Brett Goodchild & Jordan Dorge of Wilt
Wilt is an atmospheric blackened doom band hailing from the frozen prairies of Canada. Formed in 2010 by long standing friends Brett & Jordan, they set out to create their own expression of atmospheric black metal which incorporated musical passages of doom and post-metal. Their lyrics are often described as “poetic” and crafted with the intent to bring hope to the darkest experiences in life. What was initially supposed to remain a studio only project quickly gained popularity in the underground scene and has now evolved into a full five piece band landing regular coverage on outlets like No Clean Singing and playing some of the most exciting metal gigs in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Fresh off their Eyes Of Night Canadian Tour, I got the chance to catch up with Brett & Jordan about fun tour memories, translating music from the studio to a live setting, and future plans for the band.
Frozen Moon Promotions: It’s been a while since you’ve done a Western Canadian Tour, what was the reception like from the metal scenes in British Columbia & Alberta?
Brett Goodchild: The reception was incredible; more than we could have asked for. The attendance at every show exceeded our expectations, especially with so much going on around this time. We are very grateful!
FMP: Over the week-long tour, what are your favorite memories?
Brett: There are many highlights and some spinal tap moments but my favorite memory is when a fog machine kept going off unexpectedly and fogged the entire venue.
Jordan Dorge: A highlight for me happened at Jackknife Brewing where our fog machine kept going off causing our bassist's rig to shut off and filling the venue with just a bit too much smoke. I couldn't see my hands in front of my face at times. It was funny and even more amusing to see how much people dug it
FMP: What advice would you give newer bands that are looking to book their first tour?
Brett: My advice to newer bands deciding to hit the road and booking their first tour would be to be professional. Allow for travel time, introduce yourselves to the promoter, the venue’s sound guy, and have a positive attitude.
Jordan: I advise newer bands to expect the unexpected and ensure your ego is in check. It will be rough for the first few years but all the pain will be worth it. Networking is key while making sure to maintain the connections you make along the way
FMP: In the 2023 interview with Witchpolice Radio, Jordan describes that the packaging of the records are consciously created to “give listeners a fuller experience of the music”, how does this philosophy translate to your live performances?
Jordan: Lately, our live performances have focused on stronger production. We want it to be a transcendent experience. Everyone goes through a lot in their day-to-day lives so the show is your opportunity to release anything you have been carrying. We hope people join us for an evening of release. The lyrics I write are profoundly personal or impactful, so as I am singing, I hope to emote those feelings towards the listeners and take them back to their favorite moments on the record.
FMP: In the same interview, Brett describes the sound of your latest EP Huginn as “a more mature sound” for the band, how do you see your sound evolving further?
Brett: Our sound will definitely evolve though I tend not to think too hard on how. At this point, the evolution process happens organically. I grab inspiration from influences outside of metal and sometimes outside of music itself. While I'm not into making the same sounding record all the time, there will be a baseline in terms of sound that makes it uniquely Wilt.
FMP: Could you tell us what the initial meaning behind the band name Wilt was and whether it has evolved in parallel with the musical direction over the years?
Jordan: The inspiration behind the name Wilt is metaphoric. All things on this earth eventually wilt away and die. Our themes and imagery have much to do with death, loss, and vitality. Also we draw inspiration from the harsh northern climates we face. Seeing trees and greenery wilt and die every year with some of them coming back stronger. We can apply that same ideology to our lives.
FMP: How is the writing for the new album going so far, both musically and lyrically? Is there anything new you are looking to infuse into this next album?
Brett: New material is currently in its infancy. I have material in bits and pieces. It's a matter of turning them into songs now.
Jordan: I am always drawing inspiration and writing down phrases that stick with me; sometimes, it's immediate and sometimes slower. I try not to force it. I am always writing as the world and what we surround ourselves with provides constant inspiration. Ruin was an incredible self-achievement as I have never written anything like it before. I stepped out of my comfort zone a bit and wrote a whole album that paints a story inspired by The Road by the late & great Cormac McCarthy. It certainly took a lot out of me and I am certainly not opposed to going to that place again. However, we are focused on a split release and a follow-up EP to Huginn; which in itself is a loose concept.
