Musician S.G. Goodman on finding inspiration in her rural upbringing

Key Concepts

• SG Goodman: Singer-songwriter from Hickman, Kentucky.
• "Planting by the Signs": SG Goodman's new album, inspired by traditional lunar planting practices.
• Hickman, Kentucky: SG Goodman's rural hometown, influencing her music and lyrical themes.
• Southern Baptist Tradition: A significant aspect of her upbringing that shaped her worldview and musical exposure.
• Planting by the Zodiac/Signs: An old practice of timing agricultural and other activities based on lunar cycles and zodiac signs.
• Storytelling in Music: A deliberate focus in Goodman's songwriting, allowing songs to dictate their structure and length.
• "I'm in Love": A song from the new album, characterized by its happy theme and references to rural life.

Upbringing and Musical Foundation

SG Goodman, hailing from the small river town of Hickman, Kentucky, describes her upbringing in a farming family within the Southern Baptist tradition as foundational to her worldview and musical aspirations. She notes that her "first concerts" were church services, attended three times a week. This early and consistent exposure to music, particularly singing, allowed her to associate different singing styles with specific individuals, fostering a unique perspective on music. This experience, she states, "has made me look at music a lot differently. I feel like it was pretty special."

Album Inspiration: "Planting by the Signs"

The title of SG Goodman's new album, "Planting by the Signs," is rooted in the traditional practice of aligning agricultural activities with lunar cycles. Goodman explains that this concept resonated with her as she felt a growing sense of responsibility to become a "story keeper" for her nieces and nephews, passing down family traditions. While her family practiced "planting by the signs" in a passive, inherited manner, taught by their grandmothers, Goodman sought to preserve and share this heritage through her music. She believes this medium allows for a broader audience to experience and understand these traditions.

Understanding "Planting by the Zodiac"

Goodman elaborates on the concept of "planting by the zodiac" for those unfamiliar with it. She simplifies it by explaining the moon's effect on water, leading to the belief that different outcomes can be achieved by performing tasks during specific moon phases. This practice extends beyond agriculture; her brother, for instance, cuts his hair according to the signs. She also mentions the historical practice of installing wooden shingles on houses during moist moon phases to prevent curling. Goodman highlights the prevalence of these practices in the American South and Appalachia, making it a relevant cultural touchstone for her.

Songwriting Methodology: Embracing Story and Structure

Regarding the structural unconventionality of some songs on the album, such as those with extended silences or breaths, Goodman explains this was a deliberate choice. She states, "I think I made a decision writing this album that I was going to chase the story and every song and let the song kind of lead the way." This approach prioritizes narrative and allows songs to dictate their own length, even if it results in a nine-minute track. Her primary goal was to "showcase storytelling in my song," which she feels the songs "naturally wanted to do."

The Song "I'm in Love"

When discussing the song she performed, "I'm in Love," Goodman reveals its inspiration stemmed from love, but with a twist. A fellow artist encouraged her to write a "happy love song for once." Goodman embraced this challenge, describing the process as "pretty goofy." She intentionally included a name-drop of "Walmart," which she considers an "ode to my rural community and upbringing," adding a personal and relatable element. She expresses her enjoyment of the song and her excitement to share it.

Performance of "I'm in Love"

The transcript includes the lyrics to SG Goodman's song "I'm in Love," which vividly portrays the overwhelming and sometimes irrational feelings associated with being in love. The lyrics describe actions like "trespassing on my neighbors swimming naked through their pool," "crying at commercials on the hotel television set," and "lying on my taxes writing off the things that I ain't bought yet." The song also incorporates references to the "signs" with the line, "the moon is right now for cutting my hair," and a direct nod to her rural roots with "half hour conversations at the check out line at the grocery store." The recurring chorus, "I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love," emphasizes the central theme. The song concludes with the aspiration, "I'm just trying to build a good life."

Conclusion

SG Goodman's "Planting by the Signs" is an album deeply rooted in her Southern upbringing, blending country, rock, and folk influences to explore themes of faith, identity, and home. The album's title and concept draw from traditional lunar planting practices, which Goodman aims to preserve and share through her music. Her songwriting prioritizes storytelling, allowing songs to evolve organically and defy conventional structures. The performance of "I'm in Love" exemplifies this approach, offering a joyful and relatable portrayal of love with specific references to her rural background.