Bio

Houseboat Vacation is a self-regulated musical collaboration project operated by Carter Rolland and Ben Turcotte.    

Originating from Port Elgin, Ontario, the pair has been playing music together for over 12 years. The two grew up close friends, learning the fundamentals of music with countless hours spent practicing and performing in high school jazz combos, concert bands, and at any other opportunity. 

Carter and Ben began frequently performing at local festivals, charity events, coffee houses, local bars, and private parties in the Grey Bruce and surrounding areas, both as an acoustic duo and in several other band outfits. In 2016 they firmly dug into the idea of writing, recording and performing original music as a pair. A summer of highly focused work resulted in the release of their full-length album Basement Folk which they released under their respective names.

It was decided to begin releasing musical works under the name of Houseboat Vacation under the perceived notion that anonymity could enhance creativity. In June of 2022, they announced themselves to the world and followed up quickly with the release of their first single, Jettison. 

Houseboat Vacation releases new music primarily in the form of digital singles. They write in a contemporary pop rock style with songs formulated from a simple pair of acoustic guitars and two part harmonies. A full band arrangement typically follows including any additional parts necessary including bass, drums, keyboards, synthesizers, vocals stacked like pancakes, and face melting guitar solos.

Live, this duo is known to captivate their audiences with their dexterity, sincerity, and organic playing style. They perform an ever-evolving catalog of original material and fresh interpretations of some of their favorite songs, all featuring thoughtfully arranged harmonies and dynamics. Houseboat Vacation appears both as an acoustic duo or as a full band upon request.