Al Goodwin

Hi,

At last a bit of time to take stock of everything that has been happening.

So the album is out and the response has been overwhelming. After what seemed like an eternity banging my head against a wall with my first album and the EP, people are really starting to dig what I'm doing.

I've done what I've always done which was to use the time and resources I had to record my very best efforts but that aside I took on board comments and advice and saved some hard earned cash and got in a great studio with a producer that was right for me and the songs.

This new album is the result and already after quite simply putting it on my site and Facebook the downloads started to happen, no i-Tunes this time just my own independent store. Also I sent the album as a promo to all the contacts I'd made after endless sleepless nights networking between work and family. The people that put music in film and on T.V responded and are interested, radio staions want to play the tracks and a promoter in Norway wants me to take the album on the road over there.

These are all small steps and somehow I've maintained my sanity and hopefully not neglected my beautiful family too much. I've taken risks with finance and to a certain extent my health. Along the way I've made new friends and there have been losses too. I must now keep the faith, stay strong and let the songs do the work.

It's all come together, a superb time captured on tape. I'm pretty tired to say the least but satisfied with the result.

This is the album I've wanted to make for years, nice bank of work on my site now and I've got total control, yeah I need to sell downloads and recoup my investment but the creative satisfaction is the reward.

"long time coming but worth the wait"

It's on sale as a download directly from my site and MyMusicStream, I can't compete with i-Tunes and their technical machine but it's my official store and all proceeds go directly to the artist, well PayPal take a few pennies but that makes it all safe and secure for you. Excellent quality mp3's and hopefully the site is improving.

Got a good team together now which has taken a few years and made some really dear friends, yeah it's put a strain on the purse strings but I seem to have kept everything together, who knows maybe I'll be making another album soon.

Ok it's 2 a.m and I need to be up at 6.30.

I'll put up lyrics, photo's from studio sessions and maybe a bit of the final mixes captured on vid.

Just need PR now and some good old fashioned word of mouth, go on tell some friends on the fans tab above.

Enjoy this record it means a lot that people get to hear it.

My new album "Birth, Death And Inbetween" is now being mastered and will be on sale here at my new webstore next week.

I recorded the album in London throughout June and July as and when life allowed, could have quite easily blown the job that I'm doing to support the family and took some financial risks to self fund the recording but I did it and hopefully it will sell.

To say I'm proud of the finished work would be an understatement, It's something I've wanted to do for so long and those of you that have followed my muse for the last few years, seeing me adjust to life without my songwriting partner Andy and become a dad twice over whilst trying to sustain some normality in my home life, it ain't been easy. I thank you.

How Elisabeth (my partner) has coped with what must seem like madness at times I don't know. I have done this for her and my girls, here's hoping the success it deserves will make it all worthwhile. A living from my art and more time spent with my family is the goal, so listen, download and appreciate this piece of work and I'll be making another album soon.

The album seemed to happen quite quickly after stumbling across the right studio and producer via a MySpace contact. Pete Maher is a mastering engineer whose recent works include "The Scissor Sisters" and many major label acts, also he's engineered for "Keane", "Razorlight" and countless other top selling artists. He mastered my home recorded EP and a friendship was forged, also he's become such a fan of my songwriting that he set up the studio sessions at a budget that an independent artist with no label backing could afford and introduced me to Mel Gabbitas who is now my official producer and he has given me a sound and helped me find my voice. Pete is of course now mastering the Mel produced album in his Brighton  mastering suite. Not forgetting both of them put down bass guitar on the album. Should be topped and tailed in 3 or 4 days.

"Birth Death And In Between" is the working title for my new album, I started recording in mid June.

It is a continuation from my EP sessions that I recorded at home.

After previous attempts to get the right people involved and I must say at times coming close to throwing in the towel, somehow I've managed to find the producer, studio and players and this album is the one I've always wanted to make. My confidence in my writing, playing and voice has come from getting over stage fright playing some solo acoustic shows in a very up close intimate setting, also the feedback I've received from "The Stone That Brought The Girl" EP has been paramount in all this. Various openings to have songs placed in movies and industry pros wanting to work with my material got me thinking. So I've gone for broke and remained totally independent and self funded the album and set up my own publishing.

I had to take the production to the next level and through chance meetings I've got the perfect studio in London with a superb producer and mastering engineer, the studio was once used by Led Zeppelin and certainly has a vibe. I'm doing it in stages so as I can afford to get it right, no record compay advance so nothing to pay back and I own everything and have total artistic control. I'm getting guidance in the studio from engineers Mel and Pete and I'm indebted to them for their professionalism, support and patience. They both know what this record means to me and each day in the studio is a joy, this vibe is being captured on the record. I'd say I have three maybe four days recording left, the days are long and involve a lot of tea. Each daily target has been achieved thus far and I'm left to get all my ideas onto the record.

