[Exclusive Interview] Rocking With SEVENTEEN’s “Rock with you” Co-Producer Cameron Walker
Looking back at its release two months ago in October, SEVENTEEN’s ninth mini-album Attacca not only brought the 13-member group new achievements but also broke some of their previously-set personal records. Attacca peaked at No. 13 on the Billboard 200 Chart, making it SEVENTEEN’s highest entry to date and is also their longest-charting album at two consecutive weeks. The album, filled with tracks that made passionate declarations of love, also became their fourth No. 1 album on the World Albums Chart following Boys Be in 2015, TEEN, AGE in 2017, and their release earlier this year Your Choice.
With many rock elements including powerful guitar riffs and a catchy melody, the fitting title “Rock with you” saw the self-producing group collaborating with music industry professionals who are more than familiar with the genre. American singer and songwriter Cameron Walker was one of the co-composers and co-lyricists, working alongside SEVENTEEN’s main producer Woozi, Vernon, and Joshua. The LA-based musician has written songs for bands like All Time Low, Tonight Alive, and The Ready Set. The Ready Set, also known as Jordan Witzigreuter, collaborated and is credited in this project as well. “Rock with you” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard Hot Trending Songs Chart and is SEVENTEEN’s first ever entry in the Spotify Global Top 200 Chart at No. 194.
To celebrate and wrap up the incredible year SEVENTEEN has had, The Kraze reached out and talked to Cameron Walker for an exclusive on the collaborative project and the creation of “Rock with you.”
Q: How were you first introduced to this project? Did you know of SEVENTEEN or listen to their music before getting the project?
A: I had heard of SEVENTEEN before and was a fan beforehand, so it was a huge honor to work on this song. The opportunity to write for them came through our publisher - and I’m very grateful that it did!
Q: Were there any initial worries or curiosities when you found out you would be working with a Korean music act?
A: I was just really excited - I think my best work comes when I’m outside of my comfort zone. I love the challenge of trying new things. I really learned a lot from this experience.
Q: How is the songwriting process different when working with artists that speak a different language than yours?
A: Melodically, I approached the song in a similar way that I would for every song I collaborate on. But lyrically I was a little more focused on the overall message than I normally would be.
Q: Because of the difference in geographical locations, did all the producers send in their respective parts for the song or did you get to work on call together?
A: We all collaborated remotely. It’s so cool to me that because of today’s technology, It’s possible to work with artists in different countries across the globe and still make beautiful art together. I’m very thankful for that.
Q: You’ve worked with many artists within the pop punk genre like All Time Low, Tonight Alive, and Set It Off, so did any of those pop punk influences roll over to “Rock with you?”
A: I grew up on punk rock and pop punk music, so those influences are very much a part of who I am today. Sometimes consciously but often subconsciously. I couldn’t hide them if I tried haha
Q: What’s a song or some songs that you listened to a lot when writing “Rock with you” (either as inspiration for the project or just in general)?
A: Lately I’ve been really into going back and exploring a lot of older music and I find that really inspirational. I recently went through Elvis Costello and Bee Gees’s catalogs. I love that stuff. It's so timeless.
Q: Is K-Pop something you would say you listen to on a regular basis or is it still a new genre for you personally?
A: I am definitely new to the K-Pop world, but it’s safe to say that I am a fan. I love the music and it is so much fun to be a part of.
Q: If you could sum up the experience in a word or phrase, what would it be?
A: Beautiful.
Cameron has been vocal about his excitement for the project on social media—as seen by many tweets made after the announcement of Attacca’s tracklist, the official music video release, and celebrating the achievements of the song.
As a reciprocation for the love that he’s been receiving from CARATs since the start of the project, Cameron also dedicated a tweet to thank the group’s ever-supportive fandom for their excitement of this unexpected but highly-anticipated collaboration.
In a recently shared tweet, the musician captured photos of a signed Attacca album with a personalized thank you message from SEVENTEEN.
Thank you Cameron Walker for agreeing to have a chat with The Kraze about this project. We sincerely congratulate you on the success of your first collaboration with a K-Pop act!
Follow Cameron on Twitter and check out a playlist of songs that he has participated on in in the past.
Check out SEVENTEEN’s “Rock With You” and their October release Attacca.