Interview: Campbell/Jensen Talks New Music, Gigs, & Teaming Up Together
- by Andrew Braithwaite
- in Interviews
In a fresh musical venture, two accomplished musicians, Ashley Campbell and Thor Jensen, bring their expertise across a wide range of genres, including Americana, country, bluegrass, gypsy jazz, and rock. Ashley Campbell, daughter of the legendary Glen Campbell, boasts a remarkable resume, having supported luminaries like Kris Kristofferson and The Bellamy Brothers. She also took to the stage as a part of Glen Campbell's band. With their eagerly anticipated debut album set for release in November, I had the opportunity to ask this dynamic duo some questions and delve deeper into their musical journey.
Can you tell us about your new single 'A Song By Vampires For Vampires’? How has the reception been so far?
Thor: The song actually started as a bit of an inside joke between Ashley and I (long and probably quite boring story, but it involved a vampire voice), and it turned into a claw hammer adventure of lasting love. So far the reception has been great, and people seem to be connecting to it. It feels great.
Ashley: I love that a silly vampire voice turned into a beautiful song about the eternal nature of love. When we love and laugh deeply, it’s as if time cannot touch us. A few moments spent in true connection can make us feel immortal.
I had the pleasure of witnessing your performance at The British Country Music Festival in Blackpool, and I was truly impressed by the remarkable vocal and instrumental skills showcased by both of you as a duo. I'm curious to know about your thoughts on the gig and the venue. What was your experience like?
Thor: That was one of my favorite gigs of the year. First, the setting was unbelievably beautiful. That room is gorgeous, and the sound was absolutely perfect.
Ashley: It was such a great experience all around! Everyone working the show was an absolute pro and the day went off without a hitch. We also got to see Robbie Cavanaugh play, who’s band played a fantastic set. What a great day.
Ashley has a country and Americana background, Thor from rock to gypsy jazz. How did the duo get together?
Thor: I had just moved to Nashville, and was playing a gig with a great violinist named Derek Pell who’d just recorded a song with Ashely. Turns out she was looking for someone to teach her some gypsy jazz technique on the guitar, and Derek passed my number along. The rest, as they say, is history.
Ashley: I feel very lucky to have crossed paths with Thor.
With Ashley being the daughter of the legendary Glen Campbell, it's not surprising her talent factor, but how has her father influenced her musically? And does this attraction draw more opportunities as a relatively new duo?
Ashley: As the daughter of such a legendary and incredible figure in music, I don't think it's possible to remove myself from that association. And I wouldn't want to. My father has always been such a positive influence on who I am as a musician and as a person. He always encouraged me to be honest in my music and to make music that I would want to listen to, not what I "think" other people might want to hear. Any opportunities that have come to me because of my father, I take with a strong sense of gratitude and I will always strive to deserve them.
I believe you only started as a duo in 2021. What has been your best gig or show to date?
Thor: Aside from that wonderful show in Blackpool we’ve already discussed, we’ve been really fortunate to play some spectacular shows and it’s hard to land on one. Opening for Jimmy Webb at City Varieties in Leeds, playing The Troubadour in London, it's hard to pin down a “best”.
Ashley: A big standout is The Druidstone in Wales. Nestled into the tall grasses, it sits on a cliffs edge looking onto the Atlantic Ocean. Our song “Edge of the World” is named in its honor.
Who are your influences?
Thor: Far too many to count, truly. Tom Waits, Willie Nelson, Duke Ellington, Ernest Hemingway, Claude Debussy, a good dinner, dark nights, city lights, long drives and wine.
Ashley: Thor's answer very much reflects my own. The little joys and trials in life are as much an influence as the music that inspires me.
Have you got a collaboration with an artist or group you'd love to team up with?
Thor: We had the distinct honor of having the Irish singer Rachel Grace sing some harmony with us on the record, for a song called “Perfectly Alright”. We’d love to write a song with her and maintain that relationship. She’s a phenomenal artist beyond her years.
Ashley: Absolutely. Rachel is incredible. I also think it would be fun to team up with my friend here in London Izo Fitzroy. She has such a rich and soulful voice I would love to see what we could all come up with together combining our broken down mellow acoustic sound with her style and influence.
When will you be returning to the UK?
Thor: VERY soon…..we live here now. We relocated to the UK this summer, so you’ll be seeing a whole lot of us.
Ashley: We are so excited to see where a continued presence here takes us. We love our audiences out here and want to keep up the communication!
Have you got any more music in the pipeline?
Thor: Nothing set in stone at the moment, but we’re always writing and we’re planning to start a new album after a while. Individually, we’ve got some irons in the fire. I’m working on a jazz album that I hope to finish before the year’s end, and Ashley has some great music on the way, her third studio album I believe.
Do you have a message for your fans or followers?
Thor: We can’t convey how appreciative we are of everyone who supports us. It’s a very vulnerable thing to share your art with people, but the outpouring of love and support we’ve received so far is really something else. So really our message is one of deep gratitude.