Hi,

With the risk of me going insane doing the marketing and PR I just had to start the creative process again, It's good for the sole.

I had a great day yesterday demoing songs for the new album, I stuck on the camcorder in my basement room and thought I'd share with you what I'm up to. As ever any time I have without work and family has to be for music.

I've put up the song "Shiver" on the video page so do have a look and let me know what you think of the song, personally I can envisage banjos and mandolins. Really up for fans thoughts at this stage.

I'm calling in help with the new album and have some great guys on board, a studio in central London which was owned by Led Zeppelin. I'll do all the pre-production at home and only have a few more tracks to demo and a couple that are not quite complete on the writing side.

I'll be recording as and when time allows unless I get an influx of cash, I hope to get another track up on the site today called "How u Feeling" this was left off the EP as I had some file transfer problems, it's a mellow song and would love to get some strings on it, good to be in the zone again.

I'd better crack on as the days seem to pass so quick, also want to go to see a mates acoustic combo tonight and I have a radiator cover to paint and install.

In between my somewhat frantic schedule of music, work and family I managed to get aired on a very reputable podcast in the states that has some 50,000 subscribers on i-Tunes and Zune..

It's a very honest review of my music. Reviews are pretty hard to take on board sometimes and they are out of my hands once the music is submitted.

Any artist that puts their heart on the line telling a story in words and melody is casting themselves to the wolves, why do I do it? Because I can and I'm going to continue doing so.

Here's the link to the podcast and review/feature on "The Great Unknowns Presents" click here

This should get me some more fans and those all important downloads.

I'll fill you in soon on recent events with meeting a music lawyer and the doors that open and close continuously as I do all that I can to get my music heard.

I'm now ready to record another album which will be my third independent release, I've got the songs and know which musicians I want to use and even have a couple of producers in mind. As ever two massive elements are needed being time and money and I'm somewhat lacking in both.

My family are going away for the Easter break, I'll be honouring some work commitments but will find some time to record some more home videos just to air some of the ideas I have for the new album and test the waters with the material.

Been a while so thought it was time for an update.

Felt pretty motivated of late what with the fan base growing and several online radio/podcasts wanting to feature the EP, I'll keep you informed on broadcasts and feedback. First airing is Tuesday 16th on blogtalkradio. Vision radio in London will follow then the biggy called  "The Great Unknown Presents" towards the end of March, this has 50,000 plus subscribers so hoping to get some good exposure there followed by downloads.

I've been offered an opportunity to have my songs catalogued for film placements on HBO, NBC and the like along with movies in the US and I'll be spending Wednesday afternoon with a pro music lawyer to peruse the contract and get some guidance for earning revenue from my songs and an appraisal of my online strategy. Really do hope the song "Touch The Devil" will be shortlisted for the public vote to feature in an independent movie starring Danny Dyer titled "Jack Says" fingers crossed that the producers dig it hey!

Still need those all important download sales on i-Tunes and other leading download stores, this unfortunately is just a trickle and it seems I made the mistake of giving my music away free for far too long which in hindsight maybe devalued my music somewhat.

I found this video www.algoodwin.com/video  I really like the song, it's me and a couple of old school mates having a jam weekend in Holland not so long ago. Think I'll record this for the new album.

"I Don't Want To Be Like This" is a song I'd been sitting on for a while and it's about the days when I'm negative about the state of the world and feeling helpless, basically saying it's us to blame and we are the only things in the way. Needs the right groove but it's getting there. Let me know what you think.

I also got to play my first solo gig in London, I was really nervous and had to get over stage fright but I did it and felt quite euphoric afterwards. I guess not having that cushion of a band was what made me feel so open and the audience were up close to say the least. Good response though and I'll play again soon. 

Also been getting some people on board to help out with online marketing, really excited about this and this should grow the fan base and get me some much needed revenue to fund the new album. I'll keep you posted and get you to help out with some viral marketing. Watch this space!

I've had to stop giving all my music away FREE or I'd just not manage to progress, there is a new site called www.woodeemusic.com and they find the cheapest legal download stores for music fans like yourselves. Really like the concept as music fans get a bargain and artists get paid.

Hi to all,

Please vote for The Stone That Brought The Girl and get me a review in "The Huffington Post"
That would be immense for me.

Simply vote to win me the opportunity. 

I'll keep you posted;
here's the link  http://song.cat/  (song, comments and results updates here too!)

