Craig Campbell - Lakeland, Florida
By: Connie Breeden, Editor
This is one of those times when I really love my job. Tonight I caught up with "Family Man", Craig Campbell, in Lakeland, Florida. I was able to sit down with him for a few minutes before he took the stage at central Florida's hot spot, Boots N' Buckles Saloon.
NAC: I know you probably get the same ole questions asked day afer day but I just have to know, what is the main inspiration behind your music?
Campbell: Well, all the songs on the album are autobiographical, if you listen to them, you know who I am. The thing is, I want people to know I relate to them on a daily basis.
NAC: I know, when I reviewed your album last year, the first thing I thought when I heard "Family Man" was, "Wow, he is singing my life" and "Fish" is one of my favorite songs. I loved the whole album.
NAC: Now, with your third single out, "When I Get It", I tell ya, I know people can relate. I know I do. So what's next for Craig Campbell?
Campbell: Well, we are going into the studio this summer and do some recording. I'm pretty exited about getting in there because I've been doing some writing. Until then I am going to be at it on the road. We'll be doing some touring with Luke Bryan and I'm reallly looking forward to it. Ya know, I started out playing piano for him and Tracy Byrd a few of years back before I got my record deal.
NAC: If you could team up with one artist, country or not, dead or alive, and sing a duo, or just share the stage, who would it be?
Campbell: I would have to say George Strait. I mean, I don't think there is a country music artist out there that wouldn't want to sing with George, Merle Haggard, Randy Travis, they are country icons, even Travis Tritt, I think sharing a stage with any of those artists would be pretty cool.
NAC: If you were to give advice to a new artist, what would it be?
Campbell: Go get 'em! Don't give up, keep plugging, put yourself out there, and I mean every chance you get. Write some songs, write everyday. I mean, we all think it's just gonna happen over night, or it's going to just come to us, and it doesn't happen like that. You gotta go after it, and stay on it. Most importantly, don't give up and believe in yourself.
NAC: I sure appreciate your time. It looks like there's a good crowd tonight, so I'll see you inside.
Campbell: My pleasure, I enjoyed talking with you, and thank you.
This wasn't my first time seeing, Georgia native, Craig Campbell in concert, and it certainly won't be my last. He is often compared to country superstar Alan Jackson, and it's easy to see why. He gave the Boots N' Buckles folks a show they will be talking about for a long time.
Stepping out on the stage he opened with "Party For A Living". This definitly got the rambunctious cowboys and cowgirls up on their feet, and the made a mad dash for the front of the dance floor, where they stayed all night. Next up was a real crowd pleaser, his newest single, "When I Get It".
He captivated the audience for about ninety minutes performing several hits from his self titled album; "My Little Cowboy", "Family Man" and my favorite, "Fish".
Campbell gave us his rendition of Journey's "Faithfully" on the piano, and told the audience, he had played since he was ten and he was lucky enough to have also played for country's "Shake It For Me" singer, Luke Bryan, and "Watermelon Crawl's", Tracy Byrd, which he performed quite well I might add. His hip shaking moves nearly brought the house down, so look out Tracy!
He finished up the evening with "Stay Here And Drink" and "Whiskey's Fine". His encore, "Fishin In The Dark", had all the two steppers out on the floor and everyone in the venue singing along.
Campbell’s schedule currently has him on the road through August. He will be teaming up with Luke Bryan for a couple of shows, and will be appearing at the upcoming CMA Music Festival in Nashville, where he will perform on the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage.
For more information, including tour dates, visit Campbell’s website at http://craigcampbell.tv
This is one of those times when I really love my job. Tonight I caught up with "Family Man", Craig Campbell, in Lakeland, Florida. I was able to sit down with him for a few minutes before he took the stage at central Florida's hot spot, Boots N' Buckles Saloon.
NAC: I know you probably get the same ole questions asked day afer day but I just have to know, what is the main inspiration behind your music?
Campbell: Well, all the songs on the album are autobiographical, if you listen to them, you know who I am. The thing is, I want people to know I relate to them on a daily basis.
NAC: I know, when I reviewed your album last year, the first thing I thought when I heard "Family Man" was, "Wow, he is singing my life" and "Fish" is one of my favorite songs. I loved the whole album.
NAC: Now, with your third single out, "When I Get It", I tell ya, I know people can relate. I know I do. So what's next for Craig Campbell?
Campbell: Well, we are going into the studio this summer and do some recording. I'm pretty exited about getting in there because I've been doing some writing. Until then I am going to be at it on the road. We'll be doing some touring with Luke Bryan and I'm reallly looking forward to it. Ya know, I started out playing piano for him and Tracy Byrd a few of years back before I got my record deal.
NAC: If you could team up with one artist, country or not, dead or alive, and sing a duo, or just share the stage, who would it be?
Campbell: I would have to say George Strait. I mean, I don't think there is a country music artist out there that wouldn't want to sing with George, Merle Haggard, Randy Travis, they are country icons, even Travis Tritt, I think sharing a stage with any of those artists would be pretty cool.
NAC: If you were to give advice to a new artist, what would it be?
Campbell: Go get 'em! Don't give up, keep plugging, put yourself out there, and I mean every chance you get. Write some songs, write everyday. I mean, we all think it's just gonna happen over night, or it's going to just come to us, and it doesn't happen like that. You gotta go after it, and stay on it. Most importantly, don't give up and believe in yourself.
NAC: I sure appreciate your time. It looks like there's a good crowd tonight, so I'll see you inside.
Campbell: My pleasure, I enjoyed talking with you, and thank you.
This wasn't my first time seeing, Georgia native, Craig Campbell in concert, and it certainly won't be my last. He is often compared to country superstar Alan Jackson, and it's easy to see why. He gave the Boots N' Buckles folks a show they will be talking about for a long time.
Stepping out on the stage he opened with "Party For A Living". This definitly got the rambunctious cowboys and cowgirls up on their feet, and the made a mad dash for the front of the dance floor, where they stayed all night. Next up was a real crowd pleaser, his newest single, "When I Get It".
He captivated the audience for about ninety minutes performing several hits from his self titled album; "My Little Cowboy", "Family Man" and my favorite, "Fish".
Campbell gave us his rendition of Journey's "Faithfully" on the piano, and told the audience, he had played since he was ten and he was lucky enough to have also played for country's "Shake It For Me" singer, Luke Bryan, and "Watermelon Crawl's", Tracy Byrd, which he performed quite well I might add. His hip shaking moves nearly brought the house down, so look out Tracy!
He finished up the evening with "Stay Here And Drink" and "Whiskey's Fine". His encore, "Fishin In The Dark", had all the two steppers out on the floor and everyone in the venue singing along.
Campbell’s schedule currently has him on the road through August. He will be teaming up with Luke Bryan for a couple of shows, and will be appearing at the upcoming CMA Music Festival in Nashville, where he will perform on the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage.
For more information, including tour dates, visit Campbell’s website at http://craigcampbell.tv