Vancouver Island Folk Singer John Gogo Retells the Charming Tale of a Coal Miner’s Young Love in “Larry’s Grandad”

Balladeer and actor John Gogo hails from a musical family in Snuneymuxw (a.k.a. Nanaimo), on Vancouver Island. He’s best known for writing and performing his folk songs about the people & places, the true and the tall tales of the west coast – the islands in particular. From Haida Gwaii to St. John‘s to Old Crow, John has played community halls & big houses, festivals & pubs, theatres and beer parlours.

John produced his sixth LP, Western Balladeer, which is slated for a summer release. Featured with him on his 10-song record are Duke & Goldie, daughter Jeri Gogo, Tyler Lieb, David Essig, Ed Peekeekoot, brother Paul Gogo, cousin Brent Gubbels, Alan Moberg, Tobin Stokes, Rick Scott, Daniel Lapp, Dazy Weymer & Valdy.

Lead single, “Larry’s Grandad,” is a true and personal story that tells of a time when life was both harder yet simpler. It was inspired by a family story told to John by Larry Glenwright in Riverport, Nova Scotia, who he met while he was on tour in the Maritimes in 2019. Larry told of how his grandad was a coal miner as a young boy and how he met the love of his life. For John, he was immediately drawn to the charming story and knew it would fit right in with the songs he liked to write.

1. What did you enjoy most about the recording process of this new release?
I enjoyed the process of recording my vocal and guitar parts at the same time without overdubbing either. Not trying to make it perfect, just true. Also taking my multi tracker to my various musician friends to record them in their space. Unlike the old days of asking everyone to come to the studio. I’m still old school in this way cause I know people do this now via emails!

2. Share a nugget of advice that has resonated with you most over the years.
Trust your instincts, follow your heart.

3. Who would be your dream artist/band to co-headline a tour with?
George Harrison would have been my dream artist to tour with! But of course it would never have been co-headlining, I’d have been in heaven to be the opener. 

4. What sets your music apart from others in your genre?
It’s hard to say what sets me apart without seeming big headed. But I guess after writing folk songs for a long time I think I’ve finally started to get good at it.

5. Tell us what your favourite song is at the moment and why.
My favourite song at this moment is Sage & Cedar by Duke & Goldie because it sums up many of my thoughts about truth and reconciliation.