At just twenty years old, Cameron Rooks already has gained 4-5 years of composing and producing experience on top of mastering the saxophone and teaching himself piano and acoustic guitar. Recently, I sat down with the producer and composer to talk about his new music.   

Sech: What inspired you to start composing music?

Cameron: I was first inspired to start composing music back in highschool. I felt like music was a great outlet and a positive way to express my creativity.

Sech: Who would you say influenced your musical perspective? Any artist or bands in particular that lead you into a specific genre or style/direction?

Cameron: My musical perspective has been influenced by people such as Michael Jackson, OUTKAST, Swizz beats, Dr. Dre, paramore, Aerosmith, and many more. I can’t find myself focusing on just one specific genre because I want my music to reach the ears of many and I want everyone to be able to relate.

Sech: How many years have you been composing?

Cameron: I have been composing music for about 4 to 5 years. One of my fathers co-workers installed a music production software called, “Fruity Loops” on my laptop and I have been hooked on music composing and production ever since.

Sech: What would you say is the difference between composing and producing?

Cameron: Composing is the way one creates an art or foundation which usually consists of drums, bass, and instruments. Producing usually consist of finalizing steps such as mixing, vocals, and reverb to become closer to distribution of your work.

Sech: Who, if anyone, would you like to collaborate with?

Cameron: I would collab with a number of people whether they are artists, DJs, or producers. Just as long as they are serious about their product and their work.

Sech: Are you currently producing any other artists besides yourself?

Cameron: Yes I am always willing to work with artist and DJs who have the same passion for music as I do and want to distribute music that the world would love.

Sech: What genre do you want to focus on? Out of producing or composing,which would you prefer to do as a career?

Cameron: I can’t really say that I have a certain genre I am interested in for a career because in some sessions I may feel like creating a r&b hit while other sessions I might feel like composing a club, rock, techno, drum and bass hit, or sometimes even a game soundtrack or movie score. It all depends on how I feel.

Sech: You said your music varies on the way you feel,would you say life experiences also affect what you compose?Have any pieces directly inspired another piece?
 
Cameron: Yes life experiences can most definitely alter your work performance; for example if you go through a hardship in your life such as a break up with a significant other or experience the loss of a love one then you will be more likely to create Moody music. That’s why it is best to leave all of your problems at the door when creating music, because you want music people can dance to and be joyful whenever they hear your music no matter what state they may be in.

Sech: How do you go about approaching the hindering, daunting writer’s block that many musicians face?
 
Cameron: Whenever writers block does occur I just take a break because you can always come back later and work. During the break I make sure I relax, listen to some other music, grab a bite to eat, or drink.

Sech: Where do you see yourself as an artist/producer in five years? Ten years? 
 
Cameron: Probably on stage performing, having tour dates, or even on stage receiving an award in front of millions for my hard work.

Sech: You started recording and composing at what some would say is a young age–around the age of 14 or 15–when many teens were just trying to keep up in school or adjust to new responsibilities while struggling with their own identities. You must have a huge variety of songs under your belt! Over the past 4-5 years or so, have you been able to tell a difference in your growth as a musician? Have you broadened your scope in what you write or have you narrowed down what direction you’d like your music to go into? 
 
Cameron: I never try to narrow or limit myself , some say the sky is the limit but I want to go beyond the sky and broaden my musical skills. No matter how many mix downs I do of a song I always feel like it could be bigger, better, and use something else.  Although at the same time I can tell there has been a drastic change in my music since I first started out as a novice. For instance, I tweak all of my instruments using Pro Tools so I can receive a unique sound that no one has heard before. And because of this, I have basically a vault full of beats that I am just waiting to mix and match with the right artists.

Sech: What do you feel sets you apart from other artists and producers?
 
Cameron: What sets me apart is that I am always evolving and inventing new sounds so that I won’t just fall in place with other competing artists and producers. Even if I do use a sample for a song I try to tweak it and put my own twist on it; for instance you will probably never hear me make a beat like Kanye’s and Jay Z’s, “Uncle Ottis” and “Paris”. I couldn’t picture myself just dragging out a couple of plain voice samples as a complete beat. The listeners deserve more than that.

Sech: What song of yours was the most challenging to compose thus far? Any favorites or stand out songs that had/have a huge significance on your life?
 
