At just 20 years old, Ross Campbell is a one-man bandstand who is making a name for himself in the musical genre he describes as "psychedelic-folk."
Psychedelic-folk - is that an oxymoron? Can there be harmony between the two?
One listener described Campbell's music as the feeling you get from taking a walk in the woods.
So what exactly is psychedelic-folk?
It is a music genre that incorporates the melodic sounds of the ‘60s and '70s with the simple, unamplified acoustics of country music. Acoustics describe "musical instruments whose sounds are not electrically enhanced or modified." As a final touch, synthesized audio is added to the mix.
"All music has a root in psychedelic-folk," Campbell said. "The term ‘psychedelic' has just been hijacked by drugs and other negative connotations, but it's really often misunderstood."
This solo artist, a Tampa native and an international studies junior at UF, produces tunes under the name "Silver Wren."
"Silver Wren" first made its debut on the music scene in March. Campbell was experimenting with acoustics and synthetic sounds when he decided it was time to start recording.
With a "studio" in his bedroom, Campbell takes on all the responsibilities in musical arrangement - he's the songwriter, disc jockey, musician and producer.
"Working on it yourself makes it fun, open and free," Campbell said.
His musical past closely reflects the cross-genre of music he has produced. Campbell has experience working with artists in rap, hip-hop and even some metal.
Although he does favor folk, Campbell wanted to bring listeners music that would appeal to the masses. This idea sparked his interest in creating "Silver Wren."
"I feel like so much can be done from combining genres," Campbell said. "It makes music more relatable to others, and that's what I would like ‘Silver Wren' to do for people. I want my music to be a niche ... of comfort."
Since its introduction, "Silver Wren" has caused buzz in the online music world. Bloggers from sites like "Listen Before You Buy," "Potholes in my Blog" and "Music Fan's Mic" describe the tracks as "genius" and appreciate its "noisy-yet-beautiful aesthetics."
Inviting the opportunity to reach a larger audience, Campbell unveiled a five-track album entitled "Window in the Wreath" on Oct. 15.
The album, or extended-play as it is properly defined as, was released on Housewarming Records.
"Listening to the EP [extended-play] is like a little trip," said Steven Salpeter, an English junior at UF. "You feel like you've taken a walk in the woods and just came back. It soothes and relaxes."
Owner of the music blogging site "Flashlight Tag Music" and actor in Chicago Tyler Andere, has strong confidence in Campbell's work.
"I'm excited to see where he goes with this in the future," said Andere. "He has a really unique sound and a sense of honesty is revealed in his work."
Andere goes on to mention that "Silver Wren" has the potential to be a revival of the American indie band Bright Eyes - known for its Billboard-topping singles "Lua" and "Take It Easy (Love Nothing)" in 2004.
Campbell hopes to have a full album done by spring; however, the goal at hand is to get listeners in Gainesville familiar with his musical style first.
"Whatever comes of it will be what it is," Campbell said. "I'm excited for the outcome either way."
Campbell stressed that he is no professional in the music industry, so he does not plan on charging for "Silver Wren." Having a faithful fan base is compensation enough, he said.
"I just hope the listeners find something they can relate to; it's my only point in recording it."
For more info on "Silver Wren" and to hear the extended-play, visit silverwren.bandcamp.com.
