E15 - Rising Star: Kate Cameron's Journey to Success in Nashville

Hello and good morning. If you're listening on Sunday at 8am when the new episode drops, you're listening to Visible Panty Lines, AKA vpl, the pod. And these are transparent and intimate conversations of inspiration and encouragement and overcoming adversity. And sometimes I get to interviews. Well, I would say all the times I get to interview really cool people. But I especially appreciate a musician and a singer, especially having the background that I do and having, you know, a dad that's a singer and a stepdad that was a music teacher and a band director. And just having the musical background, I definitely appreciate how hard that is to make it in that industry. So my guest today is someone who is definitely making it. She is Kate Cameron. She is a country singer who actually hails from Boston. So she's in Nashville. You're in Nashville now, correct?

Yes, I've lived in Nashville for almost eight years.

Oh, wow. Okay, so you have your Boston roots, but you are in the country industry. And your inspiration really as a vocalist comes from Aerosmith, Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, all really great artists and focusing on songwriting. After you graduated college from Berklee College of Music, then you really, I guess, moved to Nashville. And you'll tell us all about that and how you did that. And you have a new single out which is called Wait up and it sounds like it's really fun lyrics. It's a really fun campy, yet bold message. Kind of a nod to Shania Twain, you say, and like the 90s boy band era, which is cool because we're all about nostalgia these days anyway.

Yeah.

So tell me a little bit about like how your career got to this point.

Yeah, for sure. So like you said, I grew up in the Boston area and ended up going to college at Berkeley College of Music, which is really cool music school in downtown Boston. It's kind of funky. Cause you're around all these like elite colleges. You're next to Harvard and mit and then there's this music school right in Boston. So it's kind of an interesting juxtaposition to go to school there because it's such like a college town, but you're studying music every single day there. So it's a really interesting college experience to go there, I would say. But I met my best friends there. And then right after that I came to Nashville and I was an intern for a little bit and had several like non music jobs along the way up until now. And I really just like to explore my story of, you know, what it's like being an independent musician in Nashville. And not just being a musician, but also, like, being a woman who's still in my 20s. You know, I'm 29 now, so not for much longer, but just spreading the word experience of. Yeah, that experience of just like how hard it is to move away from home, follow your dream, working other jobs along the way, trying to make everything happen. And it's not as easy as people think. But also.

No, it is not. I always like to say it takes 20 years to become an overnight success.

Yeah, 100%. And I know you have a million passion projects that you work on, so you totally get that. And. Yep. And that's why I'm like, super excited to talk to you as well, and.

Just spreading the love of music and spreading my story of, like, working hard and being that, you know, driving independent musician. Just trying to figure it out every single day.

Yeah, I mean, that's what it's about. And what's really cool now, like, with. Especially with the music industry, is you can be on YouTube basically and get, I guess, discovered, quote, unquote. But, like, I don't even think being discovered anymore is about getting a record deal. It's like the public discovers you and then the other part comes later, you know, oftentimes. And that's happened with so many artists who kind of like built the social media presence and then, you know, the. The deal or whatever, you know, coveted record deal kind of comes after the fact, but it's like the success is already there. So I think that's really neat. Like this day and age that we're in.

Yeah, everything's a little bit like, in some facets, people think it's less authentic because, you know, we're essentially trying to sing into our phones, but in a lot of ways, like, yeah, like the public and like, people, you know, scrolling TikTok or whatever, everyone is so much smarter now these days. They can see through, like, who has a real connection with their music and who doesn't.

Yeah.

And it's interesting, like, living here for eight years when I first moved here, like, Instagram was barely happening. Like, that was, you know, 2014, 2015. Like, it was. It was up and running, but not to the extent it was all throughout my 20s. And so it was really interesting to move here eight years ago, see the music scene, kind of how people were getting signed. And now, eight years later, seeing how they get signed now just through TikTok, it's crazy.

