GOOD WILSON: “Don’t think too much, everything is about emotions”

Who is Good Wilson?

Good Wilson was originally a six piece Tom Hanks tribute band that started in 2016. Over time, both the music direction and the line-up slowly developed into what it is today: a rock band fronted by Günther Paulitsch and backed up by Mario Fartacek, Julian Pieber and Alex Connaughton.

How do you deal with your visual concept?

The fundamental visual concept of the band (and primary requirement for band members) is that we all look similar – uncombed dark hair with perpetual 3-day stubble. On top of that we often wear identical outfits on stage; either red retro jackets with black jeans or the classic triple denim (AKA Canadian tuxedo). In our music video concepts we let the director be as free as possible with their own ideas based on the song. Likewise, on the stage we simply let our amplifiers, vintage drum kit and effect pedals provide the visual backdrop to our concerts. This is the truest way to perform our music and it has nothing to do with our non-existent budget for stage design and lighting.

We love your music videos! How much are you involved in the process and in which parts?

Aside from being actors doing our own stunts, the two videos we have put out so far are honestly the brain-children of the respective directors – namely Rupert Höller and Gabriel Hyden. In both cases we presented them with our track and they presented us with their video concepts. In both cases we stood where we were told to stand regardless of whether that meant a volleyball would hit our face or not. In both cases we immediately saw potential movie connections to our roots as a Tom Hanks tribute band….. Any Woody or Wilson fans out there!?

What made you go into the direction of a more organic band sound with this project?

I suppose we all love guitar based artists like Wilco and War on Drugs. The most satisfying way for us to make guitar based music is with an organic guitar based band set up. Admittedly, the signature lead sound for the hook-lines in our first two singles partially consists of an OP-1 synthesizer – but otherwise everything is 60s 70s tube amplifiers baby.

What are the biggest challenges you face as an up and coming artist in the digital age?

The sheer quantity and availability of good music is both a blessing and a curse for both fans and creators. Conversely, the market for indie-rock loosely connected to Tom Hanks’ filmography is shrinking.
In the end we really do believe in our songs and we just play the way we like to play and hope for the best.

Name 3 artist social media feeds that you dig and tell us why.

Anderson paak. Love his esthetical insta game
Mac DeMarco, its really funny
Action Bronson, really funny weird shit, and we love cooking

Name 3 major mistakes you made and other musicians could learn from

Never name a band “lili”. Nobody will find you on social media or spotify
95% of the music business is “talking”. Don’t be distracted by that, always focus on the stuff you can influence or you can really make happen.
Never play too drunk. You will be the only person who will like it.

What is the role of intuition when making music?

It’s really important. Don’t think too much, everything is about emotions.

What can we expect from Good Wilson in 2020?

A new single, a new video and (most importantly) the debut Good Wilson album is due for release in Spring 2020. We have several concerts in mind and we are looking to book as many summer festival shows as possible. Any bookers out there are welcome to get in touch 😉

After the festival season Good Wilson will become the default soundtrack to all major global 2020 events – everything from the impeachment or election defeat of Trump to the UEFA Euro cup and beyond.