Cameron & The Slumberknights dare to dream of the ones that got away in their new single and video I Held You So Close — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
On the band-produced hybrid of pop and hip-hop, Cam addresses his own heartbreak spiral, poetically pondering the mistakes a boy will make whilst grappling with his own adolescence. Glued together with roomy and charming acoustic guitars, and drenched in adoring backing vocals, I Held You So Close is an endearing gem that chugs with a snarling bassline and beautifully concludes with guest vocalist Alison May’s own lament.
“I started writing I Held You So Close on my guitar after I’d finished a shift at the coffee shop I worked in, a summer or two ago now,” Cameron Donald says. “The track only really came together earlier this year though! I was quite lost at the time, and was regretting letting certain moments slip away from me. The song came from a place of longing. I was in a very isolated space, and so found myself reminiscing about days gone by, and the treasured memories made with people I unfortunately don’t speak to anymore.
“I Held You So Close is about a Year 6 girlfriend who later became a high-school girlfriend, and continues to be a beautiful person. She just got engaged, actually! I think it’s fairly normal (I can’t comment on the healthiness of it) to put awesome people on a pedestal when you’re at the foot of it, desperately clawing your way up — especially if there was a genuine friendship between you. Everyone needs a light to help them out of the darkness, and the memories of our adventures throughout our Summer holidays were just that.
“I Held You So Close is somewhat of a lament, but this young love was a taste of hope I like to think that my verses… are quite Seussian! I’ve never before written a verse like the first, and it did take some doing. The Doc was a genius! I was hoping to capture a hopeless romanticism in the vein of ‘roses are red, violets are blue’ using simple end-rhymes, but thankfully it ended up being a lot more vivid! I love the way the verses bounce, with such wistfulness.”
Formed in 2019, the band boast an eclectic collection of influences ranging all the way from Eminem to Hiatus Kaiyote. Cameron & The Slumberknights have been gaining attention since their hip-shaking debut Pour in 2020. Now in the midst of an evolution, the group reflect on their artistry and hone in on their sound. They are fronted by South African songwriter Donald, joined by Jim Cornelissen on drums, Ben Thomson on guitar and Dan Collins on bass.
Praised for their sincerity and irrefutable groove, Cameron & The Slumberknights pride themselves on the musicality and substance of their coming-of-age songwriting. Peppering their vibe-laden tracks with a bittersweet nostalgia, the collective tackle themes such as youth, faith and depression.
Watch the video for I Held You So Close above, hear more from Cameron & The Slumberknights below, and follow them on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
