INTERVIEW: The Kentucky Gentlemen Find Themselves in Black Rodeo Culture

The Kentucky Gentlemen have been working tirelessly to share their music in Nashville. They call it the ten-year town and, after ten years of writing hundreds of songs and shaking hands at hundreds of events, the Gentlemen’s ship has come in thanks to their work with the Black Opry. The twin brothers (Brandon and Derek Campbell) released their latest single, “Neon Cowboy,” a few weeks ago. They were kind enough to take some time out of their very, very busy schedule to discuss their connection to Black Cowboy culture and how they are creating time and space to nurture their individuality.

I understand that you grew up in a small, rural town. Were there a lot of rodeos where you were growing up, or was that a bit further West than you?

There’s a local rodeo back home in Versailles, KY that comes to mind. Cowboy Up for a Cure is an event that benefits children with cancer. At first, it was created specifically with a young boy from our hometown in mind. It’s such a great cause with an incredible story and we believe that was when our eyes were first opened to rodeos and started to appreciate all that rodeos entail.

When did you learn about the Black Rodeo and other Black cowboy groups (like the Compton Cowboys in LA?) Were they always a part of your consciousness, or did you discover them when you were older? How did it feel to learn about the rich history of Black cowboy culture?

First off, Compton Cowboys are so badass! They contribute so much to a rich culture that we’ve always longed to find but knew it was out there somewhere! As we searched for people we could see ourselves in and for people who looked like us enjoying the same things we enjoy, we stumbled across the Black Rodeo and a whole culture of Black Cowboys. That is why we chose to highlight organizations like the Southeastern Rodeo Association in the “Neon Cowboy” music video. We felt the same way we felt when we found a community of country artists that look like us, in adoration and solidarity. 

As a twin myself, I know it can be hard to be seen as individuals sometimes. You work together and have an intense regimen of songwriting, networking, and touring. How do you create separate spaces for yourselves?

Long ago, we recognized how important individuality is in order for us to remain happy in our partnership not only as a music duo but as brothers. Communication is key. It’s definitely intense having so much of your life intertwined with your sibling. Sometimes, we have to physically set scheduled time apart from one another. These days, we’re finding joy in creating or starting ideas individually and then bringing them to each other to finish up. 

I’m guessing “Neon Cowboy” is part of a larger project. What can fans expect to see from you as we move into 2024? What are you most excited about?

We are so excited for where the music is going in 2024. It’s going to continue to be so much fun to listen to but we are also looking forward to giving a deeper dive and perspective into who we are, how we grew up, how we love and maneuver around this big crazy world. Folks are really going to learn what it is that makes us The Kentucky Gentlemen.

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