Good Old War Interview

"What is This, the hills?"

"Seldom do band members rebound gracefully after their main musical effort falls apart, but Keith Goodwin (vocals/guitar) and Tim Arnold (drums/vocals), members of the once up-and-coming progressive rock band Days Away have managed to do just that, pulling a 180 with their sound to a great degree of success in their new acoustic folk project Good Old War. Rounding out the trio is Dan Schwartz (guitar/vocals) from the Americana tinged 6 piece band, Unlikely Cowboy.

After sifting through various monikers, the band decided on Good Old War, which stems from each of the band members last names (Goodwin, Arnold, Schwartz), but also added personal significance to the battle that is the artistic process, being a twenty-something, and living in these oh-so-troubled times.

Unlike the recent trend among indie rock artists who have visited the country/folk genre, Good Old War makes no attempt to assimilate its music for the sake of novelty. There's no fake twang in Keith Goodwin's soft vocals, nor does the band try to overindulge itself by adding sounds by the harmonica or mandolin just for the sake of having them. Instead, this trio from Pennsylvania retains the intimate storytelling nature of folk-song structure, playing music for those who desire an emotive, lyrical experience without having to wade through pretentious or unnecessary musical gimmicks to get it." - Good Old War's Bio

Good Old War Email Q & A:

[altsounds] Your band name is a compilation of your personal names, who came up with the idea?

[Good Old War] Jenny Ridge and Kate Mcgowan thought of it. We liked that it had pieces of our names in it and it can take on many meanings.

[altsounds] Being a three piece, does it make touring a whole lot easier, or do you find yourselves arguing more?

[Good Old War] The more I'm asked that question the less I feel that the number of people involved has anything to do with any arguing going on. If you spend enough time with the same people you tend to find your differences. Of course, less voices equal less arguing, but it's going to happen to anyone in a situation like this. What is this, the Hills?

[altsounds] If you could describe your "sound" in one word, what would that word be?

[Good Old War] Harmony.

[altsounds] What are your thoughts on the Myspace.com culture that has kicked off over the past few years. Do you like Myspace?

[Good Old War] It helps bands interact with fans. It's just another medium to connect on. I hear face book has more people on its network.

[altsounds] You all perform vocals, who is the main lyricist, or do you all compile lyrics?

[Good Old War] Dan and I write songs separately and together. Its pretty equal between the two of us.

[altsounds] Are you thinking of coming over to the UK for a Tour? and have you already paid a visit to our very cold climate?

[Good Old War] We do plan on touring the UK. We are excited about the support we've been getting and really want to play for our fans there. As for the weather, we've been walking around NY all day doing radio and so far we've walked through rain, sleet, and snow, and apparently it's 2 degrees in Boston, MA, where we are heading tonight. What's it like there?

[altsounds] Where did the name "One Way To Be Alone" derive, and what is the meaning?

[Good Old War] The name came from a lyric in our song Window. In the context of the song it's about having time alone to work on music, but it could mean many things out of context.

[altsounds] You have had some excellent reviews for the record, do you feel that all the hard work has paid off?

[Good Old War] Ask me this question in 20 years

[altsounds] Does the band have any plans to play festivals in 09 and any plans for a new album?

[Good Old War] We are in the middle of arranging new songs. The plan is to get them worked out now, tour all year and record this material for real this time next year.

[altsounds] Where do you see Good Old War in two years time?

[Good Old War] We will see...