Things get weird when you have 1 Million Followers! - Life on the Fretboard with Alan Gogoll

My friend Alan Gogoll came out of nowhere (well, Australia) with his astonishing Bell Harmonic technique and promptly became king of Spotify, Lord of Instagram and Thrice Blessed keeper of the Algorithm. With an audience that numbers in the millions worldwide and a string of accolades including Acoustic Guitarist of the Year 2020 under his belt, Alan's artful videos and gentle melodies have made him a guitar hero for the meme generation.

Alan Gogol at the Åstrand Guitars Workshop in Sweden

While this does grant him the joy of sharing music with an international audience it also puts him in front of people who neither appreciate nor respect the origin of his creativity or the years of hard work that have gone into his music. In this, the first episode of Life On The Fretboard - I talk to Alan about his career, social media for the acoustic guitarist, the joy of handmade instruments and how the loudest boos come from the cheapest seats.

To see more of Alan's work please visit https://www.alangogoll.com/

1 comment

David Montague South Coast
Mar 8 2021 12:19 AM

Hi Michael, I very much enjoyed your exchange with Alan Gogoll. It was so good to witness two great guitarists in conversation, that I'll refer to in a moment. In the meantime I just wanted to let you know that I forwarded your name check to my very good friend Walter Samuel, who likewise commented firstly on what a great person and in turn a guitarist you are, to have made the acquaintance of. I feel certain that he'll make contact at some point. I was privileged to first meet Walter when he was head sound engineer at CBS studios in Whitfield Street. And subsequently was privileged to have him record one or two of my bands. Having enjoyed an incredibly successful studio career (Jennifer Rush's 'The Power of Love" just one of a number of tracks bearing his genius), he went on to advising on microphone technology. A true genius and like yourself a gentleman. Which in this industry is a rare and valued commodity. Walter then went to Spain for a couple of years but is now back in the UK (hopefully to bless us further). By contrast I doubt that you'll remember me (no relation to Ben). We met at TNAG once or twice, when I was looking for another acoustic; and my pal Neil Costello was toying with the Rick Turners. Returning to your exchange with Alan, what further intrigued me was your conversation re on-line theft. On last viewing I had 101 on-line uploads of my first album, none of which are mine. And none of the hosting sites do anything about it; aside profiting! Take care pal, and should you go before me (which is more than likely),,can I have your fingers? Wishing you the fullness of Health, Happiness and continued Success. Keep making great music and encouraging vids! With thanks, David 🎶

Hi Michael, I very much enjoyed your exchange with Alan Gogoll. It was so good to witness two great guitarists in conversation, that I'll refer to in a moment. In the meantime I just wanted to let you know that I forwarded your name check to my very good friend Walter Samuel, who likewise commented firstly on what a great person and in turn a guitarist you are, to have made the acquaintance of. I feel certain that he'll make contact at some point. I was privileged to first meet Walter when he was head sound engineer at CBS studios in Whitfield Street. And subsequently was privileged to have him record one or two of my bands. Having enjoyed an incredibly successful studio career (Jennifer Rush's 'The Power of Love" just one of a number of tracks bearing his genius), he went on to advising on microphone technology. A true genius and like yourself a gentleman. Which in this industry is a rare and valued commodity. Walter then went to Spain for a couple of years but is now back in the UK (hopefully to bless us further). By contrast I doubt that you'll remember me (no relation to Ben). We met at TNAG once or twice, when I was looking for another acoustic; and my pal Neil Costello was toying with the Rick Turners. Returning to your exchange with Alan, what further intrigued me was your conversation re on-line theft. On last viewing I had 101 on-line uploads of my first album, none of which are mine. And none of the hosting sites do anything about it; aside profiting! Take care pal, and should you go before me (which is more than likely),,can I have your fingers? Wishing you the fullness of Health, Happiness and continued Success. Keep making great music and encouraging vids! With thanks, David 🎶