Ben Vallee Shares Debut Album, Introducing…
Canadian country singer-songwriter Ben Vallee began writing music at 14. He discovered bluegrass and, by 16, had his first pedal steel guitar. Rooted in Western/Americana storytelling, Vallee blends grassroots genres with poetic lyricism and a honky-tonk spirit, creating a unique sound that captures his authentic voice and baritone drawl.
Ben has unveiled his debut album, Introducing… With his earnest and honest songwriting, Ben Vallee captures life and its heartaches beneath the blanket of traditional country and western music. The album features Tyler Addey-Jibb (drums), Colin Savoie-Levac (bass), Mike O’Brien (electric guitar), Quinn Bachand (fiddle), Kieran Poile (fiddle), Frank Evans (harmony vocals), Dara Weiss (harmony vocals), Simon Nakonechny (accordion), Peter Mika (piano), and Ben himself on lead vocals, acoustic/electric guitar, and pedal steel guitar. Introducing… is produced by Montreal’s country music authority Andy McClelland (Li’l Andy) and recorded live-off-the-floor to tape at The Treatment Room.
First off care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hey readers, I’m Ben Vallee. I’m a singer-songwriter who plays steel guitar in Montreal, Quebec. When I’m not trying to make a go at music I’m a pâtissier here in town.
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
This record was recorded a few years ago now. I wrote these songs when I was 20 years old and recorded them when I was 21/22. I worked with my good friend Li’l Andy on this one, he produced it. It was a lot of fun to bounce ideas off each other and in my case relinquish control to somebody I trust with my songs.
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
Songwriting has always been a headache for me if I’m being honest. I can be my biggest cheerleader as well as my harshest critic, it’s always been that way. Like many other songwriters, my songs tend to be piecemealed together with ideas that kinda strike whenever they like. The feeling of wrestling a song to the ground and getting it to tape comes with great joy.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this new release? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or additional content that fans can look forward to in connection with this project?
I’m stoked to be touring Canada this summer; this record deserves it for how long it’s waited. Newfoundland to British Columbia (minus the prairies, I’m sorry I couldn’t hack that this go around). We’re also filming the release show in June with some behind-the-scenes stuff, we’re hoping to put together some kind of concert movie/music video situation with that.
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
I’m kinda hoping this is that thing, to be honest. This record means a lot to me and I don’t feel like I’m skipping any steps here with the release, merch, tour, and so on. Otherwise maybe playing the Kee to Bala with Steel Saddle opening for The Sheepdogs last year. Steel Saddle is a lot more than a cool band I play in, these are my best friends whom I see daily.
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward, what upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?
There’s this incredible bluegrass/folk scene in Montreal that’s got great bands worth listening to. Bands like Keen or the Hot Biscuit Stringband are wicked and happen to be really kind folks too. On the other side of songwritery music, there’s Finefoodmarket who’s got a sick record on the way 🙂