Kamille, a name synonymous with chart-topping hits and female empowerment in the music industry, has carved a unique path to success. From co-writing Little Mix's breakthrough singles to launching her own record label, Pure Cut, Kamille's journey is one of ambition, talent, and a desire to uplift other women in music.
Early Collaborations and Breakthrough Success
Following her initial success, Kamille began collaborating with established artists such as Leona Lewis, Jessie J, and JLS. In November 2013, Little Mix released their sophomore album, ‘Salute,’ which featured three songs co-written by Kamille. This marked the beginning of a fruitful, long-term relationship that would propel both Little Mix and Kamille to global fame.
Kamille co-wrote 'Shout Out To My Ex', the lead single from Little Mix's fourth album, Glory Days. The track spent three weeks at #1 in the UK and has since been certified 4× Platinum in the UK, becoming the first single by a girl group in a decade to reach this milestone and their most successful hit to date. Alongside Little Mix, Kamille has collaborated with numerous other globally successful artists, accumulating a string of successes.
Writing for Mabel and Launching Pure Cut
In January 2019, Kamille co-wrote 'Don't Call Me Up' for Mabel alongside Steve Mac. The song became Mabel's most successful to date, peaking at #3 on the UK singles chart and earning a Brit Award nomination for ‘Best British Single.’ It has achieved 3× Platinum certification in the UK and surpassed one billion Spotify streams.
Also in 2019, Kamille launched her record label and publishing company, Pure Cut. She cited Beyoncé as the inspiration behind the label's creation, stating, "Seeing the empire Beyoncé's building now, it just cemented how I felt all along: that I want to be able to do that, and I want more for myself." Kamille's vision for Pure Cut is to provide support and opportunities for artists, particularly women, by sharing her knowledge and experience.
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Grammy Award and Continued Success
In 2020, Kamille co-wrote 'Cool', the third track from Dua Lipa's second album, ‘Future Nostalgia’, which was nominated for a Mercury Prize award. That same year, she contributed to an additional five UK Top 10 singles. Kamille also took active steps to promote opportunities for women in the music industry. In March 2021, Kamille won her first Grammy Award when 'Future Nostalgia' won 'Pop Vocal Album' at the 63rd Grammy Awards.
Transition to Solo Artist
In 2017, Kamille officially launched her career as a solo artist, releasing her first single, 'Body', featuring Avelino, in October. In March and April 2018, she performed live as a solo artist for the first time, opening for Jessie Ware on her UK Glasshouse Tour. In June 2018, she was featured as the vocalist on Gorgon City & Ghosted's 'Go Deep', and in July, she released her solo single 'Emotional' featuring Kranium and Louis Rei.
In 2019, Kamille focused her efforts on collaboration, appearing as a featured artist on 'My Love' with Dr Vades, as well as 'Easy Loving You' on SG Lewis' EP 'Blue'. At the end of 2019, Kamille officially launched her record label and publishing company, Pure Cut, with herself as the first signing. Her first Pure Cut release was the single 'Don't Answer' featuring Wiley. In January 2021, Kamille released the single 'AYO!' with S1mba. The music video for 'AYO!' showcased her new studio, Saint Studios, to the public for the first time. In May 2024, Kamille released 'Headline', the first single from her anticipated second album 'K2'.
Mahalia: Finding Her Voice and Embracing Vulnerability
Mahalia Burkmar's journey in the music industry has been marked by self-discovery, resilience, and a commitment to honest expression. Raised in a musical household, Mahalia faced early pressures and expectations that led to a period of disillusionment. However, she emerged stronger, embracing her unique artistry and connecting with audiences through her heartfelt lyrics and soulful sound.
Early Life and Musical Influences
Mahalia grew up in a loud, creative household with her parents, both of whom were singers and songwriters. She also has three brothers. She was exposed to music from a young age, attending her parents' shows and developing a deep appreciation for their talent. Despite the musical environment, Mahalia initially considered pursuing a career in science or academia.
