About Gatlin Black
Hard-hitting music, timeless lyrics, and intricate layers of sound – that’s what happens when you bring together five talented musicians with decades of experience and a wealth of creativity.
Gatlin Black took the slow approach to becoming a band, knowing that the right group chemistry takes time and patience. Jake Weckwerth (guitar/vocals), Levi Post (drums/harmonies), and Jake Cancade (lead guitar/ harmonies) initially crossed paths as young musicians in the Pembroke music scene. Jamie Oberfrank (lead guitar/harmonies) and Chris Pearson (bassist/harmonies) were brought in later, performing alongside Jake W. and Levi as “Jake Weckwerth & The Greedy Dead”. But once Cancade moved back to town, the timing was right and a quintet was formed – finally creating the perfect sound with their completed lineup now known as Gatlin Black.
Based in Pembroke, Ontario, the band’s sound can be described as vintage meets modern; old meets new. Pairing grungy guitar tones with layered vocals, Gatlin Black offers a sonic vibe that emits raw power, electric energy, and an undeniably authentic feel. By blending elements of blues, punk, folk, and outlaw country into their own brand of alternative rock, the band has crafted a style that feels both fresh and nostalgic.
Founded in early 2025, Gatlin Black brings together seasoned musicians with impressive résumés and unique strengths. Drawing on those strengths, the five band members work in tandem to create a cohesive and innovative sound, as well as an electrifying, high-energy stage show.
ABOUT THE EP: Modern Spirit – Release date: March 25, 2026
“Modern Spirit was both a statement and a turning point for Gatlin Black. To come out of the gate guns blazing, hoping to create a buzz but also to learn as much as we could about the songwriting/releasing process so we could become a music making factory. We chose to record with producer Jordon Zadorozny and engineer Rich Allen with a clear purpose: not just to capture the songs at a high level, but to push ourselves deeper into the craft of making records. The goal was never simply to release music; it was to become the kind of band that can write, perform, record, and produce our own work from the ground up. In that sense, Modern Spirit reflects the DIY mindset of the modern era—artists building and running their own creative engine. The title also reflects a personal transformation within the band. During the writing of the EP, our frontman, Jake Weckwerth, moved away from a heavy party lifestyle toward a healthier, more focused path, and many of the songs capture the tension and growth that came with that shift. Ultimately, Modern Spirit is about transition—taking on life’s challenges, drawing from those experiences, finding the inspiration, discovering the outlet, then channeling that energy into something creative, disciplined, self-sustaining, like a band learning to operate as its own record label. In many ways, this EP became the blueprint where hard work, purpose, and ambition all connected—this EP is so much more than another batch of 7 songs, it’s a journey through the soul and mind.”
– Gatlin Black
Stream Modern Spirit On Your Preferred Platform After March 25th
For any more information on the artist, email pr@fromthestrait.com
