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.

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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.