Singer/songwriter John Goraj invites the listener to a place of deeper introspection about love, loss and spirituality on his debut album, "Possible."
Goraj's songs are multilayered and do not shy away from emotion.
"(The album covers) the questions of why are we here and what is love, what does universal love have to do with that, how do we become who we are. That's really a scary, a terrifying and a beautiful process," Goraj, 24, says.
For Goraj, the title track "Possible" became a meditation of sorts. Goraj describes the writing process as similar to Bob Dylan's method of repeating a word that then becomes a chorus.
That's what happened on "Possible," Goraj says.
"I keep saying this word. As time went on, I thought, it's possible for me to be a songwriter, to get this album done. ... (The word) took on everyday and spiritual elements," Goraj says.
The chorus to the song alludes to the central theme of the album, spirituality. The chorus is, "And you have come / to me in a way / that I did not know / was possible / so sing sister sing / and I'll believe / in Jesus' blood / it's possible."
The overall style of the album is folk bluegrass, expressed through Goraj's tenor voice.
Goraj notes that the ballad "Kahlil Gibran from Lebanon" describes an encounter that Goraj imagined between Gibran and Joan of Arc.
"(These are) two people who, for their faith and for what they believed, completely and audaciously believed in God's love and what that meant. They suffered immensely for it."
Like many of Goraj's songs, "Kahlil Gibran" has multiple layers and meanings. One theme is Goraj's life as a songwriter.
"No, no, mom / I can't come home now / these songs they need me / as much as I need them," Goraj sings. -Bryann Becker, The Argus Leader
Hello. =) I just wanted to let you know that your music is the soundtrack to my school days. I've found that Possible is one of the few albums I can listen to while working on projects that doesn't distract me. It is calming, but it keeps my mind focused. I love it. Also a favorite to listen to while driving with the windows down on beautiful days. Perfect. Anyway...How do you feel about coming to play in Madison, SD again? We loved having you here last year and would enjoy seeing you again. Let me know if you're interested and we'll set you up. Thanks! Peace, -Denise
Hey John, Thanks so much for the add! I see that you're a friend of Susie Suh... I just had an impromptu lunch with her at Costco yesterday... random and amazing. Hopefully I'll see you in person someday, until then we'll be friends on myspace. Wish you the best!! -Jess
Well how about that...You're playing in LA during the two weeks that I'll be down there. Too bad we're leaving on the 12th for a weekend at the lake. :( We'll just have to catch ya some other time. Be safe. God bless. -Denise
