We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Formerly “CAM” a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Formerly , so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?
“The best way I’ve gotten past writers block is just going out and living. (Laughs) I don’t really have the problem where I actually can’t think of any ideas, for me, it’s more about not being 100% dialed in on the direction of the mix, or my writing being at a certain level on a certain project, beat, or whatever. Music documentaries always put a battery in my back, or watching interviews online, inspiration can come from the smallest things so just be open minded and let it all in, just do the work to compartmentalize what’s more of what you like, and what you think your audience will appreciate too.”
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
“I’m an artist, musician, writer, producer and engineer from the Southside of Minneapolis, Minnesota. I was raised in a sports household, playing all types of stuff since I could remember, but music always had like, a symbiotic relationship with sports, you know? So after a few (Air quoting) “life events” happened, I fell off that sports path, but I was really lucky to have that connection with music still. I started f****** around on GarageBand during school, then started getting instruments on birthdays, and s*** like that. Eventually jumped into bands in high school, locked in on my engineering on the computer, and basically bounced between learning production and real instruments at the same time. Still love sports too, don’t get me wrong (Laughs) just didn’t have the heart for it anymore back then.”
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
“Oh wow, three qualities that were most impactful for me would have to be like, discipline, because you won’t ever get the result you’re looking for if you can’t buckle down and get through the tasks. Collaboration, because it can help you learn skills, build an audience naturally, if you’re making friends along the way, and, hopefully, building a circle that will be honest about what you’re doing, or creating. All of it is easier said than done, but the results can’t be disputed when you really put in the work whether it is solo, or with your peers, friends, all that.”
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
“My parents allowed for me to dream, period. I was never put in a box, and always encouraged to chase whatever itch [Passion] that I would get into. My mom sacrificed all her time, energy, and money to ensure I knew I could impact the world, and my father and I have had some really healing conversations that kept me from being afraid of the world. I owe them both more than they know, and I represent them everyday I’m here, so I hope I can continue to uphold that reputation as the time goes on.”
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Photography by @BillyTricks
