http://bencoulteronline.com/dailyblog.cfm Tue, 24 Apr 2012 07:44:00 GMT http://bandzoogle.com http://bencoulteronline.com/dailyblog.cfm?feature=861750&postid=2012305 This is a new biography on me that was written by Brandler Johnson of the Examiner. Hope you'll give it a read.  He really did a great job!As country music evolves, many new artists often find themselves pigeon-holed as new country, alternative country, or country rock. Ben Coulter does not have that problem. Ben Coulter IS country.Whether it's a tender ballad sung directly from the heart to the woman of his affections, or a sleeves-rolled-up, prideful ode to his Southern roots, the warmth and richness in Ben Coulter's soulful serenades have earned him the moniker "The Voice of the South" and comparisons to a young George Strait.Since 2004 Coulter has been living the life of an old-school troubadour, often performing over 150 shows a year. He has also released ten albums.Originally hailing from the tiny whistle stop of Montrose, Arkansas, Coulter has taken his "Country Music...Delta Style" show from Chicago, IL to the legendary stage of the Louisiana Hayride, and points all across the South and Midwest.The road to success is not always measured by how quickly you can get from point A to point B. For Ben Coulter the journey has been the reward, helping create his signature sound that blends delta blues with traditional country.Coulter's initial foray into the musician's lifestyle got fast-tracked as he spent three years performing six shows a week in Branson, Missouri. Following his Branson experience Coulter trekked to Nashville, where he paid his dues in the popular singer/songwriter circuit before returning to Arkansas to continue honing his craft in the familiar surroundings of his upbringing.Coulter's inspiration for his songs is often born out of introspect and self-reflection. In his song "You don't have to remind me" Coulter sees the face of his Dad, a boy's hero who passed too early, every time he looks in the mirror. "To me, it's a song saying that I'll never forget," said Coulter. As long as I'm alive I'll always remember him. I guess with the song I wanted to tell my Dad that too."In his song "Highway 61 Blues" Coulter depicts a journey down the dark, desolate Mississippi highway that is renowned for leading to blues luminary Robert Johnson's legendary "Crossroads."Coulter's influences are well-traveled legends in their own right. His country heroes include Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, and Waylon Jennings, while Son House, Muddy Waters, and Anders Osborne round out his most-admired roster.Even though performing music was not always a career ambition for Coulter, music has always been a passion. Coulter grew up listening to traditional country and loved to dial in his favorite radio station 104.1 out of Monroe, Louisiana, especially to tune in to "Country Gold Saturday Night."Growing up, like a lot of American kids, Coulter was into playing baseball. He was also a HUGE Elvis Presley fan. As he got older he found himself tapping into the current rock scene, with bands like Kiss, Poison, and Guns and Roses among his personal favorites.  He never picked up a guitar until he was 19 years old, but once he did his life changed dramatically. Coulter found his calling performing and writing songs and began delving back into blues and country, the two music genres that best defined his Southern roots.Coulter's songwriting continues to blossom as he writes from the heart, inspired by his faith, his friends and family, and his chosen career path as a road-seasoned musician.His autobiographical song "Songwriter" is a crowd favorite and encapsulates his existence. "I wrote it when I was living and playing in Branson," said Coulter. I think that song came out of leaving gigs night after night and wondering why I'm doing this."As Coulter continues on, the driving force that powers his journey becomes more evident to both himself and his fans. Not only is he able to connect with his audience at each performance, but also his music continues to gain recognition and touch those it encounters. His song "Feel like goin' home" has been featured in the independent film "Wild Sunflowers."Whether the path he has chosen leads to his dream of playing the Opry, another full-band show at a county fair, or a solo performance at a local watering hole, three things remain constant: Ben Coulter can sing...and Ben Coulter IS country...and blues. This is a new biography on me that was written by Brandler Johnson of the Examiner. Hope you'll give it a read.  He really did a great job!

As country music evolves, many new artists often find themselves pigeon-holed as new country, alternative country, or country rock. Ben Coulter does not have that problem. Ben Coulter IS country.

