“American Idol” alum Cam Allen chatted about his breakthrough country studio album “In a Hometown,” and he shared his advice to contestants that are competing on this season of “American Idol.”
“The ‘In a Hometown’ album represents the early points of my songwriting and music career,” Allen said. “These are the very first songs I wrote and recorded. It’s mainly about the different feelings and experiences – good or bad – that come with growing up. I feel like a lot of people will relate to the album.”
“The title track ‘In a Hometown’ is meant to look back and reflect on all the crazy times we had in Oklahoma,” Allen said. “The lyrics describe everything that happens while growing up in a small hometown and what I focused on. Often, my method for getting over a girl was finding trouble and kickin’ back with the guys, which I think is a relatable story.”
You just launched your debut album ‘In a Hometown’ produced by Wes Sharon, the Grammy nominated producer for The Turnpike Troubadours. What was your favorite part of working with Wes?
My favorite part of working with Wes is how critical he was to make sure the music sounded right. He made it a comfortable experience and I enjoyed the long nights in the studio. Thankfully, he always had coffee ready.
How does the input of your band mates influence the music you write and what is it like working alongside other rising musicians in the industry?
The guys in my band have a huge influence in my sound. They love taking the songs that I write, or that we write together, and work on them to try and make it sound the best that we possibly can. Being around them and pushing each other to become better and better every day is a great experience.
You’ve opened for headliners Dustin Lynch, Randy Rogers and Jack Ingram and are opening for Carly Pearce this August. What is another artist or band you’d like to open for in the next few years and why?
If I had to choose an artist to open for over the next few years, I would have to say probably Whiskey Myers, Chris Stapleton, Parker McCollum.
The music video for your summer smash Lake Days took three days to film, and that rowdy summer party scene was featured across CMT, The Heartland Network and The Country Network. Can you share behind the scenes details of what that video production was like?
The video we filmed for our song “Lake Days” honestly was a very tiring three days on a boat. I remember being in bed feeling like I was still riding on a boat. Overall, the video was super fun to film. It was very organic. “Hyped Visuals” did a great job with it.
TikTok quickly took to your song ‘Missin’ You,’ as videos using the song were watched over 11 million times. What was your favorite part of that viral social media moment?
The best part of TikTok taking my song “Missin You” was seeing all the videos people were coming up with. It’s always a good surprise when you see videos with your song.
You blend classic Nashville sounds with Oklahoma’s raw, red dirt country melodies, solidifying yourself as a breakout hitmaker in the country scene. Could you speak on the inspiration behind titling your debut album ‘In a Hometown’?
My inspiration behind “In A Hometown” was really based on a feeling. All the songs were written by me or friends I grew up with over the years. Some of the songs were written by me alone in my college dorm room. All the stages I went through the last couple years are in these songs.
As an ‘American Idol’ alum, what did you learn from that experience and what advice do you have for those that are currently competing on Season 21?
Advice I would give to American Idol future contestants is to talk and meet as many people and artists as you can. Don’t be shy, share your talent and take in everybody else’s. I met some of my favorite artists and people on the show.
“In a Hometown” is available on digital service providers by clicking here.
To learn more about “American Idol” alum and singer-songwriter Cam Allen, check out his official website, and follow him on Instagram.