Really appreciate this and download any songs you want FREE.

Al.

As I wind up the French leave (I'm in Paris with my partner Elisabeth and my two girls Alicia and Clarisse) It's been hectic and it was only yesterday my daughters four cousins left for the countryside.

I've been surrounded by children ranging from 6 months to 8 years old, had sleepless nights since Saturday and it has taken its toll on all of us.

Last night was better, although I laid awake the whole night caressing my baby daughter so as to maintain the calm, a 01.48 wake up, comme d'habitude for some mummy love ( for baby Clarisse, not me)

The whole night I was thinking where the fuck did the last year and indeed the last decade go and what was all that about.

I hit the noughties in my mid thirties and was getting tired of the party party lifestyle of youth, my first wake up call was early 2000 when my friend and co writer decided to leave this world at 37 he himself was at the bar getting a round in. (see previous blog here)

The next big thing for me was 9/11 and me thinking that now the world is really fucked, Madrid followed and obviously living in London as our christian soldiers went marching off to war, I knew the tube would be next and it was some 4 years later mind and by men with Yorkshire accents like me. Still remember getting a call on the mobile late one night and hearing "they've got Saddam" and we all know what became of him and the followng follie for the Iraqi people.

Here’s an artist that is taking the traditional singing in the streets to the internet.

Al Goodwin from London has set up a website dedicated to his cyber busk and vistors can sign up to download his latest EP, The Stone that Brought the Girl for free.

The EP contains four emotional but not over the top tear-jerking songs – all acoustic and beautifully written by Goodwin himself.

His songs reflect on the monumental personal experiences that we can all relate to – struggling relationships, new baby, dear friend passing or chasing after our dreams – against rich, acoustic guitar-driven arrangements that catch the essence of the American West Coast style.

Review by www.beatlebabe.com

As ever I always feel a bit reflective as a year comes to a close. It's been a a busy one what with a a new baby of 5 months now Clarisse and my first little girl Alicia (3) going through a brain scan and thank god she's gonna be ok. Love t.l.c and physio will get us through, enough said.

Somehow I'm surviving the credit crunch and continue to work my arse off as a carpenter, a.v technician and playground installer. At times the pressure to support my family and hold the music together feels it could make me crack.

This thing of giving my music away is really bugging me, I network with lots of people in this new music industry and there are two arguments/views. To give music away that costs money and a lot of effort, sweat and tears to make devalues my art, talent, gift whatever you wanna call it and stops me from being taken seriously, yet others say you have to give something to gain loyal fans/supporters of my music.

The main thing is the music, these songs are precious to me yet they deserve to be shared. I've been told on previous blogs (I'm all over the web like a friendly rash) that I inspire and that is wonderful. As you can see I'm calling this stage a "cyber busk" and their is a choice and I'm trying to achieve a compromise between the two arguments.

To do everything that a label, publisher or publicist would do is a mammoth task. I'm a musician and not a business man but I trust myself and I know the effort is going in, I was looking into paying for PR (£1000 a month)I'd be a fool to do this whilst giving my music away and where the fuck do I get the spare grand from, I could give some tracks away I hear you say but there is a choice of download for free or use i-Tunes and the like.

Always think of Andy every day but especially today on his birthday, miss ya fellah and we should still be doing this together.

"It's Hard To Believe"
So glad you remembered me
After all this time you're here for me to feel
You came to comfort me
A pain in my heart that only you could heal

Now I'm left here standing with just a photograph
I remember the first time I ever saw you laugh
You were sick in your shows
You were breaking all the rules

It's hard to believe that you won't ever come back

I still sing your melodies
As I lie awake, dreaming of the past
Your life is a part of me
I have to carry on just to know how to make it last

Now I'm left here standing with just a photograph
I remember the first time I ever saw you laugh
You came knocking on my door
You only wanted what we had before

It's hard to believe, that supper would be our last

I recall when you told me you were living on borrowed time
You'd lost site of everything, even though we were two of a kind
Don't know if it's irony, ridiculous or sublime
Your heart is inside of me
Until the day that I die

Now I'm left here standing with just a photograph
I remember the first time I ever saw you laugh
We used to sing our own blues
After watching the lunchtime news

It's hard to believe, that song would be our last

© Al Goodwin 2009



These lyrics were inspired by my friend Andy Reed who was such a sweet soul and I do miss him.

His life was too short.

There were times I would just listen to him, sometimes I'd hold him and at other times I'd want to grab him by the collar and aagh fuck knows, he could be infuriating. We helped each other through some heavy emotional shit and we used to co-write together and I so wish he was here now so we could record together.