Whether it?s a tender ballad sung directly from the heart to the woman of his affections, or a sleeves-rolled-up, prideful ode to his Southern roots, the warmth and richness in Ben Coulter?s soulful serenades have earned him the moniker ?The Voice of the South? and comparisons to a young George Strait.

Since 2004 Coulter has been living the life of an old-school troubadour, often performing over 150 shows a year. He has also released ten albums.

Originally hailing from the tiny whistle stop of Montrose, Arkansas, Coulter has taken his ?Country Music?Delta Style? show from Chicago, IL to the legendary stage of the Louisiana Hayride, and points all across the South and Midwest.

The road to success is not always measured by how quickly you can get from point A to point B. For Ben Coulter the journey has been the reward, helping create his signature sound that blends delta blues with traditional country.

Coulter?s initial foray into the musician?s lifestyle got fast-tracked as he spent three years performing six shows a week in Branson, Missouri. Following his Branson experience Coulter trekked to Nashville, where he paid his dues in the popular singer/songwriter circuit before returning to Arkansas to continue honing his craft in the familiar surroundings of his upbringing.

Coulter?s inspiration for his songs is often born out of introspect and self-reflection. In his song ?You don?t have to remind me? Coulter sees the face of his Dad, a boy?s hero who passed too early, every time he looks in the mirror. ?To me, it?s a song saying that I?ll never forget,? said Coulter. As long as I?m alive I?ll always remember him. I guess with the song I wanted to tell my Dad that too.?

In his song ?Highway 61 Blues? Coulter depicts a journey down the dark, desolate Mississippi highway that is renowned for leading to blues luminary Robert Johnson?s legendary ?Crossroads.?

Coulter?s influences are well-traveled legends in their own right. His country heroes include Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, and Waylon Jennings, while Son House, Muddy Waters, and Anders Osborne round out his most-admired roster.

Even though performing music was not always a career ambition for Coulter, music has always been a passion. Coulter grew up listening to traditional country and loved to dial in his favorite radio station 104.1 out of Monroe, Louisiana, especially to tune in to ?Country Gold Saturday Night.?

Growing up, like a lot of American kids, Coulter was into playing baseball. He was also a HUGE Elvis Presley fan. As he got older he found himself tapping into the current rock scene, with bands like Kiss, Poison, and Guns and Roses among his personal favorites.  He never picked up a guitar until he was 19 years old, but once he did his life changed dramatically. Coulter found his calling performing and writing songs and began delving back into blues and country, the two music genres that best defined his Southern roots.

Coulter?s songwriting continues to blossom as he writes from the heart, inspired by his faith, his friends and family, and his chosen career path as a road-seasoned musician.

His autobiographical song ?Songwriter? is a crowd favorite and encapsulates his existence. ?I wrote it when I was living and playing in Branson,? said Coulter. I think that song came out of leaving gigs night after night and wondering why I?m doing this.?

As Coulter continues on, the driving force that powers his journey becomes more evident to both himself and his fans. Not only is he able to connect with his audience at each performance, but also his music continues to gain recognition and touch those it encounters. His song ?Feel like goin? home? has been featured in the independent film ?Wild Sunflowers.?
Whether the path he has chosen leads to his dream of playing the Opry, another full-band show at a county fair, or a solo performance at a local watering hole, three things remain constant: Ben Coulter can sing?and Ben Coulter IS country?and blues.

]]> Tue, 24 Apr 2012 07:44:00 GMT 9B9AF6324C7729B553EFFB7A49CDA6B7 http://bencoulteronline.com/dailyblog.cfm?feature=861750&postid=1947706 Kim Williams, of Arkansas Tourism, just published a blog about the CD release events this weekend that are happening in Arkansas. I really appreciate them doing this. I hope you'll check it out! Here is the link!www.visitmyarkansas.com/kim-williams/default.aspx?id=1747. You may have to copy and paste the link. www.visitmyarkansas.com/kim-williams/default.aspx?id=1747. You may have to copy and paste the link.

