Craig Gould's unique artistic talent has seen bloggers and critics from around the world draw comparisons with songwriting royalty such as Fleetwood Mac, Cat Stevens, John Lennon and Bob Dylan. Having taken the stage at some of the UK's most loved venues (Birmingham Symphony Hall, Islington Academy, Liverpool Cavern Club) and lauded festivals (Bearded Theory, Solfest, Timber Festival), Gould's unique genre-crossing works have begun to capture the imagination and respect of music fans across the country. Support slots with established acts such as Levellers, Ocean Colour Scene, Brian Downey (Thin Lizzy) and Dave Hemingway (The Beautiful South) paved the way for Gould becoming a headline touring artist in his own right, further reinforcing his growing reputation as one of the hottest new writers & performers on the UK Folk/Americana scene.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Craig Gould, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
We were not allowed TV on on a Sunday morning when I was growing up; It was radio only. We’d sit and listen to songs and I think that’s where it all started really.
Describe your favorite and least favorite part about being a musician.
My favourite part of being a musician is the process of writing songs & music. I love It when you get to an end product from what was originally ideas/thoughts/feelings. It’s quite magical when you think about it. My least favourite part about being a musician? I try to keep a positive mindset so I’m going to keep the focus on my favourite parts as mentioned above.
Your latest song is 'Out of the Woods'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
This was a song I wrote about my recovery from mental health illness. It details the sadness and disbelief that can arrive when you mentally crash, but then the warmth and comfort that comes with recovery. I also played the percussion on this song and the floor tom sounds amazing on the recording. I held the Tom between my legs and added microphones from there. I tried to ensure I held the Tom to allow the maximum depth from each hit to capture a truly deep sound. I played it gently with the tips of my fingers, and thanks to my friend and producer Miles Myerscough-Harris, it sounds immense.
How do you differ from most other artists?
There’s so much talent out there and millions of us are creating music. I write songs from the heart and although I respectfully listen to advice and take all comments on board, I will still do what I think is best for me and the authenticity of my music. I’m not in this game to be something I’m not; I did that before in an old career and it nearly killed me.
Where are you from and do you have a stable home or do you prefer travelling?
I live in Burton on Trent with my wife and our young boy. I love being home and don’t like being away from it for too long.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
Real. Inspiring. Honest. Heartfelt. Considered. I get told quite often that I have a unique sound, which is pretty cool.
How do you nurture your own creativity?
I don’t put pressure on myself to create. I allow myself to have times where I don’t create a song, but that doesn’t mean I’m failing, it means that the creative part of me is busy doing other things, or needs to recharge. As an independent artist you are the booking agent, the manager, the web developer, the tour manager, the marketing department, the PR department, chauffeur, project manager, roadie, content creator and customer service department. These are all creative roles, so if I have a period of time when I don’t write songs that is ok.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
Neil Young.
Who's your ideal musician to collaborate with and why?
I’d love to work with Declan O’Rourke. His songwriting, lyrics and guitar playing are next level.
What are your plans for the future?
To keep progressing really. In music and in life. Staying healthy and having family fun and security are the main goals. I’m fortunate that I’ve got to a position where I am a national headline touring artist in the UK. The venues are really small but I’m so happy with that progress. I’ll just keep building from there and celebrate each little step as they come.