24: Introduce yourself to everyone that doesn’t already know who you are.

I am Camille Kaye. I’m a singer, songwriter, dancer, choreographer born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica. R&B and Dancehall fusion is my style.

24: Briefly tell us your history about how you came about getting into the music industry and who were some of your inspirations coming up?

Well, I’ve been in love with music since I can remember but was always too shy to pursue it til late one night when I sang for my boyfriend at the time. He wouldn’t leave me alone until he introduced me to Supahype, a Dancehall producer in Jamaica, who pushed me to continue. I kept meeting people and getting good feedback and here I am. I’m inspired by so many from Lauryn Hill, Mariah Carey and Beyonce, to Jamaican artistes like Beres Hammond, Tanya Stephens, Aidonia and so many more. I’m inspired by good music, regardless of the source.

24: What makes Camille Kaye unique as an artist and separates you from other West-Indian artists?

Just being and staying true to who I am, being influenced by Jamaican culture as well as Hip-Hop, R&B, Rap even Rock. I look at every artistic endeavor from different points of view: how it’s going to sound, the message, how the choreography would feel and look, throw them in my “brain pot” and cook it up. What comes out is me.

24: How did you get the attention of Midilord?

That’s another story, but in a nutshell…I sang for two producer/singers he was working with, they directed me to him, We recorded “Not Like This” which is one of the two singles available for free download on www.camillekaye.com and we just kept going until a contract got involved and here we are. Lol

24: What was your inspiration for the single “Ring Di Alarm”.

“Ring Di Alarm” is just a Dancehall vibe, something to have fun and dance to. You know Dancehall is all about the whining, grinding and tek weh yuself.

24: In the beginning stages of your debut album, what producers have you worked with or would like to work with on this upcoming project?

I have been working with MidiLord first of all, and Sean “Nynex” Ricketts from Calibur Entertainment who produced “Ring Di Alarm,” the other song on my website available for free download. Those are the main producers I’ve recently been working with. I also have works in the making with Stevie G, G3 musik but I’m open to working with people whose sound coincides with the vision I have for my music.

24: Can you give us an estimation on when your album will grace shelves/and or be available for download online?

Based on the progress of the album-worthy tracks an album would probably be available early 2011.

24: Who are some of the features on the project?

Actually, it’s looking like my next single “Fallin'” will feature Ghostwridah. Other features are in the works but I would prefer to keep that info on the low until we record them.

24: Are you happy with the feedback you’ve been getting from the songs you’ve released so far?

Definitely loving the feedback from friends, family and the fans I’ve acquired so far. It’s all positive but not without criticisms, which I thrive on as indicators to show where I can do better and grow as an artiste. I’ve also been getting indirect feedback from people emulating my style already. That is the most unexpected part: at this stage having other people feeling the need to work the way I do. It’s crazy to me!

24: When you put music up for free download, does it bother you at all that you’re giving out the music for free or do you look at that as something that you have to do at this point in your career? 

If people don’t know who I am I don’t expect them to want to back out their wallets to hear my music. I look at it as a way for people to get to know me and what I have to offer and then they can decide later on if the quality and content is what they want to buy. Hopefully it is!

24: As of right now, who in the industry would you say you listen to on a regular and would probably like to work with in the near future?

Easily Drake, Nicki Minaj, Kanye West and Lil Wayne. Those four are on everything and make everything they touch fire! But on a not so obvious note, B.o.B is an all-round musician who I see as a definite future problem and Ghostwridah is a Miami heavyweight who frequents my iPod. Also, Jamaican artistes like Jah Cure, Tami Chynn and Damian Marley are people I have my creative eye on for some future links.

24: Have you ever felt like too much time passes in the game where you have to make it and that window is closing?

That’s actually an awesome question. Lol. I’ve definitely gotten overly anxious to the point where I called my mother from my dorm room in college to say that school was slowing me down and keeping me from my dreams! I’ve learned since to be more patient but I always have this anxiety that I have to hold down and tie up and hide away.

24: How would you describe the changes you’ve witnessed in the music industry from when you entered the game to now?

Major labels have become almost obsolete. Party tracks with less of a message dominate. Artistes are less selective with their collaborations: every artiste is on another’s track.

24: Do you feel like the magazine-type websites or blogs are more valuable today to a new artist?

All media has it’s place in the promotion of old and new talent. Magazine-type websites and blogs like 24hourhiphop.com are just more recent and more accessible forms of information sharing.

24: Do you enjoy the social networking like Facebook and Twitter to keep with your fan base or do you look at it like it’s something you have to do?

I love meeting new people with the same goals and passion for music and the arts as I do. I could do without the egos and empty promise, all talk but no walk, name-dropping, conceited ones though. Those are the ones that make me glad I have a manager.

24: In today’s free download age, what do you need that you don’t have to make yourself a household name?

Major promotion like good quality music videos, I am not trying to settle for anything less. That’s why I haven’t done one yet. The ideas have been discussed but the right director has not been found yet.

24: What else are you currently working on and how would the fans go about contacting you?

As always I am in the studio perfecting these songs. And I am presently shooting a short music video with “I.Am.Kritik” a hot music video director in Jamaica. The song we are doing the video for is called “Trouble” which is produced by Midilord. I am also making plans to get into heavy promo mode come January which will include performances and radio interviews.
To find out more information on me check out ma website www.camillekaye.com where you can download the two singles “Ring Di Alarm” and “Not Like This” remember as mentioned before, its free. On my website are links to my youtube channel, twitter, facebook, and myspace.

24: Any last words?

Big up to Breeze, the 24hour Hip Hop fam and all readers!