]]> Thu, 05 Apr 2012 02:30:00 GMT 5406EF6E7889B4B16B0E6D4D0909F422 http://bencoulteronline.com/dailyblog.cfm?feature=861750&postid=1932053 Artist: Ben CoulterTitle: Cuzz Vol. V: Where Have All the Old Cowboys GoneReview by Andrew Greenhalgh of Review You It's no secret that country music as we know it has undergone a dramatic shift in the past twenty years or so. Gone are the salt of the earth flavors of Waylon and Willie, now giving way to the pop country of artists like Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, and Lady Antebellum. Sure, these new artists try to keep their country cred alive, interspersing their love tales with tracks that declare their love for tractors and gigging frogs but, ultimately, something is lost in the translation. Yet some artists aren't quite content with the new brand of country music that's come to roost in the proverbial henhouse. Artists as diverse as Alan Jackson, Shooter Jennings, and George Strait have all expressed their displeasure with the new sounds of Music Row and continue to craft music that expresses the sounds of the heart and the heartland, maintaining a respect and love of tradition. Adding his hat to the circle of supporters is Ben Coulter and his latest recording, Cuzz Vol. V: Where Have All the Old Cowboys Gone.Coulter has spent plenty of time making music to make those old cowboys nod their heads in approval, notching nine albums to date under his belt and adding to a steadily increasing fan base. And through it all, his appreciation for roots country music has been heard and is the foundation that the stripped down Cuzz V builds its house on.The album is the simplest form of music, just a man with a story to tell and his guitar. And Coulter's deft playing and warm baritone, reminiscent of George Strait on his finest days, lay forth a fine palette of southern charm, with self-penned lyrics that tell of family, faith, and love. It's real music for real people.Coulter kicks the album off with the title track, musing about the loss of the old images and the overall heartbeat of the country/cowboy lifestyle. It's simple, straightforward nature leads nicely into "First Big Record I Make I'm Going Home," penned by Noel Wilson, whom Coulter gives a tribute later on in the record with the heartfelt lyrics of "I'll Raise My Guitar High.""Back Home to You" is a pleasantly low-key affair alongside "I Want to Go Out West," with their tales of love and longing while "Deer Huntin' Blues" provides a bit of comic relief as well as a more upbeat vibe. Alternately, the weariness of "All My Dues are Paid" slows things down again with honest lyricism as the tenderness of "My Sweet Lovin' Woman" rings true."I'll Miss You, My Dear Friend" is another slow jam of gentle hope and sorrow yet quickly gives way to the upbeat tempo of "Goin' Down to Montrose." A prayer of faith and need come with the plaintive cry of "Dear Lord," capturing both honesty and artistry in one before opening up to the true country sounds of "I'm Tired of Playing Second Fiddle." It's classic country in all aspects and is a perfect fit here.Coulter also taps into the patriotic vein here with "Hard Workin', God Fearin' Folks of the USA" and it's hat tip to the blue collar folks of the U.S. It's one of the country credibility tracks that actually works given the rest of the artist's material; Coulter writes from what he knows and the hard working folks will certainly identify. And lastly, in keeping with roots, Coulter brings to bear an upbeat rendition of that John Newton hymn classic, "Amazing Grace." It's a rousing, faith-filled ending that is totally appropriate here.Ben Coulter's Cuzz Vol. V: Where Have All the Old Cowboys Gone plays out on two levels. On one, it could simply serve as a quality, stripped down demo session of tracks that will soon be fleshed out a bit more with more instrumentation and bombast. And while that's perfectly fine if that's the case (and no doubt some of these tracks would be that much better given such a treatment), there's something to be said for the stark simplicity of this recording. A man, his guitar, and his convictions; sometimes that's just the right formula.Order the new album now at www.bencoulteronline.com
Title: Cuzz Vol. V: Where Have All the Old Cowboys Gone

Review by Andrew Greenhalgh of Review You

It?s no secret that country music as we know it has undergone a dramatic shift in the past twenty years or so. Gone are the salt of the earth flavors of Waylon and Willie, now giving way to the pop country of artists like Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, and Lady Antebellum. Sure, these new artists try to keep their country cred alive, interspersing their love tales with tracks that declare their love for tractors and gigging frogs but, ultimately, something is lost in the translation.

