The Artist Explains: Cameron Bloomfield - 'Lazarus'
Alternative R&B artist Cameron Bloomfield has released his new single ‘Lazarus’, the track was produced by KZ, and it combines soul, indie and funk sounds. He took a moment to talk us in more depth about the track.
Your new single ‘Lazarus’ is out now, what is the inspiration behind the track?
It was more about an internal journey after a couple years spending a lot of time on sofas and finding out a lot about myself. This was at a time where a lot of my friends had left. Most of my life was about writing and partying which was sick but I wasn’t in a great space mentally and money being so tough didn’t help. The song revolves around the idea of rebirth, which was an idea that I’d struggled with, but this was an expression of the moment that idea really clicked for me. It became about priorities and focusing in on what I was passionate about and then getting myself in the best state to do it properly. I feel like the music I listen to really expresses how I’m feeling at the time as well. I was listening to a lot of Alabama Shakes at the time, D’Angelo and James Blake. They all definitely have influenced it on some level.
Where was the track recorded? Any behind the scenes stories you are happy to share?
It was recorded at a few places - the first start of the idea was in my TV room a couple years back while the rest of the family was asleep. I then met KZ and showed him the idea, as well as chatting a lot about the stories behind it. We worked on it together at his place in Wood Green. He moved to a different spot in Stoke Newington where we finished it, so it's already had a bit of a journey!
The track was produced by KZ, who has worked with the likes of Kojey Radical, The Prodigy, and more. How did that partnership come about between the two of you? How was the experience working together?
He’s become a good friend of mine. We’ve known each other for a little while now and ‘Lazarus’ was the start of that relationship. Our first session was mostly just chatting and getting to know each other, which is when I showed him the idea that went on to become Lazarus. It was pretty different at that point but he really brought the magic. Working with him is super easy too, he really gets the mentality behind creating something special and creating a dynamic for you to really trust yourself. As well as being talented enough for you to trust him to take it somewhere. The producer/artist relationship is such a complex one but the trust you have for each other is key!
‘Lazarus’ was adapted from an old poem of yours, do you still write poetry? Who are your favourite poets?
I do but, but not consciously. It’s more scribbles of inspiration that come out however they come out, some with the intention of developing them with music and others with no real intention at all. It’s more a way for me to keep expressing my perspective as it happens, especially when there isn’t a studio at hand. Creativity is so fluid and it can be so fleeting that having these different avenues of expression really helps keep my mind in flow. Poetry is such a broad spectrum though that it’s hard to nail down, but the Beat Poetry movement is one that I’m really drawn to. The freedom and the vividness of the writing is something that really speaks to me. It’s a feeling I’ve only ever had from reading Hunter S. Thompson novels and listening to someone like Gil Scott Heron or Kendrick. Other than that, I love Nayyirah Waheed’s work. There’s a delicacy to her writing that’s cold and she plays with space in a really interesting way. Wretch 32 is the guy though for real.
Now the track is out there, what next? What are your plans for the next few months?
There’s a lot happening in the next few months, ‘Lazarus’ was fully just the start - I hate it when people say that but it’s really real! There’s a whole new project in the works, with some very cool bits around it, as well as a London show that I’m just about to announce. I’m not sure whether this will come out before I announce it, so I’ll just say as soon as you read it check the socials for the tickets!