Over the past few years, Frankie Ballard has opened for country star Kenny Chesney, and has managed to make his debut on the Grand Ole Opry. A Warner Brothers Nashville recording artist, Ballard's newest single "Tell Me You Get Lonely" is a hit on country radio.
Background on Frankie Ballard
According to the biography section of his official website, Ballard grew up in Battle Creek, Michigan and was determined to become a professional athlete. Ballard’s big break occurred when he won Kenny Chesney’s "Big Star" regional competition, which took place in 2008 in his home state.
This led to an opening spot on Chesney’s tour, and a subsequent record deal with Warner Music Nashville, whose roster includes an elite group of country artists such as Faith Hill and James Otto.
Ballard Performs at the Opry
On January 7, 2011, Ballard was afforded the privilege to make his debut on the Grand Ole Opry, which is a dream for any prospective country musician or instrumentalist. He was featured in the same set as established country acts Rodney Atkins, Nashville Star winner Chris Young, and bluegrass group Dailey & Vincent.
Ballard’s EP
His latest EP, produced by Michael Knox, features a solid selection of six songs including his debut single "Tell Me You Get Lonely." Written by Dallas Davidson and Marty Dodson, the song sits at #33 on the Billboard Country Charts.
His song’s music video is a simple, yet honest depiction of Ballard in several lonesome scenarios such as driving alone, walking, taking a bus ride, as well as strumming his six-string and singing into a microphone. The theme of loneliness is clearly conveyed throughout, and is destined to leave a mark for his listeners.
Ballard’s EP opens with the up-tempo and energetic "While The Sun Sleeps." Other noteworthy tracks are "Get on Down the Road," in which his guitar playing can easily be compared to a Keith Urban tune.
The EP’s highlight track is "Place to Lay Your Head," a great feel-good song for a man to serenade his significant other with. The EP closes with "Lonely," which contains an instrumental reprise of the song’s chorus.
Upon listening to the songs on this release, one would think that Ballard has been playing guitar his entire life; ironically enough, Ballard made his first encounter with the musical instrument at 18, after graduating high school.
The Verdict
Ballard should not fear of being "lonely." He is a country singer who excels on up-tempo country rocks songs, and his newest EP showcases his prowess on guitar and raw talent; moreover, it is a substantial indication that his upcoming full-length debut album, expected to be released later on in the year, is bound to be a promising effort and an asset to the country genre.
To learn more about country singer Frankie Ballard, his music and upcoming tour dates, please visit his official website.
Markos Papadatos - Markos Papadatos holds over six years journalism experience, authoring over 700 articles, many of which are feature profile interviews.
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