In the game of psychological warfare they call Survivor, many contestants put on a naive facade or invent a character to downplay their strategy. Ben Katzman is not one of those people.
As someone who was first introduced to his rock project Ben Katzman’s DeGreaser in an Allston basement circa 2015, this music journalist can confirm that Katzman’s onscreen grit and charisma for Survivor 46 was no performance. Before moving back to his hometown of Miami, Katzman was a major presence in the 2010s Boston music scene, performing in Guerilla Toss, fronting his own band, and founding the indie label BUFU Records. He really is as dedicated to shreddin’ and chillin’ hard as he appears throughout the show’s 46th season, two aspects of his gameplay that ultimately earned him the title of second runner-up. (Seriously, there’s a montage of every time he referenced Van Halen this season on YouTube, check it out).
But with shores of Fiji behind him, Katzman is back to rocking — and tonight (October 10), he’s also back on his former home turf in Massachusetts. Ben Katzman’s DeGreaser performs at Warehouse XI in Somerville this evening, ripping through the August record Tears On The Beach and reminiscing about when he was based in Boston.
The album itself is a résumé of Katzman’s presence in both DIY and mainstream culture; Tears On The Beach features collabs with musicians like Sarah Tudzin (a.k.a. illuminati hotties), Shannon Shaw (of Shannon and the Clams), and Lowell artist Colleen Green, as well as former Survivor players including fan favorite “Coach” Benjamin Wade and fellow season 46 contestant Tim Spicer. We’re told that a few folks from seasons 45 and 46 of the program will be in attendance tonight, too.
“It’s an epically sentimental and sweet feeling to be back in Boston, where I cut my teeth as a shredder just starting out,” Katzman tells Vanyaland. “Epic memories of booking crazy shows in Elks Lodges, people’s basements, and venues like Great Scott (that are no longer with us?). But coming back to rock in this next stage of life?! [It] feels awesome! Can’t wait to play to the new fans, the old friends, and all the Boston rippers.”
Oh, one more thing: “Shoutout to Felipe’s Taqueria, best burritos in Boston!”
BEN KATZMAN’S DEGREASER + NICE GUYS + SKI CLUB :: Thursday, October 10 at Warehouse XI, 11 Sanborn Ct. in Somerville, MA :: 7 p.m., all ages, $22 :: Advance tickets