Have you ever wanted to become a musician but didn’t know where to start? Meet StarMaker — a platform that lets you record music and compete for opportunities all through an app!
At first glance, StarMaker sounds as if it makes ordinary people into stars. StarMaker is elevating the next generation of music superstars, and Cammie Lester is one amazing example of how aspiring singers are using the platform on their journey to stardom.
Cammie Lester is a sixteen year old aspiring singer from Florida who is on her way of making her dreams come true all thanks to StarMaker. Cammie submitted her cover of Ed Sheeran’s popular song “Thinking Out Loud” and won the chance to get flown down to Los Angeles for a chance to record a professionally produced music video. Her passionate rendition of the song got over 1 million views on JUST Facebook alone.
After landing in LA, Cammie got to head to the studio with music producer Jake Coco, where she laid vocals for her duet with emerging artist Corey Gray. She then headed with StarMaker to film her first music video for “Girl Crush + John Mayer Mashup” at the YouTube Space in LA.
CelebSecrets4U caught up with Cammie Lester recently to talk about her journey! In our interview, the rising star tells us what inspired her to use StarMaker, her reaction when she found out she won the competition, and what it was like to film and record in a professional studio. She also teased an upcoming EP and spilled who she would love to duet with. Last but not least, Cammie gave our readers advice on how to break out in the music industry and revealed a really cool secret about herself — make sure to check out the full Q&A below!
Cammie Lester‘s “Girl Crush + John Mayer Mashup” video can be viewed below. For more information on Cammie Lester, visit her YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/cammie919.
CS4U: Let’s talk about your journey. What made you want to start using the StarMaker app? Did anyone encourage you to start doing this?
Cammie Lester: “Honestly, I was watching The Voice one night and the ad popped up to download StarMaker and sing on it, and I was like all for it. I was like let me get this app and I started using it and everything so it was pretty cool.”
CS4U: You just recorded a cover of Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” which won you a top prize through the StarMaker competition. What was going on in your mind when you found out that you won?
Cammie Lester: “The girl who won second place in the final held first for the longest time. She was incredible so I would tell myself “I’m not going to win.” When I took lead, I was checking in every single morning and I was like oh my gosh I’m getting so many votes right now. And then I won! Honestly, I was so excited and happy when I found out. I wasn’t expecting it one bit.”
CS4U: How do you choose whose songs to cover?
Cammie Lester: “When you’re in StarMaker and enter a contest, you have a certain selection of songs to choose from. “Thinking Out Loud” was the only song that I knew throughout that whole selection so that’s why I picked it.”
CS4U: You worked with Cory Gray on your Girl Crush/John Mayer mash-up. How was it working with him and what was it like to record a song professionally rather than just recording from the app?
Cammie Lester: “In my interview on StarMaker, I said I’ve never done anything like that, and to be there was a reality check. I said to myself that honestly this is what I want to do. It was awesome working with Cory. Like I said again in the interview, I was talking to him on his social media and I was like “oh my gosh I’m going to collab with him.” It was crazy, but I’m really glad we collabed because we clicked right when I walked into the room. It felt like home there even though I didn’t know anyone. I felt very welcomed there. It was awesome.”
CS4U: If you could duet with anyone, who would it be and why?
Cammie Lester: “I have to pick Madilyn Bailey just because I’ve been following her on YouTube for so many years and her voice it’s so different than any other voice that I’ve ever heard! Her voice tells a story and I can relate to any song she that posts and even if I don’t know the song, I’ll relate to her because of her voice. Her style is amazing. Her voice is amazing and she’s just an awesome person.”
CS4U: What’s next for you? Are you working on any more covers or any of your own music?
Cammie Lester: “My manager and I are actually talking about going to Dallas soon to record an EP so we’re looking into that! But right now I’m getting the hang of YouTube. I’m posting covers. I broadcast live on YouNow and I have a big following on YouNow so YouNow is home to me (laughs) even though it’s an app.”
CS4U: Do you write your own music or would you like to possibly write your own music?
Cammie Lester: “I do but I don’t feel comfortable putting it out there right now. I’m a 16 year old girl who has a boyfriend. All of my songs are so cheesy about a love story and I want my songs that I write to be different, but my mind tends to go towards the cheesy lines and everything. Hopefully one day I can write a really good song, but for now, I mean I try. I try my hardest, but my mind just doesn’t go the right way, you know? (laughs).”
CS4U: What advice do you have for those that are pursuing a career in music?
Cammie Lester: “Don’t listen to anything anybody has to say. If they don’t like you, it’s life. I actually had to withdraw from school because of things people had to say and looking back I wouldn’t have withdrawn from school because this is what I want to do and if you want to do something that you love just do it. Don’t let anybody stop you. Just do it if you love it. Don’t listen to anybody else. That’s my big motto on anybody that wants to pursue a career like I am right now.”
CS4U: What has been your favorite memory just about the whole experience in general.
Cammie Lester: “Honestly, I loved every single minute of it! I’d have to say the music video and going out to LA. Going to LA has been my dream since I was little. I had never been out there before meeting Cory, and everyone at StarMaker was so nice and it was just awesome out there. I’ll never forget doing that music video.”
CS4U: Since we are CelebSecrets4U, is there a secret talent hat your fans may not know about you?
Cammie Lester: “I am a really big makeup guru! I feel like I’m talented in the makeup area. I know a lot of things about makeup and if my music career doesn’t work out, I’ll definitely become a freelance makeup artist.”
