Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellis Bullard.
Hi Ellis, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hard to say when I got bit by the bug. My parents, Pam and Bill Bullard, both are musicians and at some point were professionals. My mother was a working studio and touring vocalist in the Alabama Muscle Shoals scene. My Dad probably had more fun playing in college bands with his buddies, than other gigs. He then joined a Country Dance hall super group, The Western Express.
There was always music on at our house. My Dad would sit around and pick some Alan Jackson, John Prine, etc, my brothers and I would sit for hours and sing along or pretend like we were playing. We were like a little, “Honky Tonk Von Trap Family”, haha. Eventually, my older brothers and I would go on the learn how to play and sing and it was always something for us to do.
I grew up playing and singing with my family and eventually became a closeted songwriter, in high school and never had the “stones” to sing my original material. Around my Sophomore or Junior yr of college, I broke out of my shell and got on a stage and played some of my songs between a buddy’s set. I was instantly hooked and wanted to try and start playing as many shows as I could.
By the time my Sr. or Super Senior Year of college (hehe) rolled around I was busting my ass and breaking into the Texas Music Scene. Before I left college I was fortunate to have started a band, recorded music, and was opening for large touring acts like Whiskey Myers, Cody Johnson, Mike and the Moonpies. I knew I was gonna be a lifer so I just had to figure out how to make it happen.
That was all back in 2014, eight years later, I have found my identity as a writer, artist, and musician. We have a new record out that we put out with a ZERO MARKETING BUDGET. We relied on organic growth and word of mouth, we just so happen to be fortunate enough to have garnered the friendship of some of the other hardest working folks in the Entertainment industry, Joe Rogan, Tony Hinchcliffe, and Nick Franceschini. We’ve broken into the Austin Music scene which seemed impossible for a while. It’s a lot of “No’s” until you get told “Yes”. We have a tour that is selling out shows (7/14/22 sold out) out of state and looking forward to releasing more music in the fall.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
IT IS NEVER A SMOOTH RIDE. If you have an easy way in, it was bought. There are a ton of “bands” that fake it. They are a part of the machine, and the real road dogs and musicians that have put in the windshield hours, and eaten the shit sandwich can sniff them out like a hound smells a sour pig.
There have been times when I’m hundreds of miles from home and not even enough money for a cheeseburger, there have also been times when I’m eating Waygu filets. Cody Cannon, frontman of “Whiskey Myers” told me backstage after I opened for them and John David Kent on their “Mud Tour”. “It’s all about who can hold their face to the grinding stone”. Like, he told me as long as you’re willing to endure and keep moving forward that’s the only way.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a touring Country Artist. I specialize in Country Music. I write songs that don’t involve “trucks, summertime, bluejeans, etc”. I’m known for my honest contributions to Country Music.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
A ton of folks to list Omar & Mike Dawoud, Vinnie Bean, Pam & Bill Bullard, Joe Rogan, Tony Hinchcliffe, Nick Franceschini, Mike Krug, Mitchell Ballard, Mark & Denise Byerly, Patrick Herzfeld, Wyatt Lankford, Adam Duran, Cole Beddingfield, Sam Norris, Hayden & Hailee Westbury. All of these folks in some shape or form is responsible for keeping me honest, above water and on track.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ellisbullard.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellisbullardmusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EllisBullardMusic
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/ellisbullardTX
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC82XRuErG9MKxN1nv4l97nA
Image Credits
Westberry Film co.- Hayden Westberry Westberry Desgin Co- Hailee Westberry
