Cam Smith's newest album, Ocean Blue, began back in February. Like many great albums, Smith was spurred on by a recent break up, and the songs came easily. "Everything changed with a song called 'Hear Me.' Once I produced the beat I knew I was on the right track. After that the music continued to pour out of me."
As a producer, Smith not only took silver in The Coast's Best of Music readers' poll, but has worked with MTV, XXL magazine, Quake, Kayo and Jay Mayne, among others. Ocean Blue sees him coming out of the studio and into the spotlight.
"I've opened up and said some things that I wouldn't have said months ago. I have this new confidence that's allowed me to not hold back and speak my mind," Smith says. "You'll hear the experiences of a 23-year-old living in this city."
Smith describes his music as "the perfect combination of '80s synths, Trap 808s and energy," and the album features guest appearances by Laura Roy, Quake, Chris Noxx, Keke, Aux, Jay Mayne and Earl B.
And again, like all great albums, ladies run the joint. "My experiences in life inspire me to write and I find women shape a lot of those experiences," says Smith. "They are extremely influential. They've brought me the best and worst of times and I've always used my music as an outlet for those situations."
Smith is offering his album for free download online July 23. In the absence of a dedicated hip-hop venue, Smith believes offering music online is a valuable way to help share "good quality music in the Maritimes from people of all backgrounds and race," he says. "I think we are headed in a good direction especially with help from people like DJ IV and R$ $mooth, they've helped keep this alive by letting the new generation have a voice. We still have a long way to go but I think we are seeing some positive change."
Cam Smith, Ocean Blue, Available for free download July 23 at CamSmithMusic.com