Cameron: There have been a couple; for example, I am working on a song called “Here We Go” that would fit the classic Justin Timberlake and Lil Wayne [feel] but I am still tweaking the sounds for perfection.

Sech: Are you currently writing anything? 
 
Cameron: Yes I always have several projects I work on at one time so if I get stuck on one song I can always come back to it later.

Sech: Any words (or advice) for your fans?
 
Cameron: If you find something you are good at–that is legal–continue doing it and don’t let anybody stop you. Don’t let a hater ever keep you down like the lead in bullets, just do it.

Check out more on Cameron Rooks and his music: http://www.reverbnation.com/cameronrooks , http://www.beats4tracks.com/CameronRooks// , follow him @cameronrooks

The World's Most Dangerous Producer

Worked with RBX, MC Gruff DPG, C Lina, ER aka Da Transporter (http://soundcloud.com/e-r-aka-da-transporter), Unstoppable Knight, Zeka (https://soundcloud.com/zaeka_howard), JLG, Silva D Maniac & more.
Co founder and CEO of Death Game Records (https://soundcloud.com/deathgamerecords)

If you need beats, hit up Denise "Blaq Dee" Westbrook @ blaqdee(at)outlook dot com
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http://www.j-dilla.com/biography/

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When the laid back vibe of Myrtle Beach, SC meets acoustic rock of Lake Michigan, Simplified, the island rock band arrives with a loud and welcoming splash.  In 2002, Clee Laster of SC and Chris Sheridan a MI native, started out as an acoustic duo.  Early on, both musicians displayed innate musical capabilities, which were passed down from family members, and inspired by a diverse collection of original influences. They both grew up on the water, in different parts of the country, but the beach life-blood continues to surge within their suntanned souls, flowing forth in passionate, fun, and energetic jams.
 
They began playing acoustic shows, revving up and charming the Charlotte, NC crowds, while writing original songs.  In 2003, the full band took shape as Simplified. Acclaimed as a dedicated touring machine, they gained new fans, one by one.  Simplified's sound caught on, with a devoted fan base in the Southeastern US.  With their incessant touring, an enthusiastic buzz was growing, and in turn they began booking shows nationwide, playing for increasingly larger audiences.

With a never-ending tour schedule, including over 3,000 powerhouse, popular performances, Simplified members, with both electric and acoustic acts, are enthusiastic as ever.  From Key West, FL to New York City and throughout the Midwest, their hard work, perseverance and commitment have always been key to their hard earned success. Sequentially, in 2011, their song “Shall We Begin” was featured on ESPN’s ‘Kick off to College GameDay.’  Currently their hit “Gettin Home,” is featured in the video game, NASCAR The Game 2013 and they have been praised as one of Pandora Radio’s top played indie rock bands.
 
Still writing and riding the sometimes choppy, always exciting musical shores, Clee and Sheridan reinvented the band in 2013 with their newest material, while getting back to their island rock roots. This year, they are releasing tracks from their crowd-pleasing, May 10th, 2013 show at Hideaway Cafe in St. Petersburg, FL. Sheridan states, "Our fans have been requesting a live album so we are focusing on getting as much live content out as possible." 

Sheridan and Clee have effectively reformulated the band by adding key ingredients: new players with positive energy, multi-instrumentalists, and a camaraderie that stimulates their passion for writing new material.  Now abandoning what others suggested, returning to their roots of a feel good vibe, Clee explains, “We are writing new songs for ourselves and our fans, not for a producer or critic.  We are getting right back to where we started, with what we know and love…music that makes you smile.”
 
Their signature sound is a contagious fusion of rock and reggae, attracting a diverse audience and embracing every kind of fan.  Sheridan emphasizes, "We're a rock band with elements of reggae, funk, and acoustic roots.  We don't limit ourselves musically and it shows in the songs we write." Conjuring up the island rock roots, Clee expresses, "Our live shows are all about having fun. Each performance will bring you to the beach and right back home.”

A decade later, Simplified continues to evolve and attract new audiences through their crowd-pleasing, relatable songs and ongoing support from their loyal fans.  Starting out as two musicians with a dream, to one of the industry’s top emerging rock bands, makes Simplified a true tour de force. There’s nothing simple about that.

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