Free City Collective

First and foremost, the name "Free City Collective" comes from a group of 1960's counter-culture activists based out of San Francisco. Through non-violent demonstration, varying from abstract theatre productions to free food distribution, The Diggers became the voice of bohemia in the western world. Their goal was simple: To take the revolutionary ideals of hippie philosophy, combine it with the liberal self-sufficiency of the late 20th century, and present the people with a free-thinking alternative; a society without private property, buying or selling; a Free City. The Diggers would become Free City Collective, and they're unparalleled influence on popular culture would forever change our world.

Fast forward forty years, and it's late August of 2006. After completing a six month stint in Germany, an inspired sixteen year old returns to the greater Vancouver suburb he calls home. Eagerly awaiting his arrival are three of his most impassioned peers: Theo Milloy, Derek Rohde, and Samuel Romero. We begin with the globe-trotter in question, Ben Rowley, and his long time collaborator/guitar extraordinaire, Theo Milloy.The pair traded ideas back and forth during Ben's study abroad and, upon his return, preliminary jams were held to flesh out their concepts. Overwhelmingly gratified by their results, the time for expansion had come. Fixtures in their past projects, noted for their supreme skill and ambition, Derek Rohde and Sam Romero joined the collective.

Shortly thereafter, on a fateful summer's eve in the Rowley household, a chance conversation led brothers Ben and Brandon to reminisce fondly about childhood jam sessions. An invitation was extended to have Brandon sit in on the next session. A dazzling debut at Blue Mountain Musical festival prompted a resounding "..Fuck yes", and with the addition of beat-master B-Row Sr. behind the kit, Vancouver based indie rock band, "Free City Collective" was born.