{"id":15663,"date":"2016-08-23T12:52:04","date_gmt":"2016-08-23T19:52:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/?p=15663"},"modified":"2016-08-23T22:15:16","modified_gmt":"2016-08-24T05:15:16","slug":"video-feature-interview-craig-campbell","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/2016\/08\/video-feature-interview-craig-campbell\/","title":{"rendered":"Video Feature &#038; Interview: CRAIG CAMPBELL"},"content":{"rendered":"<h3><strong>VIDEO FEATURE &amp; WEB-EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h1>Musician:<strong> \u00a0CRAIG CAMPBELL<\/strong><\/h1>\n<h1>Music Video: \u201c<strong>Outskirts of Heaven<\/strong>\u201d<\/h1>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/FkXETsK1B2A\" width=\"660\" height=\"371\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h3><strong>CRAIG CAMPBELL Web-Exclusive Interview<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h3><strong>with\u00a0<em>M Music &amp; Musicians<\/em>\u00a0magazine publisher, Merlin David<\/strong><\/h3>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<p>Craig Campbell has had five consecutive charting hits and has sold a million downloads. \u201cKeep Them Kisses Comin\u2019\u201d (written by Dallas Davidson and Ben Hayslip) is his biggest hit so far\u2014reaching No. 7 on the Mediabase Country chart and No. 9 on Billboard\u2019s Country Airplay chart. It has over one million YouTube views (1,119, 384 views to date). When asked about his incredible success with music videos, he laughs and says, \u201cYouTube has been good to me.\u201d His \u201cOutta My Head\u201d has almost four million YouTube views (3,904,318 to date). The song was written by Michael Carter, Brandon Kinney and Cole Swindell. \u201cWhen I heard that song,\u201d he says \u201cit immediately took me back to my high school.\u201d<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_15671\" style=\"width: 670px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15671\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-15671\" src=\"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Craig-Campbell-1-credit-Jason-Myers.jpg\" alt=\"Photo credit: Jason Myers\" width=\"660\" height=\"440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Craig-Campbell-1-credit-Jason-Myers.jpg 660w, https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Craig-Campbell-1-credit-Jason-Myers-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-15671\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo credit: Jason Myers<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Dedicated to his music, Campbell\u2019s passion and tenacity is easily seen when he talks about the craft of songwriting and performing his music in front of a live audience. His artful, down-to-earth imagery is in the spotlight with his new hit \u201cOutskirts of Heaven.\u201d In 2014, Campbell\u2019s label folded, but he called and asked radio stations to continue playing \u201cKisses Comin\u2019\u201d\u2014and the song stayed on the charts six weeks after the label\u2019s closure. Even though he didn\u2019t write it, he says \u201cthe song reminds me of my wife.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Campbell has also had amazing success with his own songs recorded by others. Garth Brooks was the first person to cut one of his songs, \u201cAll American Kid\u201d for his 2014 <em>Man Against the Machine<\/em>. He has enjoyed the process, and success, of co-writing songs. He burst onto the scene in 2010 with his very personal \u201cFamily Man,\u201d which he wrote when he was going to become a father for the first time. This co-write with Jon Henderson and Joel Eric Shewmake has over two million YouTube views (2,263,264 to date). And with his second album in 2013, <em>Never Regret<\/em>, he already earned comparisons to Travis Tritt, Alan Jackson and Clint Black.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Campbell not only writes songs about family and love, but his humor is showcased on\u00a0\u201cWhen I Get It,\u201d a song he co-wrote with Patrick Jason Matthews and Jim McCormick\u2014\u201cWhen I get it\u2014you\u2019ll get it.\u201d And that\u2019s something most people can relate to. He takes that humor one step further on \u201cFish\u201d (which he co-wrote with Arlos Smith and Ashe Underwood). \u201cWhen we wrote it,\u201d Campbell said, \u201cthey told us nobody would ever cut it. I said, \u2018no big deal\u2014I\u2019ll record it.\u2019\u201d The song has sold extremely well, and has had over two million YouTube views (2,038,689 views to date). We talked with Craig Campbell about how songwriting has helped define him, and let people know who he is and what he believes.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_15670\" style=\"width: 670px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15670\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-15670\" src=\"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Craig-Campbell-4-with-daughters-credit-Bo-Ibottson.jpg\" alt=\"Photo credit: Bo Ibottson\" width=\"660\" height=\"447\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Craig-Campbell-4-with-daughters-credit-Bo-Ibottson.jpg 660w, https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Craig-Campbell-4-with-daughters-credit-Bo-Ibottson-300x203.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-15670\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo credit: Bo Ibottson<\/p><\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>How did the idea of \u201cOutskirts of Heaven\u201d come to you?