Cole Campbell Interview
Who are some of your biggest influences?
“Some of my biggest influences would be most of 'Pro Era', especially Steelo. Mick Jenkins, Jay Z, Tribe Called Quest, Kendrick Lamar and Frank Ocean, as well... Many rock influences as well, such as Led Zeppelin, Alice In Chains, Pink FLoyd, etc. I grew up on a lot of older / mid-2000's Hip-Hop & RnB. I feel that there's a wide range of diversity in all of the artists I listed; which I feel reflects in my own music. I pick bits and pieces of their own skills and craft, and incorporate those into my own style, never limiting me to any genre or style or music.”
What is it like growing up in the Washington music scene?
“Growing up in the Washington music scene has been interesting. I was introduced to the "music scene" pretty early as a child with me being a drummer. I've always thought of the music scene to be very small and selective, as in, there are only a few people that are really noticed in Seattle. But now that I've grown, and have experienced a taste of what the music scene has started to become, I've realized there are many artists and musicians that are starting to rise out of the cracks of the city. There has been more inclusion and representation of what music means to Seattle / Washington, and I feel that we are only on an upward scale from where Washington has been in the past with music.”
What are your interests outside of music?
“Some of my interests outside of music include but are not limited to, cooking, fish-keeping, fashion, self-improvement, and traveling. I love to cook and discover new foods/ recipes. I have always had a love for keeping fish as pets, I have some pretty nice fish tanks myself, and pride myself in the design and care they're given. I have a heavy interest in discovering new and healthy ways to improve my physical, emotional, and spiritual health.”
How would you describe your music to someone who has never listened to you?
“I would describe my music as a journey of diversity. You get a mix of many genres put together into their own style/mix. There are many vibes and feelings you can pull from each of my songs, whether that is "party dance" energy, or reflective lyricism that dives deep to the core. Plenty of options for any music listener.”
What does music mean to you?
“Music means more than just sound to me. It is my freedom of self and freedom of expression. In my personal life, music has saved me from many dark areas that I would not have been able to escape without having that musical outlet. I've been surrounded/involved in making music since I could remember (age 4 or 5). Music has always had a heavy positive presence on my soul and will continue to be that way. I'm blessed to have the relationship that I have with music. I ask myself... "who would i be without music?" I guess we'll never know...”
What can fans expect from you within the next 3 months?
“Fans will be able to expect lots of visual stimulation and new music. Prepare for music videos, live shows, and an all-new interactive website to find all of Cole Campbell's latest projects and art. Building a deeper relationship with the fans I have now, and new fans to come is my main focus.”
What song of yours would recommend to someone who has never listened to you and why?
“I would recommend my song "KNOTS (feat. Tre Ross)". This song conveys many emotions from my perspective/life lyrically, while still keeping a hard-driving, upbeat presence throughout the track, equipped with versatility. It is fun to listen to for any music listener, and a great opener for new ears that find my music.”
Where do you find inspiration?
“I find my biggest inspiration through people. I am an empath, and can't help but to always be aware of energy and fluctuating emotions with the people around me. Love, anger, excitement, pain, passion, etc... We as people express these emotions and feelings on a daily basis which I feel is the biggest part of being human. In its entirety, my inspiration is forever evolving, as I evolve.“
Do you prefer to record during the day or night and why?
'“I don't mind too much on what time of the day I record. It honestly depends on my schedule during that time. However, I feel that vocally I am stronger in the late morning/midafternoon. At night, I feel that it is easier for me to get more intimate, which I think is very important for making music, but it all depends on what I'm going for, for that session. If I had to pick, night.”
If you could get a feature from anyone right now who would it be and why?
“If I could have any feature right now, it would either be a 'SIR' feature or a 'Pharrel' feature. Both artists have a funky and smooth energy that radiates heavily in their hooks/choruses, which I think would be cool to have on a song paired with my rap flow for a verse.”
