Hailing from the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples in so-called Vancouver, BC, Witiko explores a variety of rock-influenced sounds, typically steeped in a healthy amount of fuzz. Originally forming in March of 2019, the band is currently comprised of Josh McKenna, Lucas Grabi, Luke Bidulka, and Walter Sawan, McKenna naming the band after the Cree legend prominent in his own Métis community. The band has honed in an expansive sound that seamlessly transports listeners from the warmth of surf to the abrasiveness of grunge across the course of a setlist, tackling themes from existentialism to Indigenous sociopolitical action.
Name:
Witiko
Genre:
Alt Rock
Founded:
2019
# of Albums:
1
Latest Album:
A Century of Sleep
Latest Single:
“All My Idols”
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
JM: Kiss. When I was 7 years old I saw a puzzle for sale with an image of the band on it while walking around the mall with my dad. I immediately asked, “Who IS that?” My dad filled me in and told me he had a copy of “Alive!” back at home. I was instantly obsessed.
LG: Jack Johnson. When I was younger (roughly 6 years old) I used to get intense migraines and had to go to physiotherapy to deal with the pain. In these sessions the physiotherapist used to play Jack Johnson’s music every time, without fail. The calmness in the room, to the relaxation of the massage, and the tunes of Jack Johnson brought me to such a happy and peaceful mental state. Since then Jack Johnson has always been an artist that brings me inner peace and happiness.
LB: The Black Keys. I can’t really pin down the moment of first contact, but I’m pretty certain it was our very own Josh who first introduced me to them and I just latched on immediately to their groove. El Camino and Turn Blue are especially nostalgic albums for me.
WS: Trent Reznor. I was introduced to NIN in 1996 when I was 13. It changed how I thought about what music could be and how it could be made differently. I have seen NIN many times and to this day continue to listen everything Trent puts out and works on. From the side projects, the film scores, and guest producing other artists.
Favourite musician now:
JM: The Beach Boys. My music taste tends to lean a bit heavier and abrasive most of the time but I’m endlessly inspired by the layers, vibes, and understated genius to so much of the Beach Boys’ music, particularly their 1966 – 1977 run.
LG: Felly. The man cannot be put in a box. From rhyme scheming to instrumental ingenuity, Felly’s got it figured out. I love his work. The 2020 album, “Mariposa” really solidified my love for his work.
LB: All them Witches! Words can’t describe the itch their music scratches in my brain. Their ethereal, earthy textures and savage waves of doom just make life worth living. Ben McLeod is definitely my biggest inspiration for my own playing.
WS: Les Claypool. Another man I have been listening to since the 90s in his many bands and a large reason I became a Bass player to begin with.
Guilty pleasure song:
JM: “Burn it to the Ground” – Nickelback. Such a goofy song but man does it go hard when you’re in the right mood.
LG: “Reefer Madness” – G-eazy. Brings me right back to my high school self.
LB: “9-5” – Dolly Parton. An undeniable bop, yet also a biting critique of our economic reality.
WS: Everybody (Backstreets Back) – Backstreet Boys A holdover from my time as a DJ in Vancouver. Ha ha ha ha
Live show ritual:
JM: Meet in my basement for a run-through of the setlist, have a bev, frantically pack one to two cars, roll to the show spinning a playlist of whatever music is most recently getting us hyped.
LG: Going out for drinks and a meal before our set is a staple. The hype car ride is also a highlight.
LB: Listen to “Live on The Internet” by All Them Witches on the drive to Josh’s place, then hang out and jam in the basement, then with around 7 minutes remaining we each carefully unzip our skin suits and swap randomly for the show. Also I wear mismatched socks for good luck.
WS: Old band (shot and a twinkie). This band (rehearsal) ahh… growth…
Favourite local musician:
JM: Needs. Great tunes and politics and the most insane live show I’ve ever seen.
LG: Peach Pit.
LB: Split between Waingro and Heavy Trip. Both groups have really sweet riffs and super energetic live shows.
WS: Phillip Bunardzic (aka Philbo). One of my favourite and most talented friends. Find him all over the city performing his heart out with his guitar, looper and stunningly amazing voice!
EP or LP?
