Following a string of releases throughout the past twelve months, artist and producer camiam xii kindly took part in an interview, where we talk all things creativity, being unique, inspiration, live shows, values, and plenty more. Here’s the conversation in full.
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Hey, thanks for the interview – how are things over in Houston right now?
Thanks for the opportunity. um, over here it’s pretty alright. the weather can’t seem to make up its mind and it’s pretty annoying haha but other than that, yeah it’s cool.
Congrats on the Seppuku EP – what can you tell us about this project, how did it come to be, and what does it represent for you?
So this ep is actually like, a bad future version of my album Xii Dreams. These were the only tracks I had vocals on and I didn’t wanna hold onto them anymore. in the album I was going to build a narrative of finding the peace in a dark situation, and towards the end I did, but I wanted to move on from that point of my life and just put the album and ep out as is.. even if they aren’t a hundred percent complete.
How long have you been making original music, and what first inspired you to start?
I’ve been making music since about 2011. Honestly what got me wanting to make music was I use to animate on my DSi.. do you remember Flipnote ? haha
Anyways, I use to have to use video game soundtracks and so both of those just sparked something i wanted to get into. and Tyler, the creator.
Once I found out about him and that he self produced I was majorly inspired.
The first song I wanted to remix or remake, rather was turned down by hodgy beats actually.
Is there much of a scene for this kind of alternative hip hop over in Houston, prior to Covid of course?
I actually have no idea. I really think I’m solely original in my sound. I can’t even find same sounding music on YouTube. I really hope I’m my own.
Do you produce your own beats, and if so – what comes first, the beat or the concept?
Yeah, I produce all my music. Normally I just play some chords and try to find something from there. If not, I sample, although I’m trying to stray away from doing it a lot.
This year I’ve been going concept first, which in the end results the same I’m finding, but everything does sound more focused I guess you could say.
What does it mean to be a philosopher in our contemporary world?
To me, I think it’s being someone for others to look up to or come to for anything – studying and genuinely understanding people – to enlighten them in places that may be unknown to them. A light at the end of a tunnel, you know?
I’d like to think if we all gave each other a chance, and listen to different view points, we would all be in a better position
What does a live show look like from camiam xii?
If I were to have a show, I’d just want it to, kinda be like a rave almost. I’d be behind the turntable transforming all my music into an experience. I’d have the instrumentals play, I’d rap, I’d give cool fun facts about the tracks.. Basically that
Have the events of 2020 impacted your creative drive or your plans going forwards as an artist?
Only thing that affected me negatively was that I was gonna possibly perform at SXSW, a pretty big festival thing that happens every year in Austin. Other than that, nah – I’ve been good in my progression, if not better honestly.
What are the main values you want to bring to the scene?
Pure creativity through the music, maybe a new genre with my type of style – that’d be cool too.
Which track of yours should new listeners check out if they only have time for one, and why?
I really think about this all the time and it’s a super hard question.. like do I give them a song with my raps? do I want them to think I’m a rapper? Do I give them an instrumental? Will that song accurately reflect me as a whole?
It’s tough, but if I were to pick just one .. it would probably be Perfect Manifest: Twitter Drafts or as it’s called on SoundCloud, August. The lyrics in there are pretty top notch, the beat is kinda cool, and I pretty much lay my whole outlook on things in there, so .. that one
What’s the best piece of advice you were ever given in life?
Everything I know I’m self taught, so I haven’t really gotten any advice better than mine. But if I can still answer, it’d be “even when you’re down, you’re not out.”
Basically, like – just because you’re in a tough position or something isn’t going your way, doesn’t mean that’s the end. You’ve got plenty left in you. Never give up
Is there anything else we should know?
Anything else .. hmm .. well my names kame, and I’ve got a basketball game tomorrow.. I have a Patreon y’all should definitely consider joining in on! I’ve made so much music this year and you can literally hear from January to now the progression and maturing in my sound. That’s if I were to promote.
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Check out camiam xii on Twitter & Instagram.
