There's no rule that says a drummer has to stay in one lane. And Ben Hilzinger has spent much of his career proving why that's a good thing. From punchy alternative rock and pop-punk to hazy indie grooves and atmospheric electronic pop, the Los Angeles-based musician has built a reputation for moving comfortably between worlds that don't always share the same musical DNA. With more than two decades of experience behind the kit, Ben brings an approach shaped by curiosity, versatility and a genuine love for the craft. It's not about playing everything the same way. It's about understanding what makes each song tick, finding the right energy and giving the music exactly what it needs.
Before making Los Angeles his home in 2016, Ben spent years developing his skills in Washington, balancing performance, recording and teaching while building the connections that would eventually take his career further afield. Along the way, he's worked with a remarkably varied collection of artists, including MxPx, Mike Herrera, The Classic Crime, FITNESS, The Palms and Blondshell. His long-running work with alternative rock favourites Eve 6 and indie-pop outfit Cannons showcases two very different sides of his playing, moving from driving, guitar-heavy rhythms to the more restrained, hypnotic grooves of synth-driven pop. Different sounds, different audiences, but the same commitment to giving every performance its own identity.
That adaptability continues in his work with singer-songwriter LP, whose soaring vocals, emotional intensity and genre-blending sound demand a drummer who can do far more than simply keep time. It's a musical world that moves between intimate, stripped-back moments and huge, anthemic releases, creating plenty of space for Ben to bring both sensitivity and power to the stage. Whether he's locking into an infectious groove or building the momentum behind a soaring chorus, his instinct is to serve the song without losing his own personality. It's an approach that's taken him across stages and studios around the world, proving that versatility isn't about becoming a different musician for every gig. It's about bringing the right part of yourself to each one.
Away from the stage, Ben's passion for drumming takes on a whole different dimension. As a driving force behind Big Fat Snare Drum and the host of Drummers on Drumming, he's created a platform for exploring the records, influences and stories that shape musicians. That fascination also inspired his book of the same name, bringing together conversations and insights from drummers across the industry. It's all part of a mindset that sees music as something worth exploring from every angle, not just from behind the kit. As a Rogers artist, Ben brings that same appreciation for sound, character and individuality to his playing. There's always something new to learn, another conversation worth having or another musical challenge around the corner. The best part? There's always more to the story.
Ben Plays R-Series
