Mark Ballas Releases Video Announcing New Music Leading To The Debut of His First Studio Album

Mark Ballas

Mark Ballas, the popular, Emmy-nominated dancer and choreographer known for his role on 12 seasons of ABC’s Hit Series “Dancing with the Stars,” highlights his singing, songwriting and guitar playing in a new video released recently announcing new music that he is working on as he plans for a debut full solo production album. The tease of this new music from the yet-untitled album from this multi-faceted performer falls on the heels of his recent major deal signing with publishing powerhouse BMG. Ballas has been packing shows, entertaining industry VIPs and fans alike with his new music at Los Angeles’ popular The Sayers Club every Monday following his performances on “Dancing with the Stars,” and will continue to do so into the summer.

“The video is a trailer for what you can be expecting at a live show or when the album is finally complete,” says Ballas. “I think it gives you a really clear taste of what’s to come. All of this work will lead to my first full studio production album where I get to show my true style and musical direction.”

In the video, Ballas explains his passion for writing and performing music: “I had a very musical family growing up and they’re just really supportive. It’s something that as soon as I started applying myself and becoming dedicated to, I never wanted to stop.”

Mark Ballas Music Trailer

Working with such producing heavyweights as producers from Timbaland’s camp including Wizz Dumb and Jim Beanz, as well as the Stereotypes and doing co-writes with the likes of Jozzy, BC Jean and Clarence Coffee, Jr., Ballas demonstrates the breadth of his musical passion and abilities with sounds that fuse funk with flamenco and international pop, highlighted by big rhythmic beats.

“As a guitar player, a lot of my stuff has that percussive, rhythmic type of feel that flamenco has,” says Ballas in the video.

Classically trained on the flamenco guitar, and playing music since the age of nine, Ballas has been focused on preparing for this full production studio album for several years. In his more than 15 years as a musician and dancer, Ballas has developed a powerful stage presence and impeccable showmanship comparable to that of a veteran musician. Ballas has recently been praised for these talents, having earned the recognition of “Artist to Watch,” by Clear Channel in 2011 and more recently opening for Robin Thicke for two shows, earning standing ovations at these appearances. This year, Ballas sold out Los Angeles’ famed The Troubadour and later shared the stage with The Black Eyed Peas Band at will.i.am’s “TRANS4RM” Pre-GRAMMY Party, alongside Estelle, Ludacris, Bobby Brown, Alicia Keys and will.i.am, who also performed that night. Most recently, Ballas performed a high-energy acoustic set at the Chevy Tweet House at the popular SXSW music festival.

Clearly influenced by the likes of such eclectic artists as Michael Jackson, John Mayer, Prince, Gypsy Kings and Paco De Lucia, Ballas provides high-energy live performances – his movement on stage a reflection of his acclaimed dance background. Backed by a 7-piece band made up of a 3-piece horn section, a keyboardist, bassist, guitarist and drummer with Ballas on guitar and lead vocals, he has put together a band with some of the most talented, respected and highly regarded musicians in the industry.  These tremendous talents have some incomparable credits that include having performed for or shared stages with the likes of legendary acts that include Prince, Stevie Wonder, Sting, James Brown, Robin Thicke, Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, John Mayer, Michael Buble, Usher, CeeLo, Josh Groban, Willie Nelson, Dave Matthews Band, Christina Aguilera, Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin and many more.

Born in Houston to a family of international dance stars and musicians, Ballas moved to London as a child, where he attended the world-renowned Italia Conti Performing Arts School and graduated with honors. Here, he was required to not only dance, but to also sing, act and play an instrument. He began playing the guitar at the age of nine, training in classic flamenco, and by the age of 12 he was writing and performing his own music, playing guitar, drums and bass. His years of training paid off, as he’s currently a Martin Guitars ambassador and an official Kremona Guitars artist.

“Mark Ballas is a true showman – he owns the stage,” said Manager Rebecca Lambrecht, Chicane Group. “I can’t wait for the masses to see what he’s all about.”