Current IBMA Momentum Vocalist of the Year Heather Berry Mabe is already a well known name in the world of bluegrass, and her latest endeavor Red Camel Collective is already staking their own claim. While Heather and company are all veterans in the industry, RCC started the year with their debut single, a Bluegrass twist on Charley Pride’s famous tune “Roll On Mississippi” followed by the original track “Sincerity” written by Heather herself.
We recently caught up with Heather to talk about RCC’s creation, new music and more.
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
HBM: I am originally from Sherando, Virginia and have lived in Walnut Cove, North Carolina with my husband Tony Mabe for 18 years. I’m a singer-songwriter and have been playing music since I was 12 years old.
CN: Which artists have influenced you both personally and as an artist?
HBM: Mother Maybelle Carter, Suzanne Cox, Alison Krauss, Dolly Parton, The Whites, Linda Lay, Judi Marshall, Tim O’Brien, The Del McCoury Band, and Tony Rice, just to name a few.
CN: What inspired you and your bandmates to start Red Camel Collective, and how did you choose the name?
HBM: As far as starting Red Camel Collective, we all just thought why not? We play together all the time so we know each other very well musically, and on top of that, there are several original tunes I have that wouldn’t exactly fit Junior’s style, so this venture gives us the chance to branch out and create our own music, which has been so fulfilling.
The name was inspired by one of Junior’s hits from 2009 called “The Man In Red Camels,” written by Timmy Massey and Rick Pardue. We wanted our name to pay homage to Junior for him bringing us together. Our band being named after a brand of overalls is also very fitting because we are all about as country as they come.
CN: How would you describe Red Camel Collective’s musical style, and what sets it apart from other bluegrass bands?
HBM: I would describe our musical style as smooth, rhythmic, and heartfelt. I feel that we have our own recognizable sound because none of us play exactly like anyone. When you hear John play the mandolin, there’s no mistaking that it’s him, the same goes for Tony on banjo, and for my vocals. You can hear the influences from our heroes, but we are not a carbon copy of anyone. That quality is becoming more rare with time.
CN: The band’s debut single is a remake of Charley Pride’s “Roll On Mississippi.” How did the decision to record it come about?
HBM: I’ve loved “Roll On Mississippi” since the first time I heard it. Charley Pride’s version is magic and I felt like if it was going to be covered, it needed to be reimagined because there’s no way to begin to come close to his version. So we took an approach that had what feels to me like an Osborne Brothers vibe. I love how John and Tony shine on this track. Their playing on this one is just stunning and really brings the song to life.
CN: Red Camel Collective members like yourself, Tony Mabe, Curt Love, and Johnathan Dillon have a long history with the Junior Sisk Band. How does balancing both projects impact your creative process?
HBM: Well, no matter what I am doing or who I am playing/singing with, I always want to give my best 100%. When I sing a song, I want to be in that song completely, to the best of my ability. I want folks to be able to believe with complete certainty what I am singing about. When I play rhythm guitar I want to be as solid, smooth, and strong as I can. Those things never change whether performing with the JSB or RCC or with anyone else.
CN: Congratulations on winning the IBMA Momentum “Vocalist of the Year” award! How does it feel to be recognized by the International Bluegrass Music Association?
HBM: It feels so good to have won the IBMA Momentum Award for “Vocalist of the Year.” I wasn’t expecting it at all so it was a very pleasant surprise! The outpouring of love since receiving that award has blessed me more than I could ever say. I am truly humbled and so grateful.
CN: What was it like performing on the show with Sharon and Cheryl White (The Whites) and Vickie Vaughn to pay tribute to the Carter family?
HBM: It was truly a dream come true performing with Sharon & Cheryl White and Vickie Vaughn at the IBMA Awards Show! I have looked up to The Whites since I was a kid. During rehearsal when I first heard their voices singing with mine I had to fight back tears. Their harmonies are so very special and anointed. Honoring the Carter Family alongside all these incredible ladies was a beautiful experience that I will remember forever.
CN: You’ve had a remarkable career, performing in iconic venues like the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Ryman Auditorium. Which moments or venues have been most memorable for you?
HBM: In 2018 I had the privilege of playing with Suzanne Cox and Alison Krauss at Johnny Cash’s home place in Dyess, Arkansas. That was for the Johnny Cash Memorial Festival and the 50th year anniversary of the Johnny Cash Show. Our part of the show was performing Carter Family songs. I got to play and sing the part of my hero Mother Maybelle Carter and got to play her guitar.
Performing at the Country Music Hall of Fame for Tom T. Hall’s induction is one that was so special to me too, and playing the Ryman Auditorium as a guest on Dailey & Vincent’s show was another huge honor for me.
CN: And throughout your career you have collaborated with so many artists. Is there someone out there that you haven’t collaborated with and would love to do so?
HBM: Yes!!! Tim O’Brien, Shawn Camp, and Ronnie McCoury! If y’all ever see this, holler at ya girl!!! Y’all are my heroes and it would make my dreams come true to get to sing with each of you!!
CN: You’ve recorded for Tom T. and Dixie Hall’s Blue Circle Records and have been praised for your “mountain clear voice.” How did working with Tom T. and Dixie influence your approach to music?
HBM: Tom T. and Miss Dixie were precious folks. I cherish the time that I got to record with them and to get to know them. They inspired me to always be true to myself and never compromise what I feel is right for myself both personally and musically.
CN: What excites you most about this new chapter with Red Camel Collective?
HBM: Creating is what excites me most about playing with Red Camel Collective! I feel that with the talent and virtuosity of the musicians in this group, the sky is the limit! I feel like we’ve just begun to scratch the surface of all we have to offer musically. I’m so excited for the future of RCC!
CN: As a multi-genre artist who blends traditional bluegrass with country and gospel, how do you keep your sound both authentic and fresh?
HBM: I just play what I like and what moves me. I feel like if you are true to what inspires you, it’s bound to inspire someone else out there too.
CN: If you could describe yourself – and Red Camel Collective – in one word, what would it be and why?
HBM: Collective. I think it’s no coincidence that we landed on that word for the name of our band. We all bring our own ideas, experience, and unique talents to the table to make one unit. The end result is a unique sound and blend.
CN: What’s next for you and Red Camel Collective? Are there any upcoming projects or performances fans should look forward to?
HBM: We have new music dropping!!! We are releasing 2 new singles in November!
“Last Time I Saw Him” is a super cool cover. It was a hit for Dottie West and also for Diana Ross, believe it or not. We are joined on that one by some very special guests, Michael Cleveland, Suzanne Cox, and Sharon White. So excited for y’all to hear this one!
The other song is one that I wrote, a heartfelt Christmas tune called “Christmas Through The Eyes of a Child.” It talks about some of my favorite Christmas memories from childhood and the resolution to slow down and take the time to enjoy the season the way I did back then. This song means so much to me and I am so excited to share it!
Our two new singles will be available on all streaming platforms November 18, 2024.
For more info visit www.redcamelcollective.com and www.pinecastlemusic.com.