Ben Wytinck
Ben Wytinck (Born October 25, 1981) is a Canadian singer/songwriter who currently resides in Winnipeg, Manitoba. While growing up on a grain/livestock farm south of Cypress River, Manitoba, Ben was a frequent audience member at his family farmhouse. At a young age, the upstairs rumpus room doubled as a meeting place for local musicians who often came over for practices and jams with his father Albert Wytinck, who is a well known musician in the area. Ben was born and raised with a love for music, and his musical roots are strongly planted in his Manitoba Prairie upbringing.
Ben is no stranger to the Canadian music scene, as he has spent his life supporting a variety of artists and music groups as a drummer and vocalist. Ben’s journey to being a singer/songwriter began at the age of 9 years old, when he became the drummer and vocalist for two of his father’s Western/Jazz music projects. After years as a support musician playing illegally in bars and pubs, Ben developed a loyal fan base, and a reputation as an exceptional drummer with a uniquely soulful voice that needed to be heard.
After moving to Winnipeg in 2001, Ben turned his attention to guitar and vocals when his landlord expressed concerns about playing drums in his apartment. Ben continued to drum and sing with a variety of touring acts (including a Hank Williams Sr. Tribute Band, a progressive rock band named Johnny Upstairs and the Basements and currently, a bourbon soaked Classic Country/Western band called Bad Country). But Ben’s loyal, supportive fans have brought out his passion for writing and performing his own music.
Ben remembers the moment he decided to pursue a solo career as a turning point. Clarinetist Stuart Seaman had asked Ben to back him up on drums at a gig in Pilot Mound, Manitoba. Due to the soggy weather, there was no performance and the musicians were forced to seek shelter in an old ticket shed at the racetrack. In the company of Ben and the clarinetist’s dog, Stuart began telling tales of playing in New Orleans, among other musical journeys. After hours of conversing, Stuart left Ben with one piece of advice: “If there’s one thing you ought to do in life, it’s go, see the world with your music.”
Ben began testing his solo act in 2007 to audiences in Manitoba, performing at venues and festivals, catching the attention of fans and fellow musicians as “one to watch”. Ben is set to release his first solo music project in the July of 2009. His debut album, a collection of original songs written within the last five years, is a clever reflection of Ben’s two lives: life on the farm, and life in the city. It features appearances and collaboration from many notable Canadian Musicians – including indie powerhouse Sheena Grobb.
Ben’s music is a balance of emotionally charged soul and down-home comedic storytelling with a twist of irony, teetering on the boundary between fact and fiction. On the guitar, Ben flows through styles of “Prog Grass”, to whiskey blues and rhythmic flamenco and jazz. Combined with his truly unique voice, Ben’s music is a must for those seeking out something fresh.
Featured Music
The Man’s Got Soul – Ben Wytinck
The Nonsense Connection: Simplicity
Website
Contact
benw@midcan.com
