Ben Gallaher Opens Up About His Bullet EP in Exclusive Interview

May 9

3 min read

Ben Gallaher, dressed in a plaid shirt and worn jeans, plays an electric guitar while sitting against a white wooden wall in an outdoor setting. — Photo by Kristin Barlowe

Country-rock artist Ben Gallaher has officially released his new EP, Bullet.

A new era begins for Gallaher with the release of Bullet

Serving as his second major release on Stone Country Records and the first since his 2023 debut album, Bullet stems from a place of passion and love.

“Throughout the EP, there are wrong turns, lessons learned, and hope all wrapped into the five songs," Gallaher told Fort Nash.

The EP features two pre-released tracks “Kinda Can’t Say No,” and "Cuts Like a Knife,” alongside three new tracks: “Bullet,” “Dirt Ones,” and “Mistakes.”

Gallaher reflects on how Bullet became a song for his son

The title track, “Bullet,” holds a lot of power as it stands out as the centerpiece of the project. Originally written for his wife, the song took on a profound new meaning after the birth of their first child, River. It captures the powerful emotion of loving someone so fiercely that you would take a bullet for them.

Ben Gallaher, dressed in a striped shirt and jeans, sits thoughtfully on a porch with a forest in the background. Bold text reads: 'Ben Gallaher Bullet. — Photo from Ben Gallaher Cover Art

“It kind of happened in an inadvertent way because I didn’t write it for him, but now that is exactly what it has turned into,” Gallaher said. “I never really understood it until I had one of my own. It truly is the biggest blessing from God. I’ll look at him and it’s like there is nothing that I would not do for him.”

Gallaher blends lyrical depth with guitar-driven storytelling

Gallaher continues to display his musical depth throughout the EP, both sonically and lyrically. The track “Mistakes” leans into the idea of being knocked down but getting back up stronger each time. It reflects on the journey from where you’ve been to where you’re going.

“I think it is about realizing that you’re going to make mistakes along the way, and understanding that it’s okay because sometimes it takes the wrong path to get on the right path,” Gallaher explained. “There’s also an underlying message of hope through that whole song. The lyrics say it themselves: ‘everything that don’t kill me, makes me stronger.’ There’s so much positivity in that alone.”

Gallaher’s musical depth isn’t limited to only his lyrics. As a guitarist, Gallaher places a strong emphasis on using his instrument to enhance his storytelling even when lyrics are not present.

“As a guitar player, I’ve always looked at the guitar as an extension of what I do,” the triple-threat singer, songwriter, and guitarist said. “I put a lot of time into writing all of the guitar parts, especially the intros, because if they don’t like how the song starts, you’re never going to get them to the end of the chorus where the hook is.”

Gallaher reimagines a timeless classic

In keeping with his genre-crossing style, Gallaher also puts his unique stamp on a cover of Bryan Adams’ classic hit “Cuts Like a Knife.” The track complements his vocal delivery and adds a timeless appeal to the EP.

“Recording that song and getting it out to fans and listeners is a nod to a timeless era of music,” Gallaher said. “The cool thing about this song is that when we play it live, there will be people who grew up on it, and it takes them right back. Then there is the younger generation, some of whom have never heard the song before.”

He continued, “You can bring people together by taking some people back to memories of when they first heard it in the ‘80s, while also introducing it to new listeners who might then go back and listen to the original. I think it’s a nice addition to the EP and a little nod to ‘80s rock and roll.”

Gallaher brings “Cuts Like a Knife” to life with music video and live performance

The cover is paired with an official music video that visually showcases Gallaher’s partnership with Sprint Cars, adding an extra element to the already compelling narrative.

Video from Ben Gallaher's YouTube

He also performed “Cuts Like a Knife” as part of Fort Nash’s Can We Make It Country? series, where artists reimagine classic songs with a country twist. Gallaher infused his country roots with his rock-and-roll edge, delivering a rendition that was uniquely his own.