Ben Rice is a versatile American record producer, engineer, mixer, and songwriter known for his work with prominent artists like Valerie June, Norah Jones, the Jonas Brothers, and James Bay. In 2021, he received a major career milestone when he was nominated for Producer of the Year at the Americana Awards for his work on Valerie June's album The Moon and Stars: Prescriptions for Dreamers, which also earned an Album of the Year nomination. Beginning his music journey early, Rice was making 4-track recordings by age twelve and now owns his own recording studio, Degraw Sound, in Brooklyn, New York. He first gained prominence as the frontman of the band Surefire (2003–2009), which leveraged Myspace fame and sold-out shows into a deal with Lizard King Records in 2006, though their debut EP was shelved. After leaving the label in 2007, Surefire released a self-titled LP co-produced by legendary producer Eddie Kramer before disbanding in 2009. Rice subsequently formed the indie rock band Blackbells (2009–2011), achieving commercial success when their EP climbed to No. 18 on the CMJ College Radio chart and performing at SXSW before he fully shifted his focus to his successful producing career.