With a strategy to outwit, outplay, and outshred, Miami-based musician Ben Katzman is gearing up to participate in the soon-to-be-aired 46th season of Survivor, which will be aired on CBS on Wednesday, February 28. Katzman, known for his band DeGreaser, is known for his energetic stage performances.
An unforgettable moment involving Katzman occurred in the previous year during a Miami Film Festival event, where renowned actor Nicolas Cage was speaking. Despite having a poor view of the stage, Katzman’s distinctive voice was easily recognizable as he was the first to ask Cage a question during the Q&A session. This led to Cage signing a sequined pillow and imitating David Lee Roth.
Katzman had the opportunity to talk about his upcoming appearance on Survivor via Zoom. He revealed that he was invited to the show on the same day he interacted with Cage, one of his idols. In this conversation, Katzman recalls Cage’s advice, recommending that he participate in things that initially scare him. This became an impetus for Katzman’s decision to join Survivor.
The year 2023 had been an eventful one for Katzman, who at 31, met Cage, signed a deal with Sony Music’s AWAL, embarked on a European tour, and released his latest album, Transcendental Shreditation. Furthermore, he secretly traveled to Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands in June, to take part in the 46th season of Survivor.
The Survivor competition involves surviving challenging physical and mental tasks in extreme weather conditions, with no food or shelter for 26 days. The show inevitably brings dramatic and emotional moments as contestants grapple with the harsh environment, all of which is caught on camera.
Katzman’s prior experiences in managing band dynamics and the rigors of touring served to prepare him for the tricky strategizing and relationship handling that Survivor demands. He also draws parallels between being in a band and the “tribe” dynamics of Survivor.
Off stage, Katzman lives a life full of zest. He works as a music teacher at Wynwood School of Music and his approach towards life echoes the message from his track “Don’t Be a Poser (To Yourself)”.
Katzman’s preparation for Survivor involved swimming and spending hot days on the beach, which he called his ‘Rocky III training methods’. He also plans to bring to the show his unique personality which he believes will engage the other tribemates.
To commemorate the premiere of Survivor, Katzman plans to host a private party at Gramps for his close acquaintances. He excitedly anticipates watching the show being projected on the same stage where he performed some of his favourite concerts, which he regards as a “movie moment”.
Survivor season 46 will air on Wednesday, February 28, at 8 p.m. on Paramount+ and CBS.
