Gone West is a group comprised of two couples, which makes for a unique dynamic. The group consists of Colbie Caillat, Justin Young, Nelly Joy, and Jason Reeves. While each group member has a list of previous accolades, they bring something really special to the table when coming together as a group. We sat down with them in Nashville and talked about their journey, the intricacies of songwriting, and their music.
After naming the band, they wanted a song to explain it. “It’s a great introduction,” Justin explained, and referred to the song as their “audio-biography.” He continued, “When we’re not in Nashville, we usually go west, back to our home states. Each verse is about going back to the birthplace of our person, and bringing back the best they had to offer, back to Nashville.” The way they wrote the song was fascinating; they each wrote a verse for their significant other and shared it with them.
Each person ended up liking their partner’s verse, but disagreements within any group will occasionally arise. It’s no different for the two couples, but they use any conflict to make them stronger. Nelly said, “That’s what makes it great, hopefully, is the different opinions and us challenging each other to get to the best possible place that we can. We have a cool foundation of friendship underneath the romance.”
For their EP “Tides,” Gone West had a small list of writers that they wanted to work with and narrowed it down to a select few. They had a unique opportunity because they had hand-picked whom they wanted to write with and oftentimes artists write more songs than they need, which may not end up on the album. Each song had a different co-writer that joined the group. Justin said, “It takes a special writer to be able to write with four people that are one artist.”
The group discussed some of the writers they worked with, particularly Tom Douglas, who they said was full of wisdom. “His lyrics are so genius and the speed of which they flow out of him is unbelievable,” Jason said. He believed in their group from the start. At that point, they hadn’t decided if they were unquestionably moving forward as a band or just writing a few songs together. Tom gave them his blessing and encouraged them to continue.
Tom contributed profound lyrics, like in the song “This Time,” he wrote, “Yesterday is superman’s kryptonite,” which is a great example of the genius that he is. Jason said, “If you write a line that is very authentic to the way you feel in the moment, a lot of lines like that have the potential to hit people.” Nelly added, “I remember when he said it, I almost fell out of my chair. It summed up what we were wanting to say. Boom, one line.”
Most of the songs they write deal with pain and heartbreak. “Sad songs are easier to write, they’re easier to sing, and listen to, I think,” Jason explained. “Heartbreak is the most powerful emotion.” They also explained that happy songs can come across as cheesy really easily, so even though they are two happy couples, the happy songs are more difficult to write.
Generally, they write the heartbreak songs based on their friends’ experiences, or even what they’ve experienced in the past. Colbie shared what this means to them. “It’s really nice to be able to express what someone around us is going through and act as a form of therapy for them as well. It connects all of us, when we listen to a song, when we write a song. It makes us feel like we’re not alone in that situation.”
The group had a lot to share regarding their songwriting process. “The more specific you are in writing, the more universal the appeal is,” Justin said. “We all go through the same thing when it comes down to it.”
Each song is carefully crafted and not rushed. Justin explained, “We spend a lot of time writing each song. We don’t like to waste words and a lot of the songs are storytelling, so if a line isn’t moving the story forward, we wait until we find something that is. Each word is important. We do pride ourselves in making sure we don’t waste lyrics.”
The goal of their band is to make music that helps people feel less alone, while remaining honest and authentic. “Hopefully a song can help you celebrate or get through something,” Nelly said.
What’s Next for Gone West
Gone West is currently on tour and recently released the single “What Could’ve Been.” Visit their website at https://www.gonewestmusic.com/ for more information.