Ben

Well, let's see...I am basically just an easy-going, friendly, honest, sincere, hard-working, positive / up-beat guy living in Chicago, originally from Tucson, Arizona who loves life, and all that it entails. Yeah I have my "down" moments too, but for the most part, I chose to stay focused on the positive...despite this beautiful world and its problems and complexities.I have done a fair share of travelling around the globe, but hope to see more of our amazing planet and meet more of its inhabitants. Despite a few different adventures in assorted jobs in various fields, I am and have always been a musician true and true.The acting bug bit me as well a while back, although it has been years since I have done that on a stage or in front of a camera. Some people say I do that everyday though, just in assuming my everyday role in life; having a "J.O.B."-the 9 to 5 thing! Those same people say I should "just do both, or even all three." Cute. Right? But I find it hard enough to do even music at the moment, let alone trying to re-delve into acting as I am pretty spread out just trying to make a living, etc. I will get to that later though. Such is life though...we do what we have to do, but we mustn't stop dreaming, or trying to make those dreams come true.I found that no matter how much I try to deny it, then embrace it, I am either blessed or cursed with the desire to play music for a living. I have discovered throughout my time so far on this planet, that I am a born creative spirit and entertainer. It is what keeps my soul alive. I also believe it is more beneficial to your spiritual, mental and physical health to do something you love doing rather than not at all. Whether it be a spontaneous joke, or a well rehearsed tune, I enjoy expressing myself through art.The fortunate, or unfortunate thing, is that I am actually not a bad guitarist and singer, and my songs are catchy and all that good stuff. I have been writing songs since I was about 10 years of age. According to my mother, it has been even longer than that, as she swears that I used to hum myself to sleep as an baby! After she layed me down, I would sing a little 4-note diddy that she referred to as my "I'm bored, so bored" song and then crash out! Let's see, I have played in a few different groups with various creatures of the night since I was about 15. Of course I had an "air-band" once, but then it developed into actual music making once we got real intruments. My grandfather (also a musician)gave me a small acoustic when I was about 5 and a few years later, Mom and Dad via Santa Claus gave me another, better quality guitar (also acoustic), but then...came my first electric. When I opened that one up...it was love at first strum. It wasn't fancy, or even a "brand-name" guitar, but it was black, and had a cool V-shaped body, it was electric...and it was MINE!! My first real puplic singing experience was when I was 5 years old. My dad, who was enrolled in a guitar class at his college, had me sing for him (and the entire class)a couple of numbers he had to perform for his final exam! I had to sing "Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer" and "Rain drops keep falling on my head."At the moment I belong to a group named Stealth Blue, which I don’t want to get into what the name means or anything yet, but believe me, there is a whole philosophy thing behind it.As easy as someone who has never been in a rock band may think it is, it most certainly is not. It is the hardest job I think I have ever had only because there are so many emotions that go along with it.Essentially we have started a CD project at least three different times, and are on a second, and a third drummer...which is a good thing as it is a step up in musicianship and attitude. However, it has been a little frustrating knowing that we are creeping along in age, and still have yet to finish our first full-length album. What makes it frustrating is that it seems long overdue, which it is. In fact, we have decided to NOT play out again on a regular basis until we have a recording to offer the public. It just does not make sense, as time is so very precious...and playing in bars only to recupe your alcohol cost, maybe some gas money, is only fun when you're 23!! Although it is indeed a blast when you just have a good time...and do it for the music.I guess you could say we, like so many other groups, have a pretty wild story behind us. To sum things up, we met and clicked instantly through a bunch of happy accidents and gelled as a group. By the time it came around to record, having played a few gigs around town, we were visited by the "bad-luck fairy" in a few very testing ways. Unfortunately, this did not happen all in one fell swoop. This bloody, pesty fairy kept swooping in and out at different times and under different circumstances, mixing in with a few blessings in disguise, thus restraining us from self-producing the greatest Rock-n-Roll record the world has ever known...along with so many other ones done by so many other great bands! :)The reasons I believe in, and the proof I think, that a higher being or beings other than we humans exists, is simply that despite all those pretty heavy trials and tribulations (very VH-1 Behind the Music stuff), our "little group that could" managed to stay together. Well, 3 out of 4 original members are still together anyway. Also in very positive and tenacious spirits, we have built a really impressive professional grade recording studio, acquired a new drummer, and now maybe a keyboardist. So, knock on wood, things are looking up and we continue to pray to the “Devine Essence.”I can assure you that when our beloved recording comes out, it will be a well deserved accomplishment for ourselves and loved ones, and a deeply sincere offering for any present and future fans. Five years it has been since our first gig in Chicago, and we are not finished yet. Perhaps we are rather thick-headed, but it is truly all we know.Along with continuing our adventures as a band, I would also like to have a go at a solo album, as I have about 50 billion songs or ideas. This is quite possibly over due too, or so I have been told. Actually, I am fortunate enough to have the blessing of my band members as well. I might even start selling a few songs, letting other, perhaps better-known artists record them or what have you. I am also not opposed to collaborating more with other gifted artists. My only requirement is that any egos MUST be checked at the door. Truly, “rock stars” are a dime a dozen, and most of the ones that think they are really “something spectacular” are in fact...just the opposite.Oh yeah, about the “making a living thing”, I have done everything from waiting tables, stunt work, high-risk tree work, landscaping to mortgage brokering to coordinating surgery-which is what I do now for a children’s hospital downtown...WHEW! It certainly is nothing that glamourous, but it is food on the table and we (my wife and I) own a home. So we have all the bills that go along with it, as well and have a couple mouths to feed...cats that is :)..BUT...it is all worth it. I have no regrets, just more wisdom about people, places and life situations in general. You'd have to get up pretty early to put one over on this cheeky monkey! :)Well, if you got this far, I really appreciate it!!! Let’s see...what else? I am extremely spiritual, but not necessarily religious. I believe in something or someone much, much greater than us mere human beings, but I just don't feel audacious enough to positively proclaim exactly who or what that all-powerful force might be, know what I mean?Someone once coined me as "Earthy" and "in-tune"...whatever that means. I do shower everyday, for crying out loud!! Just kidding, actually, I take that as a compliment because that is how it was intended.For the record, I grew up very Catholic, but soon discovered the great big world and decided that there is a lot more than meets the eyes, and ears for that matter. This is why I consider myself “Agnostic” as opposed to belonging to any particular sect or creed. I think that as long as you treat others the way you wish to be treated, then you pretty much have it covered.It is my opinion that the world, not to mention the universe is too infinite to truly know all the answers. Heck, we don't even know everything about ourselves (human beings) yet! It leaves too much room for error and conflict of interest, not to mention extremism. Thus, the world we know now. That is just me though, and whatever you need to believe to create your peace of mind is fine with me. What ever "floats your boat" as they say. HOWEVER, it is generally a good idea not to lie to yourself or live with catastrophic denial...like some of our World “Leaders.”I enjoy learning from people of different backgrounds and just listening to people in general. The Universe is fascinating and I think over all, it is pretty beautiful. Yes, there is a lot to be angry about also, but if we dwell on negativity, then it has already won.I guess I am just thankful for a great many people and things, and hope that I can somehow make a difference in this world. There are so many people that inspire me and I hope that maybe I am lucky enough to inspire others as well. Myspace is pretty darn cool too if you ask me. Meeting new friends is a real kick, and treasuring the friendships I already have is easy to do. Wishing you all the best, keep in touch!