Derek Lee Goodreid On the Making Of “Voodoo”
What was the initial spark or idea that led to the creation of "Voodoo?"
I was listening to The Cramps discography and was so inspired by Poison Ivy's guitar playing that I wondered if I could write a song in that vein with Lux's sense of quirky humour in the lyrics and Poison Ivy's special brand of psychobilly playing.
How does "Voodoo" fit into your overall artistic vision?
Voodoo best represents me under the influence of my inspirations. I wear them on my sleeve and am proud I could write and record a fun song like this. The Cramps represent the true spirit of rock n roll and psychobilly music in my opinion.
What did you enjoy most about making "voodoo?"
Using my Fuzz Ray guitar pedal from Nocturne Brain. Tavo made a pedal that really brings out that Fuzz sound Poison Ivy championed.
Can you share a bit about your musical background and the journey that led you to where you are today?
I began songwriting in my late teens as a way to help articulate my challenges with PTSD, social anxiety, and clinical depression. As I have evolved as an artist I have been inspired by a lot of different music but have found that blues, punk, country, desert rock, psychobilly, and rockabilly are coming out a lot more in the music I create. My next two albums ‘Accelerated Heartbreak’ (which includes Voodoo) is a heavy rock experience with elements of psychobilly desert rock and punk while Built To Last is heavily influenced by classic and modern country music that includes Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Chris Stapleton and Jason Isbell and features are more acoustic, traditional country music sound.
How do you channel your emotions and connect with your audience during live performances?
With my mental health challenges, I sometimes find performing quite challenging but when it comes together I love it when people are tapping their toes or bopping along. Music is meant to be enjoyed and hopefully when it's done right it moves any combination of your heart, mind, soul, feet and hips.
