Rejecting trends, embracing authenticity: Goodman’s unconventional approach to songwriting
NEW YORK, NY | APRIL 19, 2024: The enigmatic yet prolific indie artist Goodman unveils his psych-tinged rock single, “Only Testimony,” on April 19, 2024. A song that holds its sonic palette in the beat music of the mid-late ’60s, the artist admits there was no direct inspiration for its composition; one morning the chorus came out of him, lyrics and all. He remembers improvising a structure around the chorus, pretty much going with “first thought, best thought.” Within twenty minutes, the song was willed into existence from silence.
“You can write a song methodically and modularly, and it can take years to finish until all the pieces align. And then, like this one, sometimes they just show up.” – Goodman
Lyrically and musically, it is quite obvious when listening to “Only Testimony” that this is the singer’s side of an intense argument, and most likely the end of a relationship. However, unlike your garden-variety breakup song, this one is not about airing a litany of grievances, but rather the resignation one feels when the situation is irreconcilable. It is a song beyond anger. Surely we’ve all felt like we’ve made our case long enough, exhaustively at times; this track is for when “there’s no further argument.” This is a song for moving on with one’s own code intact.
Goodman considers himself a “melodist” – “When I write songs, they are personal and cathartic, but what I focus mostly on is a central “theme” that comes from the improvised lyrics, and how it complements the hooks. If it gets stuck in my head, I know there’s something there. I ask myself the question, ‘would I want to listen to this?’”
This very ethos sets Goodman apart from other artists. He doesn’t care about keeping up with trends or what other artists are doing, because he’s been writing music since he was five years old. He’s simply too set in his ways to care about what’s going on in the zeitgeist; it would be like suddenly worrying about whether or not the way he breathes is cool. As an 8th grade music nerd, Goodman recalls reading Pitchfork reviews heaping praise upon contemporary buzzbands, keeping up with the recommended albums, and deciding “it’s not for me.” Instead, he would immerse himself in cult classics from the 60’s, 70’s and beyond, forming an eclectic bedrock of influences that informs his craft to this day.
“My first album was so out of step with what was hip then. I feel like it’s been vindicated by time, though. It’s important to write ” – Goodman
Goodman’s very first album was released back in 2012 – during the era of Captured Tracks, shoegaze revival, and noodling, angular riffs augmented by effects pedals. His album, however, was rooted in girl groups and 60’s surf, marching to its own double backbeat. Unapologetically sincere and unmasked. And so he continues today, continuing to drop atmospheric and distinctive songs such as “The Mariana Trench” (2022) and “Requiem for Schrödinger’s Cat” (2023).
ABOUT: A veteran of the mid-2010s indie scene, Goodman has lived many musical lives. As a prolific songwriter, Goodman has released 6 full-length albums and a handful of EPs since 2012, and has no intention to slow down. As a touring musician in multiple bands, Goodman has shared the stage with Temples, Allah-Las, the Horrors, TOY, Gary Numan, Elle King and even esteemed character actor Michael Shannon, among many others. Goodman is also a regular performer alongside The Loser’s Lounge, a bimonthly music revue at the Public Theater.
PRESS CONTACT: Suzanne Torrison @ Behind The Curtains Media