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Growing up in a strong Southern Baptist home, I had a vivid image of how the Bible describes Heaven. For example, gold streets, pearly gates, mansions and glowing lights seem to be very \u201cmetro.\u201d So as a country boy, I want my Heaven to be a little different. \u201cOutskirts of Heaven\u201d is a prayer request of sorts\u2014making sure that when I get there, the Good Lord will have prepared this place for me.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>When most songs these days are written specifically for radio, was it difficult to write and record a faith-based song?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I wasn\u2019t thinking of radio when I wrote \u201cOutskirts of Heaven\u201d\u2014not at all. I wrote it for me. After a few times playing it at shows, I realized it was indeed a special song, and I knew that we had to give it to radio so that everyone could have a chance to hear this song.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>What is your creative process for writing songs?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I am an idea guy. I consider myself a great \u201ceditor\u201d of songs during the writing process. I have ideas that are like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, and I rely on my amazing co-writers to help me put this musical puzzle together.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>What songwriting tip would you like to offer?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Write often, and with people you enjoy writing. I think songwriting should be fun, and less like a job.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-15669\" src=\"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Craig-Campbell-Craig-Campbell-2011.jpg\" alt=\"Craig Campbell - Craig Campbell - 2011\" width=\"330\" height=\"330\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Craig-Campbell-Craig-Campbell-2011.jpg 330w, https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Craig-Campbell-Craig-Campbell-2011-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Craig-Campbell-Craig-Campbell-2011-300x300.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 330px) 100vw, 330px\" \/>How do you keep song ideas fresh\u2014and continue to think of new ideas?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I just try to keep my third ear open. Sometimes you can hear someone say something that might be a great title or idea\u2014something that has never been written in the way you hear them say it.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>How has co-writing shaped your music?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Co-writing has helped me define myself as a person. Being able to let people know who I am and what I believe\u2014is all a result of writing my own songs. I book as many co-writes as possible\u2014it\u2019s my retirement plan. <em>(Laughs)<\/em><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tell us one experience where something unique inspired you to write a song.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>When I wrote \u201cFamily Man,\u201d I recently found out I was going to be a father for the first time. That was a special time in my life, and I had to write about it.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Who influenced you to pick up different instruments?<br \/>\n<\/strong>I played piano from an early age because I was drawn to it. I looked at it, and it just made sense. I always wanted to play guitar, but didn\u2019t want to buy one\u2014in case I couldn\u2019t play it. I won my first guitar in a singing competition\u2014at age 15.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Who inspired you to write songs?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I had a conversation with Luke Bryan who told me that although I was already writing, I needed to be writing every day\u2014and with different writers. He also added that was not a \u201cget discovered soon\u201d tactic\u2014it would help define me as an artist.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tell us about Garth Brooks cutting your song\u2014how it felt when you first found out, and did that change your life in music?<br \/>\n<\/strong>Up to that point, I had never had a song recorded by another artist\u2014so I was a little skeptical when I got an email saying <em>Garth Brooks<\/em> wanted to record one of my songs. It was definitely a bucket list item for me\u2014even though I didn\u2019t know it was on a bucket list\u2014simply because I never even thought that was a possibility. It looks great on my resume!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Top 5 Musicians or Songwriters\u00a0who inspired you to become a musician?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Travis Tritt, Bertha Dukes <em>(my Mom)<\/em>, Alan Jackson, Keith Stegall, and Pig Robbins.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>What instrument can you not live without\u2014that helps you write, record or perform?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>When it comes to songwriting, I love my McPherson Kevin Michael carbon fiber guitar. It\u2019s so travel-worthy, lightweight and sounds amazing. On the live side of things, I can never be on stage without my custom McPherson. Not only does it have my name on the fretboard, it is the best-sounding guitar I have <em>ever <\/em>played.