Sunset Park Riders

Here is Camille on her experience recording with us:

The Wild West of Brooklyn

Having dallied in the Western genre as a hack, I was drawn to the project from the start. As far as my neighborhood was concerned, I felt it was my mission. A couple of emails, an mp3, Myspace, and soon I was heading out on the D from Sunset Park. Who were these strange men making a Brooklyn-inspired concept Western rap album? I had to know.

As it turns out: quirky, intellectual, and artistically crammed into 3 rooms lousy with music equipment, amps, keys, computers. A discussion on Spaghetti Westerns and my hackness. The work and the vibe commence. Cool, for summer, relaxed we get to work. Kid Vengeance inspires patience, lays down about 4 takes. The hook: solid, double barreled and chesty, rolls like a gong in the dust. The imagery of the corral so vivid it isn’t hard to see the townsfolk ready to pay any price to survive on the outskirts of the known world. We playback and listen, there is a subtle hum. Someone opens a beer or two. Someone else notices the air conditioner is on: the source of the hum. We turn off the air. I have a little water and then we lay down about a dozen more takes, stopping every so often to breathe. We try some variations. Some jokes. Finally we are satisfied.

Another beer, an enlightening talk about cats and the concept of the voluntary cessation of hemp, and the gentlemen walk me to the train station. A laid back, easy-going evening. Happy trails, boys, until we meet again!

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Thanks again Camille! You were great!

…and don’t forget to check out Showdown at the BK Corral worlds first/only Spaghetti Western Concept Rap Album

We were very fortunate that Camille Atkinson responded to our Craigslist seeking a female singer for our hook on “Gully Gulch Gwan Fire”, where she represents the voice of the townspeople imperiled by an army of bandits, finally deciding to stand up for themselves.

I was kind of surprised we had to reach outside the “family” to find a woman to sing for us, but we’re really glad it worked out the way it did. Camille did a fantastic job, and was a blast to work with. Since then I’ve had the pleasure of seeing her perform, and I highly recommend checking her out if you have a chance. You can keep up with her and hear some of her tunes at her Myspace, but here’s a little taste for you:

Here’s a little more about Camille:

New York singer and voice-over artist Camille Atkinson was born in the Midwest and raised in New Orleans. Like “Ella Fitzgerald with hot pink dredlocks” there is something about her voice that brings to mind all the great soul singers of the past — whether she is singing rock and roll or belting out the hook of a trendy dance track. In performance, Atkinson radiates sophistication, warmth, and humor, her and her strong, seductive voice keeps her audience enthralled.

Over the past year she has worked on a variety of projects with some amazingly talented artists, and is actively seeking new collaborations. In addition to our spaghetti western concept rap album Showdown at the BK Corral, she has also been performing and recording R&B tracks with hip hop artist Brian Paul Sanders (BPS), performing live with Spray Paint Star after being featured in their 2009 concept video “Pharaoh of Graffiti,” and narrating an episode of the LGBT newsmagazine “In The Life.”

Atkinson studied acting and stagecraft at Interlochen Arts Academy before heading to Ithaca College where she received a BFA in acting and had the opportunity to perform in roles as varied as Juliet and Dr. Frank N Furter. Immediately following college she achieved her lifelong dream of moving to New York City, where she produced and performed in numerous drag and cabaret shows. Atkinson is known for her stint as co-hostess/producer of the Legendary Xena Night at Meow Mix, and as Miss Bettie Page NYC 1999.

In 2004 Atkinson began to realize her true destiny, singing lead for New York bands (The Push, Changing Modes) playing numerous area venues (CBGB’s, The Knitting Factory, The Howl Festival, Pianos, Trash Bar). In 2008, Ms. Atkiinson sang on and associate-produced the CD Down and Out in Shangri-la
with Changing Modes and legendary recording engineer Ted Spencer.

If you need an amazing voice for your project, you must consider Camille Atkinson. To get in touch with her, please send a Myspace message.

…and don’t forget to check out Showdown at the BK Corral worlds first/only Spaghetti Western Concept Rap Album