The Goodies

By starrymag | February 15, 2024

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

Q) How would you best describe your sound?

A) Our sound is a reggae rock ska punk grunge fusion. Our mission is to represent all our influences and experiences in the most authentic way possible so that we can show the listeners where we are coming from and tell our story with passion and pride!

Q) Who are your Top 3 musical influences?

A) Nirvana, Bob Marley, Sublime, Dolly Parton, Etta James, Willie Nelson

*To name a few. Sorry we could not name only 3.

Q) Tell us the story about your current single “Runnin.”

A) “Runnin” is a deep look into Zan’s past, and we think that every artist has to tell their authentic real story at a certain point through the music/art. This was Zan’s story of needing to make a change, and how choices can determine life or death. Movement is life.

Q) Since its release, what has been the overall reaction to “Runnin” from fans and listeners?

A) The response has been overwhelming. The way this song has touched people has really touched us. To feel that your music is helping people through hard times, and not only providing a form of entertainment is the most rewarding feeling that an artist can feel.

Q) “Runnin,” along with prior singles “The Maze” and “Around the World” are part of your upcoming EP that is due to be released on February 9th. What can you tease are some themes you’ll be exploring on this EP?

A) It’s really an amazing introduction to The Goodies to start. This EP is a mix of genres and many styles, and it definitely has an 80’s vibe. It’s really original though, and has such amazing musicality provided by Ronnie King, Zeb of Tribal Seeds and Eric Hirschhorn of Rebelution, Nick Sabia and legendary Lewis Richards of 17th Street Recording Studio, who produced the whole EP and has had such a huge impact us on us musically. A huge part of the inspiration for the EP is that we wanted to include one of our most loved cover songs that we posted on our social media accounts. “You Might Think” by The Cars was by far the most loved amongst all the covers we did on our recent cover campaign, and we were inspired to record a full studio version to include with our EP release.

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need lyrics before the music finds you?

A) A lot of people ask us that question and, to be honest, our songwriting techniques vary, depending on the inspiration, where we are, if we’re traveling, if we’re at home and a number of other variables, but most commonly songs are written in the evening, picking up the acoustic guitar and just feeling an energy and a vibe. The reality is though, that almost every song is inspired by our life experiences. We’ll get a strong hook going at least the melody for it and a solid chord structure going on the guitar, then usually firm up the lyrics according to the melody within the next few days and then bring it into the studio to track and also get feedback and at this point, and a lot of times lyrics end up getting changed, as do melodies.

Q) I really love the song “The Maze!” On the new EP, which song was your favorite to write and record and why?

A) Oh man, well, each song has its own story to be honest, but “All The Love” might take the trophy. When we wrote and recorded this song, we had really found our groove working in the studio and we had so much love and support when we were recording. This song came about during a long day of recording and polishing songs and then we just started jamming on a new rhythm, and one of the local homies came through the studio and started saying “It’s all about the love.” The song came to life that night and evolved over the coming weeks and we really wish we had more video footage of the making of this song. It was epic.

Q) With a new EP release, are there any plans to play some live shows to promote the new music?

A) Yes! We will be touring full force in the spring, please look out for show dates on our website and social media.

Q) Which song is your favorite to perform at live shows?

A) We love to perform “Till the End” because of the shock we get from the audience, it is truly priceless. We can’t wait for everyone to hear it. [smiles]

On YouTube, I absolutely love your reggae-fueled covers of “Country Road,” “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” and “9 to 5!” What inspired recording covers of those songs and are there any plans to release more covers like that on YouTube in the future?

A) Thank you so much! We had a blast recording all those covers, and it was truly an honor to direct and recreate this amazing profuse music that has been such an influence on us and the world! Both Zan and I have so much love for so many genres and timeless music. The cool thing about these songs is that I (Goodie) chose “Country Road” and “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” because I was so inspired by folk music as a kid, and I have been singing these songs all my life that I had to cover them. Zan is basically “reggae Dolly Parton,” so “9 to 5” is a major inspiration for her for sure. We plan to continue to release originals and cover songs across all platforms and we have no plans to slow down. Stay tuned!

Q) If you could collaborate with anyone on a new project, who would you love to work with and why?

A) Well, we have huge respect and love for our San Diego family and peers, Tribal Seeds. So, if we had an opportunity to collaborate, we would love to work with them and make some magic.

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters of your music? 

A) We would like to express how grateful we are for all the ongoing support, and this is only the beginning! Music is our life and our heart, and our plans are infinite for what we plan to give the musical world and beyond! As artists, there is no greater feeling than being heard, so we are beyond grateful for anyone that listens to our music and feels an impact.