Celebrated as both songwriter and performer by some of the UK’s most respected acts, Folk/Americana artist Craig Gould announces the release of his long awaited debut album ‘Songs from the Campfire’ – part of his groundbreaking project in partnership with CALM – Campaign Against Living Miserably, on the 14th April 2023.
Gould’s ability to entwine story within song has seen him draw comparisons with music royalty such as Cat Stevens, Fleetwood Mac, Leonard Cohen, John Lennon and Bob Dylan. His debut album [Songs From The Campfire], featuring the critically acclaimed singles ‘Ain’t No Place to Hide’ (iTunes UK Country Chart #2), ‘Captain of the Seas’ (Amazon Music HNR Folk Chart #1) and ‘Burned’ (iTunes UK Country Chart #4) is the pinnacle of a 3 year project which has seen Gould share the journey of his own recovery from severe mental health illness and create a record that celebrates strength, empathises vulnerability, and normalises conversations around mental health. Gould has pledged to donate all of the profits from ‘Songs from the Campfire’ and its singles to CALM to help those who are in need.
Mixed and Mastered by Miles Myerscough-Harris at Whispering Bob Harris’ Under the Apple Tree Studios, ‘Songs from the Campfire’ (co-produced by Gould and Myerscough-Harris) boasts an impressive array of 20 featured artists (45% of these identify as female, a blueprint Gould was determined to follow) and funding from over 80 donors who supported Gould’s crowdfunding campaign.
With a loyal fan-based backing, and a featured artist roster including the likes of Anna Corcoran (AMA UK Instrumentalist of the Year 2021/Robert Vincent/Laura Marling), Dan Sealey (Ocean Colour Scene/Merrymouth/Cosmotheka), Chris Baldwin (Riding the Low), Blánid (Netflix’s The Witcher Anime), Jenny Colquitt (FATEA Female Artist of the Year 2022), Lee Cogswell (Mono Media Films) and Sophia Di Martino (Marvel’s ‘Sylvie’ in Loki), its not hard to understand why Gould’s debut record is being met with such anticipation and excitement.
JOURNEY & PROJECT BACKGROUND
Craig lives in the Midlands and is originally from Tamworth. He spent most of his twenties as the singer/songwriter/lead guitarist of folk/rock band Carousel Circus, supporting established acts including Levellers, Ocean Colour Scene, The Rifles, Example, Oysterband, Flogging Molly & Maximo Park. Gould showcased his natural ability to hold both stage and audience, performing at venues such as Birmingham Symphony Hall, Islington Academy and Liverpool’s Cavern Club, alongside festivals including Bearded Theory and Solfest. Live performances on both Kerrang! Radio and as part of BBC Introducing established Craig as one of the UK’s hottest new songwriters.
After much deliberation, Craig left the band in 2014 to concentrate on a promising management career. Leaving the music behind allowed Craig to fully commit to his senior leadership role, but in 2016 his impressive progression halted when he collapsed at work, resulting in a serious head injury. Later diagnosed with a severe mental breakdown (leading on to PTSD) Craig experienced a ‘burnout’ result after years of working within high paced & pressurised commercial environments. It was at this point that Craig embarked on his toughest journey yet, tasked with piecing himself back together to a place where he would be able to comfortably re-integrate within the world. Whilst these initial months were the hardest of times, comfort began to grow in these darkest of spaces as Craig re-discovered a love for music. Songwriting became a tool to process, to meditate, and to self-analyse. Over the next 12-24 months songs began to flow with each one capturing moments of Craig’s journey of recovery. Fast forward to January 2020; Craig was now armed with a collection of songs he deemed his best work yet, and a determination to use his experience to help others. He wanted to show that you can come back from the lowest of lows, and also come back stronger.
After announcing his return to music in early 2020, Craig didn’t allow the pandemic to halt his desire, and instead used the enforced covid lockdowns to his advantage. Early demos were recorded, social media presence built, and blueprints for the project were drawn up. Craig Gould’s dream to turn the darkest of days into hope for others has become a real and monumental project; An independent artist co-producing his own debut album, enrolling 20 artists, gaining the support of over 80 donors, and creating impressive partnerships with established bodies such as CALM, Tanglewood Guitars, PackSmart (physical distribution & fulfilment) and Evans Above PR is an achievement to celebrate – but in Craig’s own words; “This is just the start”.
I’m compelled to use my experiences of mental health illness and recovery to help others, raise awareness and generate funding. I want to help create a brighter future within the UK towards mental health care, and I’m very pleased to be working in partnership with Campaign Against Living Miserably, CALM, charity reg no 1110621 and SC044347.
The Album – The centrepiece of my project will involve the release of my debut solo album; a 10 track collection that includes songs born from the darkest days of depression to the shining lights of recovery. The album will be released both physically and digitally, with ALL profits from the album’s streaming, as well as the physical and digital sales, being donated to CALM. Find out more about the Campaign Against Living at thecalmzone.net
