Can music heal a broken heart? Join us for an emotional and inspiring conversation with James Smith of Good Good Blood as he returns to the podcast, revealing the profound transformations in his life and music since we last spoke in January 2023. James opens up about the deeply personal loss of his baby girl, Poppy, and how this tragedy shaped his latest album, "Forever Scars," allowing him to channel his grief and creativity into something beautiful and raw.
James's journey is not just about crafting songs but about coping with unimaginable pain and finding solace in the process. He shares poignant insights into how Poppy's short life touched many, from family members to medical staff, and how songwriting has been his lifeline through this difficult period. This episode captures the essence of James's transformation—how he's evolved from a "pre-Poppy" to a "post-Poppy" version of himself, with his music reflecting this profound shift. Listen to a heart-wrenching live performance of "Little Sparrow," a testament to the raw vulnerability and authenticity that now define his work.
The conversation also delves into the collaborative efforts that have breathed new life into James's music. Hear about his unique approach to achieving a lo-fi sound using second-hand instruments and the invaluable partnership with his friend Paul, who brings a meticulous touch to James's spontaneous creativity. Discover how older tracks like "Forever Scars" and "Flowers Bloom" have been reimagined with deeper emotional layers, and get a glimpse into the creation of new songs that push the boundaries of his artistic expression. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration, resilience, and the healing power of music.
this collection of songs are dedicated to our baby daughter Poppy who unfortunately passed away in December 2023 at just a couple of days old.
the grief of losing a child has really taken its toll - the only real thing I have had to cling onto is making music.
I started tentatively making some new songs before Poppy was born but had to put all that on hold when she arrived.
after she died and we’d had her funeral, I returned to the nebulous versions I had made and was totally overwhelmed by how they resonated with what had happened.
the vibe and words were so on point it was crazy, like the songs knew what was coming.
so I kept at them and finished them and here they are.
i hope you find something in there to enjoy.
thank you x