I recorded one of his songs "I wonder Why" on my debut album and I'm sure I could feel his soul whilst recording the vocals.

Something got to me that day and I've been driven to get this song together ever since and just let it all flow and the song was written in minutes.

We both had no concept of bullshit and we felt quite invincible together. We formed a band and did odd jobs. We'd play songs together 24/7. I know so many people have lost someone close and it hurts. This is my way of dealing with it, I sing Andys' songs, I write about him and sometimes I sense him and that can be enough.

This song fits nicely on the new EP and he was sick in his shoes, he did handle 7 guys who jumped him (they were not to know Andy was a black belt taekwando expert) and he did have his air supply cut off while working on the rigs in The Gulf. Most of all though, a true friend who was always there for me and our story needs to be told.

I can't write books and anyway his father is an author and he has already written Andy's story in a splendid way but that is a very private affair. I can't come close to that but I can write a song about him and I know I have his blessing.

I often raise a glass to Andy Reed and it's his birthday today.

Have a listen on the music page.

Love and music.

Al.

Don't know why but for some reason I'm really nervous about getting my first royalty statement from my recent licensing deal. I guess after waiting so long to get an opening and it's now out of my hands. I still have to find out which songs have been accepted to be played in stores and restaurants across the US then at last a monthly income will stream in.

My new website www.algoodwin.com is still what I call my "cyber busk" and I need you kind people that have signed up there and at MyMusicStream to give me some feedback on the songs, I see that hundreds of free downloads have been happening. This is so rewarding knowing my music is being found and heard but I'd love you to help out spreading the word.

Here's what you can do:

Leave comments about the songs and interrract with other fans that leave comments.

Sign the guestbook.

Use the tell a friend feature inviting your friends to come to the website.

This will make it so much easier for me to share my music with more people.

Really looking forward to hearing from you as I'm in the early stages of another new release and it all helps to keep the momentum going.

You are all part of the "new music industry", it's no longer the labels telling us what to listen to, the choice is now ours.

Great news, I've just signed my first licensing deal with Eos Business Music in the US. In a nutshell selected tracks will be played in business outlets i.e stores , restaurants and dare I say lifts and supermarkets. This is all exposure for my songwriting and will earn me royalties each month.

I really took my time before signing and corresponded with their courteous and patient staff, a helping hand from a musicians union lawyer helped me finally sign on the dotted line and I'm delighted.

I'd also been blitzing production companies that specialise in music placement for film and t.v, I've had some great feedback and am currently waiting on one opening here in London that I hope comes to fruition, I'll keep you posted.

All in all a very productive month and more fans are signing up to my website, all be it FREE the downloads are soaring into the hundreds. Nice thought that I-pods and mp3 players all over the globe are listening to the songs.

When I say "cyber busking" I see my website as an online busk of my material and kind of reminds me of earlier times busking in York and Holland and it's simply up to the public to enjoy the music and their descision to pay/donate or just dig the music for free.

On the creative side I have enough material now for a new album or maybe I'll release more EP's.

As ever still an emotional roller coaster balancing the muse with home life and having to support the family but still enjoying the journey. The afore mentioned successes are just chipping away at getting me a living from my art.

Great news, "Human Touch" From my new EP "The Stone That Brought The Girl" will be featured on Radio Caroline's The Ted Elliot Show on Sat Oct 10th between 3 and 5 pm GMT.

Here's to more people hearing my music and coming over to my official website.

Fan list is growing nicely and appreciated it is, you can help by using the links on the fan menu to spread the word.

Feel free to point people here so they can sign up and get FREE tracks.

The new EP is now on i-Tunes and many other leading download stores for non members.

I've done an e-mail blitz to music supervisors and synching agencies so as to procure some placements in film and t.v.

All in all a very productive month and got down some rough demos of new material.

Some people have requested lyrics and background on the songs which I will put on the site when I get some free time.

That's it for now.

Love and music.

Al.

Hi again, well it's happening and more people are signing up.

I'm on a high with the radio airplay and I can now join PRS as a songwriter and can at least get my royalties and be taken seriously by music supervisors for film and t.v placements being a member of PRS and PPL.

I'm now self published and ready to roll.

Distribution deal is signed with Believe digital so the new EP will be on i-Tunes in a few weeks.

In the meantime I'm taking a short break in France with the family. Grab the tracks FREE for a limited period.

Hope to make some live recordings next weekend and put up some new tracks.

Love and music.

Al.

Be back on Radio Caroline for the late shift. Friday 1.30 am. Tune in at www.radiocaroline.co.uk and SKY 0199 .............Buzzin!

