Cameron Whitcomb's Passion Takes Center Stage at Lincoln Theatre

BY CAITLIN RUSS

Cameron Whitcomb performed at the Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh on Wednesday. The season 20 American Idol contestant spent the night before his 22nd birthday playing new songs and covers for fans. The Hundred Mile High Tour included three North Carolina venues. His newest single, “Hundred Mile High,” is just one of many songs Whitcomb has written that is inspired by his past life, struggles, and how his sobriety is a choice every day.

Whitcomb often speaks openly about his previous addiction struggles. He is almost 2 years clean and talked about the struggles of not only beating addiction, but also watching what it does to others. The Canadian singer credits his best friend for motivating him to get clean. He said his best friend went into rehab and when he got clean, everything in his life seemed better. Whitcomb wanted the same. His friend found purpose in opening his own treatment center while Whitcomb found his purpose in music.

One of Whitcomb’s most popular songs, “Quitter” speaks of the difficulties of becoming sober, righting your wrongs, and choosing love over addiction. Most recently, the 22- year-old released “Options,” another song about choosing the sober life. He has the option to give into his addictive past, but ultimately chooses not to go back to the person he was.

Whitcomb is a songwriter. His music is filled with personal life experiences and emotion that is deeply felt by his fans. The Lincoln Theatre was filled with raw emotion throughout the night as fans sang along to “Rocking Chair,” a song about his late grandfather. One of many songs we can all relate to at some point in our lives. I mean, who doesn’t deeply miss their grandpa and reflect on fond memories?

While young, Whitcomb writes songs like it has been his job for the past 20 years. His lyrics are comprised of vivid imagery, allusions, and metaphors. Whitcomb commands the stage with high energy and a smile that never fades. He covered many genres of music in addition to his own Wednesday night. He played “All Your’n” by Tyler Childers, “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, and even jumped on the drums during “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana. He ended the night with “Quitter” but not before his beloved fans sang him “Happy Birthday.”

Ben Cottrill, a fellow Canadian, opened for Whitcomb. He showed his talents as a one man band playing the guitar, keyboard, harmonica, and tambourine to name a few. He performed many of his original songs including “Reno” and “Won’t Be with You.” He promised to cover “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan if the crowd bullied him into it.They did. He engaged fans with his sing-a-long “Smoke Killed the Atmosphere (Of Love)” before leaving the stage for Cameron Whitcomb to take over for the night.

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CAITLIN RUSS

Caitlin Russ is a Florida native currently residing in North Carolina. She is an English teacher by day and freelance entertainment journalist by night. Caitlin enjoys reading, hiking with her husband and 3 children, and attending as many concerts as she can. Her all-time favorite music artists include John Mayer, Tyler Childers, and Paramore.

Read Caitlin's posts here.