Good Good Blood
Good Good Blood
Hailing from Mirfield, West Yorkshire, Good Good Blood unites indie/experimental folk fans with his intimate and nostalgic masterpieces. In this interview, we talk about all things music, from his background in the industry to his latest album ‘Little Sparrow’.
Where Did Your Artist Name Come From?
Known to his friends as James Smith, Good Good Blood’s artist name came to him a long time ago and has stuck ever since. “I had nothing else when I released my first album in 2015, so I just went with it.”
An artist name is a crucial aspect of your creative identity, and sometimes it can find you instead of it being the other way round. Good Good Blood is also the name of his debut release, and holds a level of intrigue that encourages you to start listening. Warning: once you start, you cannot stop!
What’s Your Background In Music?
GGB has been writing music since the age of fourteen, starting his recording journey on four-track cassette recorders and moving onto a computer later.
“I never really had a band so I have had to make music in my own little way, and learn as I go.”
His music is the product of trusting his ear and his creative vision alike, telling stories in his own interesting way. This is an attribute I am always drawn to in an artist, especially in a genre such as folk. The intimacy of each tale sat alongside his experimental recording techniques make for a unique listening experience, reminiscent of autumn in the countryside.
Who Are Your Biggest Inspirations In Music?
Good Good Blood mentioned three artists that inspire him the most: Phil Elverum, Justin Vernon and Alex G. Phil has a brilliant way of capturing the raw sounds of instruments, using minimalism and different textures to his advantage within his discography, Justin enhances his lyrics with large vocal stacks and melodies that stick in your head for hours, and Alex G uses experimental sounds and harmony to form emotionally resonant masterpieces.
It is clear to see how each of these artists have influenced GGB’s creative choices, and how he uses these ideas to create something individual and new.
If You Could Collaborate With Any Artist/Producer, Who Would It Be And Why?
When asked which artist or producer he’d like to collaborate with in the future, Good Good Blood originally gave me a response I hadn’t received before!
“I’m not sure I’d want to really, I would rather just keep doing things on my own.” As an artist, especially when writing about stories close to you, it is important to harness the ideas you have and execute them in whichever way you want. Not wanting to collaborate doesn’t come from a place of negativity or gatekeeping, but as a way of knowing what you want, achieving it for yourself, and honouring your creative process in a way that comes naturally to you.
However, when it came to the making of his latest album ‘Little Sparrow’, GGB worked alongside producer Paul Brown in his studio in Cleckheaton.
“I took early versions of the songs to him and then we worked on them together, adding drums and bass and other stuff. I was proper nervous because it was my first time in a “studio” but I really enjoyed the process and, most importantly, I think the songs are so much better with Paul’s magic sprinkled on them.”
Recommend Me An Album/Single/Soundtrack
Good Good Blood recommends ‘Woolly Mammoth Absence’ from the ‘Seven New Songs’ EP by Mount Eerie. He describes it to be an important piece of music, covering subjects such as grief, feeling lost and finding missing pieces within ourselves.
Listen to ‘Woolly Mammoth Absence’ here!
What’s Next?
His new album ‘Little Sparrow’ was released on the 29th August; and is a bittersweet body of work dedicated to his baby Poppy, who sadly passed away in December 2023.
“These songs are kind of a bookmark or a line in the sand for me, once they are out in the world I hope that it will, in some way, help me move on.” Sing it from the rooftops Good Good Blood!
As well as this, GGB has an upcoming gig at The Workshop & Loft on the 27th September. It’s free entry, there’s support from fellow Kirklees Most Wanted artist Eve Joné, and will be an evening packed full of likeminded folk fans! He’ll also be performing at WRXL. Routes on 23rd October, a full-day event celebrating the 10th birthday of the organisation Wilson Republic.
Get WRXL. Routes tickets here!
How Can We Find You?
Good Good Blood can be found on platforms such as Bandcamp and Spotify, and can be contacted on Instagram.
Bandcamp: https://foxfoodrecords.bandcamp.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2OaU1tu6tdscWuRIry08Gs?si=6rw3JDZBSZKwTlJ92ca4rw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foxfood?igsh=MXBwNGxvZGpleG52ZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr