Boundary-pushing music artist Campana returns with his new single ‘ROPE’ – featuring powerhouse collaborators Dave Shanaé and Dave B. We caught up with the artist to speak all things music.
“ROPE” is such a powerful and emotionally grounded track. What inspired the metaphor of the rope, and how did that concept come together creatively?
So this song came together hella organically. I arranged a studio session with my main producer p. kruise, and invited a group of my other homies/fellow musicians to collaborate. Dave Shanaé and I have been working on music together for over a decade, so when it came to writing this track it was very natural. He initially wrote a melody and a few words to get the hook going, and then from there I ended up taking control of the concept when it came to writing the verse. Tirey and stevenultrv worked on the co-production alongside p. kruise. We then shot the track over to Dave B. and he carried the narrative home on the second verse.
You’ve said this song is about emotional support during chaotic times. Was there a specific moment or relationship that shaped that message for you?
So during the initial writing session for the song, Dave Shanaé and I were speaking about the parallels in our current relationships and the trials and tribulations relationships face in general. That then provided direction for how we wanted to tackle the song conceptually.
Dave Shanaé and Dave B. both bring so much to the track. How did those collaborations come about, and what did they add to the song’s emotional and musical layers?
Dave Shanaé and I have been working on music for years, so our workflow has become seamless over time. Whenever I’m writing or need a voice to tie a melody or hook together, he is my go to guy. He’s featured on a lot of music throughout the life of my catalog and extremely talented. Dave B. is also a Seattle native; we have been homies for a bit now, and this provided the perfect opportunity for a layup when it came to the feature. They both have very distinctive and soulful voices, and I feel like the contrast between my tone/cadence provides a balance that really takes the song to the next level.
The production blends Hip Hop, R&B/Soul, and Jazz-Funk so seamlessly. Who did you work with on the production side, and how did you approach creating that genre fusion?
My main guys who helped bring the production to life were p. kruise, stevenultrv, and Tirey. kruise is the main producer/engineer with all of the music I release, and I usually executive produce in the sense of providing insight on direction, composition, arrangement, etc. to build on dynamics within the record. I have a lot of influence and background from growing up on Gospel, Jazz, and R&B, so when structuring songs I typically approach creating in that realm.
You’ve referenced influences like Smino and Kendrick Lamar—artists known for introspective lyricism. Who else do you consider your creative kin or inspiration right now?
I would definitely say my biggest inspiration artistically would have to be Donald Glover (Childish Gambino). I am heavily involved in film production and creative direction when it comes to everything within my brand, and I owe a lot of that influence to studying his works during my early years of becoming an artist in High School. Truly a full circle moment seeing my music placed in Atlanta. Aside from that, definitely artists like Pharrell/The Neptunes; a lot of early 2000s rap like Bow wow, Chingy. Hip hop like Kanye, Phonte, Slum Village. As I’ve gotten older, a lot of my inspiration comes from revolutionary leaders like Tupac, Thomas Sankara, Assata Shakur, Kwame Ture, Malcolm X and more. These are folks who have developed my perspective on life in ways I can convey it thru my art, as a means to contribute towards uplifting my community.
Your upcoming album READY FOR MORE sounds like it’s going to be a personal and artistic milestone. What themes or stories can fans expect from it?
READY FOR MORE was definitely an experience to create. It was very cathartic; healing for me to say the least. It was conceptualized from a place of deep introspection and reflection of the world around me. I really wanted to be more vulnerable, even though that’s always been a theme in my music. Going thru a breakup and also just witnessing the state of the world provided adequate grounds to really hone in on a concept. READY FOR MORE embodies not only what I’ve been going through, but what we’ve collectively been going thru the past several years and I’m glad I didn’t shy away from authenticity and certain topics.
From your time with COSMOS to your solo career, your sound has evolved significantly. How would you describe the biggest shifts in your music and mindset over the years?
The biggest shifts I feel like definitely came from experiencing more out of life to write about, and the pandemic provided adequate grounds for me to really dig deep, discover more of myself, and take note of my existence in the world being black. I started to become more politically educated and organize with peers to develop a deeper understanding of the systems built to keep us from progressing forward as a society. I’ve also had new relationships and love interests to reflect on, which just provided more fuel for the subject matter as well. Becoming more intentional with sound direction and producers I’ve grown with over the years has also aided towards the growth in sound. Chemistry is a very important component when it comes to collaboration.
Your music and visuals have reached national audiences through syncs like Atlanta and One of Them Days. How has that visibility impacted your approach as a storyteller?
I feel like it has only made me want to become more transparent with what I create. I’m a firm believer in you are what you attract, and I feel like being able to dive more into themes and topics I’m already headstrong about will only help my community to grow with those who resonate with what I’m presenting.
Your upcoming album READY FOR MORE sounds like it’s going to be a personal and artistic milestone. What themes or stories can fans expect from it?
READY FOR MORE was definitely an experience to create. It was very cathartic; healing for me to say the least. It was conceptualized from a place of deep introspection and reflection of the world around me. I really wanted to be more vulnerable, even though that’s always been a theme in my music. Going thru a breakup and also just witnessing the state of the world provided adequate grounds to really hone in on a concept. READY FOR MORE embodies not only what I’ve been going through, but what we’ve collectively been going thru the past several years and I’m glad I didn’t shy away from authenticity and certain topics.
From your time with COSMOS to your solo career, your sound has evolved significantly. How would you describe the biggest shifts in your music and mindset over the years?
The biggest shifts I feel like definitely came from experiencing more out of life to write about, and the pandemic provided adequate grounds for me to really dig deep, discover more of myself, and take note of my existence in the world being black. I started to become more politically educated and organize with peers to develop a deeper understanding of the systems built to keep us from progressing forward as a society. I’ve also had new relationships and love interests to reflect on, which just provided more fuel for the subject matter as well. Becoming more intentional with sound direction and producers I’ve grown with over the years has also aided towards the growth in sound. Chemistry is a very important component when it comes to collaboration.
Your music and visuals have reached national audiences through syncs like Atlanta and One of Them Days. How has that visibility impacted your approach as a storyteller?
I feel like it has only made me want to become more transparent with what I create. I’m a firm believer in you are what you attract, and I feel like being able to dive more into themes and topics I’m already headstrong about will only help my community to grow with those who resonate with what I’m presenting.
You’ve consistently used your platform to explore emotion, identity, and connection. What does vulnerability in music mean to you today?
I feel like we’re missing a lot of emotion within Rap today. Not enough writing about unconditional love & the world we exist in. I’m a yearner forreal and I feel like that shows thru my art a lot. I have never not benefited from being honest and open about how I perceive love and life as a whole, so I plan on doubling down on that moving forward.
Looking ahead, what’s next after READY FOR MORE—and how do you want your listeners to grow with you from here?
With this album, I wanted to really go all in on the world building. When I was a kid, I loved discovering artists that not only had a catalog, but also had a world that they’ve built to accompany it (i.e. Childish Gambino, Tyler the Creator). I’m cultivating a space where my campers (my community) can come in, enjoy the art in its different forms, and find temporary relief or strength that you don’t typical receive moving throughout everyday life. I will continue to make CAMPGROUNDS a bigger brand than myself, because I’ve seen how powerful art can become. Like the album title states, I’m truly ready for more.
