Front Row Green River Ordinance - Denton Hunker
This Green River Ordinance Can Land on Billboard's Doorstep
Like Their Song on Team USA Soundtrack Hope to 'Rise Up' Charts
By: Jaclyn Lattanza, Junior, Comsewogue H.S., Port Jefferson Station, NY
TeenNewsNet Entertainment Editor
In history terms, the title Green River Ordinance refers to a law passed in Wyoming in 1938 prohibiting door to door selling; however, it means a lot more to 5 specific guys who devoted their whole lives to music originating from their parents’ influences. Why such an unusual name? Around the age of 14 and 15, brothers Geoff and Jamey Ice started to practice their instruments in hope of starting a band. They practiced in their garage where they found a sign that said Green River Ordinance Enforced. “They didn’t know what it meant, but they liked the ring of it.” After they recruited Josh Jenkins, Joshua Wilkerson, and Denton Hunker, the name of the band had to be decided. With three names up for consideration, 5 Cards Draw, and The Catalysts were the other two, Green River Ordinance (GRO) was favored. Being brothers, “Geoff and Jamey met at child birth.” They met Josh and Joshua at high school and Denton at Texas Christian University where the three of them attended. Although they are all from the same area, Fort Worth, Texas, they each grew up listening to different genres of music. Geoff and Jamey grew up listening to the blues and classic rock; while Jenkins listened to country as well as performing along side his parents. Wilkerson’s dad was a pretty big deal as a drummer, and Denton grew up listening to jazz and classical music. Today, the band as a whole is “in love with 90s rock” such as Matchbox 20 and Sister Hazel. To create their amazing “pop rock with a throwback 90s twist” sound, Jenkins takes on the vocals as well as plays acoustic guitar and piano. Jamey Ice plays lead guitar, Joshua Wilkerson plays electric guitar along with some background vocals, Geoff Ice creates the deep beat on bass and also assists Jenkins with background vocals. Last but not least, Denton Hunker rocks out on the drums. On who writes the songs and what they are about, Denton said “it depends.” Although Jenkins and Wilkerson are great writers, most of the songs are a “collaboration of everyone’s ideas.” “A song might be based off a simple melody, guitar lick, mood, situation, a feeling, or even a spur of the moment thing.” Sometimes it’s even like “Hey, that’s cool; let’s write a song about it!” The band is able to distribute their music to the world through Virgin Records.
TeenNewsNet had the opportunity to conduct a phone interview with Hunker to discuss the band's growth and their future goals.. We also get a chance to hear what the band likes to do in their spare time, as well as their favorite places to perform.
GRO is the “first real band that went anywhere” for Hunker apart from the little jams he performed in college. “I always wanted to be a musician,” Hunker shares. Enjoying playing in High School, Hunker took this love to college where he majored in music. When he is performing on stage with the sight of his fans cheering, singing along, and simply having a great time, there is “no way to explain it but awesome.” He feels that it’s good to see that the songs they sing and the music the band creates makes the fans happy and which returns the favor of happiness to each band member.
The band started touring 7 years ago and it “seems like we’ve been on the road forever. It never stops.” GRO has toured with Collective Soul, Gavin DeGraw, David Cook, Sister Hazel, Third Eye Blind, and Bon Jovi. “I think everyone we have toured with, we would have liked to tour with.” However, Hunker said it would be amazing to tour with Coldplay. The band just completed their first headlining, “strong three week tour,” and will be starting back up in a month or so. They couldn’t have asked for a better tour and it “feels great.” It is obvious that any performer loves what they do in any part of the world; however, there are always a couple of places that have sentimental value to that performer. For GRO, playing in their “hometown is always great.” Two particular places are The Aardvark and House of Blues.
Although they enjoy playing all of their songs, Hunker especially likes Come On and Getting Older and “We all love our acoustic version of On Your Own. GRO receives support from not only their friends and families but also other bands. “It [support] is a necessity, especially from the fans.” The energy given off by the fans during each performance definitely affects the attitudes of each member. “Without the support, we wouldn’t be where we are today.” Collective Soul is the equivalent of an uncle to the band. They are also great friends with David Cook. “For the amount of time together, which is a lot of time,” every member of the band gets along, including the two brothers. Hunker feels this is “a miracle.” It would be crazy to say that they never disagree because they do; however, they know how to get through it and work it out to prevent a major uproar. “When we’re in the van, we’re all on our computers.” In their spare time they also enjoy reading books. One time they even tried to learn how to crochet together; but that didn’t last very long. Even though “we are not very athletic people,” Jenkins loves watching football, Wilkerson loves to watch basketball, and Geoff loves video games. Although these time savers include recreational habits, being home is a hobby for them that they enjoy the most.
In the future, Hunker sees “lots of touring.” Their “On Your Own” music video will be coming out in April as well as debuting on the radio. At the end of March, they will be back, picking up where they left off heading to the Midwest on their continuing headlining tour. Be sure to check out the Team USA Soundtrack where GRO’s single Rise Up is featured! Based off of that opportunity, Hunker reflects “it’s really cool” and “we’re excited to be apart of something that big-the Olympics.” Green River Ordinance is a band that started out small and is now gaining major popularity. Because of their determination and love for what they do, they are becoming successful in living out their dreams.
