by emily harris
photo courtesy of camino
The debut EP of Camino is here. Burning Fire is nothing short of a journey through the power of soul music — both sonically and lyrically. Commonly referred to as a mix between Lewis Capaldi and Post Malone, Camino has found a perfectly niche sound to rest himself in. The five track EP is nothing short of powerfully eclectic.
Congratulations on the release of your debut EP, Burning Fire! How does it feel to have a complete work out in the world?
Camino: “Amazing! A long time coming, I’m so pumped I could scream [laughs].”
The EP is named after the first track of the EP, “Burning Fire.” What inspired you to name the EP after the song?
C: “Burning Fire is my favorite song on the EP and I wanted as much attention to go to that song as possible — that’s the honest truth. The song is about my aunt passing away from cancer and me wondering how my uncle, who just lost his wife of 60+ years, must feel. To me burning fire is like everlasting love to me. Like the epitome of missing someone with every fiery passion inside of you.”
What was the writing and recording process like for the second track, “Home?”
C: “I was lost and didn’t know who I was anymore. I looked myself in the mirror and asked, ‘why am I so unhappy?’ I realized it’s because I had a lot of hate and hurt in my heart. I wanted out. I sat down and got back to the basics of why I started music in the first place, and for me it was a finding-myself-again song. One of my favorites.”
The lyrics of “Loving You” are nothing short of a gospel soulful vibe. Can you talk about the backstory behind the lyrics and production of this song?
C: “Yeah, I mean I was in a relationship where I really loved the girl with every fiber of my being and it didn’t work out. I wanted to write about that experience and how it made me feel. ‘I’m just a stranger in my home’ is one of my favorite lyrics from that song because your home is supposed to be your happy place and somewhere to relax. And when she wasn’t there I felt so alone. I had to write about that.”
“Fiddle” is unlike any other track of the EP. Why did you choose to place this song on the EP?
C: “Because I want my fans and listeners to hear how diverse the album will really be. Yes, I have the sad ballads and anthemic pop soul records, but I also have these upbeat fun records. It’s one of my favorites, I’ve never heard a song like Fiddle before in my life.”
The EP ends with “Better Than Me.” What is it about that track that felt like the perfect ending note?
C: “It’s a ballad. I wanted to end the EP on a soft note and leave you wanting more. It’s so emotional and vulnerable and powerful. It’s a great ending to the EP to tie everything together.”
There is an obvious soulful pop inspiration throughout the EP. How did you come about finding that sound and creating within it?
C: “Growing up in Mississippi, I was exposed to the blues and soul music early on and I loved the passion, realness and rawness of blues/soul records. I wanted to write songs like that always. Records that make you feel something.”
How has the way you approach music changed since the release of your debut single “Riot?”
C: “Drastically. That was more of an experimental time in my career where I was still trying to find my sound and feel comfortable with people hearing what I put out. Still a great song, but at the end of the day it’s not ultimately how I want the world to hear me. This EP is truly me.”
What track would you recommend to a new listener?
C: “Burning Fire, no question. If you have ever lost someone close to you or just miss someone in general, this record is perfect. It helped me a lot off the edge. I hope it will do the same for others and give people something they can relate to.”