Exposed Vocals sits down with Cam Colston for an exclusive interview

Cam Colston is a multi-genre DJ/Producer residing in Las Vegas, NV. His musical tastes are as widespread as his influences. Because of this, his productions vary among several different genres of electronic music including house, progressive, electro, and trance.

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

 

Cam Colston: I grew up in Bethlehem, PA before spending some time in Philadelphia, and later Daytona Beach, FL. I have since relocated to Las Vegas, NV, and happily call the Vegas Valley my home! I like to think I’m still growing up some days 🙂

I’ve always been a passionate creator, spending some time traveling around performing magic before I realized that music was my calling. I’ve spent the past few years putting everything I have into bettering myself musically, and look forward to sharing the results with the world! I really enjoy that being an artist is a constant, never­ending process of learning and improvement.

 

 

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

 

Cam Colston: Cam is short for Cameron, which is my first name. Unfortunately there’s no special story with Colston, I needed a stage name and just thought it sounded good!

 

 

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

 

Cam Colston: I support online music sharing in its many forms. I think you’ll always have your crowds that purchase music legally, and those that download freebies (whether legal or otherwise). I think it says something positive either way that people are actively going after your music. While sales are fantastic, I do appreciate ears on my music, however they got there. I do think there will be some artist­friendly changes coming to online streaming in the future, which would be nice and I think change the landscape a little bit. Some of my music I do provide for free, while others I am unable to do so because of contracts.

 

 

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start­up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

 

Cam Colston: Work, work, work, and then work some more. There is always going to be someone smarter, faster, or better, so make sure you’re not getting out­worked. As the overall quality of your sound and performances improves, that’s when things naturally start to happen. Keep at it, and don’t get discouraged! Overnight success is just the result of YEARS of hard work and dedication! Everyone sees the results, but not many people see the countless hours spent each week honing your craft. Make sure you get out and support other artists, particularly local talent. That’s a GREAT way to get the ball rolling!

 

 

 

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

 

Cam Colston: I think everyone makes mistakes here and there, myself included. What you have to keep in mind is that if you’re performing live, these things can and will happen. It’s important to take a deep breath and power on. You’re doing what you love, it should be fun! Don’t forget that!

 

 

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

 

Cam Colston: I’m not currently touring, but I do regularly visit the San Francisco Bay Area for performances, so I travel fairly often. It’s a great reminder how different people and places are, and how beautiful the world is. A change of scenery is always welcome, and I encourage anyone and everyone to go out and see as much of the world as possible!

 

 

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

 

Cam Colston: For me, inspiration comes from all places: personal life experiences, others’ experiences, art, nature…sometimes an idea or melody will just appear in my head out of nowhere, and it’s time to get to work! My songwriting process depends on the type of track/genre I’m working on, but if often starts with a chord progression using the type of sound from a synthesizer similar to the idea I have in my head. From there, I’ll bring in some basic percussion to get a groove going, and then I’ll work in topline melodies by playing along with the progression I’ve already created.

 

 

Exposed Vocals: Do you have an artist website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

 

Cam Colston: I do! People can visit CamColston.com for some basic information, although Facebook is typically the best bet for staying up to date with things going on in my life and career. I use several online platforms to share my music, but the major ones are SoundCloud, DemoDrop, and ReverbNation. These are of course in addition to websites for purchasing music like iTunes and Beatport. It really all depends on if the track is an original, a remix or mashup, or a DJ transition track. I would recommend visiting my SoundCloud first for new music!

 

SoundCloud.com/CamColston

DemoDrop.com/CamColston ReverbNation.com/CamColston

 

 

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

 

Cam Colston: I personally don’t get embarrassed by my music content! I have genuine appreciation for all styles of music, and listen to pretty much everything. I think it’s quite important to still be able to appreciate songs/styles you may not personally enjoy. There’s a lot to learn from other artists and genres! Especially as a DJ, I have quite a large collection of music. If you were to throw it on shuffle you could easily go from Don

Diablo, to Luke Bryan, Fetty Wap , Slipknot, the Backstreet Boys, and then finish with some KC and The Sunshine Band! I can say I’d be very happy with all of those artists! Music is never something to be embarrassed about! Listen loud, listen proud!

 

 

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

 

Cam Colston: There would be quite a bit of gear purchased, and even more time spent in the studio working on new stuff for you all to hear!

 

 

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

 

Cam Colston: My next purchases will likely be some new studio monitors and a Korg MS­20 synthesizer. Currently I’m running almost completely in the box, meaning my computer is the centerpiece of my production. Other than some live instrumentation or vocals recorded elsewhere, I typically use software synthesizers. I like being able to hook up a midi keyboard and an external soundcard to my laptop and be able to create full productions wherever I am.

 

 

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

 

Cam Colston: With the digital world we live in, it’s easier than ever to be heard. Because of advertising though, a lot of quality content is (unfortunately) pay to play. I think the best way to get your music heard, particularly for EDM artists, is to contact high profile music blogs, submit your music for review, and get an article written up/soundcloud repost from their account. It’s a small price to pay to invest in your career, and it’s certainly a more appealing alternative to buying fake plays and the like.

 

 

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

 

Cam Colston: I think I’d have to say doing a B2B set with Don Diablo at Ushuaïa Ibiza would be the dream. It’s one of my goals to reach that venue as a performer, and Don Diablo is currently a big source of inspiration for me in my career.

 

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

 

Cam Colson: There are several projects currently being worked on actually, with some very talented vocalists from all over the world, including some right here in Las Vegas. I am very excited for things to come! I have six releases currently scheduled for this summer on some great record labels, and many more along the way! It’s going to be a very busy year, and I really look forward to getting everything out there for you all to hear!

 

 

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

 

Cam Colston: I honestly can’t see myself doing anything else anymore now that I’ve made the transition to music full­time. If I would’ve never started along this path however, I’d probably be back working as a magician! The 9­5 life just doesn’t suit me well!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?

 

Cam Colston: While I don’t necessarily remember purchasing my first album, I do very much enjoy supporting other artists financially. It says a lot when someone purchases an album in today’s world, with music being so readily available in so many places. When I make a purchase, I often think about the dedication, time, and hard work that went into the album, and how I hope that one more record sale encourages the artist to continue on their creative path, whatever that may be!

 

 

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

 

Cam Colston: Some days it’s better than others, that’s for sure! For me personally, I have made music my number one priority in life. Everything I do centers around that idea. I do what I can to avoid conflict, but when it arises, music comes first. Some days it’s a struggle, and you do miss quite a few things in your personal life, but knowing I’m focused on what and where I need to be takes precedent and is much more rewarding.

 

 

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?

 

Cam Colston: A TON of brand new music! Between original productions, remixes and mashups, there will be somewhere around 30 releases from me throughout 2016. I keep myself very busy in the studio, and like to stay active with new material. I also regularly DJ at a number of locations in Las Vegas, and fans can follow me on facebook for upcoming performances at Facebook.com/CamColston