Americana singer-songwriter Joshua Dylan Balis has released his debut LP, We’re On Fire, this past Friday the 13th.
The Nashville guitar picker took over our IG this past April for an album showcase and signing at The Groove, and will be playing in Dallas and Los Angeles among other Music City shows coming up.
We’re On Fire includes 11 songs, all written by Balis, and reflect back on his youth and those that have come and gone. Taking us back to the moments that shaped him, the Nashville artist shared some of the musical ‘firsts’ that made an impact on him.
First song ever written/released: The first full song I ever wrote was, “The Long Walk Home.” It was originally written in Arlington, Virginia, and eventually recorded in Dallas, Texas, for my first EP called Modern Gospel (not Gospel music). My uncle Jim Hopkins liked my EP, and supported this current album, We’re on Fire. His one request was that I re-record the song, “The Long Walk Home” and include it on the album, so it officially made the cut.
First job before music: Bartender, Handyman, Commercial Actor.
First musical memory: My father who plays bass bought me a guitar when I was in the 3rd grade. By 5th grade I was obsessed with music and knew it was going to dominate my life.
First albums/music ever bought: I asked for a Walkman and three CD’s on my fifth birthday. Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time,” Ricky Martin’s “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” and Pokémon The Movie, The Power of One soundtrack.
First notable performance memory: Playing Whiskey Jam and booking The Basement here in Nashville were great moments. They were venues I dreamed of playing when I first moved to town and knew no one.
First musical influence: In no order of importance; Leonard Cohen, John Prine, Bob Dylan, Thom York, Sigur Rós, Bon Iver, The War on Drugs, Sharon Van Etten, Big Thief.
