Artist description An independent bassist living in the Tampa Bay area who writes and records on a custom hard-disk music production system.

Music Style Progressive groove metal, with a touch of funk and jazz

Musical Influences Tool, Primus, The Brand New Heavies, Steps Ahead, Linkin Park, Sevendust

Similar Artists Earshot, Tool

Artist History Music has always been a signifigant factor in Ben's life. As a third-generation guitarist, he was experimenting with the guitar at a very young age. His elementary school curriculum placed a strong emphasis on music education, and he studied cornet for a year in the school band. In high school Ben studied trombone, and it was on the marching band bus that he first discovered heavy metal. After teaching himself basic chords on Mom's banjo, he received his first guitar as a Christmas gift in 1987. Guitar became an obsession, and every spare minute was devoted to practice. Ben played in garage bands and jam sessions in and around his hometown of Laurel, Mississippi. In 1989 he won Mississippi Music Corporation's "Best Up-and-Coming Guitarist" competition. This victory led to private study of technique and music theory with Mr. Gregg Strawbridge, the guitar professor at the local community college. After studying with Mr. Strawbridge, Ben became the staff guitarist at Deeper Life Christian Center (now Life Church). It was at Deeper Life that Ben first picked up bass guitar, filling in for the regular bassist. Ben became the backup bassist for a regional southern gospel quartet, after turning down the primary position because of his imminent entrance to college. Despite a substantial scholarship offer to study trombone as a music major at the University of Southern Mississippi, Ben took a sabbatical from the pursuit of a musical career to study chemistry. He kept his musical skills in shape by playing guitar in local bar bands. In 1994, he auditioned for the Jazz Studies Program at USM and won the bassist slot for one of the large jazz bands. This led to two years of playing bass and guitar in a variety of jazz ensembles. He also studied classical guitar for two semesters. Ben moved to Florida to attend graduate school at Florida State in December 1997. In April 1999, after a series of personal losses, he moved to Tampa to start a new life. He soon devoted all of his musical attention to bass, and played for several local bands. One of these bands, Mind, recorded a demo album and performed at a major label showcase. After leaving Mind in February 2000 over artistic differences, Ben worked with several different bands while developing a distinctive sound and style. He is currently collaborating with Scott Wilson (Dave's Not Here, Drunk Unkle) on a melodic groove-metal project.

Group Members Ben Roney - Bass, Guitar, Sequenced drums and other instruments. My Collaborators: Jim Dorian - an excellent singer and songwriter from Clearwater, FL. Scott Wilson - another excellent musician. I am currently writing an album of songs with Scott. Jay Wilson - Scott's brother, and an amazing guitarist. His counterpoints are great. I hope to share some of our grooves with the world very soon!

Instruments Bass Guitar, Electric Guitar, MIDI sequencer, Remo "Fruit Shake," kazoo, anything else I can get my hands on.

Albums Coming soon! :)

Press Reviews Coming soon! :)

Additional Info I'm looking for a working band. I am free to tour, provided I can pay my bills :)

Location Tampa, Florida - USA

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