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by Darren "Hollywood" Paltrowitz
When a band gets "discovered" on an episode of Behind The Music or even in reality, it's usually by a foreign producer or an un-hip businessman
from Fresno. In this case, it was by one of the group's spectators in a "dirty dive bar" named Quarters -- their current bass player. Blown away by the sheer magnetism of the band he'd just
witnessed, local scenester (and bassist of The Invaders) Ben had to get in on the action. Eventually finding his way into the band, Ben brought in drummer, best friend and former counterpart in Tralfez, Jon,
into the mix. Together with songwriter / vocalist Jay and guitarist Dan, former bandmates themselves, The Benjamins were born.
Straight outta Milwaukee, the aforementioned lineup of The Benjamins
assembled in the summer of 1998. Quickly joining the top ranks of the scene, the group has shared the stage with everyone like locals-gone-prominent Citizen King and The Promise Ring to assorted-punkers like
Goldfinger and The Mr. T Experience. Defying the odds further, they signed a deal with (MCA Records subsidiary) Drive-Thru Records via the recommendation from a label street team member of the band. With
several offers on the table, the guys chose to begin their endless touring with a jaunt on the Reel Big Fish / Sum 41 outing. All in all, The Benjamins aren't necessarily here for the cliched "sex, drugs,
and rock & roll", they're here so they can quit their day jobs and encounter all there is to in being a band. Well okay, some "sex, drugs, and rock & roll" too... Describing "The
Art of Disappointment" (out on February 27th) as "big drums, big bass, big guitar, big rock", they interestingly enough set out to make a record they'd long thought and dreamt of. Seeking out
producer Nick Raskulinecz (Superdrag, Dave Grohl, Marilyn Manson), the guys recorded their debut in-style out in Los Angeles. "We told Nick that we wanted it to be engineered like Weezer's
"Pinkerton" record, and he came through," Ben noted. "The flow of songs work out nicely, too." Favorite tracks, Ben? "For rocking out I'd have to say "Sophia On
The Stereo", to impress chicks it's "Dr. Frank Was Right", and overall I'd say "Riverwest Creeps". And for the record, no, Ben is not the namesake of The Benjamins -- oddly enough, the
Puff Daddy song "It's All About The Benjamins" was jokingly and accidentally stuck to the group.
With that being committed to paper, things are bright and positive-spirited by all in the Benjamins
camp with the big March 11th record release party they've got in-store. Having one of their favorite bands, Ultimate Fakebook, and local favorites Sulu and The Response on the billing, word is that it'll be
one party not to miss! Any last words for the kids, Ben? "Don't stop believing" And they said that the rock kids don't have morals anymore, ha! Check out their website at www.benjaminsrock.com .
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