The Refrain Interview: Campus Rex

Campus Rex is an indie-pop band from Cincinnati, Ohio that can be recognized by its relatable lyrics, catchy choruses, and danceable hooks. After some traction in the local scene, they have been able to share the stage with bands like The Orphan the Poet, Deal Casino, and Calling All Captains.

We had a chance to chat with Campus Rex about their latest single, among other things, as part of our Refrain Interview Series.

Refrain Music Blog: Thanks for taking the time to do this interview. You have a new single out now. Tell us about it? What’s it called?

Keegan: We’ve got an all-new absolute groovy thumper of a song called Loveback.

RMB: What’s the single about?

Keegan: It’s about the foolishness of reflecting on the golden days of a relationship and realizing there’s a reason you’re still not together

RMB: What’s the story on how it was recorded?

Keegan: We actually spent a week at Always Be Genius near Chicago recording it and 4 others and staying at the producer Seth Henderson’s house. It was such a lovely place to bring this song to life. This is the first song we wanted to record out of the 5 and we all hyped each other up to sing background vocals on it, which was very cute.

RMB: Is it part of a larger album?

Keegan: This is actually the first in a series of 5 singles we’re putting out as the pandemic slows down and we start playing shows again!

RMB: Is this your first release?

Noah: We’ve released singles/ EP’s before but nothing like this. Going to Seth at Always Be Genius was a huge step for us and he really helped us grow as a band and musically.

RMB: Tell us a little about the band.
Griffin- Keys and guitar, Scooter- Vocals, Cameron- Drums, Keegan- Bass, Noah – Guitar

RMB: How did you get together?

Noah: I needed to record a couple songs for this capstone project at school and he recruited everyone to create original songs. After the project was done we all decided that everyone vibed together really well and we wanted to continue on with the project.

RMB: Have you had any significant line up changes recently?

Noah: We’ve added a new face recently in our drummer Cameron. He’s a great addition and we all love working with him. We can’t wait to see what the future holds.

RMB: What’s the one thing you are most proud of in your career so far?

Noah: Honestly I’m super pumped about these new songs coming out. I feel like they’re the best we’ve ever made and I’m really proud of all of these songs.

RMB: If you had to pitch your music to a potential fan in less than 10 seconds, what would you say?

Keegan: Check us out if you wanna hear some indie-pop inspired by jazz, hip hop, surf, shibuya-kei, and psych-rock!

RMB: What’s one piece of advice you’ve gotten that you think everyone needs to hear or that has meant the most to you?

Keegan: Looking dumb is the first step to looking sick.

RMB: If you could go back in time, what’s a piece of advice you would give to a younger you?

Noah: Network network network. I started playing out when I was 14 and never really approached anyone until I was about 18/19. Networking in this industry is huge and everyone needs to be doing it.