Ben Surratt, recording engineer/producer. Most of the artists I record are either bluegrass artists or very close to the bluegrass industry. I represent the Recording/Distribution/Marketing constituencies of IBMA. I've served 2 years. In brief, what brought you to bluegrass music? I grew up in bluegrass music. My parents played bluegrass records, my mother is a musician, my two uncles played banjo and guitar, and they helped put me on this path. I've never known life without bluegrass music. What do you hope to bring to the bluegrass community by serving on the board of directors? We are all in this together. Working together, learning from each other, teaching each other- a rising tide lifts all boats. How have you seen the bluegrass industry change in your time working in it? As an engineer, I go to the technical side- the shift from analog (records) to digital (cds, mp3s, streaming). That's been a huge shift. The loss of brick and mortar retail, the loss of mom and pop music stores- these present significant challenges to our industry. But the good news is, we have something most folks really want, and that is an honest art form. I believe that this music can and will sustain us. What projects are you working on for the future of bluegrass music right now? As a recording engineer, I recorded the new Gibson Brothers release that hits stores in February, Larry Stephenson's new gospel release is now out and gaining airplay, I've just started a recording with Helen Highwater (Shad Cobb, David Grier, Mike Compton, Missy Raines). On the board, I'm on the Executive Committee, Chair the Nominating and IT Advisory Committees, and am active on our Bylaws committee. What is your favorite (bluegrass) album and why? That's easy- Flatt & Scruggs Harmony album. My parents had it. It's the first bluegrass record I ever heard. It's the one with “Randy Lynn Rag,” “Shuckin the Corn,” “Jimmy Brown the Newsboy.” Some classic material, and it really lit the fire. Here's a picture of the cover:
Give us the top three best festivals you’ve attended. 1. Bean Blossom, 1971. First festival I attended. An unbelievable experience, I saw Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt, John Hartford. The Bluegrass Alliance/Newgrass Revival were hanging around. Music and jamming everywhere. I was in heaven! 2. Berryville, VA, 1975. We camped by the river, played music all the time. I got to see The Osborne Brothers, The Seldom Scene with Tony Rice filling in for John Starling, Eddie and Martha Adcock and II Generation. I'd never seen these acts live before. It was a life changing experience. 3. Orange Blossom Park, Waynesboro, VA. This festival was 4 times a year, it's where my family went instead of going on a vacation. We would put up a big parachute over the campsite and pick all the time. It was always mostly local bands with a big headliner. I got to see Mac Wiseman, The Lewis Family, The Bluegrass Cardinals, Bill Monroe, Don Reno, Bill Harrell, Charlie Moore, The Johnson Mountain Boys Alvin Breeden and the VA Cut-ups, many others. At 15, I was hired by Major Recording Company. They did sound at that festival, so I got to see more than ever traveling with them. What is your advice to someone fresh to the bluegrass industry? Come to World of Bluegrass- meet people, play music, attend seminars, get involved. Network like crazy, it's the perfect place. If you're a band, apply to showcase at the Bluegrass Ramble. If you're already in the industry, apply to attend Leadership Bluegrass, it's an experience you won't forget. Year-round- go see music, meet people. Get involved in any way you can, and whatever passion you have will rise to the top. If you're a member of IBMA, thank you. If you're not a member, please join, we'd love to have you!