A track from my EP "The Stone That Brought The Girl" will be played on Radio Caroline on Saturday Sept 5th.

Please tune in and e.mail tedelliot@radiocaroline.co.uk the url is www.radiocaroline.co.uk and will also be broadcasting on SKY channel 0199.

His show runs between 3 and 5 pm GMT and I'll be featured between 4.30 and 5 pm

Your support is so appreciated.

Cheers.

Al. 

Radio Caroline will be featuring my new EP "The Stone That Brought The Girl"

They'll be playing it on Sept 5th. I'll keep you posted on show times and how you can help out.

I've been offered a contract to have my songs licensed in America, this would be in restaurants, coffee shops and various businesses. I've had the contract checked by a lawyer here in the UK. It's all possitive stuff but contracts still scare the shit out of me.

So appreciate the new fans that have signed up to www.algoodwin.com and on www.mymusicstream.com  These are my main portals now and the new website will be a one-stop shop for all my musical activities. I'll be adding more content and improving the website.

Plenty of new songs coming and reworking some that I was not happy with on my first album.

Playing a private show next weekend for a good friends wedding, should be an acoustic bonanza, be nice to do some covers for a change ranging from Louis Armstrong to Snow Patrol.

Need more people to sign up at my new official site and use all the features (comment, tell friends and add this to your twitter or facebook pages.

Keep on downloading the FREE music and your support is so appreciated.

Firstly thanks to Andrew at MyMusicstream he is empowering independent musicians.

Please stick around and listen, sign up and give feedback.

Your support is so appreciated.

A big thank you to music fans that have downloaded tracks.

Obviously an independent musician needs revenue to live and make more music but I'm really touched that the songs are being heard and enjoying giving FREE music.

Please do get in touch and join the mailing list, comment and if you like what I do then grab some more.

I am currently working with MyMusicStream to release a new official website. All my music will be available here for download plus blog and news on future releases.

Lot of work to do so as to time it with pending reviews and airplay.

In the meantime enjoy my new "The Stone That Brought The Girl" EP it's available as a FREE download.

At last my new "The Stone That Brought The Girl" EP  is ready for release.
I've decided to give it away as a free download up until it's official release date..
I just want people to hear my music. I'm delighted with the results and how I got it together with new baby and having to work to support the family. But hey I'm now ready to make another. (record that is)
I will get around to thanking all the people that have helped me and kept me focused.
I'm busy setting up my own label and networking with music supervisors so as to procure some film and t.v placements. Finding the marketing side difficult although I'm learning along the way. Would love more time to make music, in fact would just love more time.
Can't not mention the arrival of my second daughter Clarisse. It's pretty full on here but I would not change a thing. Life is good and I've done it and put out a record I'm proud of.
Enjoy the EP, 
"If you've got a good feeling, pass it on"

Love and music.

Al.

Sorry for my abscence, I'm back with new material for my second release. I'd really got distracted from doing what I do which is record songs. Although being able to self promote via the web is a great thing, it really can get to you. This new track will feature on my new EP. The song is called "The Stone That Brought The Girl", people have asked for an explanation of the title so here goes-:

Common scenario of a couple being told they can't have children, so we'd kind of accepted this. We were travelling in Vietnam and I was somewhere up The Mekong and whilst in a buddhist temple I noticed two large stones with water cascading down upon them. A monk told me if I went under the water I could touch only one of the stones. One would bless me with wealth and the other would give us a child. What would you choose? I am still not wealthy but I am now the father of a beautiful little girl, this inspired the title and became the song. Voila. Inspiration comes from the strangest sources. Enjoy the song and make of it what you will and I'd really love feedback at this stage of putting my new record together. Love and music. Al.

MEDIA RELEASE

Touch the Devil

There are certain songs in life that you can’t let go of.

They seem to permeate the conscious mind using a sublime melody, a nerve-jangling riff or seduce you with a wicked chorus. Either way the song has got you.

Touch the Devil (and you can’t let go)

The new single from Al Goodwin, from his acclaimed debut album Celebrate.

Download it now! ..

After featuring last Friday on The Arrow's The Here And Now show with Ted Elliot, a return to the airwaves is in the bag. So tune in to The Arrow for more Al Goodwin. The album was introduced by the words "great lyrics, nice guitars, a really nice album" Watch this space! online, on DAB, sky 0121 NTL 921

I'll be featured on digital station THE ARROW on Friday Sept 29th between 20.30-21.00. Don't forget to tune in and please e-mail the station to request further plays. A big thank you to all of you who have downloaded tracks. Details for SKY and NTL channels are at the following url www.thearrow.co.uk or just listen on-line. Enjoy!