Mike Campbell in Conversation with Matt Pinfield
Live at Sound City Studios
Written: Matt Blake
Photos: Elijah J Hermitt
There are venues that hold music history in their walls — and then there’s Sound City.
The SoCal Sound welcomed members into the legendary studio in Van Nuys for an intimate evening with Mike Campbell, guitarist, songwriter, Heartbreaker, and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, and were treated with a conversation with Matt Pinfield and an acoustic performance with Mike’s band The Dirty Knobs. They reflected on a lifetime of music, the stories behind the songs (some recorded in those studio walls), and the journey that led him from Florida garage bands to some of the most iconic recordings in rock history.
A Room Built for Stories
Before any chords were strummed and music rang out, Campbell sat down with Matt Pinfield for a candid discussion around his new book, Heartbreaker: A Memoir The conversation moved fluidly – early influences, the creative chemistry that shaped his career, the discipline of songwriting, and the emotional weigh of legacy.
As expected, Matt’s conversation delves deep; his musical knowledge enriched the conversation, making it more profound. It wasn’t a superficial interview; it felt like two lifelong fans dissecting the art form from the inside out.
The Dirty Knobs – Stripped Back and Personal
Following the conversation, Campbell picked up his guitar, and alongside his band The Dirty Knobs, delivered a raw acoustic set, with his drum machine guitar “BoBo” filling in place keeping the beat.
The SoCal Sound session highlights three standout performances, the others are left in the you had to have been there (only way to attend is by becoming a member today!)
- “Rockin’ Around (With You)”
- “Hometown Blues”
- “Listen to Her Heart”
The stripped back production and reduced textures made these songs carry a different kind of electricity. You were able to hear the subtle inflictions and how they play between members of The Dirty Knobs.
“Hometown Blues” resonated with particular intimacy, while “Listen to Her Heart” served as a reminder of the songwriting craft that has defined Campbell’s career for decades.
VIEW FULL PHOTO GALLERY
Community Amplified — In the Room
This wasn’t just a performance — it was a gathering. A room filled with SoCal Sound members who believe in independent music and listener-supported radio. Events like this reflect what makes our station unique: access, authenticity, and community. Many were left feeling like this was a once in a lifetime moment.
Moments like these don’t happen without listener support.
Special thanks to 818 Brewing and Galpin Studio Rentals
Heartbreaker: A Memoir — Available Now
Mike Campbell’s new book, Heartbreaker: A Memoir, is available now. The memoir dives deeper into the stories, relationships, and being the iconic guitarist playing alongside Tom Petty in The Heartbreakers.
Heartbreaker: A Memoir is available at this https://thedirtyknobs.shop.redstarmerch.com/
Exclusive Members Events
Intimate evenings like Mike Campbell in conversation with Matt Pinfield at Sound City aren’t public concerts — they’re experiences reserved for The SoCal Sound members.
When you become a member, you don’t just support independent public radio — you gain access to private performances, conversations inside historic studios, ticket opportunities, and moments that simply aren’t available anywhere else.
Your membership directly makes events like this possible — and puts you in the room.
Stay Connected with The SoCal Sound
Stream sessions anytime at TheSoCalSound.org or through the free SoCal Sound app — now compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Members are the first to know about upcoming events, private sessions, and exclusive opportunities.
- · Filmed & Edited by Matt Blake
- · Audio Provided, Recorded, & Mixed by Tristan Dolce
- · Host: Matt Pinfield
The SoCal Sound is listener-supported public radio. Become a member and be part of the moments that amplify our music community.
