Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Cameron Hardy

Pop sensation Cameron Hardy is an emerging artist to keep your eye on in 2021. The rising young talent has big plans for the year, leading into the release of his highly-anticipated forthcoming project.

Today, he’s giving listeners their first taste of what’s to come with the release of “I Thought You Were Lonely“.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to catch up with Cameron ahead of the song’s release to learn what inspired it!

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Cameron: I feel like it most likely came from my parents. My dad has played guitar for most of his life, and just growing up surrounded by music, it was kind of instilled in me.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Cameron: There’s been a ton of really big influences in my career, but I have to say my mom. She’s always been incredibly supportive of it, even when I was extremely young. I’m so grateful for her and her role in my journey.

PC: You’re gearing up to drop your debut single. Tell us about “I Thought You Were Lonely” and the inspiration behind the song.
Cameron: The concept came up in one of my first ever writing sessions. It fit perfectly with a situation that I was going through at the time. It’s a conversational song about being left behind by someone after being at your most vulnerable with them.

PC: How did you decide what song would be your musical introduction as an artist?
Cameron: From the second I wrote this song, I knew in the back of my head that it would be my debut. It was the first song that I felt truly embodied who I am as an artist. At the same time though, I’m excited to share more music that I’ve built off of this song.

PC: You’ve spent the last few years honing in and experimenting with your sound. What have you learned about your artistry? What do you hope to say through your music?
Cameron: I learned very early on that there’s no need to sugarcoat anything when you’re writing music. I think that’s actually an issue in pop today; there’s a lack of vulnerability, especially with male artists. I hope I can help open up that space in my music.

PC: You’ve worked with some of music’s biggest tastemakers. How have those experiences prepared you for this exciting chapter in your career?
Cameron: I’ve learned so much from the people I’m surrounded by. It’s definitely shaped me into the person I am today and how comfortable I am with opening myself up to the world.

PC: You’re planning on dropping a few singles this year. If you had to choose one that best encompasses who you are as an artist, which would it be and why?
Cameron: My next single, “Perfume”, is really special to me. We wrote the song during my first ever writing session and I think it’s one that fans will really relate to. The lyrics are really emotional and it’s a really special track for me. I can’t wait for people to hear it.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Cameron: Selena Gomez.

PC: First album you bought?
Cameron: I truly wish I could remember! I did have an iPod Nano filled with a ton of singles though.

PC: First concert you attended?
Cameron: Taylor Swift.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Cameron: Fearless by Taylor Swift. I learned to play the guitar to this album and it made me want to pursue music. I actually ended up meeting Taylor shortly after this and she was incredibly inspiring to me.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Cameron: Staples Center.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Cameron: Phone charger. Anyone who knows me knows my phone is always dying.

To keep up with Cameron, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Pick up or stream “I Thought You Were Lonely” today.

Photo Credit: Jake Cloobeck