JM: LP. I love the full-length album experience. 35 – 45 minutes seems to often be ideal for a single piece. That being said, EP’s that cut the fat are better than LP’s that are packed with filler.
LG: LP, fo’ sho. I thoroughly enjoy listening to an entire album, front and back.
LB: LP definitely. Take me on a journey.
WS: LP all the way!
Early bird or night owl?
JM: Night owl. Everything seems to slow down and get a bit quieter. Or get wilder if you’re out. Either way it’s better than the early morning for me!
LG: Early bird. I’m always the first to wake up and I also love an early night.
LB: Night owl, not even close. You’d need a crowbar to pry me out of bed before 10 am without just cause.
WS: Both. I have always only averaged about 6 hours of Sleep. Too many things to get done!!
Road or studio?
JM: Road. We’ve really only played around the city so far so I suppose we haven’t really had a true road experience but live shows are where it really happens for us. The studio (or at least our makeshift version of one) is great but the energy and feeling of playing live is unparalleled.
LG: Road.
LB: Road. Playing live music with others is the real deal.
WS: Road!! That’s where we recorded our Album!
Any shows or albums coming up?
Our debut LP, A Century of Sleep, was released in November 2024. It’s an 11-track self-produced record that was primarily recorded in August 2024 on Saturna Island. We’re really proud of what we were able to accomplish between the four of us. We play frequently around Vancouver, and we have two upcoming shows locked in. You can catch us on April 10th at The Blarney Stone and April 23rd at The Roxy.
Where can we follow you?
***
Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
JM: Po Kong. Half of my family is vegetarian so this Buddhist vegetarian spot has worked out well for us for decades. Hands down the best Chinese food I’ve ever had.
LG: Bon’s Off Broadway. Grungy and delicious. I’m a simple guy.
LB: Vegan Shoku Japanese Restaurant in Kerrisdale. I don’t know what ancient and esoteric techniques they’ve unearthed in that kitchen, but I routinely take meat eaters there and they come crawling back for more.
WS: El Santo, New West. If authentic Mexican had a love child casual fine dining
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
JM: Commercial Drive. It’s got a bit of everything. Great restaurants, record stores, bars, shops, cafés, bowling. The street’s packed with potential for anything from a daytime stroll to vibey nightlife.
LG: Broadway. Two of my best friends live off this street and I know that one day I’ll cherish all the memories made along this strip.
LB: Main St. Can’t beat the thrifting, food, and weird little shops. “Coolest street in Vancouver” for a reason.
WS: Gatensbury St. Great walk from Coquitlam to Port Moody. With some dope scenery and breweries
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
JM: Probably Trout Lake because it’s the closest to where I live. It’s also a super beautiful spot to just unwind for a bit.
LG: Dude Chilling Park. It’s cute, rambunctious, never dull, and always unique to experience.
LB: Spanish Banks/Pacific Spirit Park is the full coastal package. Quieter than the other beaches and lots of variety to choose from for a spot to spend the day. The forest in Pacific Spirit Park has a bunch of sublime forest spots, including one beautiful area with tall trees and sparse understory that feels like a cathedral.
WS: Mundy Park. Awesome trails
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
JM: The Commodore Ballroom. Everything from the location to the layout, from the history to the bouncing floor, has gotta make this the best venue in the city.
LG: The Commodore Ballroom. No brainer.
LB: The Pearl. The Commodore is also awesome, but recently the Pearl has just gone off with so many great local and touring lineups.
WS: Great Canadian Casino (Hard rock) Coquitlam doesn’t have much. Ha ha
What is your favourite music store in your city?
JM: Neptoon Records. The selection is always great, the location and interior are super cool, and they’ve always got stuff happening there – whether that’s pre-release record listening parties or in-store concerts. The fact that they’re Vancouver’s oldest record store and that you have a pretty decent chance of running into Nardwuar there gives Neptoon bonus points.
LG: London Drugs
LB: Rufus guitar shop. The staff clearly care about the stuff they are selling people and are super helpful and friendly. Also there’s just nothing quite like spending an hour twiddling the knobs of some whacky $1000 boutique pedal.
WS: My cousin’s house.
