Benjamin Dauer

Originally from Boulder, CO, I have been playing music since I was 10 years old. Studying various musical styles throughout the years, I was also a private student of the renowned bassist, Dean Peer.

My musical projects have appeared on WGN and FOX on several occasions, had radio play on WXRT Chicago and were reviewed in the Chicago Sun Times, the Chicago Reader and international music magazine, JazzTimes. I have also performed at venues including: House of Blues Chicago, Goodman Theatre, Taste of Chicago, John G. Shedd Aquarium, Maxims: The Nancy Goldberg International Center and Chicago’s HotHouse.

Most recently, choreographers have used my original scores at the American Dance Festival and North Carolina Dance Festival as well as at the Joyce SOHO in Manhattan. Some examples are Joan Nicholas-Walker of the NickWalk dance project (4 projects), Rachel Brooker of Anima Dance (2 projects), Nancy Simpson Carter of Choreo Collective (1 project), Mariana Bekerman of the Mariana Bekerman Dance Company (1 project) and Niki Juralewicz (1 project).

As an accomplished, forward thinking musician with over 15 years of performance, production and composition experience, I explore the boundaries of modern music through experimentation and play. Currently I am inspired by the synergy that exists between choreographer and composer, and am truly grateful to be working with the dance community. For me, original compositions allow the choreographer to realize their vision through the dialogue of music and movement. Thriving in these collaborative environments, I plan to continue creating new sonorous narratives to share with others.

When not composing music, I can be found performing custom mixsets. I have worked diverse special events and make a regular appearance during Art After Dark at the Ackland Art Museum.

Other artistic projects and endeavors I am involved with include: licensing songs to organizations such as Red Hat Linux and Pump Audio; creating custom sound sculptures for installation artists; developing unique sound designs for the web; launching a design firm called i n k w i r e; residing on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Dance Alliance; and teaching for my alma mater, Columbia College Chicago.

When I am not busy doing those activities (do I have free time after all that?), I keep my opposable digit on the pulse of the intersecting spheres of culture, science, philosophy, and technology.

Relaxed Machinery Releases

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