Campfire Radio Theater Music: 10 Unforgettable Years
This year marks ten years of composing Campfire Radio Theater music. It was ten years ago today that my music first appeared on Campfire Radio Theater. I remember hearing the show long before that, enjoying it immensely, and wanting to be part of it. Eventually, I sent John some music to see if he might be interested. Thankfully, he was.
As it turns out, John and I are superfans of Nightfall, the CBC radio drama from the early 1980s. That alone convinced me he was alright in my book.
What is Campfire Radio Theater?
For new readers, Campfire Radio Theater is an independently produced American horror audio drama that debuted in 2011. It carries the spirit of classic radio like CBS Radio Mystery Theater, Suspense, and Nightfall while using modern sound design, original scores, and a full cast. You can find the show on the official Podbean site and major podcast apps. If you want a primer on how I approach sessions in general, see 20 Essential Tips for Drummers.
My first cue on CRT
The first episode to feature my music was The Philadelphia Xperiment, released on Sunday, May 11, 2014. Since then, I have released eight volumes of The Sounds of Nightmares: Music Composed for Campfire Radio Theater, totaling 341 tracks (as of September 19, 2025), not counting a handful of outtakes and shelved pieces. You can hear that debut episode here: The Philadelphia Xperiment.
Writing Campfire Radio Theater music
Creating Campfire Radio Theater music has been a blast. From an ice cream truck melody to a carnival carousel piece, from a Civil War drum and fife tune to Christmas music, from a 1950s novelty parody to Celtic folk and more, every challenge has been unique and rewarding. Some scores lean orchestral, some are analog synth, some are just raw texture. The fun is in serving the story.
Campfire Radio Theater music milestones
Highlights across the years:
- 8 volumes, 341 tracks released in the Sounds of Nightmares series – cues written specifically as Campfire Radio Theater music.
- Favorite personal cue families: haunted carousel themes, cold-war tension drones, and minimalist pulse motifs that sneak under dialogue.
- A Parsec Award win for Woods Ferry, and continued listener growth through features and best-of lists.
For a left-turn recommendation, try Last Resort – a surreal story that sits near the top of my list.
How to hear Campfire Radio Theater music
The easiest way is the official feed. Apple Podcasts and Spotify carry the same episodes. If you want a single track to start with, cue up The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea and listen for how the low-end swells and metallic textures shape the claustrophobia. That is very much “signature” Campfire Radio Theater music territory.
Recognition
Over the years the show has reached new listeners and earned shoutouts. Highlights include a Parsec Award win for Woods Ferry, features in genre press, and steady placement on best-of lists. If you are new to Campfire Radio Theater music, those back episodes are a great place to start. Also, if you enjoy behind-the-scenes humor about drumming life, see Drumming Is Dangerous.
John took the rough outline of a story I had and turned it into a nightmare that became my personal favorite episode. The concept haunted me for as long as I can remember. On top of that, he landed Jared Rivet to play the lead.
Jared is a fantastic actor, and when he agreed to join the cast, I was thrilled. He also played Tony Itch in the outstanding five-part horror story After the Haunting by Earbud Theater. It remains a personal favorite, and I often revisit it for inspiration. Press play below and see why.
Further reading
- 20 Essential Tips for Drummers (internal)
- Drumming Is Dangerous (internal)
- Campfire Radio Theater official site (external)
Quick FAQ
Where can I hear Campfire Radio Theater music?
Start at the official feed or any major podcast app.
How many tracks have you released for the show?
Eight volumes so far, totaling 341 tracks (as of September 19, 2025), plus a few outtakes.
What styles do you write for CRT?
Anything the story needs. Orchestral, analog synth, drum and fife, seasonal cues, and oddball textures.
