Laurie Cameron

As a judge for the Emerging Talent Competition I had to whittle my 159 artists down to just these three artists:

Laurie Cameron -

Hailing from Scotland Laurie Cameron released a wonderful collection of songs called The Melancholy Tapes EP in 2010. Her songs are a thing of beauty, full of depth, intricate and delicate. The best track on the EP is this song which grabbed my attention so much that I had to listen to it over and over again. [And I, Upon the Oceans Lay]

- 4fortyfour

Twenty One year old acoustic singer-songwriter Laurie Cameron is currently finishing her final months as a University student before turning to music full time. The sound of new directions, discarded maps and the echoes of those left behind, her debut EP ‘The Melancholy Tides’ was released in July 2010 – recorded in the unique Old Mill Theatre Studio in Strathaven, Scotland and supported by a range of musicians including members of the Cairn String Quartet. Laurie is currently hard at work on her debut full length record and is due to return to the studio in late 2011.

Current / forthcoming releases
Laurie is currently hard at work on her debut full length record and is due to return to the studio in late 2011

Who are your influences?
Damien Rice, Bon Iver, Tom McRay, Joni Mitchell

Interesting Fact?
I spent Summer 2010 as an intern at Universal Music Group on Times Square in New York.

Plans for the rest of 2011?
Early April I’m supporting Roddie Woomble (lead singer of Idlewild) for two shows in the Isle of Mull, Scotland. Heading back into the studio to record a full length record in late 2011. - Flush The Fashion

Laurie Cameron is an artist whose music everyone should hear. In fact, she has been called “a female Damien Rice”. Her music is a true experience. It is simply not enough to listen to her EP The Melancholy Tides. You are moved by the lyrics, which were written about personal experiences of university life and trips to New York City. But most importantly, Laurie is a young Scottish artist with ambition and talent.

So it is that in a coffee shop in Perth, Laurie recalls recording her debut record in the just two days at the Old Mill Theatre in Strathaven:

“I’ve always wanted to record my own music. I got to record on the stage in the theatre, and to record with the producer and the session musicians was a great experience.”

The unique atmosphere of recording in the theatre is apparent in the songs featured on the Melancholy Tides. They are haunting, melodic yet beautiful and thought provoking.

Yet Laurie is not only passionate about being a singer-songwriter. The charismatic lass from sleepy Perth, who cites Damien Rice and Sara McLachlan among her inspirations, recently spent time as a marketing intern at Universal Music in New York City. Reflecting on the experience she says:

“In the marketing department you have to use inventive ways of promotion.I learned a lot, it was great to experience another area of the music industry and how it works.”

For now it is back to the reality of studying at Dundee University, but further material is in the making. On the plans to record again Laurie revealed the writing process has already begun:

“Hopefully I can record in the next few months, maybe doing an album. When I was writing the EP I was dreaming of being in New York, but hopefully when my album comes I will be in New York.”

Elaborating further, she adds:

“I had considered doing a masters degree in New York just so I could be there, it’s such an amazing city and so inspiring. The city lights and the mad crowds are an attraction, but at the same time you can say, go to the top of a building and it’s totally quiet but you have these views of the whole city that is definitely lyrically inspiring!”

However, Laurie is very much a Scottish artist and has kind words for the music scene here:

“There is a greater awareness and interest in Scottish artists now. When I was in New York there was promotion for Amy McDonald and in the US they like Scottish groups like Frightened Rabbit. I think Frightened Rabbit are great they’re gaining more exposure over in the US.”

For those wanting to hear the singer-songwriter live, there are opportunities soon. In between now and the start of the new academic year, Laurie is looking to use the time to get out and play gigs:

“I’m doing an open mic night event called “Out of the Bedroom” in Edinburgh, I’d like to play in Glasgow, and I’m playing the Sandeman on Sunday as part of the Perth Music Festival.I just want to perform and try and play some new material.”

Clearly ambitious and rightfully so, it is perhaps a sign that artists such as Laurie can engage their passion for music, not just in performing but also simply being part of the industry.

Despite clearly being in love with the allure of what is perhaps the home of America’s most recognised music scene, Laurie is down-to-earth as well.

This is apparent in her answer to the cliché question of where will you be in five years time? :

“Ideally, I would love to be a professional singer-songwriter by then, that would be the ultimate dream. Even if I don’t get there at the time, I still want to work in music. I think no matter what I will always write my own work and want to perform it. Maybe I’m being over-ambitious about the dream.”

Readers who listen to her work may rightfully agree that such modesty is not necessary.

Nor is the dream over ambitious, for this promising artist with a unique sound that is infectious deserves to become successful.

Laurie credits her brother with a great deal of her promotion, as he produced her official photography, designed her website and while she was working in the ‘States, he was busy sending out CD versions to the numerous requests from fans of his sisters music.

Yet another sign that Ms. Cameron is maintaining a sensible head when it comes to her approach to her career as a developing musician.

But luckily her brother may not have to toil so hard for the near future, as music site WE7 have made Melancholy Tides the lead feature on their website. This means six weeks worth of promotion via the site, equivalent to £10,000.

Competition was tough and out of thousands of candidates, they showed faith in Laurie above all others.

Yet another sign, perhaps that there is more to come from the acoustic songstress.


- Michael Donnelly

Laurie Cameron’s debut EP “The Melancholy Tides” can be downloaded on iTunes and WE7 among others now. Alternatively CD versions of the record can be ordered here.

Laurie will be playing as part of the Perth Music Festival on Sunday5th September and in Edinburgh at the “Out of the Bedroom” open mic night. - Ark Magazine

Her name is Laurie Cameron, and her debut EP The Melancholy Tides is something special. If your a fan of singer-songwriters such as Greg Laswell, Bon Iver and Damien Rice, then she is right up your alley. After one listen you realize that the EP is perfectly titled. Her songs reflect strong personal experiences and emotions that will move you. With beautiful orchestration and plenty sincere moments, Laurie is one talented lady that is sure to inspire. - We All Want Someone To Shout For