Ben Simmons on SoundBetter

Hey fellow musician! I'm Ben, a versatile session / live guitarist proficient in a wide range of genres. I play acoustic and electric in many bands in Northern California and I'm capable of delivering on the tone and feel you want on your record. Let's find your sound together and get stoked!

I offer acoustic and electric guitar tracks / overdubs in Rock, Pop, Blues, Country, Funk, Jazz, Singer-Songwriter, and Folk. Playing guitar live, doing sessions, and teaching is how I make my living in Northern California. I have a passion for the blues and finger-style acoustic playing, but grew up playing in various rock groups. As straight forward or intricate and effected you hear your tracks, we will work it out together. It is my priority to make it a fun and easy process!

Send me a note through the contact button above.

Credits

2 Reviews

Endorse Ben Simmons

by Connor Hormell
Wow. I had a track that was 80% of the way there. I tried for a year to finish this song. I know. Literally a year. Ben came along, and finished that last 20% within 30 minutes. How? I don't know. Why? Because he's got skills. He just knows exactly where to take things. I don't understand how he does it, but I will keep coming back because he simply makes my music sound better (no pun intended). On top of all that, he's just a killer guy. SO easy to work with and receptive to ideas and input. Can't wait to work with Ben again.
by Karlee Hormell
Ben is one of the most humble, down to earth, and TALENTED musicians I've had the pleasure of working with! His guitar playing is incredibly tasteful, unique, and diverse, but most importantly he knows exactly how to support a song and not get in its way. Ben has always been awesome at delivering the best performances in a timely manner for my various projects. Don't miss out on the chance to work with him, this guy is talented beyond his years and a blast to work with! Thanks again Ben :)

Interview with Ben Simmons

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?
A: Heat Stroke - The Five Thirty. I wrote, produced, and mastered the whole thing.
Q: What are you working on at the moment?
A: Becoming the best guitarist I can be, my personal music project (album), mixing my band's EP, getting prepped for tour with Me&You
Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?
A: Conner Hormell. Best producer I know, best guy I know. I could never say enough positive things about his work ethic and attitude.
Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Would say Analog 'cause I'm old school and tactile, but digital 'cause I'm broke.
Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?
A: I try and take the projects I really believe in artistically, so I promise to care for each song as if it were my baby too.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Laughing with other musicians.
Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?
A: Can you sound like this? Yes.
Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?
A: That you've either made it or you haven't.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: What is an example of a song that nails the tone you want me to play?
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Do it we'll have fun!
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Benson Monarch Reverb, my 335, interface, mic, computer.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I've played guitar in bands for 15 years and am still in my humble beginnings.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Versatile
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: Hozier - Originality.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Just send it.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Rock, Folk, Funk, Blues, Singer-Songwriter
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Hot licks
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: Hot licks
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: My favorite mic pair (Sm57 and Royer 101) is set up on my Benson with my board ready to track and I take my time finding the best voicings and positions (frequency wise) for licks to make the tracks sing!
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: My studio is in what was a 19th century rice mill in NorCal above a coffee shop! My brother and I run it and have plenty of guitars, amps, and mics to choose from! Guitar plucking in an industrial, vibey setting is SO fun!
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Tim Pierce, my hard working musician buds
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Guitar overdubs!

me&you - S.O.L.

I was the lead guitarist in this production

Electric GuitarAverage price - $150 per song
Acoustic GuitarAverage price - $150 per song

Communication is my highest priority; I work quickly and accordingly. I have a typical turn-around time of 3-5 business days. My rate is $200 per song.