Red Camel Collective is making waves in the bluegrass scene with their unique blend of traditional influences and fresh, dynamic energy. Comprised of seasoned musicians who double as members of the Junior Sisk Band, the group has found a way to balance their love for classic bluegrass with their own creative songwriting. Their self-titled project showcases a mix of heartfelt originals and carefully selected covers, proving their dedication to both honoring the past and pushing the genre forward (check out the full album HERE).
At the heart of Red Camel Collective is Heather Berry Mabe, a powerhouse vocalist and songwriter whose authenticity shines through in every note. Winning IBMA’s Momentum Vocalist of the Year award further cemented her status as an artist to watch. She’s accompanied by fellow band members Tony Mabe, Curt Love and Johnathan Dillon, who round out the sound for the group. Their passion for storytelling and connection through music is evident in every performance, making them one of the hottest new bands in the bluegrass scene.
As RCC gears up for a new album and an exciting run of live performances, they sat down to share insight into their creative process, influences, and what the future holds. From their favorite live music experiences to the songs that mean the most to them, Red Camel Collective gives fans a deeper look into their journey so far. Read on to learn more about their inspirations, their thoughts on the bluegrass scene, and what’s next for this talented group.
How would you describe your music?
Eclectic, rhythmic, acoustic, and authentic.
Who are some of your top 5 musical influences?
The Del McCoury Band, Alison Krauss, Tim O’Brien, Lost and Found, Blue Highway.
What do you want fans to take from your music?
I have always strived to take the listener to wherever the song I’m singing is taking place. I want to play skillfully and accurately too, but above all, I strive for authenticity in my music—to sing and play from my heart.
Tell us a little bit about your new self-titled project and how it came about.
I am so excited for Red Camel Collective’s new album! It features five originals that I penned and some super cool covers too. The musicianship between Tony, Johnathan, and Curt is second to none. We’ve got an eclectic mix of 10 great songs that we all believe in, and we hope listeners will love them!
Red Camel Collective is also comprised of the touring members of the Junior Sisk Band. How do you balance that all out?
So far, we are only taking gigs as Red Camel Collective during Junior’s off-season, so it hasn’t been hard to manage being in both bands at all. Junior always gives RCC a few songs during his sets too, and we are so grateful to him for being so supportive of us.
How’s the music scene in your locale?
I am so fortunate to have always lived in an area with plenty of live music, plenty of musicians, and plenty of jamming. I grew up in Sherando, VA, and now live in Walnut Cove, NC. Both areas are central locations for bluegrass.
What is the best concert you have been to? What do you like most about playing live?
The best concert I have ever been to was a late-night concert at DelFest a few years ago! The Travelin’ McCourys were playing at like 2 in the morning. I was completely blown away by that concert! It was truly life-changing for me—to experience the energy of that show and witness how they take traditional bluegrass music but make it totally their own. They completely owned their space, but it was so effortless to them. I’ll never forget that night and that concert!
What I love most about playing live are those occasions when the moon and stars align (for lack of a better term), and for whatever reason, in that moment, everything just falls into place. The groove is so effortless between band members. To feel that musical connection between each other and the audience is indescribable. I love that!
Is there a song on your latest album that stands out as your personal favorite, and why?
“Halfway Down” is my favorite track on the album! It’s a ‘90s country tune written by Jim Lauderdale, and as far as I know, this is the first time it’s been covered in the bluegrass genre. It’s just so fun to sing and jam out to! It has such a fun and sassy feel! I love it.
How have you evolved as an artist over the last year?
I feel I have grown in my confidence. I am not striving for perfection as much as I was this time last year. I’m learning more every day what making music is really about—feel and emotion. I’m learning to just have fun with it.
What was it like winning an IBMA award last year for Momentum Vocalist of the Year (Heather Berry Mabe)?
It was such an honor to win Momentum Vocalist of the Year at IBMA. I’m so grateful and humbled.
If you could meet, play a gig, co-write a song, have dinner, or have a drink with any band or artist (dead or alive), who would it be and why?
I have been dying to sing with Ronnie McCoury, Shawn Camp, and Tim O’Brien for years now! I’d love to co-write with them too! If y’all ever read this, just know that if you throw me a bone, you’d make me the happiest girl in the whole world!
What’s next for Red Camel Collective?
We are about to start recording another project—so excited for that! We are also super excited for the gigs that we have coming up this year! Visit www.RedCamelCollective.com for all the info.
End of Interview