Cameron Smith releases live album recorded at rural studio
The 38-year-old Fort Worth musician spent a single July afternoon at Bluff Dale Cabin to capture 11 songs, some dating back two years.
By Robert Ward ·
Cameron Smith recorded 11 songs in a single afternoon last July at Bluff Dale Cabin, a studio located approximately 50 miles southwest of Fort Worth. The resulting album, In Lieu of Flowers: Live at Cabin Records, is now available on streaming platforms. Smith, 38, spent that day in the cedar-paneled rooms of the facility, which he described as having fresh air and cozy, earthy vibes.
The session produced a collection of tracks that span 22 years of Smith’s career. Some songs, such as “My Friend,” were written two years ago following the deaths of close family members. Other pieces were finalized in the studio. Smith noted that the record serves as a personal time capsule, blending his early punk influences from 2004 with his current musical style. He compared his present sound to that of Townes Van Zandt.
Bluff Dale Cabin is owned by producer Neil Furgeson, who has worked with artists including Cody Admire, Conner Stephens, and Lorrin. Smith selected the location for its laid-back atmosphere. The audio files were later mastered by Mark Randall at his Blackstone Studio in Fort Worth. Randall has also produced for Sean Russell, Ryker Hall, and Matthew Broyles. Smith hired Randall partly because of their personal friendship.
Smith, who has been married for seven years and is a father, characterized the album as raw and candid. He stated that he wanted the record to feel honest and unrefined. Specific tracks like “Learning How to Use My Voice” recall his experiences as a 16-year-old attending Ridglea Metalfest in 2004. He identified “Little’s Changed” as a potential protest song, while “Burning Season” was intended to evoke both laughter and tears.
Smith expressed a desire for the album to function as a snapshot of a specific moment in his life. He believes that when listeners sing along to the lyrics, the personal experience becomes their own. He cited a specific lyrical passage about time and the cracking of mental fortresses as an example of this connection. Smith said his primary goal is to comfort listeners through the music.
The musician will perform at the Third Annual Fort Worth Songwriter Festival. The event is scheduled to take place at Tulips FTW, located at 112 St. Louis Av. in Fort Worth. Smith will share the stage with singer-songwriters including Keegan McInroe, Jack Barksdale, Dawn and Hawkes, Mary McGuinness, and Beau Scott Jennings. Tickets for the festival range in price from $10 to $125.
Smith described the creative process as a meeting of past and future spirits. He noted that the performances on the album are flawed but honest. The album captures a specific period in his artistic development, moving from his rowdy youth to his current silky baritone style.
