Country artist Cam grapples with hard truths on 'Otherside'

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Cam wrote the song with hit country writer Natalie Hemby after watching the documentary series “Surviving R. Kelly” about longstanding sexual assault allegations against R&B artist R. Kelly who was still signed to her label at the time. I think it’s a benefit for radio to play this artist.” With the help of a circle of hit-making pop and country stylists, including Jack Antonoff, Harry Styles, Lori McKenna, Hemby and Smith, Cam’s new record showcases a fine-tuned storyteller and vocal powerhouse unique to anything on country radio. She knew what she was getting into when she heard Smith’s easily recognizable voice on the demo for “Happier For You,” a melancholic country song that fit well with Cam's aesthetic of moody and introspective country tunes. “It was like vocal gymnastics to get it all right, which was so fun.” But the most recent career revelation for Cam has been more about the so-called work-life balance that new mothers face.