in the world? Which Arenas have you wanted to perform in?

KC: Arenas as not my favorite to attend, nor to perform in. You kind of lose touch with your audience. Venues and festivals that stay below 10,000 are probably my favorite. For me, it’s all about great sound and great lights. If I had the choice between a big stadium with 70,000 people and a local bar with a great sound and light system – I’d go to the bar! At the end of the day, I want people to hear my music. If people can’t clearly hear it, I am not sure what the point is….

During the summer months, beaches near Amsterdam have some great beach stages that I would love to try out, along with Haad Rin on the island of Ko Pha Ngan, Thailand, Pag Island, Croatia, Valencia, Spain…to name a few.

10. PJ: What musical composer influenced your career the most?

KC: It’s probably a combination of composers from Linda Perry to James Taylor to Thomas Dolby to more recently Kygo and Robin Schultz. All bring something unique to the table, something I can learn from and appreciate.

11. PJ: What is your favorite time of the year? Holiday? Cuisine? Book?

KC: Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times because it brings together great food with friends and family. Since I live in Miami Beach, it also is a trigger for me that Art Basel is set to begin, which I love since it involves every kind of artist you can think of. Having all of that creativity nearby is intoxicating! I am also a Christmas junky….I love to sing every Christmas carol..still.

As far as cuisine – I love to cook. It is another way I express myself. I kind of go through different stages depending on the time of year…winter, I will cook Italian dishes, whereas summer is about the grilled fish. I used to hate making dessert, but lately, Key Lime Pie has entered my recipe book and kitchen counter…..

12. PJ: What are your three wishes?

KC: So, if I were queen for a day, I would wish for all the animals to be safe, especially cats (I am a cat lover). I would wish that kids grow up close to both a mother and father – whether they are in the same household or not. Having both a mother and father influence is so critical to youth. A mother provides such a unique perspective to child’s life, just as a father. And, my third wish, we figure out how to pay independent music makers what they deserve.

For more info about Kim Cameron and her music: sidefxband.net

For more info on Kim's children's book series: seaperpowers.com