BIO
“ Deeply affecting, moving, poetic and haunting. It's hard not to be taken aback. Gould has created something positively memorable” - At the Barrier
Bio
Folk/Americana singer-songwriter Craig Gould 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 unique artistic talent has seen bloggers and critics from around the world draw comparisons with songwriting royalty such as Fleetwood Mac, Cat Stevens, John Lennon and Bob Dylan. Having taken the stage at some of the UK's most loved venues (Birmingham Symphony Hall, Islington Academy, Liverpool Cavern Club) and lauded festivals (Bearded Theory, Solfest, Timber Festival), Gould's unique genre-crossing works have begun to capture the imagination and respect of music fans across the country. Support slots with established acts such as Levellers, Ocean Colour Scene, Brian Downey (Thin Lizzy) and Dave Hemingway (The Beautiful South) paved the way for Gould becoming a headline touring artist in his own right, further reinforcing his growing reputation as one of the hottest new writers & performers on the UK Folk/Americana scene.
2023 sees the release of his greatly anticipated debut album 'Songs from the Campfire' (crowdfunded by over 80 donors) which builds on the resounding success of his first three single releases. BBC Radio support, #1 on the Amazon Music HNR Folk Chart, #2 on the iTunes Country Chart, added to numerous Single of the Week/Year nominations proved that Gould's work is now rightly championed by fanbase, writers and peers.
Proud to work in partnership with the mental health charity CALM, and humbled to have recently joined the official artist roster of Tanglewood guitars, Gould's ability to convert heartfelt stories into song is finally coming to the fore.
“Amazingly good...make a note of the name” - Folking.com
Songs from the Campfire
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.
The album, 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, filming for Sky Arts & Paul Weller) and Sophia Di Martino (Marvel’s ‘Sylvie’ in Loki), its easy to see why Gould’s debut record is being met with such anticipation and excitement.
“One of the most powerful voices I have ever heard live. His songs entwine with the audience” - Mark Chadwick, Levellers
Craig's Journey
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 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 pressurised commercial environments. It was at this point he embarked on his toughest journey yet; Piecing himself back together to re-integrate within the world. Hope could easily have faded for Craig during these darkest of times, yet the path to recovery became visible as he rediscovered a love for music. Songwriting led to self awareness and understanding. Over the next two years songs began to flow; Each one capturing moments of Craig’s journey. Fast forward to January 2020, now armed with a collection of songs he deemed his best work yet, Craig was determined to use his experience to help others.
After announcing his return to music in early 2020, Craig didn’t allow the pandemic to halt his desire, using 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 now become a tangible, inspiring movement; 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 distributor & fulfilment) and Evans Above PR is an achievement which reinforces Craig's inspiring fire that burns within.