Massachusetts-based collective Goodwin are no strangers to blurring lines between genres, disciplines, and eras. Fusing elements of folk, art-rock, and experimental soundscapes, their work feels as informed by literary tradition as it is by sonic exploration. Their latest single 'Friend' is no exception: a meditative, gorgeously layered piece inspired by the words of Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore.
The track marks the second release from their forthcoming album, a bold concept project that reimagines historic poetry through a contemporary musical lens. On 'Friend', they craft a world of restrained beauty and aching intimacy, with sitar, strings, and vocal harmonies evoking a foggy search for connection in a fractured world.
We sat down with frontman Michael E. Goodwin to discuss the influences of the band and what his origins have taught him over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
My first love has remained my true love: the guitar. It has always just made sense to me - the way it sits in my lap, the feel of the wood against my body, the endless possibilities that it has to offer. I feel so blessed that I get to play this instrument, and that I still have so many more years to get more deeply acquainted with it.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
The first band I was in at the age of 13 covered three primary artists: Rush, Living Colour, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Our originals were somehow bizarre amalgamations of all three bands. At an even earlier age, I was hugely influenced by REM, Michael Jackson, The Talking Heads, Edie Brickell and The New Bohemians, and Stevie Wonder. In addition, I deeply fell in love with bird vocalizations as I spent countless hours wandering through the woods. The song of the hermit thrush still gets me every single time.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I remember owning was “Purple Rain” by Prince and the Revolution. I will readily admit that, at the age of 8, I created an entire choreographed dance to “Let’s go Crazy.” What I would do for a video of those moves (or maybe not!). I am also proud to report that Prince was the first artist I saw live, in 1984. Life-changing night, without a question.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
“Razor Love” by Neil Young. Here, Neil - both lyrically and musically - somehow holds you in a gentle embrace while stabbing you in the heart at the same time. He is able to evoke the entire emotional landscape through such a spare arrangement, and a simple searing melody.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Each song has its own particular journey that it takes, but I do have a few physical locations that seem to bear fruit: a bench by The Concord River, a stone wall in Estabrook Woods, and my home studio - which at one point was a bedroom for both of my daughters. If I listen closely upon settling into any one of these three venues, I can always hear something compelling and unique. This process is described in the title track to our first album: “The Hunt.”
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Recently, I have been listening to a lot of Jacob Collier and Jon Batiste. These two artists have introduced me to entirely new geometric shapes as they challenge the concept of what a song even is! They remind me that we are only constrained by the limits of our imagination.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Given their recent announcement that they are going back on tour, I have to say Rush! I fully understand that we might not be the best musical fit, but wow do I have so many nerdy questions to ask Alex and Geddy. More, I would love to thank them in person for teaching me the importance of blending together extreme discipline and radical joy.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
I love the way in which writing, recording, and playing live music seems to blend together such private and public moments. There is something so satisfying about playing to a large crowd of people and knowing that the genesis of the particular song took place alone, in a quiet and meditative setting.
And what is the most frustrating part?
It is increasingly difficult to make a living in the arts. The more fragmented the larger cultural landscape becomes, the more challenging it is for musicians to directly connect to their listeners. I know this may seem like a strange comment given what many social media platforms offer, but much of that is noise and does not truly build community in a way that makes this work sustainable.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Mark Knopfler, who without question is one of the most influential figures on my songwriting, once noted that the thing he loves about his band is that everyone is there to serve the music. This concept of doing what is right by the song is a guiding principle for me in the studio. We are all there to create something bigger than any one individual. And I am blessed to work with such brilliant musicians who get this, in full. I do think that it comes out in the music, and helps to create a more inclusive experience for the listener.
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Goodwin's new single 'Friend' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.