New Release – Song’s from the Campfire (album) by Craig Gould
Folk/Americana singer-songwriter Craig Gould (UK) combines his “Beautiful songs” (Simon Fowler, Ocean Colour Scene) and “Beautiful voice” (Dave Hemingway, The Beautiful South) to entwine his listeners within his “Wonderfully crafted tales” (BBC Introducing).
Gould’s debut album ‘Song’s from the Campfire’ will be released 14th April. For CD purchase/pre-order visit the website. For a digital pre-save visit BandCamp.
How would you describe the album?
“‘Song’s from the Campfire’ is a collection of songs that were all born during my recovery from severe mental health illness. Music played a big part in saving me, and songwriting played its part as a form of self-therapy and analysis. I wanted to share my experience to try to help others, and am donating the profits to the mental health charity CALM, who I have partnered with over the last few years. ‘Song’s from the Campfire’ is an example to anyone who suffers with mental health illness/depression/anxiety; you can rebuild yourself from those lowest of lows, there is a future, and that future can look however you want it to. We’re stronger when we stand together.”
How long did it take to write and record the album?
“The songs are a selection that were mostly written over a period of three to four years between 2017-2021. Yes, you read that right. Recovery from my illness took years, and I still live with the impact of a severe mental breakdown now, but don’t let that lead you to thinking that I’m not currently in a good place, as I am! Mental illness is something that never really goes away, it’s more a case of learning how to live with it. I began the project of the actual record back in 2020, starting with a crowdfunder to raise money for production costs, and then moving onto demo recording. That enabled me to pitch the project to charities/artists etc. to build the momentum towards making something special. I eventually signed a commercial partnership agreement with the mental health charity CALM to work with them to raise funds and awareness of their magnificent work. Recording took place over an 18 month period and we released four singles from the album to keep the momentum going up towards album launch. So in a way this album began its journey back in 2017…”
What are you hoping to achieve with this release?
“Lots. I want to inspire those who suffer from mental illness. I want them to know that someone was nearly gone and they came back. The road was long, exhausting and terrifying, but I walked it and made it. Then I took that survival to the next level to make good of my illness and turn it into a positive movement. I want to raise money for CALM, and I want these beautiful songs to be heard and hope they can break down some barriers. I want to show how powerful music can be.”
To celebrate the release of ‘Songs from the Campfire’ Gould will run a UK tour from mid April through to the start of June. Tickets are available exclusively on his website.