Yet some artists aren?t quite content with the new brand of country music that?s come to roost in the proverbial henhouse. Artists as diverse as Alan Jackson, Shooter Jennings, and George Strait have all expressed their displeasure with the new sounds of Music Row and continue to craft music that expresses the sounds of the heart and the heartland, maintaining a respect and love of tradition. Adding his hat to the circle of supporters is Ben Coulter and his latest recording, Cuzz Vol. V: Where Have All the Old Cowboys Gone.

Coulter has spent plenty of time making music to make those old cowboys nod their heads in approval, notching nine albums to date under his belt and adding to a steadily increasing fan base. And through it all, his appreciation for roots country music has been heard and is the foundation that the stripped down Cuzz V builds its house on.

The album is the simplest form of music, just a man with a story to tell and his guitar. And Coulter?s deft playing and warm baritone, reminiscent of George Strait on his finest days, lay forth a fine palette of southern charm, with self-penned lyrics that tell of family, faith, and love. It?s real music for real people.

Coulter kicks the album off with the title track, musing about the loss of the old images and the overall heartbeat of the country/cowboy lifestyle. It?s simple, straightforward nature leads nicely into ?First Big Record I Make I?m Going Home,? penned by Noel Wilson, whom Coulter gives a tribute later on in the record with the heartfelt lyrics of ?I?ll Raise My Guitar High.?

?Back Home to You? is a pleasantly low-key affair alongside ?I Want to Go Out West,? with their tales of love and longing while ?Deer Huntin? Blues? provides a bit of comic relief as well as a more upbeat vibe. Alternately, the weariness of ?All My Dues are Paid? slows things down again with honest lyricism as the tenderness of ?My Sweet Lovin? Woman? rings true.

?I?ll Miss You, My Dear Friend? is another slow jam of gentle hope and sorrow yet quickly gives way to the upbeat tempo of ?Goin? Down to Montrose.? A prayer of faith and need come with the plaintive cry of ?Dear Lord,? capturing both honesty and artistry in one before opening up to the true country sounds of ?I?m Tired of Playing Second Fiddle.? It?s classic country in all aspects and is a perfect fit here.

Coulter also taps into the patriotic vein here with ?Hard Workin?, God Fearin? Folks of the USA? and it?s hat tip to the blue collar folks of the U.S. It?s one of the country credibility tracks that actually works given the rest of the artist?s material; Coulter writes from what he knows and the hard working folks will certainly identify. And lastly, in keeping with roots, Coulter brings to bear an upbeat rendition of that John Newton hymn classic, ?Amazing Grace.? It?s a rousing, faith-filled ending that is totally appropriate here.

Ben Coulter?s Cuzz Vol. V: Where Have All the Old Cowboys Gone plays out on two levels. On one, it could simply serve as a quality, stripped down demo session of tracks that will soon be fleshed out a bit more with more instrumentation and bombast. And while that?s perfectly fine if that?s the case (and no doubt some of these tracks would be that much better given such a treatment), there?s something to be said for the stark simplicity of this recording. A man, his guitar, and his convictions; sometimes that?s just the right formula.

Order the new album now at www.bencoulteronline.com

]]> Sat, 31 Mar 2012 02:40:00 GMT 035E4025C20621C43F6908F9F2BF1414 http://bencoulteronline.com/dailyblog.cfm?feature=861750&postid=1846376 Here is a picture of the cover for my new album.
Here is a picture of the cover for my new album.

