The brothers in Good Co., went from Ben teaching Cody to play guitar, to releasing a country-rock album together.
Brothers, Ben Cranston and Cody Allen James, have been playing music together for years, performing in bands like Radio Mama and The Mature Themes, before starting their own Kingston-based band, Good Co. in 2023.
The dynamic group of talent consists of Cranston on vocals and bass, James on guitar and vocals, Mike Rapkins on lead guitar and vocals, and Dan Killen on drums and percussion.
Together, they crafted Good Co.’s self-titled debut album, a country-rock release set to drop on April 5, accompanied by a same-day show at The Buckle.
In anticipation of the album, The Journal sat down with James for insight into the band’s creative journey and what listeners can expect.
Recorded in Scarborough by Tobin Hopwood and mastered by Charles Carvalho, Good Co., took shape in 2024. With three singles already released, “Paint Fumes,” “Night/Day,” and “Taking Back the Night,” the band can’t wait for the album’s full release.
Good Co. is occasionally ed live by Jake Hochman on pedal steel and Sarah Bassakyros on backup vocals—both of whom contributed to the album—solidifying the band as a collaborative project rooted in a shared love of music.
For James, music has always been in his blood. His grandmother was a musician, often playing piano and singing old gospel tunes. His parents always had the radio on, with various records playing. Most influentially, his brother Cranston, with his ever-present guitar, shaped the musician James is today.
“In some form or another, we [Cranston and James] have been a part of our musical journey together,” James said in an interview with The Journal.
Along with tinkering around together on the guitar and drums, James explains the brother duo grew up on old rock and roll and country. However, Good Co. takes more inspiration from current bands like The Deslondes, Chris Acker, and Neutral Milk Hotel.
“I hope our vibe is rooted in the classics, but we don’t sound like a classic band,” James said.
Beyond the close-knit brotherhood, Good Co. is a cohesive and strong team that relies on each member’s individual talents. All four bandmates grew up in rural Ontario, in the areas surrounding Kingston, yet they’ve felt a pull towards the city.
“I dig being in Kingston, it’s more laidback and with that, it gives us time to really focus on music,” James said.
Both James and Cranston write songs for the band through an ever-changing writing process. However, recently they’ve been trying to write all together as a band, which has proven to be a fun experience.
Each member brings something different to the group—Cranston’s talent for songwriting, Killen’s meticulous and thoughtful approach to every beat within each song, and Rapkins’ musical background in psychedelic blues. Together, these elements shape Good Co.’s rebel twang that sets them apart from other typical country bands.
As the lead vocalist, James believes he brings a unique voice, and a strong eye for melody and strong structure to the troupe.
“We’re truly students of the craft and when we write music, we’re adding to the history, not just filling in space,” James said.
From a young age, James has understood the way music can deeply connect people, a connection that’s visceral through live shows.
“Our main goal with this album is somebody really identifies with at least one song and they want to come out and check the live show. That’s where I think we’re best heard,” James said. As well, he shouted out The Buckle and Hotel Wolfe Island for believing in Good Co.’s music and energy.
Good Co. certainly knows the importance of having fun. Rapkins, the lead guitarist, ed the band after Cranston and James asked him over a beer after watching him play in his band, The Roughs. This anecdote captures the easygoing feelings that come from the friendship, family, and camaraderie that Good Co. embodies.
“I’ve been a musician for so long. At this point, it’s kind of all I know. But specifically being in a band with my brother and best friends is so rewarding,” James said. “It’s so much fun writing, recording, and hopping in the van to play some shows.”
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