Ben Kenney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ben Kenney
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Ben Kenney performing live with Incubus in Madrid.
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Benjamin Lee Kenney |
| Born | March 12, 1977 Brielle, New Jersey, US |
| Genres | Alternative rock, alternative hip hop |
| Instruments | Bass guitar, vocals, guitar, drums |
| Years active | 1994-present |
| Labels | Ghetto Crush Industries |
| Associated acts | Incubus, the Roots, Time Lapse Consortium |
Benjamin Lee Kenney (born March 12, 1977) is an American musician. He comes from Brielle, New Jersey. For many years, from 2003 to 2023, he was the bass player for the band Incubus.
Before joining Incubus, he played guitar for the Roots. Ben Kenney also creates music as a solo artist. When he makes his own records, he usually plays every instrument himself. He also sings all the vocals on his solo songs.
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Ben Kenney's Music Career
Ben Kenney played guitar for the hip-hop group the Roots. Then, in 2003, he joined the band Incubus. He became their new bass player. This happened after their first bass player, Alex Katunich, left the band.
Before joining Incubus, Ben had played with some of its members. He worked with Mike Einziger and Jose Pasillas in a group called Time Lapse Consortium.
Ben Kenney can play many different instruments. He knows at least six! Sometimes, he even plays drum duets with Incubus's drummer, Jose Pasillas. They do this live on stage during concerts.
He has also worked in the studio for many other artists. These include Justin Timberlake, Faith Evans, and Erykah Badu. He also worked with producers like Timbaland.
Ben Kenney has his own record company called Ghetto Crush Industries. He released many of his solo albums through this company. Some of these albums are 26, Maduro, and Burn the Tapes. Ghetto Crush also helps other musicians release their music.
Solo Music Projects
In 1994, Ben Kenney started a band called Racecar. A year later, in 1995, he began a project called Supergrub. Supergrub released three albums. These were Norma & Thurselle (1995), Communicator (1996), and Challenger (2000).
Ben Kenney has released six solo albums. His first was 26 in 2004. Other albums include Maduro (2006) and Distance and Comfort (2008). He also released Burn the Tapes (2010) and Leave On Your Makeup (2013). His most recent solo album is "Must Be Nice" from 2019.
On his solo albums, Ben plays all the instruments himself. He plays guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums. He also sings and writes all the songs. When he goes on tour for his solo music, he plays guitar and sings. He is joined by Ashley Mendel on bass and Sekou Lumumba on drums.
In early 2025, Ben Kenney announced a new solo album. It is set to be released on March 3, 2025. He also released a new song called "Fires."
Musical Instruments and Gear
Ben Kenney uses several types of guitars and basses. He plays instruments from brands like Lakland, Serek, and Music Man. He also uses Gibson and Hofner guitars.
For his sound, he uses Mesa Boogie amplifiers. His instruments often have special pickups. These are made by companies like Seymour Duncan and JBE. He uses Dunlop strings and effects. For drums, he uses Canopus and DW drums. He also plays Paiste cymbals.
Ben Kenney's Personal Life
In January 2023, Ben Kenney shared some personal news. He had surgery to remove a brain tumor. While he was recovering, Tal Wilkenfeld played bass for Incubus. Later, it was announced that Ben had left the band permanently. He was replaced by Nicole Row. Ben personally chose both Tal and Nicole to play with the band.
The surgery successfully removed the tumor. However, it caused some lasting effects. Ben became permanently deaf in one ear. He also has some partial facial paralysis.
Ben Kenney is in a relationship with Georgia Dolenz. She is the daughter of musician Micky Dolenz.
Discography
With Incubus
- A Crow Left of the Murder... (2004)
- Light Grenades (2006)
- If Not Now, When? (2011)
- Trust Fall (Side A) (2015)
- 8 (2017)
- Trust Fall (Side B) (2020)
Solo
- 26 (2004)
- Maduro (2006)
- Distance and Comfort (2008)
- Burn the Tapes (2010)
- Leave On Your Makeup EP (2013)
- Must Be Nice (2019)
- TBD (2025)
With The Roots
- Phrenology (2002)
Guest appearances
- Justified - Justin Timberlake (guitar on "Right For Me") (2002)
See also
In Spanish: Ben Kenney para niños
