The Jacaranda

Northern Baby

‘Champagne Socialist’

Liverpool – born singer & songwriter Andrew Gower formed Gustaffson in 2020 with lifelong friend & guitarist James Webster (‘Webbo’). He’s been writing music since the age of 15, however, Gower is best known for his work as an actor in TV, Film and Theatre. Starring in hit shows such as Black Mirror, Outlander, and Carnival Row.

It was on a film set where he first met Elbow musician & producer Craig Potter. Then Gustaffson went on to record their debut EP with Potter at the iconic Blue Print Studios in Manchester alongside new band members David Gleave (bass) and Graham Bennett (drums).

 

‘THE JACARANDA’ EP was released in August 2022.

It’s been played across national BBC Radio stations, including being announced as record of the week on Guy Garvey’s Finest Hour (BBC Radio 6). Receiving glowing reviews from BBC Introducing, Louder Than War magazine, Peter Jobson (I Am Kloot) and TV/Film composer Bear McCreary.

‘The Jacaranda’ official music video starring Sue Johnston OBE premiered on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch. It was directed by Emmy Nominated Barney Douglas (McEnroe).

In 2023 Liam Morson (keys) became the latest addition to Gustaffson and they returned to Blueprint studios to record their live single ‘NORTHERN BABY’, working again with ELBOW’s Craig Potter who mixed the track. It fittingly made its radio debut on BBC Manchester and featured on BBC Sport.

In August 2023 the band released their latest track ‘CHAMPAGNE SOCIALIST’ recorded live on the Liverpool Empire stage.

It received rave reviews from BBC Introducing, The Book of Man, Louder Than War, Liverpool Noise and Baby Step Magazine. The live music video pays homage to past performances on the Empire stage by acts such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones & Chuck Berry.

In January 2024 Gustaffson finished recording their debut album at Blueprint Studios with Elbow’s Craig Potter producing. The album includes a collaboration with Emmy-winning composer Bear McCreary and features legendary actor Sir Ben Kingsley.

 

The record will be released some time in late 2024 (tbc).

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“Love Gustaffson’s music, it sneaks inside your head and rattles your bones.
Mark me…it’s good!

Diana Gabaldon – Author
(Outlander)

“Gustaffson is in the great tradition of North West musical storytellers – a line that runs back from Elbow and I Am Kloot to Buzzcocks and The Hollies. It takes a lot of guts to write so openly and emotionally about things that matter. It takes a voice like Andrew Gower’s to carry those tunes with a vulnerability and rage that takes me on a journey that I didn’t know I needed.”

Peter Bowker – Screenwriter (Marvellous, Eric & Ernie)

“Gustaffson’s love of music shines through their many wonderful songs. Andrew’s passionate vocals reach and swoop and dive and dip in moving ballads like Northern Baby, and pack a powerful punch in gritty blues-driven tracks like Champagne Socialist.”

Nathan Barr – Composer
(True Blood, The Great)

“Gustaffson’s ‘The Jacaranda’ has an earthy organic vibe that can only come from a crystal clear vocal surrounded by well-played and recorded live instruments. Great writing.

In the best way, I get an Al Green vibe as I listen. These expressive songs are carried by Andrew’s raw yet rich voice. Highly recommended!”

Bear McCreary – Composer: The Walking Dead

Gower’s effortless understated delivery is particularly impressive given the heart-stopping honesty of his beautifully crafted words and then he unfurls the main sail and wallop – its love.

Can’t believe Craig didn’t invite me to work on it

Guy Garvey – Elbow

“Rich, Beautiful and Soulful. Gustaffson is a great balladeer. Soaring heartfelt vocals, perfect arrangements and pristine production make this EP very special. Get some. Love it.”

Peter Jobson – I Am Kloot

“It’s undefinable in a way – there isn’t a track like it, it kind of carves out its own genre of sophisticated bass-driven pop.

With the quality of the songwriting and the Elbow connection, I can only see great things happening for Andrew and the band.”

Nigel Carr – Louder Than War

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