People.
Shirts are in merch bins, guitars and keyboards are in cases, and my heart is beating just a little bit faster than normal. Why? Because The Ben RecTOUR 2013 STARTS TONIGHT. We'll be all over the States (and in Toronto, you lucky Canades! Not sure if that's a real term) for the next 6 weeks. I wanted to make sure I didn't just tell you I was on tour and expect you to show up, so I made this video to formally invite you.

The ticket links are to the right, so if you feel like a good time, find a city near you and snag some. See you real soon!

-Ben

Hey guys it's me, Ben. Are you cold? Are you weary from winter? Well I've got news for you and I'm excited. Why? Because we're making it through winter and spring is closer every day? Yes. Because I survived the flu? Yes. Because the Bachelor, Top Chef, AND both Gold Rush shows are back on? No (yes), yes, yes, yes. Mostly, I am excited because it's time for me to officially announce my 2013 SPRING HEADLINE TOUR! Starting March 20th, I'll be making my way around the states singing songs. We'll play some old favorites and for the first time break out a few new ones from the record as well. Dates are to the right!

There have been some people asking when my new record will be released. While I can't give you an exact date (building anticipation), I can tell you this...

1. You'll definitely have a record full of new jams to cruise with this summer.

2. You'll definitely have a single from the record to jam to this spring.

It has taken me a little longer than I wanted, but I feel like it's going to be something really special, and I want it to be just right for your ears. At the bottom of this note are a couple pictures of me (taken by the talented Clark Brewer) so you know I'm hard at work and not just playing Pogs.

Thanks for taking the time to read this, and if you decide to come to a concert, thanks for that too. Grab your tickets early and I can't wait to play for you guys soon.

Ben

Click here for more photos from the studio!

Happy New Year's?

Alright. I don't like New Year's all that much but I've been told a New Year's blog is in order. I don't want be too curmudgeonly. I like it in principle, but in practice it always looks a lot less like awesome and a lot more like some type of party where a group of people who are outwardly enjoying themselves are, on the inside, wondering what you are really supposed to do on New Year's other than eat too many hors d'oeuvres and wait to count backwards from 10 and go home. I think the root of the problem here is that New Year's Eve isn't an actual holiday. I didn't even know if I was supposed to capitalize it for heaven's sake. Does it have an apostrophe? It doesn't seem plural, but how can a year possess anything? Anyways, I don't want to rain on any parades (like New Year's even could have a real parade), and no matter what I say, I will probably do something mildly enjoyable on New Year's Eve. I do like the part about reflecting on the last year and looking forward to the next one, and the part about hanging out with people, and I guess that means New Year's isn't all that bad.

So, I really do wish you a happy New Year, and as happy a New Year's Eve as you can have. Be safe, have a great time, and get ready for new music and a headline tour in 2013. Thanks again for listening.

Ben

Hello folks. I hope it feels a little more like winter and Christmas where you are than here in Nashville (my coat has spent more time hanging on the wall than hanging on me lately).

I'm writing because for the past few years you've given me something. I figured the least I could do would be to give something back to you. SO I BOUGHT JET SKIS FOR EVERYONE!!! Not really, that's ridiculous(ly awesome). Since I can't physically give everyone something (plus I'm a terrible gift giver) I figured I could at least give you some music. Starting now, you can download my Christmas EP for free! Should you feel inclined to include a tip, it'll all go straight to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, because nobody should be hungry around Christmas.

I hope the EP makes its way into your Christmas playlist, and that good times are had while it's playing in the background. Merry Christmas everyone.

Ben

I'm Thankful.

It's Thanksgiving, and I thought I'd make a little list of things I'm thankful for. You don't have to make one, but maybe just take a second and think about it. I think we'd all be better off if we thought like this more often.

I'm thankful for...

You taking time and money and effort from your life to be interested in my music. You give me a job and put a roof over my head. That's a big deal and I promise I don't take it for granted.
A wife who loves me well.
A deep peace in my soul.
Parents who are good people, who love me and did an excellent job raising my sisters and I.
That for whatever amount of time I get to do it, I get to do something I really love for a job.
That I'm not hungry or homeless or (too) crazy.
Friends who I really like and really respect.
Mashed potatoes.

Thanks.

Ben

Well folks, it's that time of year again. The time when, for the first time since this summer, I actually unpack my suitcase and put it away. It's a little early this year, but for good reason. I'm about to head off to make a new record (yes, 'Forever Like That' will be on it, no, I'm not sure if it'll be in time for your best friend's wedding, yes, I know how important this day is to her). Thanks so much for taking time and money out of your lives to come to shows this fall. There were lots of great memories, from getting to take my very own bus out on the road (check that off the bucket list!), expecting 50 people to show up to my first show in Raleigh (but there being a lot closer to 800), to sitting next to the strangest people ever on airplanes (namely the couple that fed each other and made out most of the 4 hour flight). I know I say this a lot, but thanks. Thanks for your encouragement through continuing to buy records and coming to shows and seeming excited at those shows. It's incredible to see this growing in a way that I never knew it would.

Enjoy your fall and do something cozy. Read a book, watch football, wear a sweater, drink coffee flavored like pumpkins if you're into that sort of thing. And while you're reading, watching, wearing, and or drinking, know that I'm in the studio making something that I can't wait to share with you. See you on the spring tour!

Ben

CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOS FROM THE TOUR

Friends, hello. It's Ben. I know we might not be on a first name basis,
but I'm taking it there. It's been a while. After a long, long spring of
touring, I've been traveling around working on new songs and enjoying a
little summertime at home. The time has come, though for a few select
shows, and I wanted to let you know where I'm heading. The fall tour is
short and sweet, and the reasons for this are twofold. That's right,
twofold.

1. I don't want to overstay my welcome. It boggles my mind that any of
you go to all the trouble and expense necessary to watch me stand a sing
songs for an hour. I realized I've been a lot of places a lot of times in
the past couple years and wanted to give you a break.
2. I'm making a record this fall that I can't begin to explain my
excitement for. It's going to be really special. And it will be followed
by a substantial Spring tour that I'll more than likely be near you for.

So, here are the dates on the right column, if you can make it out, I'd love to see you
there! If not, keep your eyes peeled for info on the new record! Thanks
so much for giving me the chance to call music my job.

Ben

This was Recorded January 15, 2012, at Blackwatch Studios. Video by Capturestudios.net.

We are very happy to announce that Ben Rector will be touring with NEEDTOBREATHE next Spring. Dates and ticket info to the right.
Team Ben

The Good Time Tour launched last week and has been absolutely amazing. Thanks to all who have come out to the shows.

For a full list of dates, scroll the right or go to the facebook event: http://on.fb.me/r71vEY

Hope to see you at one of the shows!