Yeah, no, it's so true. And about authenticity, especially, like, I'm a huge fan of country Music. My husband and I have been to like a million shows, and I definitely think there's that particular genre especially, like, there is an authenticity factor. Like, it's not as much about being like a packaged musician. It's about, you know, really playing your instruments and writing your own stuff and, like, telling a story. And that's, I think, something that, like, isn't appreciated enough about country music. So you're right. Like, people can see through basically all the bullshit. Yeah, absolutely. Essentially. So it's like, if you have that authentic voice and connection. It's funny because, like, years and years ago I was at the Today show doing a segment and Craig Campbell was there and. And we like, basically ended up spending like a couple of hours backstage with him and like, becoming like, friends kind of with him and chatting with him. And Joe, Jamie Har was with him, who is the, like, head of marketing for Broken Bow Records. I don't know if you know her. She's a super cool, like, amazing person. And I became friendly with her because she's really into fashion and she was. Was writing a fashion blog. And so she started talking to me and, you know, pre pandemic, she would kind of get us, like, tickets to all these shows and anytime any of the artists would come to New York. And it was neat because I remember, like, we saw Kane Brown, for example, in like, a really small venue here in upstate New York. And like. Right. And he, like, invited us to watch from the side of the stage and all this stuff. And I like, said to my husband, I'm like, this guy is going to be a huge step. Are. Yeah. You know, because he was just really, like, genuine and down to earth and, like, not trying to put on airs or, like, be somebody else. Like, he just was like in his jeans and whatever, you know, was like, hey. We were like, hanging out backstage, and then he literally walked on stage and started singing. And I was like, this is great. Like, this is really, like. I love that this is what music is. And like, no offense to anyone, like Britney Spears or anyone like that who I like, obviously can't not love, but. Or like Backstreet Boys, like you mentioned, you know, in your bio. But like, those are like the package kind of people, right. Of the music industry.

Yeah.

And it's like, I think we don't.

Very similar to a tv, like, medium. It's like, it's that human to human connection. And sometimes someone's an amazing powerhouse singer, but you don't have to be either. It's just like on that baseline do people connect with you or your voice or your songs? And, like, it's so interesting how, like, entertainment works. It's not always the biggest, craziest thing that works in a certain format.

No, it's so true. And it's like, especially after the pandemic, at least in my industry, like, we started doing TV via Zoom, and, like, I set up this, like, little setup. This is in my dining room. And, like, my dog is walking around and my cat is meowing at me, and, like, my kids are here, and, you know, one is homesick from school today. And, like, I used to be, like, everything had to be so perfect. Like, I would have every hair perfectly in place and, like, nail down every detail. And, like, you know, my outfit had to be perfect and, like, what I was going to say had to be perfect. And, you know, 20 years of operating that way, and then the pandemic happened, and I was just like, so what if, you know, I didn't shower yet, but just threw on some makeup? And so, you know, I just brushed my teeth and came out here. And so what if my dog's working in the background? Like, everybody has a dog, or, you know.

Yeah.

So for sure. Yeah. So it's, like, been. It's an interesting time. I think, like, now it's kind of trickling over where it's, like, refreshing in a way to just be yourself and, like, it's okay to do that. Like, be yourself and make it on that, you know?

Yeah. And, like, that circles right back to what we said, like, right in the beginning. It's like, people can see that authenticity of what you're trying to put out there. And sometimes it takes time to find yourself, too. Not everyone is so lucky to, like, have that instant gratification when they're first starting out. Some people do, and that's awesome. But sometimes it takes a while to find what works for you, you know, and what works for you doesn't necessarily work for someone else either, so.

Oh, so true. Like, I remember when I first moved to New York, and I was, like, in my 20s, basically, and I started going on camera. You know, I had been behind the scenes as a producer before that, and I started going on camera, and I was like. Felt like I had to, like, play this part where I had, like, the designer shoes or the designer, you know, stuff, and, like, had to be this, like, New York City person or whatever. And in reality, it was, like, me being upstate New York, you know, girl next door, Janae was what people started booking me for, I think. And what people really related to and liked and, like, being a mom and, you know, just like everybody else kind of. Even though I have this platform where I do get to, you know, write and go on TV and stuff. So I think, like, yeah, it took me a few years to learn that for sure. And it was definitely fun and glamorous to be that other person, like, for a little while, you know, do these, like, red carpet things and, like, try to be fancy and, you know, but it's like you'll always kind of come back to your heart, I guess, where your heart is at, and then that will show through. So I know you're writing and stuff. Are you, like, actively performing? Like, what is your life like right now?

