My name is Joe Campbell, and I’ve spent the past 20 years in the Boston music scene as a professional bass player, songwriter, session musician, and music educator. I’ve had the privilege of working with incredible artists across an unusually wide range of styles—pop, hip hop, jazz, rock, country, experimental, metal, and more. I love being able to move between genres, and I take pride in bringing authenticity, feel, and musicality to every project I’m a part of.

I was born in Manchester, NH, where I grew up surrounded by a mix of influences. I actually started on tenor saxophone, diving into jazz ensemble right away. Legends like Benny Goodman, Charlie Parker, Count Basie, and Stan Getz were my first teachers in expression and improvisation. By eighth grade, I earned a spot in the NH All-State Jazz Band, which solidified my love for playing.

Around the same time, I was learning guitar from my neighbor—Metallica, Green Day, and pretty much anything on MTV before school. One day, my honors jazz conductor asked if anyone wanted to play bass on “Respect” by Aretha Franklin for our winter concert. I volunteered out of curiosity, and after just a few weeks on the instrument, I knew I had found my home. Bass instantly felt like the center of everything I loved about music.

In the early 2000s, I dove headfirst into the metal and hardcore scene. Those shows—loud, chaotic, and incredibly supportive—taught me so much about energy, community, and commitment. I spent my college years bouncing between punk, hardcore, and jazz, learning how to adapt, listen, and bring the right edge or subtlety to each performance.

After graduating from the University of New Hampshire in 2013 with a B.A. in English Education, I started teaching during the day and gigging at night. Music quickly became my main focus. I began teaching private lessons, leading group band classes, and eventually became Director of Operations at a Boston-area music school.

Today, I’m still performing, recording, and teaching—always working to help others find their voice on the bass just like I found mine. If you want to see the full list of bands and projects I’ve been part of, check them out below (it’s a long list, so I’ll save you the scroll here!).