Gerald Goode is a New York musician known for his incredible voice, dynamic production work, Billboard-chart-topping remixes and his long-time tenure as the lead singer of the rock band Simple Jim. With just one listen to his self-produced debut solo CD, “For Those Who Have,” it is evident that his passion for music is strong; his artistic vision - bold. The record is a refreshing return to Album Oriented Rock: it flows seamlessly from song to song, along the way blending Gerald’s soulful voice with his brooding piano riffs, his often dark & reflective lyrics, his sweeping orchestral landscapes and guitar-infused electronica. Released September 2008 on Gerald’s own imprint Vessel Music, this recording offers the commercial appeal of artists in the vein of Coldplay and Rob Thomas, but also has the dark, emotive strains of a performer like Fiona Apple. Throughout the 14 self-penned tracks on “For Those Who Have,” Gerald puts his heart out on the line as he sings about failed relationships, addiction, self-respect, the ins & outs of love and the loss of innocence.
His journey began in a modest home in Southern Connecticut, as the second of three children within a family of skilled amateur musicians. Both his father and older brother were trained guitarists, and classic rock by the Beatles, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin and Van Halen served as a sonic backdrop for most of his early years. From a very early age, Gerald displayed an inclination towards all things musical, and by the time he was in middle school, he was learning to play the piano by ear. In no time at all, he found himself saving up money to buy a multi-track recorder and studio equipment to capture the songs he was writing. Gerald’s passion for music and performance was alive and well, and throughout his awkward teen years he continued to work intently and methodically at honing his craft. He idolized entertainers like Madonna, Prince, Michael Jackson and Freddie Mercury…artists who were not only known for their musical ambition, but also captivated audiences with electrifying stage performances and stole headlines with their notorious, over-the-top public personas.
Upon graduating high school, older brother Jon cast Gerald as the lead singer in his college band Simple Jim, and not long after, Gerald's notoriety grew. The band's popularity in Southern Connecticut swelled on account of his raw performance style and uninhibited behavior; he would roll around on the floor during a rendition of the Violent Femme’s “Blister in The Sun,” and strip down to his underwear. At times he would appear onstage dressed in an American Flag and combat boots; others, in full tuxedo complete with top hat and cane. He was ruthless in antagonizing the more straight-laced sects of his audiences by doing an over the top gender bending set in drag that would send the members of Kiss running back to the drawing board. His onstage antics set a new standard of performance and entertainment for cover bands throughout the region.
Not long after forming, Simple Jim began to turn their attentions to writing original music. With Gerald as chief lyricist, he would often demo songs in his home studio, and then bring them to the band to be picked apart and adapted for live performance. By their fourth year as a band, Simple Jim had released two albums of original material through their own label, and the band sold several thousand copies in the tri-state area. The band continued to draw their legion of rabid fans to such legendary venues as Toad’s Place, CBGBs, and The Elbow Room. Their song ‘Laqueeda,’ about a pre-op transexual, garnered the band airplay on Connecticut’s 1 Contemporary Hit Radio Station KC 101 (WKCI-CT).
In 2000, Gerald began to expand his musical horizons as he became immersed in the NYC underground club scene, spending weekend nights at the Sound Factory, Tunnel, Roxy and Limelight. He promptly began remixing under the professional moniker ‘Blue Room’ and went on to become a presence on the Billboard Dance Charts with his remixes for Ru Paul, Lisa Hunt, and Amuka. His productions and bootleg re-workings of songs by Mariah Carey, Madonna and Mary J. Blige, were frequently incorporated into the sets of celebrity DJ Junior Vasquez, who commissioned Blue Room to produce tracks for his stable of recording artists. Grammy Award winning producer Peter Rauhofer also enlisted Gerald to write and produce a track for Star69 Records artist Suzanne Palmer’s full-length album, “Home." He simultaneously became a resident DJ at clubs in both New York and Connecticut.
All the while, Gerald was working on his original, more contemplative music. “For Those Who Have” became a labor of love that involved many stops and starts. “Many of my own experiences during my early 20’s are the basis for the songs on ‘For Those Who Have,’” says Gerald, "and in the end it wound up being a really healing experience." He adds: “Making this record was the boldest way I could think of to turn the page, so to speak - both musically and spiritually.” The final outcome is a collection of songs that are well-executed, insightful and unforgettably melodic, taking the listener over an emotional arc from start to finish.
In Spring 2009, Gerald stepped back into the remixing realm to put a new spin on his first single from FTWH, “Better Than Myself.” The EP was released on Full Throttle Recordings in September 2009, and included mixes by industry veterans Manny Lehman, Alix Alvarez and DJ Nomad NYC. The release has garnered him club play throughout the world, and a second collection of mixes is in production for a late 2009 release. Gerald also took on several production jobs in 2009 that showcased his broad range of talents, including the standout track “Tattered” from Suzanne Vick’s debut CD, “The Brightness of Orchids.” Suzanne has also commissioned Gerald to remix the song for club and dance radio markets. He also teamed up with up and coming comedy writer and musician Vinnie Pagano to co-write and produce his breakout hit, “Tammy,” which is quickly becoming a viral hit on iTunes via the college underground circuit.
Gerald sets himself apart from many of his contemporaries in that he is willingly and enthusiastically involved in every aspect of the production, promotion and marketing of his music. He is the sole master of his audience’s perceptions, and an insistence on being such has rendered him dedicated to rolling up his sleeves and don many different hats during the creative process behind “For Those Who Have”: producer, programmer, graphic designer, video producer/editor, writer, web moderator and promoter. His genuine interest in producing, nurturing and collaborating with other artists is clear. He has been fearless in acquiring whatever skills have been necessary to propel his musical career into constant motion towards success, and it is this trait coupled with a keen sense of what is going on in the music industry that makes Gerald destined to join the ranks of great musical and entrepreneurial minds.
Gerald Goode is a true artist with a penchant for bearing his proverbial soul to his audience; a singer and performer with undeniable charisma and presence; a skilled producer and song stylist in the recording studio; and a sharp businessman willing to share his skillful knowledge with anyone with a desire to learn. To deem any one facet of his musical endeavors a success would be an understatement; for each accomplishment is, in fact, yet another compelling step in Gerald’s remarkable musical journey.
Gerald is currently mixing a collection of live, acoustic and unreleased tracks from FTWH, scheduled for a Holiday release in 2009. He is also beginning production on his second record.
jah papi. Its been a really good time hanging out with you recently. Pottery is sooooo magic. Magic and Gay. :) Gotta love it. Gotta keep in touch :) keep it real my friend. btefan ps. i expect to see you again soon biotch. You gots ta finish your <3 box so i can get that shit off our shelves ;) Anyways, we'll have to have pottery discount night very soon. ROCK
hey whats up i have u on my frnds but , we nvr chat jst wanted to stop by to say HELLO .... dont be a stranger and hit me up sumtime . well hope u had a great weekend ttyl dayved
Hey Gerald. I started reading that book you got me. The power of Now. Its amazing how something can spark up old memories. Miss you. So glad that your album is out! Thats totally awesome. I know I have some of the songs already from you but of course I had to buy it anyways. Hit me up when you get a chance. I'll message k you my number again.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
HAPPY NEW YEAR, Gerald! Lovin' what you're doin' with my tunes, baby!!! "Like We Did..." sounds AWESOME at the end. Here's to lots more music in '09... ;-)
Hey Gerald!!! We used to follow you arround since back in the day when we used to see you play @ the Sports Page...!!! you are the bomb!!! Simple Jim Rocks!!
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