Artist Interview: Good Fortune
Formed in the early days of the pandemic, German rock outfit Good Fortune quickly turned global uncertainty into a springboard for creativity. Blending modern and old-school rock with hints of metal, funk, pop, and more, the band has developed a unique sound that's hard to pin down—just the way they like it. With their sophomore album Sense of Time dropping this July, we caught up with the band to talk about their journey so far, their dynamic songwriting process, and what fans can expect from their latest work.
Q. Your band came together to form Good Fortune in 2020. How did the Coronavirus pandemic influence your early days as a band?
A. Back then, we weren't really affected, as our formation fell into the early part of the pandemic—at least in terms of band affairs. But COVID definitely impacted our personal lives. Then again, the restrictions on other free-time activities may have given us the space we needed to invest a lot of time into the band early on—regular practice and so forth. So, COVID probably had its effects, just not in a direct way.
Q. Your music style is described as Rock/Alternative Rock. Can you tell us more about your sound and what influences it?
A. Our sound is very much a result of our songwriting method: all band members working together in the rehearsal room, tossing around ideas and building off each other. That way, lots of different influences come together. While we all have music we agree on, our individual tastes differ, and everyone brings a unique approach. We like crossing genre borders—sometimes even within a single song—so our sound becomes difficult to categorize. That's why we go with the "Alternative Rock" label. You’ll find elements of modern and old-school rock, metal, pop, funk, jazz, reggae, even some psychedelic sprinkles—the list goes on.
Q. How did the addition of bassist Keith Louis in late 2021 impact the band's dynamic and sound?
A. Keith was already a friend of the band, and Johnny had played with him in a heavy metal band from Bielefeld called Showdown. So there was a natural synergy from the start. From the moment he joined, Keith brought new energy and drive—both in songwriting and organization—which helped lay the foundation for everything we've achieved so far. Also, Maddy could focus more on vocals instead of splitting attention with bass duties, which allowed him to reach his full potential as a singer.
Q. Your debut EP Power Games was released song by song in 2023. What was the thought process behind this release strategy?
A. With Power Games, we used the popular "waterfall" release strategy—putting out the release one song at a time. This way, each individual track gets the attention it deserves, and by the end, they all come together as a cohesive EP. Especially for a shorter release, this method is a great way to deliver fresh music consistently over time.
Q. The press has taken notice of your live performances. Can you share some of the most memorable shows you've played and what made them stand out?
A. One of our most memorable shows—if not the most memorable—was our first gig of 2024: a demonstration against right-wing extremism in front of around 20,000 people in Bielefeld. We were equally excited and terrified when we heard the numbers, and playing in front of such a massive crowd, especially for such a good cause, was unforgettable. Other highlights include our gigs at Weberei in Gütersloh (early 2023 and again in April 2025), Rockfest in Salzkotten-Thüle 2023, the Tollrock band contest, and our recent show at JZ Stricker in Bielefeld. Great people, great music, and an amazing vibe.
Q. What role does your hometown of Gütersloh play in shaping your music and artistic identity?
A. Apart from the fact that Luke, Maddy, and Johnny all went to the same school in Gütersloh, the town itself didn’t directly influence us—at least not consciously. There might be some subconscious influence there though. If anyone wants to dive into a deep lyrical analysis, let us know what you find...
Q. Since you're German, I have to ask: what's your favorite beer brand?
A. Wicküler Wicküler Wicküler Wicküler Wicküler Wicküler Pils (shoutout to Mehnersmoos).
Q. The standalone single "A Conscious Fall" was included as a bonus track on the CD version of the album. What inspired this song, and why include it as a bonus track?
A. With its fast-paced, almost frantic feel, the track screamed for equally intense lyrics—so we wrote about an anxiety attack, diving into darker mental health themes. We were so happy with how it turned out that we couldn’t leave it off the album entirely, so we made it a bonus track.
Q. You've finished work on your second album, set to be released in 2025. What can fans expect from it, and how does it differ from Stories Untold?
A. While our songwriting approach stayed the same, this record feels more cohesive. Stories Untold included songs from the very beginnings of Good Fortune, while every track on Sense of Time was written fresh—some during a little vacation we took in early 2024. It still sounds like Good Fortune, but more refined. We see this record as the “logical next step.” Both albums mean a lot to us.
Q. Your music is described as emotional rock. What emotions or themes drive your songwriting?
A. We don’t limit ourselves to specific themes, but certain topics always seem to resurface—maybe it’s fate. Love (in all its beautiful and painful forms), mental health, politics, time, freedom, everyday struggles, partying, and even the end of the world. Whatever’s on our minds at the moment tends to find its way into our lyrics.
Q. How do you approach songwriting as a band? Do you have any rituals or processes that help you create?
A. Songwriting usually happens in the rehearsal room. Someone throws out a riff or beat, and we jam around it. It wasn’t a deliberate plan—it just worked. The time we spend together and how well we know each other keeps things from descending into chaos. Lyrics are usually written by Maddy with one or two others, so the whole band is involved.
Q. You've had success with your music videos, like "Ballads of Lieal" and "Traveller's Path." What goes into making a video, and what do you hope fans take from them?
A. Both videos were made with our friend and professional filmmaker Malte Mersch. Ballads of Lieal had a full storyline open to interpretation—for us, it’s about being stuck in nostalgia. Traveller’s Path was a blast to shoot, and includes footage from Keith’s trip to South America. We hope fans find both visual and emotional connections in our videos.
Q. What's been the most surprising or rewarding experience for you since forming in 2020?
A. It’s hard to pick just one. Playing for people who came to see us, getting signed, recording and releasing music—it’s all incredibly rewarding. But maybe the most special part is getting to create music with close friends.
Q. You’ve been working non-stop on new material. Can you give us a sneak peek into what's next for Good Fortune?
A. Sense of Time is coming out on July 25, 2025! Beyond that, we’re staying busy—there may already be new music in the works. Good Fortune never sleeps...
Q. Your latest single "Purple Sun" released in June. What inspired it, and what can fans expect from the track?
A. It’s about summer nostalgia—memories of warm nights in the park with friends and living life on your own terms. The big riffs and anthem-like chorus capture that energy. It’s definitely one of our favorites from the new album.
Q. Your new album Sense of Time is out in July. What can fans expect, and how does it fit into your overall discography?
A. As we mentioned, it’s a natural evolution from Stories Untold. We’ve grown as a band and sharpened our focus. It’s still us—just a bit more polished, but always heartfelt.
Q. How do you connect with your fans, and what do you hope they take away from your music?
A. Above all, we want the music to resonate. If a listener finds personal meaning in a song, if they feel seen or understood—that’s everything. We also love interacting with fans online and at shows. That connection is incredibly special.
Q. What are your goals for the next year, both musically and in live performance? Any shows or festivals you’re especially excited for?
A. We’ve got three big shows coming up: Summer Soundz in Bielefeld (July 16), Festivalkult U&D in Porta Westfalica (August 3), and Wies’n Rock in Gütersloh (August 16). Beyond that, it's full speed ahead. We’re stoked for the album release—and you might just hear even more new music soon...
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