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]]> Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:55:00 GMT 2C902DFA17F8E2E71255B55BFA2236F3 http://bencoulteronline.com/dailyblog.cfm?feature=861750&postid=1758415 On my nightstand sits a stone given to me by the Hardins, that says "Attitude is everything". It Is such a simple but true statement. If you go into something with the right attitude you will always be successful. Tonight as I played, it's not that I had a bad attitude, it's that I wasn't all in. Nobody was tipping, and I was thinking it was gonna be a long slow night. Halfway through the first set I decided it was time to change my attitude. As my attitude changed, I became more engulfed in my music. With this came more tips, and lots of cd sales. It was just a decision I made that its time to stop being mediocre, and making mediocre money. It was an attitude change that is gonna carry me to the Opry. "Attitude is Everything". I must always remember this! ]]> Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:11:00 GMT 87C305AD70F7F7751E5A854B065F429F http://bencoulteronline.com/dailyblog.cfm?feature=861750&postid=1758414 On my nightstand sits a stone given to me by the Hardins, that says "Attitude is everything". It Is such a simple but true statement. If you go into something with the right attitude you will always be successful. Tonight as I played, it's not that I had a bad attitude, it's that I wasn't all in. Nobody was tipping, and I was thinking it was gonna be a long slow night. Halfway through the first set I decided it was time to change my attitude. As my attitude changed, I became more engulfed in my music. With this came more tips, and lots of cd sales. It was just a decision I made that its time to stop being mediocre, and making mediocre money. It was an attitude change that is gonna carry me to the Opry. "Attitude is Everything". I must always remember this! ]]> Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:11:00 GMT 1260A719169665B7E6C17B59E1BBFB17 http://bencoulteronline.com/dailyblog.cfm?feature=861750&postid=1737379 Revel@Conway, an entertainment magazine out of Conway, AR, ran an article about me, my music, and my quest for the Opry. Here is a pic of the article!
Revel@Conway, an entertainment magazine out of Conway, AR, ran an article about me, my music, and my quest for the Opry. Here is a pic of the article!

]]> Tue, 24 Jan 2012 09:07:00 GMT 633E18B20D5016C43E7236792445DFBF http://bencoulteronline.com/dailyblog.cfm?feature=861750&postid=1678598 Here is a pic of our Album Review in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Here is a pic of our Album Review in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

]]> Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:25:00 GMT 892BB729C662805C355E9EC47CF0B562 http://bencoulteronline.com/dailyblog.cfm?feature=861750&postid=1599859 Here is a video of a song I wrote for one of my greatest musical influences and friends. Click on the link. http://t.co/ogAJhxwt ]]> Fri, 09 Dec 2011 03:24:00 GMT 0D2E6DA3066D69CEDF4C5CA92956CC80 http://bencoulteronline.com/dailyblog.cfm?feature=861750&postid=1553912 Here's a pic with Amy Parnell. She is a Comedian in Little Rock and the host of "The Pow Wow", a show on KABF 88.3. She had me on the show tonight, and I had a great time! Thanks a lot for having me on Amy!
Here's a pic with Amy Parnell. She is a Comedian in Little Rock and the host of "The Pow Wow", a show on KABF 88.3. She had me on the show tonight, and I had a great time! Thanks a lot for having me on Amy!

]]> Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:00:00 GMT 6C113145748A364B0993BEB841848193 http://bencoulteronline.com/dailyblog.cfm?feature=861750&postid=1476556 This is my first blog post since the Oct. 1st deadline for the "Road to the Opry".  I must admit that I was very burned out from blogging everyday, and I had to step away from it for awhile.  I have returned, though I'm not promising to blog everyday.  I am, though, going to be on here regularly.  I have changed the title of the Blog from "Road to the Opry- my quest to play the Grand Ole Opry in one year", to "The Road to the Opry- my quest to make it in Country Music".  It's more broad in scope, but it ends with the same goal, which is playing the Opry.  I hope you will stick around, and go with me on this journey.  For those who read this regularly, I'm sorry I walked away from this for awhile, and left you kind of hanging.  But thank you for your support, and thank you for believing in me.  Welcome again to the next chapter of the "Road to the Opry".  I hope you enjoy it!God Bless,Ben
God Bless,
Ben

