“‘Another’ is about getting over somebody while discovering someone new within yourself,” Camden Cox begins. “It encapsulates the mixed feelings of sadness and loss, alongside excitement and optimism. ‘There can be another’ is the realisation that the end of one love can mark the beginning of another; there’s always more to discover.” The track, out now, reaffirms Cox’s status as a sonic triple-threat. Hailing from the East Midlands, she has mastered the realm of dance music as a DJ, vocalist, and songwriter to watch.
“Another” is intoxicating, destined for the dance floor, and infused with clubby beats, all while feeling like Cox’s most introspective offering yet. The hit follows a significant year for Camden, in which she was nominated for a Grammy for writing Kx5’s massive hit “Escape.” Here, we caught up with the London-based artist to discuss her multifaceted artistic upbringing, her efforts to empower women in dance music through her work, and her new single. Keep reading…
And listen to Camden Cox’s new single…
Hi Camden! Thanks so much for chatting with us, and congrats on your new single. Can you tell us a bit about the inspirations behind the track?
Thanks! This track is super personal to me as I wrote it right after coming out of a long relationship. The transition from being a pair, to being alone, it’s about missing them but feeling optimistic about finding another you!
Can you share a bit about your artistic upbringing and when you first fell in love with the craft?
I grew up on dnb because my mum was a promoter for dnb club nights in Birmingham. I used to love coming home from school and hearing it blasting through the house. My dad was always in bands and I used to go and watch him live, so between them sparked a massive inspiration!
Who were some of your earliest personal and professional influences?
Vocally – Enya, Robyn, Ellie Goulding, Bjork, Roisin Murphy.
Sonically – Massive Attack, Pendulum, Chase & Status, Deadmau5, Kaskade.
You’ve worked with an A-list of artists this year in big collaborations. How does your approach to songwriting change when you’re working with other artists compared to creating music for your solo projects?
I’m quite adaptable in sessions because I was a songwriter first! I write across all genres of dance music and really love the flexibility as it keeps things fresh, and no day is ever the same! I hone in on the artist’s sound and channel their energy in the studio, let them take the lead, whereas when I’m writing for my solo protect I take the lead and always make sure it’s personal to me.
As such a multilayered artist, what aspect of your creative process do you find most fulfilling, and why?
Probably the songwriting, because it’s like therapy to me. Whatever is on my mind or sparks my creativity, will turn into a piece of music and there’s something so rewarding about that! Hearing my heart and soul, and my lyrics, on the radio or being played out to thousands of people at a show, is a feeling like no other! I’ll never take it for granted.
Celebrating women in dance music is a big part of your work. How important is it for you to champion underrepresented voices, and how can listeners be part of this movement?
So important! It’s one of the reasons I started DJ’ing… as I wasn’t being seen or heard as “just a vocalist.” It gave me a push to break boundaries and just basically do it all myself! I always make sure I’m championing the girls in my sets, and I recently threw an all female club night in Hackney which was incredible! Listeners can be a part of this movement by finding featured artists on songs they love – and then actually going and checking out that person’s solo music as well! A lot of DJs love a female vocalist on their music, and it’s highly likely that the vocalist will also have a project of their own.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to newcomers in the industry? And one piece of advice you were given that you’ve never forgotten?
I will always tell people to be patient. People think this can happen quickly, but it really doesn’t! When you think someone has “come out nowhere” they will 99% have put in their 10,000 hours beforehand. I was once offered a secure job in singing, for really good money, but someone told me to turn it down and start writing – because it will add a whole other world of opportunity alongside the singing. They said that although it was the harder route, and the “being skint” route, it would bring me so much more longevity and fulfilment in the long run. They were absolutely right!
You have a big summer ahead of you, performing at massive festivals from HARD LA to Lollapalooza Chicago. What are you most excited about, and how do you prepare for such an intense season?
It’s all so exciting! Intense indeed, as most of it is so far away from home which can be challenging, but I feel very lucky to be in this position where I can see the world with my work! I can’t wait to play EDC Vegas again, last year was truly epic so it’s an honour to be invited back alongside so many of my fave artists.
What are some artists you’re loving to hear at the moment? And do you have any dream collaborations?
I’m loving Rebuke, Effy, Joy Orbison, Julia Church, ATRIP. I’m lucky enough to be working with a couple of these already but I’d love to collab with Romy, Camelphat, Dom Dolla, Charlotte De Witte, Deadmau5.
What else excites you about 2024? Any projects in the pipeline you’d like to share with us?
I’m buzzing about all the releases I’ve got lined up! I’m going hard on the solo music this year so you can expect lots of CC singles! I also have some pretty amazing collabs lined up as well so hold tight for those, it’s going to be a big year!