Meet Cameron Johnson of Long Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cameron Johnson.

Hi Cameron, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Expression arises naturally from observation. Every artist is born in the context of processing pain while yearning for authentic connection with oneself and one’s community.
My story is no different. At age thirteen, I was inspired to attempt to recreate what I saw, what I heard. Out of wonder, out of curiosity, and out of necessity. It is the essentiality of the irrational which lies in the heart of all musical appreciation and thus creation.
By age fifteen my entire lifestyle had self organized itself around the creative writing, recording, producing, and performing process. The proceeding twelve years have simply been a refining of these skills, while continuing to fuel my addiction to practice.
Now as a father, a husband, a caretaker of my mother – my journey has evolved not with nor to, but as music in the format of the ordinary life. As another reflection of the universal improvisation, a mere mirror in the hall of souls which occupy this earth.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
By nature of a performer’s journey, it has been defined by the triumph of struggle. In this way, the progression of my musical expression and career has been simultaneously effortless, as well as constantly challenging.
Nothing is taking for granted. Very little is ever, if at all in “control”. But the commitment to this evolution is one which transcends volition, as with true love.
At no point have I ever regretted taking this road, nor would I give it up for the world. The discovery of music and becoming involved in its world has been equivalent to the discovery of home.
Thats not to say, this was all positive. For going down the road of an artist is to follow down a tunnel leading to guaranteed failure, inevitable vulnerability and eventual fear. It is not a road for the weak, nor for those in a rush.
My path has been riddled with mistakes and difficulties but each in their own way have contained a message which can be received and transformed into motivation as well as channeled through the art itself. And THIS is to why the finding of my expression, my voice, my capacity to create and perform music has been invaluable to my growth as a human.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My speciality is words. If I could paint, I would paint for you. If i could dance, I would dance for you. But my thing is words.

The problem with words are that you might listen to them. And that would be a mistake. For I’m merely painting with words. And the message that is being sent is NON VERBAL.

From living in both CA, to NY, through 7+ houses, to studying abroad in Thailand, to being a young Father, to being the genetic mix of oppressors and oppression-there is a quality of my uniqueness which can be likened to that of a well traveled, overly-talkative chameleon. Shifting and blending into any environment I find myself while sticking out clear as a day.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Community, community, community. Connect with your fellow artists. Make art for your friends. Your family. Don’t find fans, fans find you. Like-ability supersedes work ethic which supersedes talent. Design your life so you can make art and practice your craft everyday. Never turn down an opportunity, because you never know who is listening. Learn how to make money of what you want to do for a living. Treat every performance as your last. Share everything you create. Prioritize your mental health. Get outside. Drink WATER. Study those before you. Pay homage and respect to elders. Give more than you get. Bet on the youth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.quadroon.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quadroon.music?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/quadroon.music?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@quadroonmusic?si=ej1Cyj0fytZ8YGoA
• Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/r0lRedqBxRhO6elutj

Image Credits
Sean Corfield

Brandon Layman

Devious

Spaceyy