Delusional Girl Profile: An Interview with Camille Parker
Sweet, ambitious, down-to-earth, warm and fearless... These words describe Camille Parker, a striking new artist emerging in the country music scene. Writing songs since childhood, the 32-year-old singer began releasing her music in 2021, with single “The Flame” reaching over 440,000 plays on Spotify, and subsequently being honored in 2022 as one of CMT’s Next Women of Country. The music maven has recently released singles, “Heartless” and “Space Cowboy” to her continually growing audience.
Camille Parker is an ambassador who is eager to inspire women across the globe. We sat down with this driven, faith-filled woman who has shared with us some insight into her inspirations, personal life, and anecdotes from her lifelong musical journey.
(AS for Ashleigh Spell, CP for Camille Parker).
AS: You have a beautiful, unique voice! Has anyone inspired your vocal style at all, or do you prefer to stay all-original?
CP: Thank you. That’s a beautiful compliment. I grew up admiring artists with instantly recognizable voices. Michael Jackson, Shania Twain, Rihanna, Stevie Nicks, and Prince are some of my favorites. The character and honesty in their voices made you feel like you were right there in the moment with them. Now that I’m releasing music, I’m having fun leaning into all of the things that make my voice unique.
AS: I saw in your interview with My Kind of Country that you couldn't afford instruments or musical lessons from a young age - and despite this, you pushed through and are now following your passions. What would you say to young women who have similar experiences going on right now, financially or just as far as their circumstances go?
CP: I would tell anyone who’s dreaming of a different life to trust their dream and honor it with dedication. It can be overwhelming when you feel like you don’t have enough of what you need- no matter what those things are, but having ultimate faith in knowing you are here for a purpose and truly believing in that has changed my entire life. I used to be really scared to speak up for myself, and way too shy but that fire you have when you know you’re meant for something bigger has given me a true confidence- I think that’s when things start to change. Trust yourself.
AS: I observed that your grandparents helped cultivate your love for music and your first exploration of it in church - is your faith something you continue keeping close to you in your journey?
CP: I have the best memories learning to harmonize, having my first solos and seeing the power of music at church. Faith in the universe is still very important to me. I even have "faith" tattooed on my arm as a little reminder whenever I’m feeling nervous or anxious.
AS: You had mentioned that being a black woman in country music is difficult to navigate - do you believe your difficulties experienced will translate into strengths for your career? Would you say they have done so already?
CP: Anytime you’re in a space where your vibe is new or uncommon, you have to be prepared for a little resistance in the beginning. That’s where your resilience and faith comes into play. It doesn’t mean it will always be that way- people evolve! I make music for pretty open-minded and eclectic people. They care more about the vibe and the authenticity more than anything else.
AS: Lyrically, you sing about acceptance over heartbreak and growth in love. Does writing music help you heal from such things? Does writing help you love yourself more?
CP: We’re all trying to heal from something right? Music is my superpower when I want to say things that are hard to talk about in real life. It is healing for me of course, but connecting with other people through my songs and knowing that it’s helping them heal too is a special kind of love.
AS: If a song was played at your funeral that could resurrect you instantly, which song would it be?
CP: Beyoncé’s “Pure/Honey”.
AS: If you could choose a fantasy species to be your familliar, which would you choose?
CP: I don’t know exactly which kind but it would definitely fly, spread good vibes and come with me while I conquer the world, haha.
AS: Who have been the most influential people you have personally worked with?
CP: I make music with so many great people! The thing they all have in common is their dedication to the craft. We care about the listener and how it connects to them while also pushing ourselves creatively and having some fun. It’s nice to have that balance. I think it makes the end result really rewarding.
AS: Who have been the most influential people in the scene to you, that you would love to meet someday?
CP: There’s something about strong, fearless women that just do it for me. I admire trailblazers like Rihanna, Kacey Musgraves, Beyoncé and Dolly Parton. They’re in the driver’s seat of their lives and careers and I think that’s powerful. I’m inspired by them so much professionally.
AS: How does your family come into your story? Do they prompt anything in you, musically, to write about and share?
CP: A lot of my music is based on stories from me and my friend’s dating lives and growing pains. My family is pretty private- I’m the only one in entertainment. They think my life is crazy but I’m grateful for them .They keep me grounded and focused.
AS: From what age did you know you wanted to be closely involved in music? Did you always know that it was country you were drawn towards?
CP: I’ve always known music was for me but it took time to figure out how I was going to make it happen. I’ve never thought of myself as just one genre but growing up country music was one of my favorites because of the storytelling. At the same time, I’m a modern woman and this is a big world! Pushing the envelope sonically and balancing it with stories that feel relevant and authentic is exciting to me.
AS: What is one taste, one scent, and one sound that takes you back to your childhood?
CP: The taste of ripe cherries, that amazing smell after it rains in the summer time and the sound of birds in the morning. Those things always bring me right back to growing up with my nana in North Carolina.
AS: Do you prefer classic or modern country, or a mixture of both? What are your favorite songs from those different eras?
CP: Definitely both! My new favorites are songs from artists like Tyler Childers, Jelly Roll, Carter Faith, Madeline Edwards and Kassi Ashton. If we’re talking classics, I love early Johnny Cash, The Judds, Reba and of course Dolly.
AS: Who is a country music artist whose story you can relate with?
CP: She’s really known as the queen of Rock and Roll, but Tina Turner’s first album, Tina Turns the Country On turned my world upside down. It’s a true country album that really pulls you in. I listened to that album on repeat for weeks straight. I felt so drawn to her maverick, warrior spirit and she was so damn fly! There’s something about hearing her voice that still reminds me no matter what I’ve been through, I can become whatever I set my intentions on.
AS: What does sharing your music mean to you? Why do you create? What first drives you, and then keeps you going?
CP: Making music helps me make sense of the world and sharing those feelings with other people who may be feeling the same way or who just want to feel the vibe I’m on gives me purpose. If I can help you get through a tough time, dream bigger, or be more of yourself I feel like I’m winning.
AS: If you could sing beside one or several artists, dead or alive, who would you choose?
CP: Easy. Boy Genius, Prince, Hayley Williams, Rihanna.
AS: I went to a concert held by Wynonna Judd, and she said that country music is like a family for artists and fans alike - is this something you hold as true, as well? What personal examples could you provide of this being so?
CP: I think all of us are connected by the gift of music. Artists have a special tie because of the privilege we have to create it. Family is so important to me. In Nashville I have found a real community of authentic, forward-thinking, kind and insanely talented creatives. They feel like a special kind of chosen family I get to grow with.
AS: Do you have any other plans for your career in the future? Would you use your influence to branch out into other avenues of entertainment and media?
CP: Right now my focus is the music. I know my love for empowering people will spill into my other passions. I’m obsessed with fashion, film and creating beautiful spaces. My dream is to build my own little empire that has all of those things and also be able to give back.
Check out the visuals from Camille Parker’s newest single, “Heartless” out now.
Ashleigh Spell is a writer and interview columnist for Delude Magazine.