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Facing Disappointment and Rediscovering Passion
Having spent years writing, recording and touring well before the age of 18, Mahalia struggled to define success for herself, ultimately coming to face with a disappointment so great, it nearly made her want to quit music all together. Mahalia experienced a period of frustration when she felt like she was waiting for a "big break" that never came. This led her to move back home and take a break from music, focusing on enjoying life and reconnecting with friends. During this time, she rediscovered her passion for music and developed a renewed sense of artistry.
"Sober" and a Renewed Sense of Artistry
Mahalia credits “Sober,” a breakout single born out of heartache and living in the now, for her renewed sense of artistry. Mahalia explained that she almost felt like taking that break and then having people come to her gave her the confidence to start up again.
Themes of Love, Heartbreak, and Control
Mahalia's music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and the complexities of relationships. She strives to be in control and internalizes her experiences, using her songwriting as a means of self-expression and empowerment. With her release “Grateful,” it’s her saying “I’m still in control, but I just want to say you make me feel like this and it's such a great feeling.” Mahalia expresses hopefulness about love and a desire to maintain control in her relationships.
Creative Process and Influences
Red wine plays a significant role in Mahalia's creative process, helping her relax and feel creatively free. While she doesn't always need alcohol to write, she finds it helpful when she's feeling emotional and wants to express herself through song. Mahalia is inspired by the poet Raina Beeti, particularly her quote "I love my love," which has influenced her approach to writing about love and relationships.
Debut Album and Personal Growth
Mahalia describes her debut album as an extension of everything people have already heard from her, but it delves further in. With this album, she’s excited because she feels like she’s gone further into places she didn’t think she was going to go. The album explores themes of love, heartbreak, and personal growth, offering a proper introduction to who she is. She also touches on how uncompromising she is.
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Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Identity
Growing up in a predominantly white town, Mahalia faced challenges related to her mixed heritage. She felt like she was "too Black for the white kids and not Black enough for the Black kids," but she is grateful for the journey. Her parents, who are from London, provided her with a compass and instilled in her the importance of working hard and being true to herself.
Touring with Ella Mai and Looking Ahead
Mahalia toured with Ella Mai, which she considers a big deal. She admires Ella Mai's success and feels special to be a part of her journey. Mahalia is excited to see Ella Mai and be around her.
RM of BTS: A Solo Journey of Self-Discovery and Artistic Exploration
RM, the leader of the globally renowned K-pop group BTS, has embarked on a solo journey with his album "Indigo," a deeply personal and introspective work that showcases his artistic growth and maturity. The album serves as a documentation of his late twenties, exploring themes of identity, isolation, and the search for meaning.
Creative Burnout and the Need for Self-Discovery
In June 2022, during BTS' ninth anniversary celebrations, RM spoke about dealing with creative burnout and losing his sense of direction. He explained that the pressure to constantly produce music had made it difficult for him to grow as an artist and that he needed time to think and rediscover his musical identity.
"Indigo": A Personal Archive
"Indigo" recounts "stories and experiences [he] has gone through, like a diary." For RM, the album represents a personal archive of his twenties, a collection of thoughts, feelings, and experiences that have shaped him as an artist and individual. He began working on the album in 2019, pouring his heart and soul into the project.
Collaborations and Artistic Vision
RM collaborated with various artists on "Indigo," including Erykah Badu, Anderson .Paak, and Youjeen of Cherry Filter. He described the collaborations as transcending boundaries between music and art, creating a harmonious blend of different artistic mediums.
Visuals and Symbolism
The album's visuals, including the cover artwork and teaser photos, are rich in symbolism. The blue fabric swatch on the cover represents the album's title, "Indigo," while the warm-toned room and the painting "Blue" by Yun Hyong-keun hint at the album's overall mood.
Lead Single: "Wild Flower"
The album's lead single, "Wild Flower," features vocals by Youjeen of Cherry Filter. The song debuted on the Billboard Hot 100, earning both RM and Youjeen their first solo entries on the chart.
Critical Acclaim
"Indigo" has received critical acclaim from music writers, who have praised its honesty, introspection, and artistic vision. Billboard ranked "Indigo" at the top of its year-end list of the "25 Best K-pop Albums of 2022".