Meet Chad Gosselin, The Big Lonesome

Today we’d like to introduce you to Chad Gosselin (The Big Lonesome).

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I started playing guitar at 12 years old, and without much formal education on the instrument, I just started writing songs. The whole thing just sort of made sense – I was wowed by the instrument and all the sounds that could come out of it.

Eventually, I went off to college to study music. I bought a semi-hollow body and attempted to play jazz for the next five years or so. When my college professors were not looking over my shoulder anymore, I realized that I really wanted to get back to my original love. I moved back to the Boston area in 2006 and started writing immediately. Quickly after that, I traded in my jazz box for a telecaster. In 2009, I finally released a collection of songs. Since then, my band, The Big Lonesome has been touring nationally and releasing records every few years.

Please tell us about your art.
Well – first and foremost. I consider myself a songwriter. I usually write in spurts. I try to allow time every day, but I know within twenty minutes if I am going to get something good or not. It’s almost like fishing though – you need to cast the reel out to see what you can pull in to the shore.

My songs are based on my personal struggles with anxiety, depression, and the constant struggle of living as a creative person in a world that does not place a high (if any) value on those skills.

The Big Lonesome has been lucky enough to tour heavily over the last few years, and we are constantly trying to spread the word of “Do whatever you want – life is way too short”. We have tried to inspire other bands to follow suit.

I had a close family member pass away a few years ago from cancer. The whole thing from diagnosis to death was a blip. Way, way, way too fast. It really drilled into me that not one day you have is guaranteed. That’s why they call this the present, right? It’s a gift, not a guarantee. You really don’t have to do anything you don’t want to – that’s just an illusion that we are sold.

Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
I think art is more important than ever. It is a constant through recorded history – we have always created something, and most of it is not as important as it should be while those artists were alive. I’m ok with that, but I know what I do is extremely important. I am part of something much bigger than me. I will continue to work at this as long as I’m here, and to help support the others around me trying to do it as well.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
There are two major ways to check out what we’re doing. Listen to our music (buy it if you like it – that is crucial to indie artists. We need the money, even a “free cd” cost that person potentially tens of thousands of dollars to put together) at:

http://thebiglonesome.net

Check out our live show calendar:

http://thebiglonesome.net

There is nothing like seeing live music. Feeling the air pushed from the amps, speakers, and drums. Oh man….
Ever wonder why you have not heard great new music in years? Why isn’t there bands like Zeppelin, The Beatles, or Nirvana making music today? Guess what – there is. You just need to go out to a show and find it. I recommend popping into your favorite local Boston venue and taking a solid listen – it’s out there.

Contact Info:

• Website: thebiglonesome.net
• Email: booking@thebiglonesome.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebiglonesome/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebiglonesome/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/thebiglonesome

Image Credit:
Hallie Macdonald (3) Amanda Izzo (5)

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