| Each month we’ll feature a Q&A of some of our fantastic artists! This month we check in with Campbell Jensen. |
These interviews are first published in our monthly newsletter.
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The Interview
How did you come into this career?
Thor: I joined my first band at 16, and started playing gigs regularly right away. I was hooked immediately and saw no other way forward.
Ashley: I started playing banjo as a theatre major in college and was asked to learn banjo for a play that I was acting in. After I graduated my father asked me to join his band and I was hooked from that moment onward.
Tell us about one/some of the most career defining shows you’ve played so far.
Thor: With Campbell/Jensen, playing Celtic Connections was a big one. Such a gorgeous room, an absolutely stellar crowd and a phenomenal way to kick off our touring year.
Ashley: We also got to support Lyle Lovett in Belfast this year. It was so nice to get a chance to expand our audience and play for a different crowd.
Any pre-show rituals?
Thor: just getting the fingers loose, and having a laugh. It’s good to go out on stage in good spirits.
Ashley: Deep, calming breaths and eye contact with Thor. I like to connect and ground myself.
What was the first show you remember going to?
Thor: I saw B.B. King at Radio City Music Hall when I was 13. It was amazing
Ashley: Mine was a Glen Campbell concert! But with him being my dad I suppose that was always going to be my first concert. But the first one I specifically remember was from one of his shows in Branson Missouri. I was 6 or 7 years old and I think he was double headlining with Andy Williams.
What was the first show you remember playing?
Thor: The El’n’Gee Club in New London, Connecticut with my first band called Coco Joe when I was 16.
Ashley: I had just graduated from university in Los Angeles and a friend of a friend had a band called River Rouge. They asked me to play banjo for them for a show they were doing at the Santa Monica farmers market; it was so low-key but I was so nervous!
One thing you wish you knew before your first gig?
Thor: it only gets better!
Ashley: It’s not the end of the world if you make a mistake!
Which upcoming show should we go see? (Yours or someone else’s!)
Thor: go see Rachel Grace every chance you get!
Ashley: I’ve got a solo album coming out with my album release show at The Pheasantry in London on June 27th!
Tell us about someone in your team you couldn’t do without.
Thor: our agent Willie Kelly, He’s a HUGE part of our team and feels like family.
Ashley: Willie Kelly. Absolutely. He’s our guy.
How do you find working with Midnight Mango?
Thor: love it. A great company that is always looking out for their artists. We feel very fortunate to be on their roster.
Tell us about something you’d like to promote.
Thor: Campbell/Jensen is busy writing our next record, and in the mean time stay tuned for a new solo album from Ashley Campbell.
Ashley: My new album “Goodnight Nashville” comes out on June 27th. Songs I wrote and recorded during my time living in Nashville. It is such an honor to bring my songs to life with the juggernaught musicians who also happen to be my friends. Music is fun y’all!
