When Cameron Blake isn’t writing songs, he can be found in the dirty places of Baltimore- the historic dives, shanty towns, and art lofts; abnormal environments for a graduate of the prestigious Peabody Institute of Music in violin performance. “Completing my master’s degree was not easy,†says Blake (graciously sharing the name of a fellow poet), who suffered an extreme case of conservatory burnout half-way through his first semester of graduate school. A combination of the “conservatory blues,†friendships with Baltimore’s homeless, and a hunger for fresh artistic expression led him to discover his gift as a songwriter. Influenced by Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, Tom Waits, Nina Simone, mewithoutYou and The National, Cameron’s music is a healthy blend of folk, classical, and indie rock. His often Irish sounding voice and powerful performances have been described as “straight-up charisma,†while his classical music training is most evident in his rich and varied instrumental arrangements. Like Bob Dylan and Derek Webb, Cameron’s lyrics are full of storytelling, politics, and spirituality that represent an artist immersed in modern poetry and the folk tradition. This unique combination of charisma and artistry has enabled him to develop a strong local fan base in Baltimore, tour throughout Michigan and Texas, and perform overseas in Paris, France. His debut album Over and Over will be released in late July, 2008...
