Many keep their darkest secrets tucked close to their chests. However, Australian vocalist Greg Gould is bravely turning his hardest moments into sources of inspiration.
The 'Australia's Got Talent' runner-up (2013) has released his second album 'Strings Attached', although he insists it feels more like his first. "Whilst the last album (2020's '1998') was really special, it was interpreting other people's work."This is my first body of ORIGINAL music. These are my stories, my experiences, my triumphs, my tragedies, my joy; and it was written for survivors," Greg shares.
The 13-track, emotion-packed and politically-passionate record delves into his heart-wrenching experience with sexual abuse, homophobic bullying, and touches on the tragic deaths of Jesse Baird and Luke Davies.
"It's funny, I didn't sit down one day and say 'I'm going to make a deeply personal record'. I've been writing songs for 20 years, as a cathartic, introspective, and personal form of therapy. But when it came time to put together a tracklist, I dragged out songs from 10, 15 years ago. There's also some I've written recently. It's a real mix of my 36 years on this planet."
'Strings Attached' boasts many big voices in the industry, including Broadway icon Shoshana Bean, Asia's Phoenix Morissette, 'Australian Idol' winner Kate DeAraugo, and 'Drag Race' legend Kween Kong.
"Shoshana is like the vocal bible to me – it's a dream come true to record with her," admits Greg, "and Kate's been a dear friend of mine for a few years now – I just knew when I wrote the song 'No More' that I wanted a real unity. It needed multiple voices to deliver the message of banding together to stop the violence and hate; and then I called up Kween, because she's very community minded, and she often uses her art as her advocacy.
"I also collaborated with Morisette, who is pretty much known as the Mariah Carey of Asia. Now I'm just waiting for my invite to go and perform with her in the Philippines!"
Every song on 'Strings Attached' features atmospheric live strings, masterfully directed by composer Ryan Youens. Youens conducted the orchestra at the recent album launches in Melbourne and Central Coast, both performances of which Greg describes as the 'best nights of his life'.
"I was blown away. There were no dull moments in the show. There were tears, there was laughter. It was mind-blowing, and just so affirming for me as an artist. There was a roaring response to my new music, and people were saying: 'I felt like you were writing about my story!'
"Obviously I was happy that they found strength in the songs, but I also drew strength from THEM and felt some healing in return, because it made me feel less alone. Our stories are all unique, but also relatable."
Greg will continue perform with the Youens String Quartet throughout 2024, and is one of the featured artists in the Synthony Dance Anthems Orchestrated tour.
"Especially after the success of album launch, I know that I've got special stories to tell, and special songs to sing. Now I'll definitely be looking at a larger scale album tour. I do feel like I'm stepping into the next chapter of my career, and my focus is definitely going to be original music," Greg reveals.
"I'm going to continue to write songs from a really personal place, but at the same time, not every song has to be doom and gloom! I want joy. In a world that can be so fabricated, I think authenticity is refreshing. In a world full of the TikToks, it's a very welcome addition."
Synthony Dance Anthems Orchestrated 2024 Tour Dates
Fri 13 Sep - Adelaide Entertainment CentreFri 20 Sep - Margaret Court Arena (Melbourne)
