Tracy: Hi Kameron! Happy New Year and thanks for taking
some time out to talk to OTV about what’s going on in your world. First
let me say congratulations on the success of “SayingThings” and the opportunity to re-release the album this year.
What prompted the re-release and what time frame can we expect it?
Kameron: The re-release was always
the plan. At first I thought the initial version would continue to sell and a bigger distribution agreement situation would
present itself. I ended up selling out and having a demand but no supply. I think Saying Things has many more miles to go
and more listeners to attract. The album should make its way back to the online market and local stores sometime in late Feb
early March.
Tracy: You’ve been well received by the Neosoul
fans and music buyers, but your music is edgier in terms of offering an acoustic rock element which is not your typical Neosoul
fare. How do you feel about most of us finding you via Neosoul channels? And do you mind the Neosoul association?
Kameron: As long as people find me I'm satisfied. When I
first started in the recording side of things while in school, I was sure about my draw in the Neo Soul realm. Truth be told,
rock has always been the destination. I respect that genre enough not to demean it by having sub-par guitar playing skills.
Besides, I think a lot of the "Neo soul" fans like rock too.
Tracy: You are often times compared to artists like
Lenny Kravitz, D’Angelo, Prince and an early Eric Benet. How do comparisons make you feel?
Kameron: Comparisons are
necessary until people know your voice uniquely. I'm happy to be compared to artists whom I feel have influenced me and artists
that have done very well in the mainstream.
Tracy: I hear influences in your music, but you have your
own style and brand of acoustic, soul, rock. Tell us who influences you musically and spiritually?
Kameron: Musically, I make a point not to be exposed
to anything current. I haven't listened to the radio for about 4 or 5 years and haven't seen videos for longer than that.
I keep my musical influences limited to the same people who got me started. There are definitely some latter influences that
have allowed me to make the bridge between genres musically. Esthero, Lewis Taylor, Zero 7, Jimi hendrix, Led Zeppelin, The
Doors, Radiohead and more. Spiritually, it's definitely God who the influence comes from. The concept of creating something
artistically unique is for me, a large part of the intimacy in my vertical relationship.
Tracy: Besides the guitar, do you play any other instruments?
Kameron: When one ventures into production
you learn a little of everything. I'd say guitars keep me pretty occupied. Electric, Acoustic and bass are my preference but
keys definitely fit in too.
Tracy: When I use words like Indie, Underground or Alternative
how do they make you feel and do you feel that those words place limitations on artists who happen to be working within those
structures?
Kameron: I'm not really moved at all emotionally by those
words anymore. The music "industry" is taking a swing currently and it's giving the little guys(the indie, underground guy)
the chance to beat up on the big ones. An artist ultimately limits his or herself. As an independent artist, you're
more responsible for your success. For me, I'm very particular and a major label situation would have to be just right so
I expect to create my own boundaries.
Tracy: What is one major misconception about Kameron Corvet?
Kameron: That's a good one. I think people think I have all the anwers on loving and I don't. Oh, and the fellas seem to think
that I have this super stable of women admirers, not true at least from what I can tell.
Tracy: If you were not making music what would you be doing?
Kameron: I'd be playing
football for some NFL team trying to do music as an abnormally buff artist..lol
Tracy: Let’s talk about the album”SayingThings”.
Your lyrics are very personal and heartfelt. When I listen to each track and take in the lyrics it’s like reading your
personal journal. Were you drawing from personal experiences when you wrote those beautiful songs?
Kameron: Saying Things is
very personal. It's all from personal experience except for "Let's Go Again". That's the daydream waiting for realization.
Tracy: We mentioned your acoustic, soul, rock influences on
the album. I also hear a bit of Reggae flava particularly on the track ’We Can Be’. What other styles of music
do you personally dig?
Kameron: I'm
a major jazz head. I have an appreciation for all types of jazz but I'm more geared towards classic jazz like: Grant Green,
Charlie Mingus and Bud Caldwell in addition to the obvious Coltrane, Davis and Hancock cadre.
Tracy: What was the last album you purchased?
Kameron: Wow,
it's been a while since I bought one. Probably The Isley Brothers Love Songs disc(no comment).
Tracy: What was your biggest challenge in putting your album
together and getting it out to the hungry masses?
Kameron: Dealing with unprofessional
people who call themselves serious. People are whores for money sometimes. Even on the independent level, you have to put
the money out just to get put on the backburner. I can't knock the hustle too much but people need to band behind good music.
Tracy: What main lesson have you learned from the music industry?
