BEN BALMER & FRIENDS: VOLUME I
Ben has currently been releasing singles from a new compilation album. Songs written by friends, performed with friends, recorded for friends.
Enjoy y’all.
NEW ALBUM
Honky-Tonk Macbeth
“My third album, Honky-Tonk Macbeth, is the first record I’ve recorded with every musician who is part of my band here in Austin. Though I wrote all of these songs (plus a couple of collaborations with Vivienne Wilder and Noah Collins), the sounds developed through the artistry of the incredible musicians I get to play with. Featuring blistering solos from both Eddie Dickerson (fiddle) and Cat Clemons III (electric guitar), this record has everything from lyrical ballads to murder songs that cook with gas. These wonderful musicians have helped me mold these songs for the past few years. Sprinkling a little magic on top from vocalist, Heidi Burson, and keys, Micah Motenko, we recorded at King Electric Studios here in Austin, TX. I truly believe this album captures and exceeds my wildest hopes for what a record of mine could sound like, and I’m just so excited to do more recording in the near future.” - Ben Balmer
Produced by Justin Douglas and Ben Balmer.
Released October 15, 2021.
Loose Lips, Sunk Ships, Bruised Hips, and Booze Sips
“This sophomore record was entirely written in Austin, and I went into recording the album with the intention of producing it with a higher production value, which I believe I achieved. This is the first album I really felt captured the "sound" I've had in my mind, not only in production and arrangement, but also, and more importantly to me, lyrically. Featuring numerous guest artists and heavily layered vocal tracks, this album of murder and heartbreak songs convey what I believe is me finding my stride as a musician and a songwriter. It was also recorded at Rivertone studios in Martindale TX, and was produced by Mark Jungers, Josh Flowers, and myself.” - Ben Balmer
Released September 15, 2015.
Dug In
“This was my first professionally done record, and I'm still very proud of it every time I revisit it. Made in 2012, it was made with the intention of being a good representation of our trio, so it is mostly guitar, upright bass, and drums. The songs reflect on my early travels, new experiences with Austin, and stories of people who have affected me. It was recorded at Rivertone studios in Martindale, Texas, and produced by myself and Mark Jungers.”
- Ben Balmer
Released October 19, 2012.