Right now I pick up any gig that I can. I. I'm kind of interesting, like I said, because I, like, went to music school when I was in Boston. I was gigging, like, sometimes up to four nights a week just at bars in Boston. And at the time, I was barely 21, and if not, I was like 19 or 20. And I was connecting with a couple country radio stations in town. Because at the time that was really all there was to connect with as far as music industry goes, was the radio stations up there. So I, you know, my little naive self just emailed one of the radio DJs and said, hey, like, I see you guys, like, have an event calendar. Like, do you want live music? And she was like, hey, like, I don't book that, but I'll send you to someone that does organize that. And I was like, okay. And it ended up being this, like, thing where I would, like, play at a bar next to Fenway park if Jason Aldean was gonna play that night. And I would play like the pre party. And it just stumbled into this, like, crazy experience of performing at, like, such a young age. And at the time, I really didn't take, like, that much pride in it. Cause I didn't even know that that was, like, rare or like, I don't even really know how the dots all connected at that point. And then when I moved to Nashville, it was kind of this weird, rude awakening because, you know, there's thousands of. Not me, but there's thousands of musicians here trying to do that same spot that I was doing in Boston. So I kind of had to, like, find myself a little bit. And that really came through. Working, like, external jobs. I managed some, like, Airbnbs for a while. I, like, sold it software, but it was like, all those, like, that I didn't really get in college that I probably should have just because I went to a music school. But it. I needed that, like, life experience to really bring me back to music, to where I was more relatable, more like a human being and not just like a music robot. You know, like, I'm graduating, right?

And definitely life experiences are fodder for, like, music writing. You know, I mean, like, it's. I often wonder, like, sometimes you see, like, a child prodigy, and you're like, they're singing about love. And, like, wait. You're like, wait, what? Like, how do you know what that is?

You know?

Yeah.

Yeah. And, like, whether I was, you know, aware of it or not, like, going to music school for four years, it does kind of keep you in that bubble. And, like, you're not, you know, you're so experienced in your music, but, like, does that relate to people? I don't. Sometimes it does. Sometimes it does it. So in my early 20s, I really, like, did a lot of different things. I traveled a lot. Like, I went to Europe a few times. Like, I said, I had a few career jobs outside of music. And the pandemic was the thing that really, like, snapped me back into music because it gave me that, like, year to really just sit by myself with my guitar, just like I did when I was a kid. And I was like, oh, my God. Like, this makes all the dots connected at that point. I was like, okay, this makes way more sense now. Just having, like, a little bit more life experience under my belt than it did when I was 18. Just trying so hard to, like, make something happen. But now I'm like, okay, I just got to, like, sit back, make good music, connect with people, right? Yeah. It's interesting how you, like, come to that realization sometimes.

It's so true. So you've been playing since you were a kid, you said? Yeah, playing and singing, even.

Still, like, I'll pick up gigs all the time. You know, Nashville, there's. I'm assuming you've been here before.

No. And that's what's so crazy. Like, it's definitely a place that's on my list. I just haven't been there yet. It's a place I, like, really want to go, and it's not that far away, so I'm like, yeah, haven't I been there?

Well, if you come down here, you let me know, and we'll go grab.

A drink or something.

We'll hang out.

Oh, my God, I love that. That would be so cool.

Yeah. Now it really reminds me of, like, a mini la, where it's like you got that industry. You got that, like, sort of like valley feel to some of the neighborhoods. And then it's really interesting. And then you have, like, part of Nashville is like a college town, but then you go to downtown and it's thousand bars with live music. And I can't even.

Like, it seems like the coolest place. Like, so why country music? Besides the fact that it is such a welcoming industry, like, for you, why country?

This is kind of a funny story too. I've done music basically my whole life. But when I was like, 16 or 17, I kind of changed my group of friends. In high school, I was always doing music, and so I kind of like hot friend groups a few times in school. I was not really an outcast. I just kind of, like, partially got along with everybody, but partially was doing my own thing. And. Yeah, anyways, I got this group of friends who, like, was obsessed with country music. Like, one of the girls was, like, professional horseback rider, like, at like, 15 years old. Like, wow. Yeah. Bonfires are in their backyard. It was like, really cool group of friends. And that's basically how I got into it. It wasn't because I grew up with. It wasn't because my family was into it. I just kind of stumbled upon it in high school, and then I was already playing guitars. I'm like, oh, my gosh, this is so much cooler to, like, play guitar and write country music. It kind of, like, already fits the format. So when I was in college, I just really, like, took that and ran with it. And like I said, I just started, like, emailing radio stations to get gigs and going to a bunch of country concerts and, like, really just, like, honing in on that craft. In college.

Yeah. Oh, awesome. Yeah, another one, too, that comes to mind is we met Nikki Guyton through Craig Campbell, and she was like, you know, really just starting out and nobody knew who she was. And we met her a couple times, and then she just seemingly overnight. But like I always say, you know, it's never overnight, like, blew up, you know, so it's great to see how that can happen. And I'm sure that that's en route for you.

Yeah, you just never know that next thing. And I've been close. When I say I've been close, I mean, I've been close to a lot of different.

