Today we’d like to introduce you to Christen Ball.
Hi Christen, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Music has always been blood deep for me–my mom is a classical pianist/organist, my grandpa played bluegrass guitar, and my aunt was an opera singer. It was natural for me to sing before I could talk…and to write my first song at four years old. But, it wasn’t until high school that I truly fell in love with music. It was also during this time that my music preferences for pop/rock began to shine through. My mom would take me to dozens of Moody Blues concerts (she was a superfan), and I’ll never forget my cousin blasting “What’s the Story Morning Glory” by Oasis in her sister’s convertible for me.
I wrote song after song as a teenager and would sing them for anyone who would listen, but it took moving to Nashville, TN as a young adult to begin to learn the art of really crafting songs and performing. After moving to Nashville, in addition to pursuing my own music, I learned so much by being what I call a “sidewoman”–singing background vocals and playing guitar and keys for other artists on tour. However, now, after a lot of hard work and clarity of vision, I am proud to say that I get to focus on my own music. I have been releasing singles periodically since last year– “Hope Leads Me,” “Invisible,” and most recently (Jan 14), “How to Run.” I will be releasing more songs this year (I have six songs on deck that have already been recorded) and am enjoying getting to create my own brand as an artist…even including making my own album art for my latest single!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Personally, I have had many struggles, but each one of them has made me stronger. Some examples are: My parents got divorced when I was only three years old, and then, due to complicated circumstances, my dad was not in my life at all until the very end of his life. Him and I had the beautiful opportunity to reconcile just a month or so before he passed away, and my husband and I even got to lead him to the Lord. On and off, I’ve also struggled with depression and anxiety, but I have found so much victory in this area through the Hope that is in me. In the past year, I have also had some vocal struggles (nothing serious, just more of a frustration).
I am so thankful for each of these struggles–they have given me a way to relate to others and have empathy towards people who are having a hard time. Also, one of my college professors said once that every time you fall down, you learn a great way to get back up. I face the future without fear because I know I’ve already endured so much in a short time, and I know that God will give me the strength to conquer whatever is ahead of me. I’ve walked through the darkness before, so I’m not scared of it!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a music artist/songwriter. I write songs, record them, and perform them. I’m known for my pure vocals (that still have an edge), my alternate guitar tunings, and my weird chords. I’m also known for my honesty in my songwriting. My music has a bit of a throw-back vibe to it while still being fresh. My influences of the 60s, 70s, and even 90s rock shine through!
I’m proud of how I’ve used each of the genres I have experience in as a lead singer and a sidewoman for good in my own music.
Pop music has taught me to make the song catchy and to focus on an interesting melody.
Country music has taught me to tell a story and to not settle for less with lyrics.
Rock music has taught me to keep things interesting with the chords and time signatures. The more unique the better!
I am also known for being a music artist who sings inside and outside of church. On Sundays, you’ll find me leading worship at different churches, but throughout the week, you’ll find me around Nashville playing in various music venues. There is an element of hope, overcoming, and honesty in my songs.
What’s next?
My plans for the future are to do exactly what I’m doing now but on a bigger scale.
I want to continue to experience organic growth as I have in the past year. I feel like I’m at a place of finding the people who genuinely love my music, and one by one, they are joining me in the journey! I’d also love to play some larger music festivals. My husband and I are very blessed to have some of our best friends who can play in full band settings with us–and so I’d love to do more full band shows, but I’ve been focusing on mostly solo acoustic for my music right now.
In the past, I’ve gone on tour in England and China with other bands (Royal South and Galen Crew), and they were kind enough to feature me as an artist at times. In the future, I’d love to do my own tour in places like this.
I’m also planning on releasing more music–I have six more songs that have already been recorded that I’m releasing periodically. Once those are released, that will give me an excuse to get back in the studio and record more music, too!
Contact Info:
- Email: christenballmusic@gmail.com
- Website: https://linktr.ee/christenballmusic
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christenballmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christenballmusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/christen_ball?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAnpJpsvRr84JEuC4hJti-w
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@christenballmusic?lang=en
Image Credits
Imagebycoco
