Vegas artist releases new album as Scorp.io

Local musician Cameron Calloway will release his self-produced debut album, Venus, My Love, on Thursday, Nov. 13. The project marks the first time the singer is releasing music under the name Scorp.io, a moniker he has used within his family since childhood.

The album release show is scheduled for 8 p.m. at the Beverly Theater. Tickets are priced at $16. The concert will feature Scorp.io alongside artists B. Rose and Sobe. The event serves as the official launch for the new record, which Calloway produced himself.

Calloway has been a fixture in the Las Vegas music scene for more than a decade. He emerged during a period of local growth for indie acts, sharing stages with groups such as The Rusty Maples, Same Sex Mary, and The Lique. During that era, he performed as Cameron Calloway, utilizing a falsetto voice and acoustic guitar to fit within the local indie sound.

The change in identity follows the death of Rasar Amani, the frontman of The Lique, in 2021. Amani and Calloway were close friends, and their relationship provided a strong support system for Calloway's career. The loss of Amani, combined with the end of a long-term relationship, led Calloway to question his artistic direction and personal confidence.

“When he [Rasar] passed away, then other things happened, there was a moment where I was like, I don't know who I am without the support system,” Calloway said. He noted that the void left by these losses caused his confidence to fade. Periods of solitude allowed him to process these events and restore his sense of self.

The new album focuses on themes of romance, vulnerability, and devotion. Calloway, a Black and Filipino man, cites the Roman goddess Venus as an inspiration for exploring love and softness. The record includes tracks such as “Candlelight (Venus)” and “Lay With Me,” which address intimacy and emotional connection. Calloway said reading bell hooks’ book All About Love influenced how he approaches romance and expresses appreciation for his partners.

“One of the things that I think is so beautiful about this life is when you do get that chance to connect with somebody on a romantic level and how scary it can be,” Calloway said. He aims to present music that emphasizes sincerity and devotion, contrasting with what he describes as an anti-love trend in current music. The album is available for purchase at the show and through digital platforms starting Nov. 13.