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Hailing from Barcelona, singer-songwriter Fernando Gonzalo is a long way from the US but fell in love early with American country-folk styles. His own recordings aim for a sound and imagery that is authentic both to the styles he loves and to himself. While Fernando, currently busy with his band The Last Searchers, is a talented songwriter in his own right, we wanted to feature “1936,” with words from American lyricist John Eagle. “1936” is part of a collaborative song series between the two based on John’s recollections of family history and childhood summers in & around rural Fort Adams, Mississippi.

Q & A

What is your goal in recording and sharing music?

Fernando Gonzalo: To be heard and find souls alike. Well, if I could make a living of music I wouldn’t say no…
John Eagle: I would like to tell you I have a noble reason for writing lyrics, and yes, I do make some music, or I would like to tell you the reason is monetary, but the plain and simple truth is, I do it for kicks. I consider myself a storyteller. It’s what I do…in all manner of mediums…spoken, written (stories and novels) and I have added songs in the last several years. So, to answer your question: I hope to entertain, which should be the reason in any art form, in my humble opinion. .

Come up with a descriptive, original genre name for your music.

Fernando Gonzalo: Intimate, soft, soulful acoustic folk-country.
John Eagle: For lack of a better term, storyteller, or raconteur, because most of my songs are stories. But to put it in accepted genres, I guess some of the songs are folk, some country, some pop, some rock, I even have written a reggae song and at metal song. I don’t like to limit my fun to one genre. hahaha

Who do you view as a likely audience for your music?

Fernando Gonzalo: People who like Mark Knopfler, Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor, Iron & Wine, Don McLean, Kelly Joe Phelps, Kings of convenience, Nick Drake…
John Eagle: Hopefully, I tell these stories well, so… I think my audience might like a good story, well told, with music and vocals. Being someone who mainly contributes lyrics, I would hope my audience would be fans of a well-penned song, assuming I have done my job well.

If trapped on a desert island with only 3 songs, which would they be?

Fernando Gonzalo:
1. ‘Something In The Way She Moves’ by James Taylor
2. ‘Something Fine’ by Jackson Browne
3. ‘Vincent’ by Don McLean
John Eagle:
1. ‘Sultans of Swing’ by Dire Straits
2. ‘Question’ by Moody Blues
3. ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’ by Frank Sinatra

Is there an instrument you do not currently play that you’d like to learn?

Fernando Gonzalo: Ukulele.
John Eagle: I am trying to learn harmonica and have a keyboard I threaten once in while. My son plays guitar, so I hope to lasso him into teaching me some of that. Otherwise, I play a mean duck call!!!

Who is your musical hero(es), if any?

Fernando Gonzalo: So many…but if I’d have to choose one I’d pick Mark Knopfler, mainly by his solo career. Love his lyrics, his relaxed way of singing and his guitar playing.
John Eagle: Bach, Beethoven, Sinatra, Justin Heyward, Bernie Taupin, Allman Brothers, any and all Guitar Gods, from Les Paul, to Hendrix, Allman, Clapton, Knopfler, Gilmore, Townes Van Zandt, Dylan, Baez, Allison Krauss sax players, trumpet players, musicians!!!

You can hear more from Fernando Gonzalo on his Soundcloud page: Click Here
You can hear more from John Eagle on his Soundcloud page: Click Here