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_15667\" style=\"width: 670px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15667\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-15667\" src=\"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Craig-Campbell-3-live-credit-Drew-Filmore.jpg\" alt=\"Photo credit: Drew Filmore\" width=\"660\" height=\"440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Craig-Campbell-3-live-credit-Drew-Filmore.jpg 660w, https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Craig-Campbell-3-live-credit-Drew-Filmore-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-15667\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo credit: Drew Filmore<\/p><\/div>\n<p><strong>Tell us one highlight of playing for other musicians.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Playing piano for Tracy Byrd was a great experience. I remember one time Tracy was not ready to come on stage so he sent word to the band that he wanted me to sing a few songs to kill some time. That was a pretty big deal for me!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Any musicians or songwriters you\u2019d love to work with in the future?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I would love to do a show (really, a few shows) with George Strait. As for songwriting, I am very fortunate to write with my songwriting heroes already.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>What PRO are you with\u2014and how do they help a songwriter\/artist you?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I am a SESAC affiliate. They have helped me in so many ways, and they are always there to take my calls and visits. It is very family style with one-on-one attention, and I love that about SESAC.<br \/>\n<strong>What are your Top 5 favorite albums of all time?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>It\u2019s All About to Change<\/em> (1991) \u2013 Travis\u00a0Tritt<\/p>\n<p><em>If That Ain\u2019t Country<\/em> (2002) \u2013 Anthony\u00a0Smith<\/p>\n<p><em>That\u2019s Why I Sing This Way<\/em> (2002) \u2013 Daryle\u00a0Singletary<\/p>\n<p><em>Rubberband<\/em> (2013) \u2013 Charlie\u00a0Worsham<\/p>\n<p><em>Killin\u2019 Time<\/em> (1989) \u2013 Clint\u00a0Black<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-15664\" src=\"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Top5-Albums-Craig-Campbell.jpg\" alt=\"Top5-Albums-Craig-Campbell\" width=\"660\" height=\"440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Top5-Albums-Craig-Campbell.jpg 660w, https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Top5-Albums-Craig-Campbell-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>What\u2019s next?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The main focus for me at the moment is getting \u201cOutskirts of Heaven\u201d up the charts. An album is always in the works but unfortunately a release date is undetermined.<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Where can your new fans get more info and stay updated?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"http:\/\/www.craigcampbell.tv\" target=\"_blank\">CraigCampbell.tv<\/a> is a good spot\u2014as well as Google. I am the first Craig Campbell that pops up.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_15665\" style=\"width: 670px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-15665\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-15665\" src=\"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Craig-Campbell-2-with-guitar-credit-Jason-Myers.jpg\" alt=\"Photo credit: Jason Myers\" width=\"660\" height=\"441\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Craig-Campbell-2-with-guitar-credit-Jason-Myers.jpg 660w, https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/08\/Craig-Campbell-2-with-guitar-credit-Jason-Myers-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-15665\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo credit: Jason Myers<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>VIDEO FEATURE &amp; WEB-EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW Musician: \u00a0CRAIG CAMPBELL Music Video: \u201cOutskirts of Heaven\u201d CRAIG CAMPBELL Web-Exclusive Interview with\u00a0M Music &amp; Musicians\u00a0magazine publisher, Merlin David Craig Campbell has had five consecutive charting hits and has sold a million downloads. \u201cKeep Them Kisses Comin\u2019\u201d (written by Dallas Davidson and Ben Hayslip) is his biggest hit so far\u2014reaching [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":15673,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[7725],"tags":[3941,8009,7993,7994,7980,8003,7997,7981,7984,6572,7990,7999,7998,7985,3940,8011,7979,8010,4953,2674,8012,102,7992,7988,7987,6007,8002,7566,7986,8006,8005,3010,7983,8013,7978,7989,7995,7991,8000,8004,2621,8008,8001,5786,7958,7996,8007,3943,7982],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15663"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=15663"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15663\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":15676,"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/15663\/revisions\/15676"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15673"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=15663"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=15663"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mmusicmag.com\/m\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=15663"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}