Campbell & Johnston – Five Questions With

Halifax’s Vintage Rock Duo, Campbell & Johnston Share New Single, “Righteous”

Halifax vintage blues-rock duo Campbell & Johnston have been entertaining audiences across Canada with their soulful tone, 60’s and 70s rock-style guitar riffs, and bewitching vocal harmonies, opening for some big names like Burton Cummings, Steve Earle, and Bob Seger. 

PEI-raised, Nova Scotia-based artist/songwriter Christine Campbell is a true representation of her diverse influences – from hard rock and 70’s rock to roots and blues. A killer guitarist, classically-trained pianist, dynamic songwriter, and incomparable singer, Christine Campbell is truly a rare, multi-faceted talent. Christine has released two critically acclaimed solo albums. As a performing artist for almost a decade, Christine has toured Canada, opened for Chantal Kreviazuk, Bob Seger, Steve Earle & Jann Arden, and showcased at the 2020 Folk Alliance Conference in New Orleans.

Blake Johnston is best known as the guitar-slinging powerhouse vocalist for Halifax-based band The Stogies.

Campbell & Johnston released their first single, “Righteous” off their upcoming studio album, showcasing a jambalaya of roots, blues, and soul reminiscent of Little Feat and Dr. John. 

“I wrote the song a few years ago, before “2020” and everything that followed. 

Christine remembered it from a late-night party session where I played it.  She really liked it. Cut to a few years later, she remembered the song and thought now would be a good time to bring it out. She was right,” says Johnston.

“I envisioned it as a more classic outlaw country Americana tune, Christine saw it as a more soul and rnb driven tune reminiscent of Ann Peebles. Again, she was right. Once we started fleshing it out, I dug into the Little Feat bag of tricks for some icing on top, and here we are.”

First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi. I’m Blake Johnston, one-half of the vintage blues-rock duo Campbell and Johnston. My partner in Crime is Christine Campbell, the other half. I occupy the Johnston side of the logo, she occupies the Campbell side. 

I enjoy playing guitar, reading, burning incense, smoking premium cigars, and making pizza dough. 

Tell us a bit about your most recent release.

Righteous is a soul-funk number with hints of Anne Peebles, Little Feat, and Albert King with a bitchin’ slide solo in the middle, if I’m allowed to gloat. A fun laid-back number for when you’re an hour or so into your 3 and a half/four hour drive. 

Do you have any upcoming shows you’d like to tell us about?

Our local rock station q104 is having its 40th bday party in November at the Scotiabank Center with The Sam Robert’s Band and The Trews, and we get to open the show. We’re definitely looking forward to that one. 

If given the chance, which Canadian artist would you love to work with in the future?

Be fun to sit in a room with Gordie Johnson and a few guitars. 

What’s your goal for 2024?

Money, fame, absolute power, and the merciless domination of my old-school bullies. But a new coat of paint on the garage, a working whipper snipper, and perfecting my pizza dough-making skills would be okay too. 

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