You wouldn’t know it from listening to Ben Durand’s music, but he is fairly new to the game. He sings with the maturity and passion of an artist who’s notched a few miles on the road. In reality, Durand’s only been performing his own music  for about a year. The former college football star always wanted to create and play music, but it took a pandemic to make it happen. Now, it’s all happening for my Local Catch of the Week, Ben Durand from Tyngsboro, MA

Moving the ball up the field of life to present day, and you’ll find Ben and his guitar gigging all over New England. He’s on a path to express his emotions through lyrics and music, and connect with people in doing so. His latest release is proof of that. “Bridges I’ve Burned” is a song anyone could relate to. It deals with all the sentiments that run like the playbook in our heads. From regret to love, heartache to appreciation, it’s all there to share. And Ben manuevers through the emotions like a veteran player.

Find out much more about this New England singer/songwriter below. His music, story, shows and social media are all here to share, below.

• The Music

  “Bridges I’ve Burned” is about the pain of realizing that you’ve lost someone precious and knowing that it’s too late to make things right. It’s about the regret of not putting in enough effort and the heartache that comes with that realization. When I sing this song, I feel a release. It’s a way for me to process my emotions and to express my regret for the things I’ve done wrong. But it’s also a reminder to myself and to others to cherish the relationships in our lives and to give them the attention and love they deserve. I’m proud of this song and what it represents. It’s a tribute to the power of love and the importance of being present in our relationships. I hope it resonates with others who have experienced similar regrets and helps them find closure and healing.”

   

  Check out Ben’s video for his new single:

• The Story

  * From: Tyngsboro, MA

  * Current single: “Bridges I’ve Burned”

  * What lead you to music: I have loved performing and singing since I was in the 5th grade. I grew up doing school musicals and even joined an acapella group in college before playing football at Auburn University. I always wanted to be an artist, but I didn’t know how to play any instruments. So, when I got back from my honeymoon 4 years ago, I bought my first guitar and taught myself throughout covid. I started to play everyday and write my own music. I shared it on my social channels and heard a lot of positive feedback, so I really started to take it more seriously and have been performing all over MA and NH.

  * How long have you been performing: About a year

  * First country song you learned: Wagon Wheel

  * How would you describe your sound: My friends and family describe my sound as passionate and heartfelt. I have a bit of a lower tone to my voice

  * Who inspires you: Who doesn’t inspire me may be a better question haha. Everytime I see someone not working the traditional 9-5 and pursuing their passion through music, I am an instant fan and give them a tremendous amount of respect. I’d say my biggest inspiration though is my wife. She was a first generation college student and is the hardest working person I’ve ever met. She is extremely supportive and patient when it comes to my music and I couldn’t do what I do without her

  * Awards/accolades: I won Auburn Universities “Big Man On Campus” and “Best Talent” for singing “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” from Les Mis. There is a video on my TikTok.

  * Dream duet partner: Chris Stapelton or Carrie Underwood

  * All- time favorite country songs: “In Color” – Jamey Johnson , “Almost Home” – Craig Morgan ….there is honestly too many to mention, but those two came top of mind

  * First country concert: Brad Paisley at Gillette Stadium for CountryFest

  * If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing: My other dream beyond music was to become a motivational speaker someday. I’ve loved people like Tony Robbins and always dreamt of being able to make an impact on people’s lives like he has on mine and many others

  * Day Job: Software Sales Rep

  * Most proud moment: Marrying my wife who also happens to be my high-school sweetheart. Homecoming queen of 2011 (she didn’t want me to say that hehe)!

  * Crazy thing that happened in your music career: Parker McCollumn came into one of my lives on TikTok and tipped me a virtual gift which was a CowBoy Hat. I was also invited from the audience onto the stage at the Adam Doleac/Jesse James Decker concert at the House of Blues for a male dance competition…I won and took a shot of whiskey with Adam and the band!

  * Other things you like to do: I live on a small lake (lake Mascuppic), so most of my activities are outdoors. I love grilling, having fires, going out in the boat, wakeboarding, and fishing. I am also still very into sports and love coaching football or playing catch

  * Mantra: “Walk On Mentality” – This is a essentially the spirit of never giving up on your dreams. It’s about always staying grateful for the things you have and where you are from, but having big dreams that you’re going to chase insatiably.

   

• The Shows

  * May 26th: Brothers Sports Bar and Grill in Dracut, MA

  * June 4th: Sandbar Beach Club & Grill in Tyngsboro, MA

  * June 23rd: Sandbar Beach Club & Grill in Tyngsboro, MA

  * July 9th: The Boat in Dracut, MA

  * July 22nd: The Goat in Manchester, NH

  * August 5th: The Goat in Hampton, NH

  * August 20th: The Boat in Dracut, MA

  * August 26th – Trio at Tyngsboro Block Party in Tyngsboro, MA

  

• The Social Network

  Keep up with all things Ben on his social media network here:

   

   

• Pics and Posts

  

  @ben_durand_music

  I need to book more studio time with @charliechronopoulos asap #studiosounds #fyp #countrymusic #countrymusictiktoks #zachbryan #somethingintheorange #countryartist #expressieyourself #coversong

  ♬ original sound - Ben Durand

  

  @ben_durand_music

  Love me some @brooksanddunn Neon 🌝 #coversong #countrymusic #countryboy #kitchensinging #fyp #duetme #neonmoon #neonmoonchallenge #brooksanddunn

  ♬ original sound - Ben Durand

• Are YOU A Catch?

  Every week, Kruser’s Local Catch highlights New England’s homegrown country music talent, and tells you where to catch them locally and in Nashville. Click here to view previous catches.

  *Singer/Songwriters With Original Music: Please Submit For Consideration On The Local Catch By Emailing: [email protected]

  

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