The Eclectic and Immersive Sounds of Alexander James Godman

R.A.G.

Aug 25

6 min read

Alexander James Godman is, hands down, one of the most eclectic songwriters I've heard in quite some time. His releases range from acoustic to electronic, pop, and loads more, depending on what he wants to create in the moment.

This is one of the most appealing things about the artist and his approaches. He is always utilizing different influences to create genres that bend and sway at his will. The songs come from places that feel genuine, and you never really know what to expect next from his releases.

It's been a very long time since I've heard an artist authentically deliver such an incredible range of songwriting styles, and in order to really circle that in, going through the artist's back catalog on Spotify is one of the best ways to go.

Now, you can tell he's been writing for quite some time, but the first recorded releases on Spotify start in 2023.

It is quite an experience listening to his evolution as a songwriter and how he branches off in different directions.

A lot of his music can be riddled with pop and acoustic guitar overtones that feel warm and welcoming, in person and in the moment. Others are very experimental and outside the box in terms of their production but lay more focus on lyrical content.

You can hear different influences coming in and out of play throughout some of the releases. There are elements of funk, pop, and even electronic on songs like "New Beginning", while songs like "The Best Place Said" deliver more of a classic hip-hop vibe, riddled with synthesizers and heavy-handed beats that create atmospheres.

Whatever you get, you know you're getting something robust, and that has a lot to say. A lot of his songs have lyrical content that can be quite descriptive and give you a lot to chew on.

This is because he delivers character in his work. His music says a lot about the person he is, and the experimental aspect, along with the genre-bending approaches he utilizes, showcases someone who creates in a certain mode of freedom.

Some of his stuff can be quite catchy, again a bit coated in pop, while other songs reach into a vast, almost cinematic backbone, blended with some hip hop lyrical phrasing and approach.

One of his latest releases, "The Spirit's Here", has an amazingly filmic feel but also lends a hand to jazz, and feels a bit immersive, colorful, a little quirky, but in a good way.

This is an artist and creator who makes music with fewer boundaries than the norm.

He's not following a particular path toward a certain sound or checking all the boxes to fit into a single genre.

None of that stuff really matters to Alexander. What matters is what the music says. Again, this is someone who creates music in the moment, and because of that, you find yourself in the moment with each song.

"I Can Smile" gives you a very personal, almost one-on-one kind of folk or singer-songwriter soundscape. It feels like it was recorded live, in one take, and this is what I mean by putting you in the moment with the music.

It feels like you're listening to a live performance, and you don't come across that kind of stuff often, so when you do, it's a breath of fresh air.

One of my personal favorites is called "Magnificent", simply because it is such a beautifully avant-garde piece of work, utilizing layers of guitar and bass, percussion and rhythmic instrumentation that feels almost scattered, and vocals that grab your attention with what they're saying.

I also really enjoy his energy on songs like this one. He's got a very particular kind of energy that pulls you into the song. You want to listen to what he's saying, and a lot of inner thought comes out for all to soak in, which is quite brilliant because it speaks volumes for the artist.

This is someone who utilizes his music to express what he is thinking and feeling. That's what true art is all about. Speak his mind, and that's what gets you listening.

The artist laces in light keys that bring a certain texture to the palette, and during this segment, you have singing hooks that you don't expect.

This is one of the elements I have found to be most refreshing. When you listen to the music of Alexander James Godman, you can expect the unexpected.

"Magnificent" is a perfect example of a song that wraps itself around you and puts you exactly where I want to. It grabs hold of you in such a unique fashion that you can't turn away.

Blending those bass guitars, layering atop each other, with acoustic licks, live vocals that have that almost invasive energy, and still keeping its very vast underbelly that feels spacious and layered.

Once again, he creates atmospheres with his music. This is someone who can write a bit of a pop song and an acoustic folk song, but also build those soundscapes that create depth.

It can go either way, and it depends on how Alexander is feeling at the time and what's inspiring him in that moment.

When you listen to his music, you can tell that he is in his own world while he's recording. He's in his bubble; the outside world doesn't have anything to do with it, and he can be free.

You can sense that freedom when you listen to the music, and that's pretty impressive.

As I would suggest starting with "Magnificent", and working your way around from there, the next would be "The Spirit's Here", then jumping into songs like 'Speak With Me".

There's so much to take in.

Upon listening to this single along with plenty of others, I knew I wanted to have a chat with the artist to find out where it all comes from and what might be happening next for the artist.

So, while you dig through these songs, check out our interview with Alexander James Godman below.

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Hello, and thanks for taking the time to join us! Let’s get right into “Magnificent”!

Where did this track come from, and what is it about?

The track comes from a good feeling that I get when I’m thinking about a particular subject. From there, I write the song from the center of that feeling. Sometimes the lyrics come first, while other times it might begin with the feel of the percussion.

I am well represented and listened to by a very good support organization. “Magnificent” is about a person who has acted both strongly and kindly. The person is being described as magnificent.

I’m hearing several approaches to this song! Who are some of your biggest musical influences?

Some of my biggest musical influences include Little Mix, Adele, Celine Dion, and The Bangles.

How did this all start for you as an artist and writer?

I thought that I could get meaning across through lyrics. The combination of music, chords, and lyrics sounded and felt like a good match.

Do you perform live, or is this primarily a recording project?

It is primarily a recording project.

Was this recorded at a larger studio, or was it a home DAW setup?

It was created using a DAW studio approach—a combination of digital audio workstation technology and a studio-style approach to recording.

Was it self-produced?

Yes. I take full credit for being the producer.

Are you working on new material right now?

I will be working on new material. Right now, I’m taking an interest in finding people who enjoy listening to my tracks and connecting with those who appreciate my music.

What would you say people can expect from this release?

Listeners can expect a surprising, happy, and peaceful way of thinking about what I do.

The lyrics portray dramatic imagery on occasion, along with genuine, joyful memories of moments that come together in a sort of agreeable celebration.

You have been at this for some time and are doing amazingly! What kind of advice would you have for other up-and-coming artists?

Enjoy what you do.

If you would like to learn more, take a course on a subject that interests you. Keep being inspired and continue moving forward.

I will also say that you may need friends from time to time, and that is an acceptable situation. If you need a friend, it’s important to have someone you know and trust to speak your mind with.