We had a chance to sit down with Ben Gallaher and get the scoop on his latest single “Country, Boy,” as well as the details of his b-side track and amazing guitar-playing skills.
Inspiration Behind “Country, Boy”
What comes to mind when you think of the term “country boy”? Is it trucks, Copenhagen rings, and beer? Being “country” is far more than just materialistic things. “It’s really rooted in characteristics and values,” Gallaher explained.
Originally from Pennsylvania, people are often surprised that Gallaher sings country music. However, those same people had never actually visited the state. If they had, they’d know that portions of it are just as “country” as any southern state, with good values, manners, and a country state of mind.
“That’s where the inspiration in this song came from,” he shared. The artist wrote the song with Carlton Anderson and Jacob Powell. The three writers’ hometowns span across the US, but “we’re cut from the same cloth,” Gallaher said. This notion sparked myriad ideas about sharing similar mindsets and characteristics.
Listen to “Country, Boy”
Guitar Playing Skills
Gallaher’s parents bought his first guitar when he was six years old and he had a drum set prior to that. “The guitar just fit me,” he said. The artist took some initial lessons, but for the most part, is self-taught, which he sees as a benefit. Not having professional training lets him think outside the box and play what sounds good to him, rather than adhering to specific rules that others may follow.
“It sounds wild saying this, but ever since then, playing and singing Country music is what I was born to do.” As a teenager, he started playing open mics and bars, which cultivated his initial fanbase. His motto was, “If your hometown doesn’t like your music, then nobody will.”
After moving to Nashville at 19, Gallaher fully immersed himself into the songwriting scene and established a hustle mentality to ensure that he was doing everything possible for his career. Gallaher’s biggest takeaway thus far is the devotedness of the listeners. “I think what’s special about country music is the fans are so loyal.” He noted that he connects with people on lyrics and fans in the crowd can often relate to the stories in his songs.
Shows for Prisoners
A unique aspect of Gallaher’s career is that he has been playing shows for prisoners for ten years. It all started when his friend, who worked at a state prison, invited him to play there. Reminding him of Johnny Cash, he enthusiastically said, “Hell yeah, I’m all in!”
The first year, he played an acoustic show in the gymnasium, with the inmates on the bleachers and Gallaher standing at about half-court. “You could hear a pin drop in there,” he recalled, with their silence demonstrating an interest for his songs.
“It was really a moving experience,” he shared, because he deeply connected with the inmates through lyrics.
One man said, “I hate country music, but those songs just changed my whole outlook on life. You gave me a sense of positivity, that I can be a better person when I get out of here and chase my dreams.”
Gallaher continued to play more shows at state prisons because of the impact his music had. Even the inmates’ family members reached out and shared how happy their loved ones seemed as they described the show. “It’s been a really cool and great experience,” Gallaher recalled.
B-side track: “Roots Grow Down”
Along with the single, fans can listen to the B-Side track “Roots Grow Down,” which he wrote about his wife of five years. It would have been their wedding song, but he only recently penned the tune.
Connect with Ben Gallaher
Stay in touch with Ben Gallaher by visiting https://www.bengallaher.com/.