Catherine Campbell CJC Promotions  – Life of a PR Specialist

Interviewed by Duzzy Clayton

Intro

In the line of work that I do, my experience covers various aspects within the industry: As well as running Fanbase Music Magazine, being a radio DJ and hosting the Anything Goes Podcast, I am also involved in Band Management and Public Relations (PR). So, I know first-hand how hard that line of work can be. While musicians take care of the music and perform at live gigs, it’s important to have a good PR person taking care of the ‘Business side ‘of things; taking responsibility for sending the band’s music to various radio stations and setting up interviews at times. It is essential to maintain a professional approach and to form good relationships with the media that one deals with. That is how I can describe Catherine Campbell from CJC Promotions: She is widely acknowledged as being hard-working, professional and also a great down-to-earth person. She has become a household name in the industry; and musicians and bands all around the world have trusted Catherine for a number of years. She is good at her job and as they say, ‘the proof is in the pudding’ because bands and musicians keep coming back to her since she is, quite frankly, one of the best in her field.

Enjoy the interview

Questions

Hi Catherine, thank you for joining us on Fanbase Music Magazine. Before we get into the interview, tell me how have you been regarding Covid and the lockdowns; have you and your family been safe?

Hi Duzzy. Thank you so much for inviting me. To be honest, the past 2 years during the Covid/lockdown times have been fine for me and my family. I work from home anyway, so no change there for me; and with my partner also working from home, we have adjusted and got into a great routine. So far, we’ve managed to avoid getting Covid.

 Can you tell us about yourself, where did you grow up and where do you live now; also, what got you into the music industry?

I was actually born in Hampshire, England and we moved up to the Western Isles of Scotland when I was 10 years old as my Dad is Scottish, although my Mum is English. I had a great and happy time growing up in the Islands and at the age of 22 I moved to Aberdeenshire where I still live, beside the sea, 33 years later.

I have always loved music and although I studied accounting/law/economics at college I found it difficult over the years to get a good job due to the fact that I’m profoundly hard of hearing. In 2015 I was asked to take some photos of a local music festival which led to my meeting local musicians; and, in turn, that led to me starting to help musicians in Scotland and England to get radio airplay. It’s something I’ve been going along with the flow ever since and I am still learning new things.

 What bands and music did you grow up listening to?

Growing up as a teen in the 80s I loved a variety of music – Pop and Rock. I particularly loved Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, Van Halen etc. but my real love is Smokie. Back in the 80s, listening to their music on ‘traditional’ tapes, I never dreamed that years later I would be friends with them and have actually supplied a support act for part of their Scottish Tour a few years ago. I’ve known the guys for over 20 years now.

 

Could you explain to the readers briefly what it is you do work-wise?

I work with artists from various genres from all over the world to get their music radio airplay on radio stations.

 Could you explain the difference between a band manager and a PR specialist?

I guess that the main difference is that as a PR specialist I only deal with radio airplay promotion and organising interviews. I don’t have all the extra work that a band manager has with organising gigs etc.

 Who are some of the bands you work with at the moment and have also worked with in the past?

Oh my gosh, there are so very many! In the past I’ve worked with bands such as Fools on the Frontline, Naked Sunday, Des Horsfall / Pete Townsend, Sugarpill, Joe Matera, etc. I’m currently working with artists such as Swiss Rock band Me & The Rest, pop duo J67 from Cyprus, The Ardents from the UK, Cat’s Eye from Switzerland, The Ormidales from Canada, Fundamental Truth from the UK, Sarah Perrott from New York, Rock band Atack from the UK, Lonehead from Scotland, Rachelle Rhienne from Scotland and many more.

(Editor’s Note: I get to interview a lot of Catherine’s bands for my podcast, which can be heard HERE)

 Could you explain some of the things you are expected to do in your line of work?

I constantly network to build radio connections worldwide and I have a great working relationship with radio presenters in many countries. It’s very important to me to build a great working relationship with each radio presenter and station and to support their shows. Teamwork really is super important. I spend a large part of my time sending out music files/bios/artwork to radio stations all over the world; and I guess that in my job as CJC Promotions I have such a variety of roles such as marketing, sales, etc. I work on my own in everything that I do. I take great pride in doing so. It’s so important to me to support local community stations that are the heart and soul of communities and I regularly sponsor a few stations.

 What skills have you acquired that would help you communicate a client’s message?

I don’t think I’ve really acquired anything new to me. I feel that everything I do is a mix of who I am as a person along with my ethics and strong belief that it costs nothing to be a good person and help others. I’m patient, dedicated, loyal and very determined.

 What are some the most important things one should keep in mind when doing PR work?

Many things have to be done several times so keep your cool. I’m also a huge fan of keeping old school notebooks. I’ve had several scares with my laptop and prefer to have backup notes of everything I’m currently working on. Bear in mind that not everyone may work like you do, but individuality is important. Be unique. And be down to earth and approachable.

 You have been quite a household name in the industry; what are some of the perks of doing this job?

I think the only perk I have and want is the freedom to work for myself from home and be in control. This for me, being profoundly hard of hearing and having extreme physical health issues, is all I need to manage my work in the best way to achieve success. Oh, and I love coffee and sitting beside the sea in my time off.

What advice do you have for musicians out there?

There are so many amazing bands and artists out there and many don’t get the recognition they deserve. Keep going because it only takes one good person to notice you.

 What advice do you have for anyone who wants to get into your line of work?

Be prepared for hard work and be determined to represent your client/s in the best way without being pushy. 100% dedication and determination.

Could you give your Social Media links and how can bands or musicians get hold of you if they want to use your services?

Facebook (Hyperlink)

Everyone finds me through recommendations by other artists or radio presenters. I never approach any artists as I don’t think it’s professional. Anyone can either message me through the CJC promotions Facebook or email me on catherine@cjcpromotions.co.uk

 Thank you for doing this interview. I consider you not only a work peer in the industry but also a friend, do you have any last messages for our readers?

Thanks Duzzy, as do I. You’re an amazing person and I love the work you do; and we’re very like-minded in our dedication and challenges. Teamwork and Friendship.

Never give up on your dreams and never let anyone dictate who you are or what you do. You’re in total control of your journey in life. Enjoy every second.