“
This is why I do music: Connecting with people. And when somebody relates to a song, I think it does create a bond between me and the person.
”
eyes as the video reaches its crescendo. He no longer passively croons to his fans, but instead joins the chorus. Dancing in the Living Room was Hawthorn’s coming-out opus, and he reflects on it passionately. “I think for the first time, I was able to be true to myself and put my story
into the art. And while the song isn’t overtly anything, I guess it’s about who I go home to dance in the living room with. I wanted to put that into the video and for the first time I was able to do that in that video. And it felt amazing to get to tell that part of my story.” It’s a story that has brought Hawthorn from small-town Kansas to big-time
success, and he relishes every moment. “Oh my gosh! It’s been so awesome getting responses from people,”
Hawthorn says with pride in his voice. “Not only am I telling my story, but knowing that there’s other people out there that relate to the story and the message in my music, I think it does enhance that sense of community. And I hope to continue to build that. I love it so much.” Punctuating his fervor for the fans, Hawthorn continues: “This is why I do music: Connecting with people. And when somebody relates to a song, I think it does create a bond between me and the person.” As a gay country music artist, Hawthorn is in a select niche. His nature
allows him to empathize, and his stature gives him perspective. Hawthorn plumbs the depths of ostracism that his audience may be feeling, yet his lyrics rise above the confusion with a message of inclusion. “I haven’t been out for very long, but I think in coming out I’ve been able to be true to myself, and I think that that’s what resonates with people,” he says. Human emotion is a confounding tapestry, and it weaves a compelling tale
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in Hawthorn’s work. Even heartache can draw souls together. As Hawthorn discusses the real-life female protagonist featured in To Break Hers, he explains how their split was the beginning of happier times for both of them. “I did break her heart and choose to honor what was really in my heart. And she has gone on to get married and she’s in a wonderful relationship now, and I’ve been able to go on and process my own stuff and come out, and I think that really is the silver lining of the song. It’s that moment when you do choose to get out of a relationship, I think it pushes you forward into the next phase. And for me, that was just like the healthiest thing that I could have done.” Speaking of that next phase, Hawthorn gives us a tantalizing teaser: “My
EP is coming out in October (Friday, October 9) and I’m really excited about it, and yeah, I would say just stay tuned for that and for show dates, hopefully sooner rather than later.” But, just like his character in the Dancing in the Living Room video,
Hawthorn is more than just a voice in the speakers. He craves the human element that surges through his music. “I can’t wait to get out on the road after we’re able to, because I think connecting with that community in person is going to be electric.” We’re charged up too, Cameron. But until that glorious moment when we
can gather in concert, we will play your songs on repeat, eternally two- stepping with the dueling emotions of love and loss. Being broken has never felt so hopeful. Thank you.
Cameron’s Mustang EP will be released Octber 9.
cameronhawthorn.com
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