Phillip Campbell

Phillip began drum tuition at the age of 8. His Mother thought it time to save the pots and pans from their life of beatings and enrolled Phillip into drum lessons.His first drumset soon followed and an almighty racket soon became the norm of the Campbells farm house, patient family members put up with the onslaught and continued their encouragement.His natural talent and energy convinced his drum teacher Peter Clack (ACDC)to let him sit in with his band at the Farmers Arms Hotel in Creswick Vic. Phillip was 11 years old and jumped at the opportunity to play Peters incredible Slingerland kit. He continued practicing and by the age of 13 had numerous television appearances under his belt as a drum soloist on popular shows such as BTV6 six tonight /Young talent Time/ National star Quest.His Father supported his chosen interest and would drive him on a 200 kilometer round trip from Victoria's small town of Creswick, to Billy Hydes Drum clinic in Melbourne for weekly lessons. His Dad then went on to supervise him across Victoria's pubs and clubs while the underage teen was chosen for the drumming chair in many popular rock/Funk/Blues bands.At 15 he was offered a gig on the other side of Australia in Perth and decided to leave home and pursue his music with his Dads permission. The group worked 4/5 nights a week for a period of 2 years. He then moved back to QLD and was playing 6 nights per week in circuit bands up and down the East Coast of Australia.At 19 playing in Surfers Paradise he received his first break to join a group with a recording deal. The Electric Pandas had a number one single in Sydney and needed a new drummer,Phil accepted the position and the task of playing on their debut album.Phil went on to continue as a serious and sought after drummer in some of Australia's multi award winning groups, 1927, Tommy Emmanuel, Jump Back Jack, James Blundell, John English, Sharon Oneill, Steve Hunter group, Say Yes and many more.During this time he was also busy studying piano /Keyboard Harmony with Betty Motzing and Julie Spithill Evans in Sydney.He travelled to Japan in 1995 with wife and fellow musical colleague, Tracey Campbell, the couple spent 6 years playing nightly in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka.Phil gained the opportunity to play keyboards /piano for the group as well as drums. Since returning to Oz in 2000 he has undertaken many projects, his favorite being the development of a successful music school in the picturesque Blue Mountains. Waratah School Of Music has been a vehicle for Phil to share his experience with upcoming drummers of all ages, he loves to encourage students of all ages to excel in the art of drumming and Musicianship.His latest project is the newly released album 'Sunshine Embrace', by Tracey Campbell. The album showcases Phil's drumming and also his own compositions feature. He recorded the album at Trackdown Scoring Stage, Fox Studios.