Alongside companion track “Finding Light,” the release explores memory, connection, and making the most of the time we have.
On his upcoming release “Making Memories,” D E Campbell turns moments of loss, uncertainty, and reflection into something unexpectedly uplifting. Serving as the focus track of a two-song release, the song embraces life’s unpredictability while reminding listeners that meaning is often found in the moments we choose to hold onto.
Built around warm acoustic instrumentation, layered vocal moments, and a hook that feels made to be sung back in a room full of people, “Making Memories” balances reflection with momentum. What begins as an honest look at life’s twists and losses gradually opens into something bigger—a song less concerned with looking back than with fully inhabiting the time we still have.
“This song’s about making the most of life before it’s gone. It is also a song about loss and loved ones,” says Campbell.
Written, performed, produced, and recorded entirely by Campbell, the release reflects a deeply personal and independent approach to music-making. Every instrument and performance on the recording was completed by Campbell himself, creating a song that feels intimate in its writing while expansive in its energy. Mixed by Calvin Hartwick and mastered by Phil Demetro, the final result preserves the song’s warmth, energy, and lived-in feel.
Lyrically, “Making Memories” explores the push and pull of moving forward while carrying people and experiences with us. Lines like, “We’ve lost friends and family / Their spirit’s with you and me,” frame grief not as something to overcome, but as something that continues shaping who we become.
One of Campbell’s favourite moments arrives in the repeated line, “Can’t hang on / Can’t let go,” which he says reflects the difficult balance between carrying loss and continuing forward:
“We can’t hang onto them, but we won’t let them go.”
Even in its quieter moments, the song never loses sight of its central idea: while we’re here, we still have a life to live.
For listeners discovering D E Campbell for the first time, “Making Memories” offers an introduction rooted in heartfelt songwriting, dynamic performance, and an ability to turn everyday emotions into something communal and uplifting.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi, my name is Dave Campbell, but my artist name is D E Campbell. I have been involved with music my whole life, whether it was playing in a church band as a kid, playing Danny Zuko in my high school’s production of Grease, performing in a metal band at university, or whatever else. I have always been creating and performing music in some way or another. I have lived all over Southwestern Ontario, but I now call the London area home.
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
My recent release is called Making Memories, and it is paired with Finding Light. These two songs are a reflection of some of the recent difficult times in my life. They are focused on finding small flecks of hope and holding closely to the memories of those we love.
Walk us through your creative process when creating music.
I often start with an emotion or an idea of what I might want to write about. I then begin framing that idea with melodies and musical concepts. From there, I start writing down the lyrics and building the structure of the song until it all comes together. I try to be honest in my songwriting and allow the song to speak its own truth.
Now that the music is out, what does the road ahead look like?
The road ahead looks like a lot of live music. I love playing in local establishments and connecting with people. We also have a large community event planned at my place where we are heavily focused on giving back to the Tyler Coleiro 873 Foundation while also bringing attention to the Elijah McGowan Memorial Leadership Scholarship.
Beyond tours and videos, what’s one bucket-list goal you hope to achieve with this release?
My goal in creating music has always been to connect with others and allow the music to be a conduit for thoughts and emotions that we all feel but sometimes struggle to express. Even just one or two comments from people who connected with the music is often the main goal behind its creation.
Every artist has a “lightbulb moment” where things just clicked. Looking back, what’s the one performance or milestone that made you realize, “Okay, this is what I was meant to do”?
Ha, I don’t know if there has been one defining moment. I certainly feel most alive while creating, recording, and performing music. Most recently, while playing at a local pub this past February, we had an amazing turnout of patrons, family and friends. The evening turned into a night of singing, dancing, and even sharing the microphone with a few people. There was a real spiritual feeling to the experience—a feeling of community and togetherness. It was a really special night and a real encouragement to continue doing what I’m doing.
We love championing Canadian talent. If you were curating a “Must-Listen” playlist of emerging artists right now, who would be the first person you’d add?
I obviously love Cameron Whitcomb, but he’s so big right now that I think he’s past the point of being an emerging artist and has really exploded onto the scene. I really like the sound of The Young Novelists. They totally make the most of having two strong vocalists in the band.
There’s nothing like the energy of a live room. Where can fans catch you on stage next, and for someone seeing you for the first time, what should they expect from a D E Campbell live experience?
I have become a regular at the Union Pub in Komoka. They have shown me unwavering support for my music, and I always love having the community come out. As I mentioned, I’m also having a large release party at my place—everyone is welcome!
For now, I’m keeping things local around the London area. Whether it’s at the Richmond Tavern or out in Forest at the Kineto Theatre, I’m playing somewhere nearby. You can expect a high-energy acoustic experience, and by the end of the night we’ll all be singing together. Who knows—we might even break out dancing! I’m always up for a good time with old friends, new friends, and creating community.
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