By Kate Bartlett
Uncle Ben’s Remedy has steadily gained popularity over the past ten years. With their catchy songs and rowdy theatrics, it’s no wonder their loyal fans will follow them anywhere. With roots in the small towns of Western New York, Uncle Ben’s Remedy’s unique, energetic sound delivers songs that are stories. To them, music is medicine.
Music has always been a huge part of Ben Westlund’s life. For as long as he can remember, he was always surrounded by music, as his dad was in a country band, and his Aunt and Uncle were in a Rock and Roll Band. “Music was everywhere during my childhood,” recalls Ben. “Music is a part of my entire family. My grandparents would lead us in song at our family reunions. We would sit around the campfire, strumming guitars and singing; we still sing the same songs to this day.”
Ben and his cousin, Harmony Griffin, were very close growing up, and both musically inclined. “Even though we are three years apart, we have always been inseparable. Our parents were both musicians, and we both loved music. Even though we had instruments all over the house, we asked Santa for our own instruments one year: a bass for Harmony and a guitar for me. Santa delivered and we were psyched. We thought we were the luckiest guys on earth.”
The duo practiced together whenever they had time, and were always in bands together throughout their school years. “We couldn’t be in a band without each other,” recalls Ben. They have been making music together now for 35 years.
Uncle Ben’s Remedy was formed as Ben and Harmony sought a change in their musical lives and felt compelled to play more traditional music. “We had been playing some hard Rock and Roll, but it didn’t feel quite right. We wanted to get back to our roots and take a new direction, playing more traditional songs.” Harmony and Ben called a few fellow musicians and formed a band comprised of the instruments to achieve their desired sound. Uncle Ben’s Remedy was born in 2014.
While the lineup has changed a bit over the years, UBR is currently comprised of Ben (lead vocals, guitar), Harmony (lead guitar), Shawn Huestis (keys, accordion, keytar, flute, vibraslap and more), Brendan O’Connor (upright bass), and Josh Mullin (drums). The band combines swampy back-country with alternative rock, folk and a bit of Americana with punk rock energy. “Our sound doesn’t fit into one particular genre,” explains Ben. “It’s kind of like country music outside-the-box with incredible rock and roll energy.”
The band plays all original music (plus an occasional cover with their own twist) and delivers relatable lyrics with an accessible melody and strong energy. “We fuse the world of country music, with relatable music about love, family, and our region, with the power of rock and roll. While it is important to have lyrics that speak volumes, they mean nothing without the energy we put into them.”
Ben describes the live shows as simply insane. “We bring the energy of a Rock and Roll concert and I challenge anyone to dance harder than I do. Energy is contagious. We want the crowd foot-stomping and singing-along. We hope the crowd can lose themselves in our music, forgetting their worries. Music is medicine and we do this for the people.”
Uncle Ben’s Remedy (UBR) recently released their 6th album, Saturday Night Swindle on October 5. Their vinyl album of this release includes their original album as a tribute to their 10th anniversary. Throughout the years, UBR has shared the stages with touring artists including Uncle Lucious, Shooter Jennings, Pure Prairie League, Lake Street Dive, Cake, Gaslight Anthem and more. The band recently played alongside Sierra Hull, Caamp and Houndmouth at Borderland Music Festival this past September.
While their music has evolved a bit over the years, they have stayed true to their back-country roots, and are always up for trying something new. “We enjoy experimenting with different sounds to keep our music unique and original. We always strive for each song to sound it’s best. Even though some songs on our new album might have more of a rock feel, it doesn’t mean we won’t go back to more bluegrass or country for our next songs. We just do what sounds best in the moment, making each song it’s best.”
UBR is proud to have gained a strong following over the past 10 years, but always looks forward to playing for new crowds. “We are looking forward to playing at Ellicottville Fall Fest. We love the town, it’s gorgeous, and Fall Fest is always a good time. We are also looking forward to playing for people who might not be as familiar with our sound, and getting them hooked on our music.”
Ben gains inspiration for songwriting from everyday situations, and is motivated by his fans. “I’m always creating; a true artist at heart. I’m a real rural person, deep in my soul, but I try to avoid cliché lyrics and keep things interesting. When I’m writing songs, I imagine the crowd singing along and that motivates me like nothing else. It’s incredible to hear people singing the music you create; it keeps me going.”
Following Fall Fest, Uncle Ben’s Remedy will be touring in Pennsylvania and Ohio following the release of their album. For more information and to hear their music, visit www.unclebensremedy.com and follow on social media. Experience UBR live at their free show Fall Fest weekend at Ellicottville Brewing Company on Monroe Street, Sunday, October 13 at 5pm.