Robb Benson was born in Mount Vernon, Washington, and lived most of his early life in the area. Benson's first band was the Seattle-based Nevada Bachelors, formed in 1997, who received national interest. When they disbanded, he recorded the Songs about Songs EP. Benson then formed Dear John Letters, who released three albums. Benson and Johnny Sangster also collaborated on Sangster Meets Benson/Benson Meets Sangster, an album of experimental pop. When Dear John Letters went on hiatus, Robb Benson continued to record solo albums and launched other projects. Dear John Letters is not active, but did perform in 2009 for Robb's 40th birthday.
Releases
The first Dear John Letters album Rewriting the Wrongs was released in 2001 on the Roam Records label, and was produced by Johnny Sangster. Its music style was described as being influenced by Paul McCartney and Simon & Garfunkel. A second albumUnbroken was released in 2002 also by Roam Records and again produced by Johnny Sangster. The sound was described as more refined than their first recording. In 2003, the band moved to Foodchain records for their third albumStories of Our Lives. The album was well-received, and reached #34 on the CMJ charts.
Band members
Robb Benson was nominated for the Seattle Weekly Best Seattle Songwriter award three years in a row.
Cassady Laton has also played with Robb Benson in Dept. of Energy and Stereo Embers.
Johnny Sangster is also a member of The Tripwires and has produced significant local artists, such as The Posies.
Michelle Price does not play an instrument, but wrote most of the Dear John Letters lyrics.
Other projects
Robb Benson & the Shelk
Through the years, Robb Benson has released a number of solo albums in between or during stints with bands. Starting in 2013, Benson began crediting his albums as "Robb Benson & the Shelk" even though he writes, plays, and produces everything on these releases.
Dept. of Energy
Dept of Energy is a Seattle-area band started by Robb Benson when Dear John Letters went on hiatus. The band includes Robb Benson, Ty Bailie formerly of Ego Band USA, and Cassady Laton.
The Great Um
The Great Um are Robb Benson, Caleb Thompson, and Jake Uitti.
Stereo Embers
Stereo Embers is a Seattle-area band with Robb Benson, Tim Dijulio, Ben Brunn, and Cassady Laton.
The Young Sportsmen
The Young Sportsmen is a Seattle-area band composed of Richard Davidson, Wesley Nelson, Ryan Maxwell, and Jeff Roeser. Davidson joined The Young Sportsmen when Dear John Letters went on hiatus.