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]]> Tue, 11 Oct 2011 22:09:00 GMT 5DD43CB8CFE2B577750C61318052EF4A http://bencoulteronline.com/dailyblog.cfm?feature=861750&postid=1354241 Well we made it to Oct 1st. We didn't make it to the Opry yet, but we will. There were a lot of great things that happened over the last year. The Nashville show and The article in the Democrat are the top 2 moments in my opinion. I fully believe that the best is yet to come though! What I am most proud of with this Road to the Opry is the fact that I've blogged everyday. It's something I'm very proud of! I won't be blogging everyday now, but the fact that I hung in there a year is a victory in itself. Thank y'all for following this journey, but don't go away just yet. The best is yet to come! ]]> Sun, 02 Oct 2011 10:28:00 GMT 1E8C73C2F401BFAF0F7CC80FC40A5595 http://bencoulteronline.com/dailyblog.cfm?feature=861750&postid=1352029 One year ago I set the goal to play the Opry by Oct. 1st. It doesn't look like I'm going to reach that goal. It is discouraging, but I'm not giving up on reaching the Opry. I believe I'll get there. It's just taking a little bit longer than I'd hoped. Tonight didn't do much to lift my spirits. I was scheduled to play at El Chico tonight with Kirby. When I got there another group was setting up to play. El Chico had double booked. The other folks were on the El Chico book, so I was out of luck. The guy who books for them is out on vacation, and I know he just made an honest mistake. It is really frustrating, and as a full time musician too many of those will break you. Tonight didn't do much to lift my spirits. I was scheduled to play at El Chico tonight with Kirby. When I got there another group was setting up to play. El Chico had double booked. The other folks were on the El Chico book, so I was out of luck. The guy who books for them is out on vacation, and I know he just made an honest mistake. It is really frustrating, and as a full time musician too many of those will break you.

]]> Sat, 01 Oct 2011 08:42:00 GMT 80FA858F20C1122267E1F6FE8EB2E204 http://bencoulteronline.com/dailyblog.cfm?feature=861750&postid=1349811 <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MlEWYxOFjY4/ToX1frafcUI/AAAAAAAAAJg/nJzqyH5xH8U/s1600/Pictures5a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8-spQlvyujM/ToX1kQUz3CI/AAAAAAAAAJk/k51lTBW5ArU/s1600/Recently+Updated1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">I wanted to let ya'll see the cover and back draft design of our new "Live" album. &nbsp;Let me know what you think! &nbsp;The brown is the front cover and the black is the back.

I wanted to let ya'll see the cover and back draft design of our new "Live" album.  Let me know what you think!  The brown is the front cover and the black is the back.

]]> Fri, 30 Sep 2011 22:00:00 GMT 095A3779B131A24DAA74B319BECF6FC8 http://bencoulteronline.com/dailyblog.cfm?feature=861750&postid=1348135 Gettin ready for a return to El Chico tomorrow night. Kirby will be comin out to play with me. I'm not sure if Zach is gonna be able to make it out or not. We are beginning to gear up for the big show in Nashville. I'm going to try to finalize the show and set list soon. That should give us a chance to really get it down. We should be a lot more prepared this time! I'm looking forward to it! We are beginning to gear up for the big show in Nashville. I'm going to try to finalize the show and set list soon. That should give us a chance to really get it down. We should be a lot more prepared this time! I'm looking forward to it!

]]> Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:04:00 GMT 9D9E09FD555363CE62E1580065DA7D13 http://bencoulteronline.com/dailyblog.cfm?feature=861750&postid=1343813 I worked a lot on the cover and design of the new Live album today. I'm thinking I've got a pretty good idea of what I'm going to do with it. I was going to work on some vocals for the Christmas album today, but I've been struggling with some sinus stuff. I love this weather, but it's tough on The allergies and sinuses. Hopefully I can get back on it tomorrow. I was going to work on some vocals for the Christmas album today, but I've been struggling with some sinus stuff. I love this weather, but it's tough on The allergies and sinuses. Hopefully I can get back on it tomorrow.

]]> Thu, 29 Sep 2011 06:57:00 GMT FE6A92A350191F81D1457C1404BD2343