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Heather Ballentine - Lead Vocals/Guitar
Ben Morris - Guitar/Backing Vocals
Lary Bartley - Guitar/Backing Vocals/Harmonica
Frank Primorac - Bass Guitar
Jeremy Weinglass - Keys
Tim Weed - Fiddle
Vassil Ananiev - Drums
Influences
Linda Ronstadt, Alannah Myles, Shania Twain, Johnny Cash, Sheryl Crow, Chris Isaac, Stevie Nicks, Dwight Yoakam, Roy Orbison, Tom Petty, ZZ Top, Aerosmith...the list could go on and on
Heather Ballentine is a country girl who was born to rock. Raised in western Arkansas, she has been singing and writing songs for as long as she can remember - her early influences were Linda Ronstadt, Alannah Myles, Johnny Cash, Shania Twain, Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks, Chris Isaac, Dwight Yoakam, and Tom Petty. Her eclectic, often untamed vocal style with its soothing molasses drawl and disciplined control distinguished her among her fellow classmates at The University of Tulsa, where she graduated with a degree in Musical Theater.
During college, Heather modeled for the Linda Layman Agency and was selected for the Catalina Swimwear campaign which featured her in their advertisements and on the catwalk at the Dallas World Trade Center. She placed top-ten in the Miss Arkansas Pageant, and was the overall swimsuit winner, which assisted in paying for her education. After graduation from TU, Heather was cast out of 900 actors, to star as "Ado Annie" in Discoveryland USA's professional production of "Oklahoma". Performing 6 nights a week, for 3 straight months in a sold-out amphitheater gave Heather a taste of stardom and she yearned for more. She packed her bags and moved to LA to pursue her music, acting, and modeling career.
In Los Angeles, Heather met 4 aspiring musicians with whom she collaborated with. The band toured 10 countries (France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Cuba, Honduras, The Bahamas, Greenland, Japan and US Puerto Rico) performing for American troops through The Armed Forces Entertainment, Department of Defense, and Marine Corps Community Services. After entertaining the troops, Heather received a personal letter and rave reviews from the US Pentagon for her "Outstanding Performance" on tour.
While attending a live Ballentine concert, Movie Tunes VP Bob Martin, recognized the marketing potential and immediately placed their music in heavy rotation in 20,000 movie theaters across the country. Ballentine continued to build their fan base touring regionally and opening for major acts such as Mya, Deborah Harry, Belinda Carlisle, General Public, Tiffany, Deborah Gibson, and Pepper. They were featured in The Wall Street Journal and noted as "Artist to Watch".
Meanwhile, Heather was cast to star in the ABC reality series "The Ultimate Love Test" which also showcased her music and reached an entirely new fan base nationwide. As a SAG & AFTRA actress she has had a speaking role on General Hospital as "Jasmine", starred in National commercials for Alka-Seltzer and Sprint, regional spots for Mazzio's, and been featured in numerous independent films, and network television shows including Ugly Betty, Weeds, Everybody Hates Chris, and Cane.
As a songwriter, Heather's music has been placed in hit television shows such as The N Networks "Degrassi High", Fox's "Watch Over Me" and "Saints and Sinners", as well as The Style Networks "Martha". Most recently one of her songs was placed in the major motion picture "Material Girls" starring Hilary and Haylie Duff.
With the drive to succeed, the support of her band, and years of experience, Heather is now embarking on a solo music career. She is reviving her southern roots while maintaining her rock 'n roll edge. By joining forces with producers Phil Lister and Angie Chaney of Nashville and Rasputin of Los Angeles, Heather has created her own signature cross-over sound that appeals to country and mainstream audiences alike. To see her live show is to become infected with everything she stands for. Her style is fresh, unique, and unforgettable. She is the full package. Her sound rocks, the talent is undeniable, the artist is Heather Ballentine.
We met at The Mint. You are very talented and GORGEOUS!!! I see a Balentine/Ether collaboration in our futures! That would be what it's like when coasts collide. Yes, that would be most epic! PEACE!
