I’m a big fan of rock and roll, especially when it’s as good as the bluesy rock Derek Lee Goodreid produces! I recently checked out his song, Born To Raise Hell & Sing The Blues, and felt it was perfect for our site. If you haven’t heard it yet, you can also find a stream at the end of this interview.
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a song titled Born To Raise Hell & Sing The Blues, which we reviewed. What can you tell us about the song?
The song was a lot of fun to make and is a blast performing live. It’s one of those songs that tears the roof off.
How has the reception been so far, and where can Born To Raise Hell & Sing The Blues be purchased?
I have had a lot of positivity and encouragement from people who really dig the grit and energy of the song, especially when it comes to the blues. You can purchase all my music here: https://de…dcamp.com/
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
I have recently released Breakthru Hardtimes, a beautiful blues ballad that has also had a great impact on people and has had a lot of favourable reviews. I am releasing two more singles this year in October to celebrate Halloween. The first, Beneath The Howlin’ Light, features the great upright bass work of fellow Aussie Leon Pratt and the killer mixing of Orange County audio legend Austin Hein. The following single, Racing Against Death, features the dynamic lead guitar of psychobilly, rockabilly youtuber Adrian Whyte and the thumping slap bass of Canadian rocker Stephen K Donnelly – the lyrics are references to some of my favourite rockabilly songs from artists such as Gene Vincent, Jim Foster & the Kountry Kut Ups, Charlie Feathers and Eddie Cochran.
Do you plan to release an EP or an album anytime soon?
I am enjoying releasing singles at the moment as it has given me a bit of space and breathing room to create. It has also forced me to spend more time crafting the songs and improving my guitar skills, as well as mixing and mastering to help make the best possible song I can make. It also opens up more opportunities to collaborate with other artists and expand the sonic palette by introducing other instruments into my music like Venezualan musician Hector Ruano’s harmonica on Born to Raise Hell and Sing the Blues and Adrian’s epic guitar soloing on Racing Against Death.
What is the composition process like for you?
It usually begins with a hook, whether it’s a guitar riff, lyric or a melody that comes to me at like 2 or 3 in the morning. Then I begin to obsess over it over days and weeks. Once I have a clear map of how the song goes I start to imagine what other instruments other than the usual bass, drum, guitar combo would help enhance the song. Sometimes I add an extra layer but I also like to keep it simple and not overcomplicate it. It’s all about balance and instinct and trusting yourself.
Has the pandemic hindered your work much?
Quite the opposite. I think I have been more creative. I did miss performing live but I was able to channel all my angst and isolation into writing new songs and learning the tools I use such as protools, ezdrummer and my guitars.
Your music has elements of both rock and the blues. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
I think I am influenced mostly by artists who take different genres and make it their own, such as Chris Cheney of The Living End, Ben Harper, JD McPherson, Nathaniel Rateliff, The Cramps, Joe Strummer of The Clash and Josh Homme of QOTSA. I like to take my love of blues, country, psychobilly, surf rock, rockabilly, rock, punk, stoner rock and even some metal, and just mix it all up in the pot. I mean yeah, I lean more towards blues and rock, but every now and then something rises up and you won’t see it coming and I enjoy those moments because it’s a surprise to me as well. So I try to listen to as much music and as many different artists as I can and be open to learning new things.
You’re based in Australia. What is the music scene like in your part of the world?
The music scene is strong in my part of the world. People take it pretty seriously even though we are the most isolated city in the world. We are also influenced by everything and that is pretty rare and awesome, it’s definitely why I love to mix different genres and styles into my music and make it my own.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
I would love to come to the UK and tour, I guess I need to find a booking agent for that. Definitely up for it.
Any last words for the fans?
I am humbled and grateful to all the amazing comments and messages of encouragement from everyone who is digging what I am putting out. I started music as a way to help deal with my own problems with PTSD and social anxiety and depression, by creating anthems to help me through the day, and now I am finding people are finding comfort and a connection with my songs and that is pretty damn amazing. Much love