FIFE singer Cameron Barnes is always one looking to venture into new territory – it’s really only a question of what he will do next.

The list of accolades is lengthy: He played Murrayfield as part of the Red Hot Chili Pipers; sang before thousands at the Edinburgh Tattoo, took on an acting role with a National Theatre of Scotland production; secured a UK Charts placing with his first solo release; and sold out King Tut’s.

Yet, despite all he has achieved to date, he admits to being a bag of nerves this week as he embarks upon yet another milestone of his career – the debut solo EP.

The Methil man will release three new tracks in the form of Almost Fabulous this Friday. It has been the culmination of months of work, with the finishing touches applied while the country was in lockdown.

With the impact of the pandemic in mind, it is likely this release will be like none other for Barnes. Indeed, the singer had some reservations about releasing material at this time but insists there was always an underlying desire to bring a little joy to others during this difficult period.

However, that urge to spread some positivity does not quite negate the daunting prospect of unveiling the EP, but he reckons he will feel much better afterwards.

“In all honesty, I’m so nervous,” he tells The Weekender. “I put so much into these songs and I want to give them the best shot at getting heard, but I always worry that I’ve not done enough or pushed myself enough from a promoting front.

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser: Cameron Barnes will release Almost Fabulous on FridayCameron Barnes will release Almost Fabulous on Friday

“I really wanted to release music and try to make people laugh or smile on my social media. I am so sick of seeing negative, after negative, after negative. I wanted to make sure my page was always pushing positivity leading up to this release.

“I feel every release gets harder, to be honest. I think that’s because my expectations are higher, but once it’s out there it’s always a weight off the shoulders.”

Almost Fabulous features three songs: Looking Back; Penny Girl and Reach Out. Each has its own unique flavour with Barnes delving into topics such as nostalgia, break-ups and “taking what you want”.

He adds: “They were the three easiest songs I have ever written, which is strange, I think.

“They were almost a release of everything getting on top of me. I’m sure everyone has felt the same way at some point.

“The songs were recorded before lockdown and vocal touch-ups were recorded from my home studio.”

Barnes had some high-profile gigs booked before the outbreak but now has rescheduled dates to look forward to in early 2021. The conundrum, of course, is will it be a big-band show or an intimate sing-along.

“Honestly, I can’t describe how excited I am to get gigging again,” the singer says. “I was set for my busiest year to date! Luckily, everything has been re-arranged.

“I do love a big band – I had nine session musicians on stage with me at King Tut’s. I honestly love the idea of putting on a show and going full out! But at the same time, some of the best gigs that I’ve been to have been the stripped back ones! It’s something I really need to throw myself into.”

The original plan had been to try and record an album next year – just another goal in the long-list of goals Barnes has smashed. Though there are some others on his list still.

“Barrowlands,” he says. “The dream is to sell out the Barrowlands.

“I am aiming for an album next year and maybe a couple of headline shows after the three I have booked in. But then, hopefully, a sell-out at the Barrowlands. Aiming high I know...”

Catch Cameron Barnes live this coming February.

Almost Fabulous is available for pre-order on iTunes.