Today we’d like to introduce you to Campbell Crates.
Campbell, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I began pursuing music around the age of seven. I quickly realized it was what I wanted to do with my life. I am now seventeen and have progressed as a musician and human immensely through the experiences this career choice has provided me. It takes guts to pursue a career in music, and I wouldn’t have gotten as far as I have without the support of a strong and caring woman. I’m referring to my mom. She has pushed me along and raised me to be strong, gutsy, ambitious, and hard working.
Through all sorts of different setbacks and obstacles, and the many more to come, my love for music has progressed to a need to express myself. Without the ability to speak through the voice of song, my life would be very different. The single thing that inspires me most to continue on in my path is the simple fact that I know I am capable of making a difference in this world. I want to inspire young women to stand up to the bully and find a place of confidence that carries them forward.
I want to inspire my generation and those to come to act in life with a sense of self-respect and respect for others. I want to teach people to find their strengths and focus on them instead of their weaknesses. I want to leave this world knowing I did my best to promote better times for all.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’d like to think no road is smooth. We all face obstacles in life, and if we find ourselves staying strong through those obstacles, we will find ourselves in a higher place of strength in our identity and our morality in the end. I believe that without facing the obstacles I have faced, I would certainly not be where I am. The first obstacles I faced were through bullies. I was constantly left out and felt ostracized because of my love for music and my abilities within it.
Although this bullying continues today, this is something that has become numb to me because the negative words of others will never prevent me from moving forward. I think the biggest obstacle I have faced and still do face would be my jaw. I have a severe case of TMJ. This prevents me from being capable of the open space often needed to hit certain notes in my vocal range. It has caused me constant chronic pain and the inability to eat many foods, and sometimes to even speak because of the pain.
I had two surgeries in 2018, and although they helped immensely, this is an obstacle I might never defeat. That will never stop me. Even though it might be harder, there is always a way around an obstacle. I have had to re-learn the way I sing because of my jaw, and it has left me feeling mentally powerful and ready to take on the world. The pain might continue, but my negative attitude about it has ceased. A positive attitude is enough for me to think I have overcome this obstacle even if it is just mentally.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I am a singer/songwriter, and I play six instruments. I play the piano, the guitar, the ukulele, the flute, the piccolo, and the saxophone. My music style can be considered pop with many influences like funk, electronic music, jazz, and alternative. I try to write songs that my listeners can relate to, and I believe my biggest strength is my ability to write song lyrics.
I believe we are all given one gift in life and that everything else we achieve in life is through hard work. I worked for my voice and my ability to play instruments, but writing song lyrics came so naturally to me. I believe the gift of words in the form of poetry is my one true gift in life and I will be forever grateful for it due to the fact that it is what sets me apart from others.
I’ve been told my songs have a mystical and hypnotizing feel to them due to my unique melodic choices and my descriptive lyrics. I believe my voice also sets me apart from others. I was once told that my voice is “very delicate, yet extremely powerful.” That is my favorite way to describe my voice and is one of the best compliments I have received.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite childhood memory is one that isn’t actually necessarily positive, but it reminds me of how my journey began and how much progress I have made.
The memory I am referring to took place when I was around seven or eight. It was one of my first performances singing in front of a live audience, and I was petrified. I froze up, and when I finished the song and recognized the adrenaline performing gave me, I knew I would need to conquer my fear so I could appreciate the adrenaline and enjoy interacting with the audience on stage.
Now, I have no fear in live performances, and there is nothing I love more than getting to experience each unique audience as well as feeling the glow of adrenaline when I am on stage and when I finish.
Contact Info:
- Website: campbellcrates.com
- Email: campbellcratesmusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/campbellcrates/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Campbell-Crates-Music-1064645886892445/?ref=bookmarks
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/campbellcmusic
Image Credit:
James Bland Chad Fenner Kevin Porier
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