Jason Grey, the lead vocalist and guitar player for Prescription for Protest (Rx), a North Bay-based band, has the words “Live peace, live art, live life, die happy” tattooed on his arm. The saying pretty well sums up the young independent band’s raison d’etre. Perhaps the only sentiment missing from Grey’s tattoo is the necessary work ethic and resilience required to make it as an indie band these days. “We are a hardworking, independent band… really dedicated to pushing the music scene formula in Ontario,” explained Grey who feels that locally, Rx are one of a kind. “No one in the North Bay scene is doing what we’re trying to do.”
The members of Rx live by two words: “art matters.” Formed a few years ago, the band consists of Grey on lead vocals and guitar, Justin Robinson on bass and vocals, Guy Beauchard on guitar and vocals and Dillon Lafrance on drums and vocals. The band combines elements of hardcore, screamo, rock, hip hop, techno and indie sounds, resulting in a genre termed experimental. They’ve even been influenced by Japanese video game music composer and musician Nobuo Uematsu. “It’s always very interesting; it’s not generic music,” said Beauchard, the most recent band member whose primary reasons for joining was because the band’s sound “was not boring.”
The band’s name, Prescription for Protest, was taken from lyrics Robinson wrote about protesting a “simple fix” was offered to him instead of pursuing his dreams – making independent music a lifestyle choice. Essentially, the band name speaks to their decision to take the road less travelled over other mainstream, predictable and likely more secure paths. Lyrically, Rx is inspired by “everyday situations.”
Their first album, Remembering August, was recorded last year. “It was a more introspective album,” said Grey. Entirely made up of original songs, the album reflects some of the struggles — including homelessness — that band members have contended with. According to the band’s Myspace page, Remembering August’ was recorded in just four days, “after driving seven hours in a shaky van, sleeping in a horror movieinspired motel, and surviving on microwave food.”
Their second album, titled Kidz these Days, has a happier feel, said Robinson. It has a more hopeful sound and, as the title suggests, is written for the younger generation. “A lot of youth toward the end of high school are trying to fi nd themselves and are rushing through school with no direction,” says Robinson. They get out in the world and find “the world isn’t as easy as you thought it was after always perceiving things through rose-coloured glasses.”
The album acknowledges the challenges and triumphs of these kind of coming-of-age experiences. “The album is a way of giving back,” said Robinson.
Integral to the band’s identity and success has been the network of Indie bands across the province that help each other out, providing shows for each other, explained Grey. “Other Indie bands are our number one support,” said Grey. Right behind those bands are the band members’ families, friends and fans. “It is rewarding to see so many kids come out to view the Indie bands,” said Robinson.
Being an independent band has its benefits and burdens, explained Grey. The benefits include the freedom to make up your own schedule, to play what you want and to look how you want. “But, the down side is there are a lot of ‘snakes’ out there who feel they don’t have to pay you as much because you are an Indie band,” said Grey. “And there are snakes in every town.”
Having become somewhat disillusioned with the music industry, Prescription for Protest created its own production company that they travel around with. The company helps them and other Indie acts put together high quality performances with big show sound and lighting.
For more information about the band’s upcoming shows across the province view myspace.com/ prescriptionforprotest For anyone with an appreciation for original sounds, dedicated artists, and real-life lyrics, this is a band not to be missed. As they say, “Music is not just a job or career; it’s a lifestyle. Art matters. Live it.”