People that were really close to hopping on my train. And it just. The dots just didn't connect for me. But I've been really close to it. So it's like I Know.

Oh, I know how that's frustrating, too.

Yeah. And especially in, like, a girl like Mickey's case. Like, she's been in town for decades, I feel. Or at least she's been doing for some time.

Yeah.

So I can only imagine how many stories she has of just, like, feeling like you're right there on that edge, and then you, like, fall right off of it. But then you climb, climb, climb, climb. And then you kind of feel like you're right there. And that happens several times.

Oh, my God.

Before you really, like, feel like you're on top of that hill, you know.

I don't know if you ever really feel like you're on top. Like, I've had so many. Like, it's crazy because I've been doing this for 22 years now, and it's, like. Which I feel like is a long time, you know? But then I try to look at. I'm like, okay, Oprah was, like, 50 before she became famous. And, like, you have all these people and their stories, right? And it's like, I hopped into an Uber in L. A last week, and the guy was like, wait, are you, like, on TV or something like that? Because I was talking about being at a shoot, and he's like, oh, my God, you're the first famous person I've had in my car and, like, bugging out. And I'm like, you know, so it's, like, funny because it's all relative. It's like, here this guy thinks it. To him, I'm this, like, big famous star. But, like, yeah, in my mind, I'm like, oh, I've been, like, climbing my way. And like you said, then, like, you feel like you have a setback, and then you're like. Like, you're always just on the verge, you know? And it's like the next thing might lead you or has led you to some other kind of, like, path or notoriety, but you, like, never really feel like you're there. And I definitely. I guess it's not as quantifiable as it might be in music. Like, someone in music might say, okay, when I get, like, a top 10 hit, you know that, like, you might have more of, like, a gauge than someone like me. Like, I was like, okay when I published my first book, you know, which. That was 2009 now. So it's like. It's crazy. It's like you just keep going, I guess is like, the motto of that for, like, no matter whether, you know, you're in your late 20s, like, you are in your 40s. Like, me, it's like, you just keep going. It's a journey. And I guess, like, appreciate the journey along the way rather than, like, that goal, you know?

Yeah. Yeah. And, like, I always just, like, tell people it's like, I'm still doing music, like, whatever, like, level it's at. Like, I'm still doing what I set out to do, and then, you know, eventually, like, that will come around. And, like, again, connecting with people is, like, the name of the game. And, like, whatever medium, if it's TV or writing books, it's just. It's finding what makes people tick at the end of the day. And, like, this is crazy. I'm talking to you. Like, two weeks ago, I was at a bar and randomly ran into, like, a HGTV director and ended up hanging out with her for, like, four hours. Like, it was in, like, we just connected so well. She was like, oh, my God, like, we should pitch a TV show. And I was like, yeah, I don't know.

Maybe we should.

Like, I have my real estate license, so, like, that's, like, what I do. Otherwise, perfect. So it was, like, so crazy. I just, like, met this girl, but, like, not that I think that that would happen, like, this year, but I'm like, that's just really cool that, like, she saw that in me before. Before I even saw that in me. You know, it's. You don't. You never know where it's going to take you. You just don't know.

You don't. And. And I'm a big believer in, like, the universe putting, like, people in front of you or in certain places so that you can, like, maybe even if this woman, like, never comes through with, like, doing something for you, she put the idea in your head that you probably would have never thought of, you know? So it's like she was there for a reason for sure.

And it was.

And, like, maybe someday you do that. Yeah.

And I randomly, like, told her I was like, oh, my gosh. Like, the closest, like, TV personality that I would have is, like, bringing, like, a Chelsea Handler thing to hgtv, because I grew up watching Chelsea Handler in high school, like, every single night on E. And she was like, yep, I've.

Met her and interviewed her. She's a trip. She was one of my first celebrity interviews, like, ever.

Oh, my God. And she goes, yeah, I used to be one of her assistants. And I was like, oh, like, you.

Know, the eyes have, like. So it's funny because I may have even met this woman because I interviewed Chelsea backstage way back when. And her assistants were there and everything. And this was like, maybe like 2010 or 2011, so. That's so funny.

Yeah. Yeah. That was probably, like, the heat of her TV show right there. So.

Yeah, totally. Like, she. Yeah, she was on the road touring, and I think she had just maybe started doing the show or something or she had, like, her other. Cause I think she had another show before that, but.

Yeah, I know.

