Doomed Confessionary: Ben, Mikey, Sheldon & Jeff (Wild Step)
Photo by Joshua Arroyo
Wild Step is a four-piece psychedelic stoner rock band from Happy Valley Goose Bay in Labrador, Canada.
Bringing heavy grooves and crushing riffs, they are the sound that you feel. With an energetic live show and songs that get stuck in your teeth, Wild Step is on a mission to make a mark. Ugly heavy.
Wild Step has released their debut album »Follow The Smoke« on January 9th, 2025. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Ben Rogers at Cflat. Artwork by Chris Huffman.
Can you say a few words about your band?
We are Wild Step, a 4 piece stoner metal/riff rock band from Labrador, Canada. We’ve been on the go since 2016 and our current members are:
Ben Rogers – Guitar and vocals
Sheldon Saunders – Bass
Mikey Murphy – Guitar
John “Jeff” Wall – Drums
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Ben: I think our biggest challenge, has and will be our location. We are in a fairly remote community and it’s a very long drive to any major city centers. So shows are sparse and touring would be difficult for now.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Sheldon: The album. We started recording in April 2024 but it was a long time coming. I’m very proud to be a part of it.
What was your biggest regret?
Ben: Not getting Jeff in the band sooner and trying to stay a three piece, Mikey has added a new layer to our sound.
Mikey: Joining Wild Step, *laughs* I don’t have many regrets, I try to be methodical.
Sheldon: My biggest regret is not having the guts to try to be a part of a band sooner. I spent many years not performing or playing with others.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Labrador City. We recently competed in a battle of the band at their Arts and Culture Centre. The town was very welcoming as well, the other bands and judges were all friendly. We all can’t wait to get back out there.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Jeff: Brent leaving Mastodon is pretty intense!
Sheldon: John Hoffman becoming the new drummer for Primus.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Ben: Lately a lot of Clutch and Electric Wizard.
Mikey: Lorna Shore and Lamb Of God.
Jeff: Colour Haze and Fat Freddy’s Drop.
Sheldon: 96 Bitter Beings and Primus.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Mikey: “Buy a PRS” – Robert Pugh
Sheldon: Gord Crawford told me to “build up the muscle in your fret hand”.
Ben: “Never stop making music, You kids are special, every one of you” MR Chi Pig of SNFU told me that when my old band the Miscreantz played with them.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Ben: Gas station honey buns and mentally unstable women.
Sheldon: Cinnamon toast crunch using ice cream instead of milk.
Jeff: Dolly Parton.
Mikey: I’ll happily sing Taylor Swift songs in the shower.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Labrador?
Ben: Labrador has a small but tight knit scene, all musicians from every genre really have to stick together to make shows happen.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Ben: Nothing major planned this year, hopefully some local festival dates around Labrador and a few fun bar shows this summer.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Ben: We’re currently writing for a new release, really putting a full effort into it with each membering bringing ideas to the table. I think any new stuff is going to be from a wide range of influences. Also we’re kicking around the idea of doing an EP of covers for fun.
How can people best support your band?
Ben: Listen to our album on any streaming platforms or buy it on Bandcamp! We’re looking to get merch set up there as well.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
We appreciate anyone who listens to us! Turn it up and follow the smoke!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well