Silver Spring Teen Wants to Be the Next Big Thing

Seventeen-year-old Cameron Byrd and his band, Hollywood Ending, want your votes as they compete on the fourth season of Radio Disney’s “N.B.T.” That’s “Next Big Thing” for the uninitiated. The 10-week contest begins on Radio Disney and Disney Channel on October 16.

Patch interviewed Byrd, of Silver Spring, about his local connection and his rise to teen stardom.

Patch: How would you describe your music?

Cameron Byrd: A catchy, upbeat pop band with an edge.

Patch: What area of Silver Spring are you from?

Byrd: I am from downtown Silver Spring, and I went to Sandy Spring Friends School.

Patch: What surprises can your fans look forward to as the competition moves forward?

Byrd: They should definitely keep tuning into Radio Disney and Disney Channel to watch us on “N.B.T.” We’re also hoping to release some more songs and play more shows.

Patch: What's in your iPod? Which artists inspire you?

Byrd: I have a lot of unexpected music on my iPod. I have a lot of "scene" music as some would say, bands like All Time Low, Mayday Parade, and Boys Like Girls. But I have other influences like 30 Seconds to Mars and Blink 182.

Patch: What would winning Radio Disney’s “Next Big Thing” competition mean to you?

Byrd: It would be a huge accomplishment for me. Just being in this competition has been an amazing ride, but winning would reassure me that people are connecting and enjoying our songs, and that's what matters most to me.

Patch: What advice would you give to young adults trying to break into the industry?

Byrd: Just stay dedicated, don't give up because of small setbacks and always stay optimistic! You never know when you're going to meet someone important or get a "big break"!

You can vote for Cameron Byrd and Hollywood Ending at RadioDisney.com.