The Benjamins
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Defunct | 2001 |
| Headquarters | Milwaukee , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
The Benjamins were an American pop punk and rock ensemble originating from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, active between 1998 and 2001.
History
The band was initially formed by siblings Jay Stys (vocals and guitar) and Chris Stys (drums), alongside guitarist Dan Hinz and bassist Ron Forchette. Soon after, Ben Perlstein, previously part of Milwaukee’s ska outfit The Invaders, replaced Forchette on bass and introduced drummer Jon Phillip, formerly with Shaft. Their first EP, Bordering on Boredom, was recorded over Labor Day weekend in 1999 and saw release in February 2000, garnering favorable reviews.
Through extensive touring across the Midwest with acts such as Alkaline Trio, The Mr. T Experience, and Superdrag, The Benjamins developed a dedicated regional following. This exposure attracted the attention of Drive-Thru Records via a fan who became part of the label’s street team. Subsequently, the band signed with Drive-Thru, releasing their debut full-length album, The Art of Disappointment, in February 2001. The record featured production by Grammy nominee Nick Raskulinecz (known for work with Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age), artwork designed by Jason Gnewikow, former guitarist of The Promise Ring, and cover photography featuring model Aiko Sakai.
In the spring and early summer of 2001, The Benjamins toured alongside Mock Orange, followed by extensive performances including dates with Reel Big Fish, Sum 41, and a brief appearance on the 2001 edition of the Warped Tour. Despite vigorous touring in support of The Art of Disappointment, the group disbanded toward the end of 2001, initially refuting breakup rumors before confirming their split.
Post-breakup
Following their dissolution, members pursued new musical projects: Jon Phillip formed Versa with a member from The Promise Ring and also Nice Outfit; Hinz and Perlstein co-founded Carolina with musicians from Camden and the Drugs. Periodically, The Benjamins reunited for shows in Milwaukee, with their last known performance occurring in 2004. Perlstein transitioned into music management based in New York City, representing artists such as Tommy Stinson/The Replacements, Smoking Popes, and Trapper Schoepp & The Shades, while also co-managing Good Land Records alongside Jon Phillip. After performing with The Obsoletes, Phillip joined Limbeck from Orange County until their 2010 breakup, then became drummer for Trapper Schoepp & The Shades and co-established Good Land Records in 2011. Hinz secured a permanent role in Maritime, collaborating with former members of The Promise Ring and Dismemberment Plan. Jay Stys remains in Milwaukee, having shifted his career focus to the culinary field. The Benjamins reunited unexpectedly for a set at a Milwaukee festival on July 10, 2013, and later co-headlined a benefit event at Turner Hall with Alligator Gun on January 18, 2014.
Albums
- Bordering on Boredom (2000)
- The Art of Disappointment (2001)
- Back on Track (2014)
Non-album tracks
- "3720 to 1"
- "Just Like Heaven" (cover of The Cure)
- "Prove My Love" (cover of Violent Femmes)
Members
- Dan Hinz — Guitar
- Jay Stys — Vocals/Guitar
- Jon Phillip — Drums
- Ben Perlstein — Bass