While some choose to spend their free time messing around and getting into trouble, this Wakefield student would rather devote his time to preparing for his future of becoming a successful artist.  Up and coming musician, senior Cameron Cokas took some time to talk with me about his music style, his inspirations, and plans for the future.

He’s fairly well-known around Wakefield as being a musician with drive and potential.  Not only does he have a passion for his music, he sets his goals high and works hard to make a name for himself.

“[I spend] hours each day [working on my music], I would say three to five hours each day, sometimes eight.  Sometimes I’ll ditch homework,” Cokas said.  “I just like working and recording in my room and getting out playing.  

He works hard and dedicates time to getting his sound exactly the way he likes it.

“I would say lyrics take a day or two, writing songs takes a few days, and the recording process takes a few weeks [because] I really want to make it perfect because I’m a perfectionist with sound,” Cokas said.  

Because it’s so difficult today to make a name for yourself in the music industry, Cokas explained what he did to get his music out to the world.

“I’m just releasing songs and playing out as much as I can,” Cokas said.  “[Also I’m] networking on social media.”

Cokas described the support he has received; from Wakefield students to countless others who have found his songs on Spotify and Apple Music.

“Yeah I have [seen a lot of support for my music].  That’s [been] the highlight of these last few months,” Cokas said.  

Along with the support of his Spotify and Apple Music followers, he has also seen new opportunities arise that could open up a new chapter for his music.  

 “I was recommended to Alessia Cara [an up and coming artist that you hear on the radio frequently] by a friend, and now we’re in contact.  I have the opportunity to open for her next tour.  She supports my music; it’s cool,” Cokas said.

Cokas has made great strides in his music career since his humble beginnings in ninth grade.  He credited some of his mentors who have helped him along the way and revealed more plans for his future.

“I’ve been songwriting for a while, and I’ve had three mentors: one was in 2014, one in 2015, and the most recent one [was] the saxophone player from Bon Iver.  He’s really helped me out, and I’m about to record a single with him and some of the bandmates, so that’s really big,” Cokas said.

Cokas revealed some of his music inspirations and described his style of music.  

“I would say, Ed Sheeran, Billy Joel, Justin Vernon from Bon Iver, and James Blake [are my favorite musicians],” Cokas said.  “It’s [music style] alternative-pop.  Basically, I take influence from all these other genres.  My style [of] writing is pop, and I think that’s kinda what just comes out, it sounds good to me.”

While Cokas continues to work hard to chase his dreams of becoming a successful musician, he reflected on what his goals were for himself and the importance of his individuality as an artist.

“The goals are to make a name for myself, represent Raleigh, and getting the support of Alessia, that would be amazing.  Just be a force in pop music,” Cokas said.  “To be like Ed Sheeran, but beyond Ed Sheeran.”