Described by some as Bob Dylan with Pink Floyd guitar solos, Chris Brock says his music doesn’t really fit into one genre.
“There’s a mix of folk and rock, but I don’t really like to follow any formulas,” says the musician who was born and raised in Merritt.
With over 90 original songs in his repertoire and a passion for music, Brock will be playing his first concert with a full band in his hometown next month.
Sponsored by the SaySo Expression Society, the concert will take place at the Culture Club on Granite Ave on Oct. 26 at 9 p.m., with doors opening at 8 p.m.
“He’s our most requested SaySo [open mic night] performer,” said SaySo volunteer Amber Bolitho. “We get requests from teenagers as well as senior citizens.”
Brock says he’s still not used to the spotlight, but he’s thrilled that his first full concert will be in Merritt.
He started playing bass guitar in band in Grade 7 and played throughout high school, also participating in the jazz band and jazz choir offered at Merritt Secondary School. Brock even had the opportunity to arrange some of the songs they performed, which is where his drive to write music came from, he says.
As a musician, he gives a lot of credit to MSS teacher Brian Cargnelli.
“He was the first person who made it clear to me; if I wanted to go somewhere, I could,” said Brock. “I don’t know if he realizes how much he’s still a part of [my music].”
After graduation, Brock moved to Kamloops where he studied computer systems operation, business and technical writing at Thompson Rivers University. He said the school offered limited music classes at the time so he challenged the music theory classes and began working on his skills independently.
“I basically struck out on my own – I started recording in my room and I haven’t stopped,” he said.
He’s written over 90 songs and recorded about 40 of them.
“I don’t have a specific writing style,” said Brock, who hosts a open mic night and attends song-writing summits in Kamloops. “I have to play by some of the rules, but I like things when they are really organic.”
Brock is promising locals a completely original night on Oct. 26, where he’ll be joined by David Johnstone playing lead/rhythm guitar, Ian Lauder on drums and Kelly Myre on base.
“I love the power that music has to transcend barriers,” he said. “I’m excited that Merritt has a music scene and that there is finally something that I can put some power into.”
Tickets are $20 at the door, or $15 if purchased beforehand at Country Bug Books and Gifts or through Amber Bolitho at 250-280-0495.