And it's so nice, too, when even if, like, someone's just there just kind of to, like, provide a little nugget of inspiration, you know, and if that's your only purpose, like, to inspire you a little bit or like when you're having a down day and then you suddenly, like, get that, you know, inspiring person in front of you, it's like. Right. That's just maybe something that you needed that day to keep you plugging along.

Yeah, exactly. You know, it's just nice to talk to, like, people like you and, you know, that have that same hustle and that same determination.

Yes.

No matter what the field is, you know.

Yeah. I have no doubt, like, you'll. You'll definitely make it as long as you keep going. Like, I. The crazy thing is I wanted to be a singer my whole life, and I sing also, and I think I wanted to go to Juilliard and study singing. And that was, like, my plan. And I wanted to be on Broadway. That was my plan. And then I think what happened is I just saw my dad, like, go through so much devastating rejection that it made me. I mean, he had, like, some small success. Like, you know, he had published music and everything, but he. I just felt like it really put a negative spin on it for me. And so, like, everything that I did thus far with, like, singing and performing and dancing and acting and like, modeling and everything I was doing, I just turned that into the broad, like, a broadcasting career. And I think you're. You end up with where you're meant to be anyway, as long as you follow your passion and you don't follow money or, you know, anything like that. Because I. Funny, you mentioned real estate, because my ex husband's family tried to. Really tried to push me into real estate because they felt like this writing career or whatever wasn't going to help me earn enough income, I guess. Yeah.

Yeah.

Which I was able to prove them wrong, which was nice. But I. Nothing against real estate, but it is. And I probably would be good at the sales aspect of it, but it isn't my passion. And so I would Always say, like, I appreciate you, you know, basically presenting me this opportunity because I would have had this great opportunity outside in New York City, but I just was like, I have to follow my heart. And I think, you know, whether that, you know. Yeah. Right or wrong, like, that's. That's the way to go, for sure.

Because you're going to look back and be, like, so happy that you did that, you know?

Yeah, I think so, too.

Always get your real estate list. I tell everyone.

Right. I know that's right. There's been times where I've had, like, slow points, you know, in my career, especially, like, the pandemic was especially challenging because everything just came to a screeching halt for me, and I ended up launching a bra line on qvc, but then with the crystal aspect, which was really nice and, like, heartfelt and, you know, made people feel good, but it was scary, like, financing it myself and, like, doing it during a pandemic. It's like, you know, again, just like, following your heart instead of, like, saying, like, well, what am I going to do now? That's like the. What do they always say? Like, oh, you need to get a real job, you know, or whatever.

Like, yeah, yeah, for sure.

So I think that's important. So for those that are listening and aren't watching on YouTube, Kate is adorable and looks like Carrie Underwood.

So you can look her up. And where can they find your music and everything else about you?

You can stream my music on any platform. Spotify, Apple, whatever you choose to do. YouTube Music, all those streaming platforms, you can find my music. I try to put out as many singles at a time as I can, financially speaking. So.

Right. I know studio time is expensive. Right.

It's all. Everything is expensive.

Yes, of course.

But, yeah, you can stream my music, definitely. Like, follow me on Instagram. That's like, the platform I use the most. Probably. I'm trying to get on the TikTok train, but hopefully I'll. I'll get there or a new platform will come out that will explode this year, you know.

Perfect. Yeah, exactly. I know it took me a little while to, like, want to do TikTok, because I was, like, so resistant to it. And then I kind of, like, got a little bit addicted to it for a while, and I was like, this is kind of better than Instagram.

Yeah.

Because you can just kind of do whatever. And, like, it's. You can be stupid and silly and, like, people don't care. It doesn't have to be so polished, for sure. So they'll definitely would be able to see a different side of you than maybe they're seeing on Insta. So you should check it out. Sure.

For sure.

Well, thank you so much. It has been great chatting with you, and we'll definitely have to continue the conversation and, like, check in with you again and see where you're at.

Yeah.

With everything.

Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me. I know, I know. You got some really awesome guests. I checked. Rolled through your podcast.

Yes.

It was really cool to, like, listen to snippets here and there, and I really appreciate you chatting with me. And if you ever come to Nashville, let me know.

I know we're gonna hang out. Totally. I really have to make that happen. There's, like, a little short list of places that. That's right at the top of it.

Okay, awesome.

All right, well, have a good week, and happy Thanksgiving.

Thank you so much. Happy Thanksgiving.

All right, take care.

Bye. Bye. Bye.

Thank you so much. And, everybody, you have been listening to Visible Panty Lines, the podcast. A new episode drops the first three Sundays of every month. Thanks for tuning in, and we'll see you next week.