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Ben Ballinger is an American folk singer-songwriter based in Austin, Texas.

Early life
Ballinger was born in The Dalles, Oregon. He started writing songs during the seventh grade. His father, Mike, played music at The Dalles, Oregon Catholic church for more than 30 years.

Career
Ballinger moved from Portland, Oregon to New York City in 2003. He was part of the anti-folk scene, which included artists such as Regina Spektor, Beck, Hamell on Trial, Paleface, Langhorne Slim and Kimya Dawson. In 2011, Ballinger moved to Austin, Texas, where he started a band with Blue Mongeon, Drew Brunetti and Chris D'Annunzio, named The Dalles. The Dalles received media attention for the song, "Lines," from the 2012 album, "My Own Private White House." The song was featured on Season 5 of the FX series Sons of Anarchy. The Dalles played Utopia Fest 2012, alongside Dr. Dog, Charles Bradley, Ben Kweller.

In 2014, Ballinger signed with Good Horse Records, an Austin-based production company. His 2014 album "The State I'm In" was recorded and produced by Good Horse Records in three days through a fully analog production system. "The State I'm In" was ranked "among Austin's best Americana releases of that year" by The Austin Chronicle. Alternatively, it received criticism from local music critic Jim Caligiuri, also of The Austin Chronicle. The State I'm In received multiple tours of the West Coast and Midwest, from Portland through San Diego and as far south as Tijuana, Mexico. Ballinger joined Nine Mile touring in 2015 as well as the Spring 2016 west coast tour of East Cameron Folkcore.

His 2016 EP, "Homestead," is being produced by Brian Beattie, Austin-based music producer. Beattie is known for producing Okkervil River's 2002 album, "Don't Fall in Love with Everyone You See," as well as albums for Daniel Johnston, Shearwater and Bill Callahan. Ballinger is an official SXSW 2016 showcasing artist.