Riley Cameron – Midnight Daydream
1.What inspired you to pursue a career in music, especially considering your father’s legacy in the industry?
My inspiration in music originally started with my mother taking me to night clubs around 11 or 12 years old. I got into music through the skateboarding scene. She was very supportive of my love for music. It was after that I had the realization of the magnitude of what my father did. I remember that he played guitar, but mostly just remember him as very easy going and good father. Never once did he raise his voice at me.
2. Could you share with us the creative process behind your debut album, “Midnight Daydream”?
The process was a quite inconsistent one. I didn’t just go into a studio with songs already written and ready to go. Some of the songs are rewritten songs that I have been playing around with for years. I would say I took a very modern approach. The majority of the record was written and recorded at home.
3. How would you describe the sound of your album and what influences did you draw from while creating it?
I would describe it as a modern sound. Lots of different influences, my generation grew up listening to whatever caught our ear. So we were exposed to a lot of genres, which was socially acceptable as well. I would say I draw most of my lyrical and electronic influence from hip-hop artists like Wu-tang Clan, Eminem, Tupac, lil Wayne etc. But my rock influence comes from bands like ASG, Mastadon, Skid Row, Queensryche, Asking Alexandria…that list could go on for quite a while.
4. How did you approach the production and engineering of the album?
I had to get through a lot of learning curves. Which to me was a very enjoyable process, I took my time with everything. I was very patient with myself through it all and really took in the input of my peers that were not familiar with audio production.
5. What do you hope listeners will take away from your music and the message behind it?
Hope. That there is another way. That there is someone else out there who has been through the same stuff, felt the same way. And that you’re not alone. You can get through anything.
6. How did your father’s work and musical legacy influence your own creative journey?
It made me realize that if you work hard enough and you want something bad enough. No matter how impossible something may seem, you can achieve it. What he did would have seemed impossible to most. Plus it was an amazing record. I’m proud to carry his legacy. Always will be.
7. What was the biggest challenge you faced while working on your album and how did you overcome it?
Staying focused while being in recovery. Confronting my demons while still maintaining the confidence to be creative and enjoy what I create.
8. Do you have any plans for a live tour or performances to promote your album?
There are plans of touring in the U.S. As much as we possibly can.
9. What role do you think digital streaming platforms have in the music industry today and how important is it for artists to have a presence on these platforms?
I think they play the biggest role. They have killed record sales yes. Which is not something any of us are happy about. But it’s part of the evolution of the industry. These platforms provide a very cheap way of artist to get exposure to Market themselves. The industry is more saturated, but that just means that you have to stand out that much more.
10. What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are looking to pursue a career in the music industry?
Stick to it, and when people say to you that it’s impossible, understand that it is possible for the person that believes that, for the ones that have a dream, believe in yourself. Because its only as possible as you believe that it is.
For more information:
Midnight Daydream BandCamp : midnightdaydreamus.bandcamp.com
Midnight Daydream Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr-GPnIG_beRdyIGPl9Byrw
Midnight Daydream Facebook Page : Midnight Daydream | Facebook
