Ben Ballinger | |
|---|---|
| Born | The Dalles, Oregon United States |
| Genres | Americana Folk Soul Rock and roll |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals guitar |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Labels | Good Horse Records |
| Members | Ben Ballinger Mark Henne Evan Nicholson |
| Website | benballinger |
Ben Ballinger is an American folk singer-songwriter based inAustin, Texas.[1][2] He is best known for his solo career and was recognized byThe Austin Chronicle as one of "Austin's top young songwriters".[3]
Ballinger was born inThe Dalles, Oregon. He started writing songs during the seventh grade.[1][4] His father, Mike, played music at The Dalles Catholic church for more than 30 years.[1]
Ballinger moved from Portland, Oregon to New York City in 2003. He was part of theanti-folk scene, which included artists such asRegina Spektor,Beck,Hamell on Trial,Paleface,Langhorne Slim andKimya Dawson. He organized the annual "Schoolhouse Rock Festival" inFriend, Oregon with musician Steve Schecter.[5][6] In 2011, Ballinger moved to Austin, Texas, where he started a band with Blue Mongeon, Drew Brunetti, and Chris D'Annunzio namedThe Dalles. The Dalles received media attention for the song, "Lines," from the 2012 album,My Own Private White House. The song was featured onSeason 5 of theFX seriesSons of Anarchy.[1][2][7] The Dalles played Utopia Fest 2012, alongsideDr. Dog,Charles Bradley,Ben Kweller.[8] Ballinger was a featured guest vocalist on the 2013Carpetbagger album,Far Off The Daybreak Call.[9]
In 2014, Ballinger signed with Good Horse Records, an Austin-based production company.[1][10] His 2014 albumThe State I'm In was recorded and produced by Good Horse Records in three days through a fully analog production system.[1]The State I'm In was ranked "among Austin's bestAmericana releases of that year" byThe Austin Chronicle.[11][12] It received criticism, however, fromThe Austin Chronicle's music critic Jim Caligiuri.[13] Ballinger did multiple tours behindThe State I'm In, including through theWest Coast andMidwest.[1][14] Ballinger joined Nine Mile Touring in 2015 as well as the spring 2016 West Coast tour of East Cameron Folkcore.[15][16]
His 2016 EP,Homestead, is being produced by Brian Beattie, Austin-based music producer. Beattie is known for producingOkkervil River's 2002 album,Don't Fall in Love with Everyone You See, as well as albums forDaniel Johnston,Shearwater andBill Callahan.[17] Ballinger has held Austin residencies at Hole in the Wall, Stay Gold and the White Horse.[18] He is an officialSXSW 2016 showcasing artist.[19]
Ballinger partnered withReid Connell to produce a music video for The Dalles, which led to the founding of the filmmaking company, Be Lie All. Connell and Ballinger also produced the music video for the single, "Ashes to Ashes", from Ballinger'sThe State I'm In.[20]
| Year | Title | Artist | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Homestead | Ben Ballinger | Unreleased |
| 2014 | The State I'm In | Ben Ballinger | Good Horse Records |
| 2012 | My Own Private White House | The Dalles | Self-released |
| 2010 | Fabrication | Ben Ballinger | Self-released |
| 2008 | Ben Ballinger | Ben Ballinger | Self-released |
| 2005 | A Minor Study | Jack Benjamin | Self-released |
| 2003 | Jack Benjamin | Jack Benjamin | Self-released |