about the music

My music is unique and engaging, and generally tells a story. A typical original set from John Goudge Band sweeps from Celtic to funk, from folk to rock, all with infectious grooves and intelligent lyrics. 

The flexibility of the band allows it to play in a number of different configurations, depending on the venue and type of music needed. The band is equally at home at a music festival, a rowdy Irish pub, a vineyard, or performing at a wedding reception.

The band has two configurations:

it can offer outstanding original music;

or it can perform as a classic covers band at weddings, parties, functions, and bars, with great songs that everyone knows.

I began writing songs at secondary school, performing in plays and musicals, and playing in a brass band.  Secretly I desired to play electric guitar and sing with a rock band.  Over the years I wracked up a lot of songs, each inspired by whatever was happening at the time - and what music was influencing me. The result is over 20 years I have developed an eccletic repetoire that takes the audience on a journey.

On 3 April 2010 I acted out that journey with the band at the release show for the album Fool Circle at Titirangi Theatre to a sell-out crowd.

Fool Circle tells a story of love, lonliness and determination as our character struggles with his demons, and eventually comes to his conclusion of 'we've Gotta Grow,' an epic funky dance number with me playing multiple MCs.

A couple of early versions or live editions has attracted attention on Amplifier.co.nz, with the song Coma hitting number 1 on the main chart in April 2008, & the eccletic Threw Love Down the Drain featuring in the chart for more than a year.

I love playing live either solo or with the band, & audiences are never disappointed. At our full compliment we are a kick-ass 8-piece band that is extremely versatile, but more recently we have been playing as a 5-piece.

John Goudge Band first appeared in 1999 with regular performances particularly at the 'Temple' on Queen St.  I relaunched the band in 2006 with a sell-out concert 'for the record' at the Westpoint Performing Arts Centre.  Later that year we were adjudged the 'most outstanding band' at ALT TVs Top of the Rocks competition.  A bootleg style recording of that concert, and a limited edition e.p. 'The Wind and the Rain' followed.  Monies from these went into the making of the studio album Fool Circle on a fully independent basis.  A range of live gigs included playing at the Auckland Art Gallery, the massive Waitakere Christmas Festival, and the famoulsy irreverent Dogs Bollix Irish Bar.

I still frequently play solo - & enjoy this form too. This is the way my songs were originally heard for many years.

A big thanks goes to the Waitakere City Council Creative Communities scheme and the Titirangi Community Arts Council.

Thanks also to our kind friends at Go West Music, 29 Totara Ave, New Lynn.