Kameron: I've learned that good
music has no expiration date. I've lost D'Angelo's Brown Sugar record about 8 times and have rushed to pay full price for
it because I had to have it. If it's good it sticks.
Tracy: What’s one thing you want to see change or done
better in the music industry?
Kameron: I'd like to see good
music marketed more, and to the right people. There really isn't a good track record for the way quality music is exposed,
At least from the soul/r and b standpoint.
Tracy: Ok, Mr. Corvet let’s talk about the decision
to use your real name at this point in your career. When you first came on the scene you were Jonz and now you are in the
process of re-introducing yourself as Kameron Corvet. I think I know why but would you like to shed some “official”
light on the subject?
Kameron: The last year was a
very enlightening one for me. I was able to rid myself of the pressure of the industry and just be plain ole me. Spiritually,
I rediscovered the true connection between my desire to create musically and my personal spiritual development. It was also
an opportunity for me to do some maintenance and put myself in the right position mentally in order to expose no weakness
to the industry before a lot of great things began happening for me. After all of that, I just couldn't go by Jonz anymore.
The music is about me, it's about my life, Jonz can't get the credit for a refined Kameron. So, it's Kameron Corvet from here
on out.
Tracy: I really dig Kameron Corvet!
Kameron: Thanks, it's nice to
know my Mom made a good name decision.
Tracy: Let’s talk about the digital music age for a
moment. I personally don’t find substance in downloading music because I need my liner notes and credits. I need to
know who’s thumpin’ the bass and kickin’ the drum. Where do you think digital downloading is headed? Will
it help or hurt the artist in the long run? Will tangible product take a back seat to mp3s and ipods?
Kameron: The digital age is more
than upon us, definitely. The future of digital music will be a long one in my opinion. Consumers are getting lazier and lazier.
The same person who was buying albums offline and having them shipped now wants to listen that very same hour and would download
in order to do that. It's going to increase. I think it will help artists actually. One can cut out manufacturing costs all
together. That helps artists contractually but I think the turnaround for albums will be shortened.
Tracy: As a producer, is there anyone you would like to take
into the studio to produce?
Kameron: I'd like to produce
Esthero on some songs and maybe Norah Jones.
Tracy: As an artist is there anyone you would like to collaborate
with?
Kameron: Artistically, I'd say
any one of my influences would be choice collaborations. Duet-wise, probably Marsha from Floetry, Esthero or Norah Jones as
well.
Tracy: Atlanta! Lots of energy and creativity in that city.
It’s a music mecca and it seems a stint in Atlanta is a rite of passage. How much energy and creativity do you draw
from being in a hot bed like Atlanta?
Kameron: Honestly, not as much
as I used to. I mean, Atlanta is a good place to rub elbows with all sides of the music. The producers, the musicians, the
artists and industry extras. That makes it worthwhile. I needed this scene in order to recognize what me and my music are
and are not. When I came down here, I was thrust into a professional underground scene of artists who were breaking big. India,
Donnie, Seek, Julie Dexter and others who passed through. It's hard to recreate a level of consistency where everyone who
touches the mike leaves your mouth open.
Tracy: After the re-release of “SayingThings”
and your re-introduction to the world, what’s up next for Kameron Corvet this year?
Kameron: I'm already knee deep
in the next record. It's going to establish a lot of things. It picks up where Saying Things leaves off and in the same time
frame I'll be doing spot dates domestically and internationally starting at the end of February in Paris, France.
Tracy: Ok, Kameron one last thing before we wrap. Hopefully
our interview will publish sometime before or around Valentine’s Day and since you write such beautiful songs with passionate
lyrics what advice can you give couples who need a spark in the romance department?
Kameron: (Role-playing and accessories
aside...just kidding)Go back to the basics please. Go back to simple consideration. Go back to the way you were the first
time and move slower than that. Put music on with no words and let your voices be the lyrics.
Tracy: What is your idea of a romantic Valentine’s Day
or a romantic day in general?
Kameron: Wow that's a good one.
Valentine's Day hasn't traditionally been the luckiest day for me in the past, but I'd say a romantic day would be full of
water, music, silence, voices, skin, laughter started and ended with breakfast in bed.
Tracy: Thank you Kameron Corvet for “SayingThings”
right here on OTV. We really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. Like I told you before it’s artists
like you that keep us motivated to do what we do here at OTV. Good Luck with the re-release launch and keep us in the loop.
Much respect and support from the OTV family.
Kameron: Thank you so much for
taking the time to ask questions of substance Tracy. Behind the music, there's alot that the public doesn't see and believe
it or not, we need the listeners as much as the listeners need us. I'll definitely give you the double scoop.
