Benjamin Burke is a folk-country singer and songwriter. Reminiscent of modern greats like Jason Isbell, as well as artists from days gone by like James Taylor and Jackson Browne, Burke invokes the timeless appeal of a songwriter and his guitar. His songs are clever, earnest, and edgy, often drawing on imagery from his childhood in the Rocky Mountains. Burke’s award-winning single “How To Write A Song”, is a clever and heartfelt take on the classic breakup song, and will be the title track of his forthcoming album, to be released May 9, 2025. The album will also feature Burke’s song “The Day I Die,” winner of the Country category in the international 2024 Songdoor songwriting competition.
Benjamin and seven other finalists will perform, network, and compete at the 11th annual LEAF Performance & Songwriter Competition, presented by NewSong Music, at LEAF Global Arts Retreat on Saturday, May 10.
NewSong Music: How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard it before?
Benjamin Burke: My music is acoustic-driven folk-country, with some rock influences. From a very young age I’ve been fascinated with clever lyrics, and I still can’t resist a clever lyrical hook. So if you haven’t heard my music before, you can expect acoustic guitar and some sort of lyrical twist in most songs. A lot of people have described my voice as “sweet,” reminiscent of the alternative-rock tenor singer-songwriters who really influenced me in my earlier years, like Matt Nathanson. My writing is closer to classic introspective singer-songwriters like Jackson Browne and Don Henley. For me it’s never been about the artist or the genre as much as it is about the writing—never the singer, always the song. Nonetheless I seem to have settled into a folk-country sound over time as my influences have converged.
What is the first album you bought, and why?
I bought both of Rascal Flatts’ first two albums at the same time. I was probably 9 or 10 years old. Rascal Flatts was such a huge player on country music radio at the time. I loved the way Gary LeVox’s voice sounded, and to this day I still think he’s one of the best singers out there. I remember singing “These Days” over and over again in my room thinking I sounded great (I’m quite sure my older sister would have disagreed).
What is one influence on your music that might surprise us?
Mid-2000s rock music played a huge role in my musical development—everyone from The Goo Goo Dolls to the All American Rejects. Their songwriting was so clever and self-aware. I was never really able to pull off those high notes, though.
What projects are you currently working on?
I just released “Me Before You,” which is the final single off of my debut album, coming May 9. Promotion of the album has been my primary focus recently. I’m always writing, and I’ve already got an eye on a few more songs I want to release in the next year or so—but one thing at a time! I also produced the last four singles that Heather Edgley released (you can check out “Broken Promises” here), and am working with her on producing a few more singles and an album.
