Benjamin Preuss- Silvergun Drummer

Ben "Doctor" Preuss began drumming in 5th grade (cir. 1994) through the school band program. He started very simple with a Ludwig snare drum rented from the local music store, White House of Music. Preuss was introduced to the basics of drumming and music. Heavy focus was placed upon snare rudiments, playing with a metronome and building a solid foundation for future performance. From 5th through 7th grade (cir. 1994-'96) Preuss was introduced to other instruments within the percussion family. He further developed the basic foundations of drumming including more advanced rudiments, intermediate snare and percussion soloing and ensemble performing.

Moving into 8th grade (cir. 1997) Preuss was given a much overdue opportunity to experience playing on a full drum set through the school jazz band. Without hesitation he embarked on a fresh new direction of drumming. To give him an edge over the competition, Preuss began drum lessons from drum instructor Jeff Kuliga. With Kuliga's guidance Preuss absorbed a wealth of knowledge about drum set performance and gained insight into non-western drumming styles.

Preuss' high school years helped developed three different drumming styles, symphonic (concert percussion), military or corps style drumming (marching snare) and jazz (drum set). During this time Preuss began drum lessons with drum instructor Jim Ryan. Ryan aided Preuss in steady and solid development of corps style drumming and brought an emphasis to jazz drumming that fine tuned the skills necessary for playing behind the drum set with comfortable authority.

1999 was the year Preuss began playing with bands outside of school. He played in rock bands, jazz bands, funk and Latin bands, even bands that emulated, or at least attempted to emulate, Frank Zappa and more creative, theatrical, artistic genres of music. Preuss considers everything up to this point an enormous reason for his success in music. (Building a foundation, development of different styles and finally putting his skills to use with many different groups).

From late high school and into early college (cir. 2001-'02) Preuss worked on many projects with a variety of musicians in the metro-Milwaukee area. Throughout his years in the metro-Milwaukee music scene Preuss earned a number of awards for outstanding musicianship, won scholarships furthering his education in drumming and music, and gained the respect and recognition of the professional music community.

In early 2006 Preuss relocated to Atlanta, GA to further his lifelong career in the professional music scene. In Atlanta he met up with producer and songwriter Paul Lipscomb. The two formed Unbidden as their main project. On the side Preuss utilized his skills to play for a handful of Atlanta’s musicians as a session drummer. Unfortunately, their original plans did not work out and the project ended in April 2007. Preuss moved back to his home in Wisconsin to finish his bachelor of science degree at Carroll College.

In late 2007, Preuss was given an opportunity to audition for the band Dark Shift. The Dark Shift crew had a reputation of being extremely talented, driven musicians with a solid sound. Preuss showcased his talents to the band by learning their entire second album and a selected few tracks from their first album and was soon chosen to be the band’s new drummer. Dark Shift had been a solid force in hard rock for years and boasted both national and international tours. The band was known for delivering some of the best, most energy filled music and shows

May 2008 marked a dramatic shift in Preuss' music career. Members of Dark Shift decided it would be best to dissolve the band and create something totally new. The group created Silvergun. The band revealed themselves with a bang by releasing their debut album June 27th at Summerfest 2008. Watch for Silvergun on tour and check out Silvergun online at www.silvergunonline.com

SESSION WORK
Ben Preuss IS NOW AVAILABLE for session work! Educated in everything from jazz, funk and Latin genres to pop, rock and extreme metal Preuss has the ability, feel and experience that you are looking for in a session drummer. Rates are flexible and negotiable. Send inquiries to [email protected] .