Stillwater Junction Band Members.

  Scotty Willard is the unmistakable voice 

behind Stillwater Junction, known for his 

deep, raspy vocals that blend the soul of 

classic country with the grit of southern rock. 

Born in North Carolina and raised in Kernersville, Scotty’s early years were shaped by 

small-town roots and big-time country legends. 

He later lived in Winston-Salem and Tobaccoville before settling in Pilot Mountain, where his musical journey would finally take center stage.

  Scotty began singing at the age of 13, drawing inspiration from icons like Johnny Cash, George Strait, Toby Keith, and Conway Twitty. As he grew older, he found a second wave of influence in the raw energy of Southern Rock, crafting a vocal style that merges 

both worlds into something uniquely his own.

  Despite his passion for music, Scotty’s path to 

the spotlight came later in life. 

At 39, he launched his personal singing career by forming Stillwater Junction—a band that has 

since become a powerful voice in Outlaw 

country and southern rock. 

His late start hasn’t slowed him down; it’s only 

added grit, wisdom, and authenticity to every 

word he sings. Scotty Willard is proof that it’s never 

too late to chase what sets your Soul on Fire.

Benjamin Joseph Ratermann—better known on stage and off as “Ratman”—holds down both rhythm and lead guitar duties for Stillwater Junction, while also lending his voice to backup vocals. 

Born in Charlotte and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Ratman’s musical roots run deep, inspired early on by his father—a seasoned drummer who shared stages with legends like B.B. King, 

Buddy Guy, and Gregg Allman.

  

Ratman picked up his first guitar at age 13 and never looked back. His playing style is steeped in the soul of the blues and the raw edge of southern rock, shaped by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, 

Joe Bonamassa, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Allman Brothers, and the Grateful Dead. Whether he's laying down thick rhythm grooves or ripping through a solo, his guitar 

work is passionate, fluid, and always in the moment.

  A true improviser at heart, Ratman brings a dynamic energy to every performance—

never playing it quite the same way twice. 

His blend of technical skill, emotional depth, 

and fearless creativity helps define the 

signature sound of Stillwater Junction.

Ray Velbis brings a powerhouse of musical versatility to Stillwater Junction, blending rhythm, soul, and southern grit across a wide array of instruments. 

Raised on the Eastern Shore of Virginia by his parents, Margaret and Dennis Taylor, Ray’s musical roots run deep. He started playing drums at the age of 4, setting the foundation for a lifetime of music. 

But it was at 14—when he picked up a guitar for the first time—that he truly found his passion.   From that moment on, Ray became a self-taught force, mastering guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, bass, and even dabbling in piano. His early years included playing drums for the hard-hitting band High Octane, followed by stints in various church and worship bands, where he further refined his musical craft.

  A chance meeting with frontman Scotty Willard at Vanishing Point in Mount Airy lit the fuse for what would become Stillwater Junction. The two hit it off immediately, and the rest is Outlaw country history.

  Ray’s influences are as eclectic as his skill set—ranging from the soulful swagger of Elvis Presley and B.B. King, to the blues fire of Stevie Ray Vaughan and 

Eric Clapton, to the raw edge of AC/DC, Puddle of Mudd, Sir Lord Baltimore, and Black Sabbath. 

His musical DNA is a blend of classic rock, 

blues, and gritty southern soul—making him 

the bassline of Stillwater Junction.

Nathan Brown is the rhythmic engine behind Stillwater Junction, bringing a fiery blend of precision, power, and Carolina soul to the kit. His love affair with drumming began at 14 after witnessing the spectacle of KISS live—and from that moment on, he never looked back.

  Through his 20s, Nathan played recreationally, sharpening his skills before stepping into the 

local gig scene around Davie County. 

His first serious project was the folk/Americana trio 

Down the Mountain, where he laid down grooves rooted in the North Carolina sound. 

As his musical appetite grew, so did his style—

leading him to the southern rock outfit 

Jack of Diamonds and countless sit-ins with 

local musicians that expanded his range and 

refined his technique before joining Stillwater Junction. 

  Nathan’s drumming is tight, tasteful, 

and steeped in grit—but it’s his personality 

that makes him a fan favorite. 

Known for his devilishly good looks and 

quick wit, he’s the guy who’s quick with 

a joke or to light up your smoke.  

Nathan holds down the  beat with 

unmatched energy and heart.