Craig Campbell has seen it all. From major label deals to going fully independent, he’s lived the ups and downs of the country music journey. Now, in 2025, he’s taking another bold leap—bringing his single “Missing You” (Available February 14th) to country radio on his own terms.
Campbell joined Nicky T and Kurt Ozan on the Raised Rowdy Podcast to talk about his journey, the lessons he’s learned, and the absolute disaster of a tour that ended with his drummer stranded in Australia. Buckle up, because this one’s a ride.
“I was like, yeah, we need that one.”
Craig’s been making country hits for years, but his latest single “Missing You” has been a long time coming. Originally recorded back in 2015, the song has taken a winding path to its official release in 2025. After watching Drew Baldridge take an independent song to #1 at country radio, Campbell decided it was time to go all-in on “Missing You.”
“I can do this. I know I got the music. So we got on a phone call… and everyone we talked to was like, ‘let’s do it.’”
Instead of relying on a major label, Campbell has built his own team to push the song to radio. It’s a move that comes with risks, but Craig’s ready to bet on himself.
“I think we can do it.”
The Tour from Hell
While Campbell is focused on the future, he couldn’t help but share one of the wildest tour stories we’ve ever heard. It all went down when he got booked for an Australian festival, only to have the date moved for the Dixie Chicks. The scheduling change meant his usual drummer had to drop out, so Craig called in a backup.
That’s when things got weird.
“We get to the final gig, and this dude whips out his own t-shirts… with his face on them. And asks if he can throw them out during my show.”
If that wasn’t enough, the drummer completely butchered Campbell’s set multiple nights in a row and then missed his flight home after a long night out.
“They finally get on the plane intercom and say, ‘Will the party responsible for [drummer’s name redacted] please ring your button?’”
The dude ended up stranded in Australia, buying his own ticket home. Safe to say, he didn’t make the cut for future tours.
Going Independent: “I haven’t had my day in court.”
Craig’s not afraid to be honest about his time with major labels. After bouncing between record deals, he realized that being independent wasn’t just a fallback—it was an opportunity.
“I had people making decisions on the music I recorded that had no idea who I was. Never met my family. Never even been to a show.”
Without a label holding him back, Campbell has spent the last few years making the music he wants to make, when he wants to make it.
“Now, if we succeed, I take the credit. If we fail, I take the fall. And I’m okay with that.”
Building a Legacy Beyond Music
Campbell’s passion doesn’t stop with music. Along with his wife, Mindy, he runs Grindstone Cowboy, a coffee shop, restaurant, and music venue in Tennessee. What started as a crazy idea during COVID has now expanded to multiple locations, with plans for a Florida spot on the horizon.
“I always wanted my girls to have somewhere to play and never have to ask permission. This is your place, baby.”
His daughter Presley has taken that to heart, producing and mixing music in their home studio, proving that talent runs in the Campbell family.
What’s Next?
With “Missing You” officially headed to radio and his independent movement gaining momentum, Craig Campbell is making 2025 his year. Whether he’s running a business, recording new music, or dodging rogue drummers, one thing is clear—he’s doing things his way.
“I’m gonna run it and see what happens.”
Craig, we’re rooting for you.