by Zach Fraley
photos by Tamarind Free Jones
As a company, Guitar Center has received mixed reviews from the music industry. While some claim the store to be an easy one-stop-shop for guitarists, drummers, keyboardists and the like, others argue that the conglomerate is discouraging mom and pop music stores from finding success. Rock artist Jeff Campbell experienced the company first hand when he competed in their national songwriting contest two years ago. Beating out 13,000 entrants to win the top prize, Campbell was granted access to producer John Shanks and the chance to create the EP of his dreams.
“The EP was one of the single greatest experiences of my life. I got to record at a studio I’ve never been able to afford, and got to play with people with years of experience. I got a record out of it that sounds better than I ever thought it could sound. There’s rock songs and acoustic songs that build off each other. The record I’ve made since then is what I would do when I’m left to my own devices. I’m happy with the result.”
After his EP, In Spite of Everything, launched in 2013, he embarked on a whirlwind tour that brought him to the stage of late night shows and tours with acts such as John Mayer and Train. Following these experiences, Campbell had plenty of great things to say about the company whose competition he won.
“It’s been great. It was a solid year of my life of being hoisted up the flag pole by Guitar Center, and I can’t say enough about them as an organization. You look at such a big company and you think they’d be cold and corporate, but it couldn’t be further from that. They’re invested in making everyone feel like they’re on the same playing field. Since the competition, there have been two more winners, and the four total winners are still brought back for every event. We got to play on TV, and it’s still following me around today. I appreciate them for that.”
Following the success of his first EP, Campbell has released his first full-length album, The Kitchen Sink. Complete with nine melodic and soulful recordings, Campbell admits he drew influence from heavier rock groups while attempting to establish himself as a unique voice.
“I grew up in the late 90s and early 2000s, and the stuff I listened to was heavier rock like Pearl Jam and Smashing Pumpkins – the guys who were mixing a harder and softer sound. The 90s changed putting a ballad and a rock song together for the first time. I love evolving and changing with the times, but also staying true to where I come from. In terms of what’s coming out now, I’m not involving electronic-sounding tracks. There’s nothing we have to bring a laptop for at a live show, and we’re still just a four man rock band. I try to make it so I can play all the songs by myself live.”
While Campbell did get help from Guitar Center for his musical pursuits, he concedes that writing music is still a constant struggle to stay fresh.
“The industry is out of ideas, and it’s a challenge. When a movie comes out now, it’s either a remake or a recycled idea. The music industry is the same way. The challenge is to reinvent yourself and your style every time you put out something new. I imagine a lot of folks have a hard time with it. The most important part is to top yourself and do your best.”
Campbell hopes to stay relevant by using his new LP to attract old and new faces alike to his upcoming tour dates. Though the majority of his whirlwind ride might be at an end to some, Campbell would argue it’s just beginning.
“Now that the record is out, we’re gonna spend the next however long we can supporting it. We’re trying to get new openings with household name acts as well, but you have to balance those big opportunities out with other opportunities that are you schlepping a guitar around. I’m gonna stay the course and do what I’ve always done.”
One of those tour dates will be in Philadelphia at World Café Live on November 25. Originally from Philly, Campbell can’t wait to come back, enjoy familiar company, and partake in the comfortable foods of his hometown.
“Cheesesteaks and going to the Soft Pretzel Factory at midnight, as well as just being home. That’s where my family is and where I feel the most myself. Philly is the most supportive community in the world to me, and I’ll never take for granted the smiling faces I see there. I love the World Café as well!”
