My name is Ben Sielaff and this is my story…

I was born in Ipswich in 1986 two months earlier than expected. After spending considerable time sick I ended up surviving this near death experience thanks to the wonderful doctors and nurses in this fine country. My next step was to spend my early childhood (and from what I’m told considerable part of my primary school years!) being a brat and just some generalised terrorising of my parents.

I attended Walloon State School and West Moreton Anglican College in my primary years and Ipswich Grammar School for high school. It was at IGS where I found my passion for music and in particular, the guitar. I ended up buying my first guitar cause Mum didn’t want me to play a “rock” instrument! Although I have a great appreciation and respect for classical musicians (in particular Mozart and Beethoven), the image of a guitarist with long hair centre stage always attracted me more than sitting in an orchestra pit!

Throughout my school life I was involved in many bands including ‘Expedition: Pie’, ‘Between the Lines’, ‘Phasechanger’, ‘Ben & I’ and ‘Shortlist’. The bands entered various Battle of the Bands competitions throughout Ipswich and surrounding areas taking away several awards including two first places, one third place and two best guitarist awards. Although music has been my love and passion in life, I found enough time to keep my grades above water, achieving an OP grade of 1.

After school finished I decided to attend the University of Queensland to study pharmacy. During this period I also joined a rock covers band called ‘Dirty Sanchez’, which played gigs as far north as Bundaberg and as far west as Roma. After previously playing in originals-only bands previously, ‘Dirty Sanchez’ really opened up my eyes to the world of covers bands.

I have taken a round about way to finishing my Pharmacy degree, taking two years off in the middle to do music full time. During this time I worked full time playing in bands, teaching guitar and teaching maths! Great fun, but I figured I better get a 'real job' so I only really do music on the side now.

Even though music is more a hobby for me at the moment I teach currently and do gigs regularly (about once a week).

 

            Influences

            Dream Theater
            Neal Morse 
            Jeff Buckley
            Pink Floyd
            Pink
            Maroon 5
            Symphony X
            John Petrucci
            Joe Satriani
            Red Hot Chili Peppers