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Kelowna hip-hop artist makes waves on the West Coast

Artist Cameron James and filmmaker Jordan Powers proof talent doesnt stop at west coast

Two up-and-coming Kelowna artists are proof that West Coast talent doesnѻýt stop in Vancouver.

Artist Cameron Ambrosio, who goes by Cameron James, and filmmaker Jordan Powers are making waves in the local arts community with the recent release of Jamesѻý second single, Voodoo.

Growing up in Kelowna, they have seen the underground music scene in Kelowna grow into a collaborative, thriving network of young artists.

James, 22, and Powers, 25, are at the forefront of this scene, which they say is more collaborative than competitive.

ѻýThere are so many talented people here in KelownaѻýIt seems like everyone is super supportive of each other. Cam can get access from five different dudes for beats, I can call on six different camera guys to come help for a music videoѻýitѻýs a good spot to be in right now,ѻý said Powers.

ѻýThatѻýs another way of putting Kelowna on the map, youѻýre going to get places by helping each other,ѻý added James.

Jordan Powers (left) and Cameron Ambrosio (right) pictured downtown Kelowna. (Phil McLachlan - ѻý)


The music video for Voodoo, features the familiar sight-lines of Kelownaѻýs Knox Mountain and the Mission area waterfront.

Since its release on and (warning: explicit content) a few days ago, the new single has been watched several thousand times.

Simplicity was their goal during the filming of the song, which took just 30 minutes to write and three hours to film.

James has been sitting on this tune since last year when he wrote it and is happy to finally pair it with a video.

READ MORE: My Kelowna: Filmmaker captures underground arts and culture scene

The song features a message about pushing forward and pursuing your dreams.

ѻýI love to push that you can do whatever you want to do. Especially where weѻýre at, me personally, Iѻým born and raised in Kelowna, I just turned 22 years old, and itѻýs kind of my time,ѻý said James.

ѻýIf I want and try and do something that I love for a career, itѻýs right now and just trying to get that across to people, that you dictate your future.ѻý

He says the recent release of this song has re-lit his creative fire, as James is excited about what the future will bring.

Creativity has always surrounded the two young artists, ever since they were in high school together at Okanagan Mission Secondary.

When James was 18, he was involved in the creation of rap group Rare Breed, which Powers helped film.

Even four years ago, James said the young music scene in Kelowna hadnѻýt really taken off yet.

But now, he said heѻýs starting to see young musicians pop up left and right.

However, he said being a musician in 2020 is very multifaceted, and requires perseverance.

ѻýIf youѻýre going to do this, itѻýs more than just making the music. Itѻýs promoting yourself, and your stuff, and using outletsѻýnot just Instagram, Youtube and Twitter, now it could be TikTok or something else like that,ѻý James said.

Both artists hope to continue seeing more artists break out into the light.

ѻýItѻýs only going to help, right. Thatѻýs just going to put Kelowna and the West Coast, on the map, even for people in Vancouver,ѻý James said.

ѻýWhen you think West Coast, youѻýre going to think Vancouver, and for everyone in Vancouver to know where Kelowna is, and know that thereѻýs actual talent (here), thatѻýs huge.ѻý

The music video for Jamesѻý next single release, Halloween, is set to drop Oct. 31. Listen to Voodoo through the link below (warning: explicit content).

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Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: phil.mclachlan@kelownacapnews.com


 


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Phil McLachlan

About the Author: Phil McLachlan

Phil McLachlan is the editor at the Penticton Western News. He served as the reporter, and eventually editor of The Free Press newspaper in Fernie.
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