“Good Wilson could stand for a specific sound or feeling.
Like a special sort of ice cream in a parallel world.”
– Günther Paulitsch, lead singer of Good Wilson
Meet Austrian indie feel-good band Good Wilson! The Vienna based 5 piece are Günther Paulitsch (lead singer and guitar), Alex Connaughton (pedal steel and acoustic guitar), Julian Pieber (drums), Mario Fartacek (bass) and Yannic Steuerer (guitar). Their catchy indie sound is paired with a great understanding of songwriting.
We had the pleasure of meeting the band in Brigthon, at The Great Escape Festival 2023 and had some great chats with them, about their music, their dream collaborations and fashion – of course! Turn up your speaker volume and enjoy a good time with Good Wilson.
Hey guys, thanks for taking the time to have a chat with us, here at The Great Escape Festival in sunny Brighton! Who are Good Wilson and where does the name come from?
Good Wilson are Günther Paulitsch (me speaking) who is also the songwriter, Alex Connaughton, Julian Pieber, Mario Fartacek and Yannic Steuerer. I’m afraid there is no big story behind the name… It just came randomly into my mind! Sorry for that. But now after some years I think the name Good Wilson could stand for a specific sound or feeling. Like a special sort of ice cream in a parallel world.
You did play in the UK for the first time at The Great Escape. Is there any difference between the crowds back home in Vienna/Austria and British audiences?
We absolutely loved playing in the UK and the experience was way beyond our expectations. It felt so right to be there. hmm I can’t really tell if there are any differences because every crowd reacts to music individually. But the country is much bigger and I think there are more people listening to this kind of music in the UK. Maybe that’s why it felt so right to be there. If anyone from our concerts is reading this I really wanna say thanks for all the love we received! It wouldn’t have been the same without you!
What’s your favourite song to play live (at the moment) and why?
Right now it’s our latest single „Plenty“ because it comes from an ongoing topic in my life that I think about a lot and it’s the song which we definitely played the least so it’s still very fresh for us. But I have to say that „Plenty“ shares the first place with „Comedown Primetime“. I wrote it back in 2020 during a time when everything in life was a bit uncertain. It was crazy how fast our lives changed during that period. I thought a lot about what happened out in the world and I kinda got lost. But writing this song took a lot of weight off my shoulders and I hope the same happens when people listen to it.
You are currently working on your second album, which will be released in autumn 2023. What can we expect from the new record?
You can expect a journey of songs, telling the stories of the emotional rollercoaster I have been on over the last years. Since our debut album came out a lot has happened but it’s all preserved in the music. So I would say its gonna be a colourful album standing true to the „Good Wilson“ sound.
What’s the best thing about being an artist and what’s the worst?
The best thing: to be creative and able to create a space for our feelings and thoughts which mirrors your own very individual existence.
The worst thing: the urge to fulfill the expectations of curators. It smoothes the edginess of original music.
Have you ever wanted to become musicians when you were younger?
Yes – speaking for myself. I started playing music at the age of 7 and I played in bands back in high school. For me there was not really another option.
If you could place an advert for your band on TV what would your motto be?
„Its easy to forget, (what’s really important) – Good Wilson“
Which festival would you love to headline?
Primavera would be a dream!
What would your dream collaboration look like?
Wow good question – what would be insanely awesome is: spending 1 month in an awesome studio somewhere in the Rocky Mountains near the seaside in Canada writing an album together with „Boygenius“, recording a live session right after recording the album, and then going straight on a world tour…. – and then the alarm went off …
What was the funniest thing that happened to you on tour?
Unfortunately the pandemic started right after we released our first album, so we did not have much opportunity to tour yet… but one funny moment does come to mind. We played at a festival and let’s say the local sound guy just didn’t quite manage to operate the mixer in a constructive way. We were stressed at the beginning because we couldn’t hear any of our own instruments on stage and the audience heard only half the instruments!! But we actually managed to turn it into a really positive and funny vibe on stage. Since we had no idea what we were actually playing we all burst out laughing on stage during the first song and the whole vibe spread across the audience too. I think they thought we were just having a blast!! At least we got great feedback afterwards! In fact, later on that day we found out that there was a really skilled person in the audience who realized that the sound was f*cked and they took over the mixer after a couple of songs and saved the day. Thanks to that hero!
What’s essential on your Rider?
No stress and enough time for a warm meal before a show!
Do you have any childhood heroes?
When I was a teenager I was obsessed with „Red Hot Chili Peppers“. I could play every song by heart on the drums.
Your desert island record?
The Album „Promises“ from Floating Points – Pharoah Sanders. Put the record on and close your eyes or put on good headphones with noise canceling and go for a walk.
What means fashion to you?
I think it must fit your character. For me it’s so important to be authentic in music. You can see or feel if someone is not comfortable wearing an outfit.
How would you describe your style?
Our style is mostly vintage inspired. But I am definitely not deep enough into fashion to be able to tell you what style we wear. For our last shows we tried to focus on jeans wear. That’s how far my expertise goes haha.
What influences you in the way you dress?
I would say other bands / music we like? Also lifestyle itself. I mean in the end it’s mostly about pop culture right?!
Indispensable piece of clothing for you?
My „Gig – shoes“. I can’t play without my „Gig – shoes“. It’s hard to say, but I need the feeling of standing in a good, well made pair of shoes. I need them for the effect pedals, the drum pedals, the piano sustain pedals… Maybe it’s about being grounded or something!
How important is the way you dress (especially for your shows)?
For me it’s generally important. It could represent a lot. About you, your preferences, your taste. But it’s also the thing in between – how much do you dress up for a show and what would you wear anyway, off stage. For the big picture it’s important the outfit kinda fits the music.
What did you pack in your suitcase – do you have any travel essentials?
Most importantly – my „gig-shoes“. Essentials might be a book and headphones. Besides underwear, a bunch of T-shirts, 1-2 shirts, 1-2 pairs of trousers, a sweater, socks! An extra pair of socks for emergencies, an extra pair of underwear because you know, people spill stuff… Deodorant, razor, hair wax, tweezers, ibuprofen, meds for throat ache..
Music is …
Vital.
We haven’t heard that before, but music is definitely vital! Thanks so much for taking the time to have a chat with us, Günther. We are looking forward to seeing you guys again and to hear more from you in the near future. Fingers crossed for Primavera one day!
For tour dates, mech and more check out Good Wilson’s website!
Stay tuned!
xx smoke and echoes
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