Born and raised near Ann Arbor, Ben Balmer is an Austin-based singer songwriter whose talent and way with words has taken him touring all over the world. Binding roots-y Americana with contemporary twists, Ben has been influenced by a wide range of musicians, including Tom Waits, Fiona Apple, Taj Mahal, and Paul Butterfield. He has released two full-length albums, as well as multiple EP’s and singles, and will release his newest album, Honky-Tonk Macbeth, in October. Ben’s songs speak of the road, love, loss, and revisits archaic themes that work towards a poetic narrative of folklore all on its own. In addition to booking his calendar back up for after the pandemic, Ben is currently working on writing as well as performing with other esteemed artists as a harmonica player.
Today Glide is excited to premiere “Married To The Road,” one of the standout songs on the new album. Brimming with folky acoustic guitar and shimmering harmonies, the song starts off like a simple 70s folk-rocker before the band layers in fiddle, subtle but expressive drums, and groovy lead guitar. There is definitely a bygone psychedelic sound in this song, which romanticizes hitting the road and basking in its freedom. There are also some fine jams that border on bluegrass, and one can imagine the band really cutting loose on this tune in the live setting. Tying it all together is Balmer’s own vocals, which are at once soft and soothing yet commanding and affirmative.
Balmer describes the story behind the song:
“I wrote this song with Noah Collins out of Chattanooga TN. It’s about being in a relationship with the road, and traveling as a musician. How touring makes you miss home, but still draws you back in its arms, despite all the hardships it brings. You can love the road and still be angry or resent it all at the same time.”
LISTEN:
