Written by Glen Parkes
Images by Sam Conquest photography
When people talk about rock bands who embody resilience, passion, and a refusal to give in, Soulweaver deserves a place at the very top of the list. They are not just a band – they are a story of survival, reinvention, and an unwavering love for music. Formed in Cambridgeshire in 2008 by husband-and-wife duo Goodge (Mark Goodjohn) and M (Emma Goodjohn), Soulweaver have carved out a path that’s anything but straightforward. Their journey has been one of industry highs, personal sacrifice, long hiatuses, triumphant returns, and now, a renewed fire with drummer James Barber powering the engine.
Fifteen years on from their beginnings, Soulweaver stand as one of the UK’s most hard-working independent rock bands. Their story, their sound, and their work ethic reflect the grit of true musicians who play not for fame but because music is the lifeblood in their veins.
Beginnings: Finding Light in Darkness
For frontman Goodge, music was never a hobby – it was salvation. A difficult childhood left scars, but the guitar became his weapon of choice against despair. By fifteen, he was already writing, performing, and finding his identity through the songs he created. That drive would take him into the orbit of some of the UK’s most respected musicians.
Early on, he was part of projects that connected him to the legendary British prog outfit The Enid, while his own bands included players who would later work with Dizzee Rascal and Elbow. Under the guidance of long-time Metallica sound engineer Big Mick Hughes, he found himself recording in some of England’s most prestigious studios and working alongside members of Wolfsbane. On paper, it should have been the springboard to a big break. But instead, disillusionment with the industry crept in, leading him to retreat, reassess, and focus on what really mattered.
That’s when he met M – a bass player with a background in sound engineering from Birmingham. The connection was immediate, and it wasn’t long before love and music intertwined. They married, formed a formidable partnership, and began performing relentlessly across the UK. Their shared musical DNA – rooted in Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Wishbone Ash, and Pink Floyd – meant they had a solid base in rock and prog, but their love for melody and production gave them a diversity that would later become Soulweaver’s signature.
The Birth of Soulweaver
In 2008, Soulweaver emerged as their vehicle of original expression. Unlike the cover gigs that paid their bills, Soulweaver was about their art – their songs, their passion, their voice. The first test came with their debut release, “Remembrance Day”, a charity single dedicated to service personnel and veterans. Self-funded and heartfelt, it struck a chord, raising thousands of pounds and earning Soulweaver instant recognition in rock circles.
Momentum grew, and in 2011, their debut album “Liberty” was unleashed. It wasn’t just a record; it was a statement. Acclaimed by critics, celebrated with an international songwriting award, and picked up by worldwide radio, Liberty confirmed Soulweaver as a serious force. Their live reputation quickly caught up, and they were soon playing bills with names like Black Star Riders, The Quireboys, FM, Nazareth, and Steve Harley, while opening for the likes of Wishbone Ash, Alabama 3, and Chris Slade (ex-AC/DC).
The climb was real. Soulweaver weren’t just holding their own; they were winning over crowds and critics alike. But in 2015, after what should have been a pinnacle moment – performing with former Dragonforce drummer Dave Mackintosh at Legends of Rock Festival – life intervened.
Hiatus: Choosing Family First
Goodge and M had always been clear: family came first. With two young sons needing them, the decision was made to put Soulweaver on hold. Instead of chasing the relentless grind of running an independent originals act, they pivoted into cover and tribute performances, playing more than 100 shows a year. It kept the lights on, it kept them playing, but at its heart, it wasn’t Soulweaver. For seven long years, the dragon slept.
Rebirth: The Spark at Legends
What reignited Soulweaver was serendipity. At a Legends of Rock Festival jam session, Goodge and M crossed paths with James Barber, a drummer steeped in rock heritage. Barber had cut his teeth in tribute bands to Whitesnake and Def Leppard, but his love affair with drumming stretched back to watching Phil Collins and Chester Thompson’s iconic Genesis duet from the Invisible Touch Wembley video.
When the three of them hit the stage together for an impromptu version of Iron Maiden’s “Running Free”, something clicked. They weren’t just three musicians – they were a unit, alive with chemistry and energy. That late-night jam became the catalyst. The Soulweaver dragon stirred, stretched its wings, and prepared to roar once more.
The Return of the Dragon
Soulweaver’s return has been nothing short of electrifying. Barber’s powerhouse drumming injected fresh energy into the band, while Goodge and M rediscovered the joy of writing and performing together. Festivals welcomed them back with open arms: Legends of Rock, Alfold Rock & Blues Festival, A New Day Festival, and Cornwall Rocks all bore witness to the reborn trio.
They’ve also hit the road alongside rock stalwarts Praying Mantis and Stray, proving that their live reputation is stronger than ever. Reviews have been glowing, from MetalTalk’s standing ovation coverage to praise from Classic Rock Magazine’s Dave Ling, TotalRock Radio, and ARfm Soundscapes. The consensus is clear: Soulweaver are not only back – they’re better.
Their latest single, “Red”, has picked up worldwide radio play, a tantalising taste of what’s to come from their next chapter. With more material in the pipeline and a busy tour schedule ahead, the future feels brighter than ever.
Life on the UK Circuit
Touring the UK as an independent rock act is no small feat. It means long drives, late nights, early starts, and endless self-promotion. But for Soulweaver, it’s a labour of love. Their calendar has them crisscrossing the country, from grassroots venues where sweat drips from the ceiling to festival stages buzzing with thousands of fans.
Part of what makes their shows so captivating is the contrast in their setlist. They can deliver hard-hitting, heavy numbers that feel like a wall of sound, only to pivot into melodic, ballad-like tracks that showcase their emotional depth. It’s a dynamic range that keeps audiences hooked – and keeps the band fresh.
What Sets Soulweaver Apart
Plenty of bands have riffs, energy, and ambition. What makes Soulweaver different is the humanity at their core. This is a band forged through adversity, united by love, sustained by resilience, and reborn through chemistry. They are proof that music isn’t just about the notes – it’s about connection.
Their influences may be steeped in classic rock, prog, and metal, but their ability to adapt and diversify keeps them fresh. They’re not afraid to be melodic, to blend genres, to push beyond boundaries while still staying true to rock’s raw power. It’s a balance that many strive for but few achieve.
And live? Few acts bring the same infectious joy. Reviewers have called them “awesome,” “very impressive,” and “packed with energy,” but the real proof lies in the reactions of audiences. From packed venues to festival ovations, Soulweaver aren’t just playing gigs – they’re building experiences.
The Road Ahead
With the dragon awake once more, the horizon is full of possibility. New music is coming, tours are booked, and the chemistry between Goodge, M, and Barber feels like destiny fulfilled. They’ve weathered storms, stepped away when they needed to, and returned stronger.
Soulweaver are more than just survivors – they’re thrivers. Their story is still being written, their fire still burning. And if the past fifteen years are any indication, the next chapter will be nothing short of explosive.
Soulweaver’s story is the story of real rock ‘n’ roll. It’s not about instant fame or manufactured hits. It’s about hard work, passion, sacrifice, and the kind of persistence that keeps you moving forward even when the odds say stop.
From Cambridgeshire beginnings to festival stages across the UK, from charity singles to worldwide radio play, from hiatus to rebirth – this is a band that lives and breathes music. The Soulweaver dragon has spread its wings again, and the rock world is all the better for it.
As one fan put it after their comeback show:
“This trio make more noise than any big band, sometimes soft and ballad-like, then hard and heavy… they were treated to a standing ovation from us all.”
+ There are no comments
Add yours