For Ben Wittrock, the DIY punk ethos is not limited to recording and producing his own releases. He is also taking the lead in cultivating a burgeoning scene for young rockers.
Growing up in Powell River, Wittrock said he did not feel like there was much of a music scene within the community for teens interested in alternative or punk rock.
“There’s definitely more music happening now,” he said, “but there’s also so many great musicians. It’s just a matter of getting everyone out of their bedrooms and together.”
A common issue for Powell River musicians of all ages is the limited availability of venues to perform at, he said.
Add to that the increasing number of musicians creating electronic dance music and the decline in live performances in general, he added.
Wittrock calls it the “PRiv Initiative” and while the idea is in its infancy, he hopes it blooms into more shows and venues in Powell River for teens, 16 to 20.
“We do want to see a designated venue that could have bands coming in constantly that is all-ages because everything going on right now is at bars,” he said.
Leaving Powell River to go to music school in Los Angeles gave Wittrock some perspective and prompted him to take a more do-it-yourself approach. “When you’re young you think the grass is greener on the other side of the fence,” he said. “Really, it’s greener where the gardener plants and maintains it.”
Since returning to Powell River he has attempted to contact some of the younger bands which have formed over the past few years. “It’s about starting things in the community and making it fun, instead of complaining,” he added.
Wittrock, who just turned 20, grew up in Powell River and graduated in 2012 from Brooks Secondary School. He remembers high school being more “sports-oriented,” something that he said he is happy to see changing.
Being so young has been a challenge for Wittrock when, as a music student, he tried to play shows in California in bars while being under 21. Wittrock explains that 1994 was “a super special year in the alternative and punk scene because so much good music came out.” He cites Green Day’s Dookie and Nirvana’s Nevermind as his influences, as well as Queens of the Stone Age and Foo Fighters.
Since returning to Powell River this fall, Wittrock has teamed up with bassist Chris Hummel and drummer Lyell Woloschuk of Texture and Light to form Razorvoice, a grunge punk project.
While he said his own vocals are “a little cut up” and sound like they have met a razor, the band’s name is more a directive to its listeners to raise their voice and stand up for themselves and against injustice in the world.
The band’s first EP, Where they want us in the world…is nowhere near where we’ll take our stand, is being completed and the first single from the EP, “Screens,” is available for listeners on the band’s website.
Razorvoice as well as Potential Union, Cleft, Pussycocks and guests will be playing an all-ages show in the basement of Powell River’s Royal Canadian Legion Saturday, December 27. Doors open at 7:30 pm and the band starts at 8 pm. Admission is $10 at the door and everyone will receive a free copy of the band’s EP.
