MONROE, Conn. — Country music star, Ben Gallaher, is among the headliners who will perform at the Jam at the Dam at Z-Topia this weekend. The concert begins Friday, and Gallaher will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday. To see the full lineup of acts for Friday and Saturday, visit the Jam’s website.
Gallaher’s latest album, Time, features melody-driven country music and heartland rock, anchored by his new country radio single “I’ll Take You,” which he recently performed in-studio on “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”
Later this summer, Gallaher will return to his roots with the release of an acoustic companion project, Ben Gallaher: Taylor Gold. Available Aug. 7, this seven-track project reimagines Gallaher’s most popular songs from Time — and beyond — into rarely-heard stripped down arrangements.
Gallaher, who has been named one of Taste of Country’s “RISERS: 2026 Artists to Watch,” among many accolades, agreed to give an interview to The Sun leading up to the Jam.
What’s your earliest memory of knowing music was something special to you?
Gallaher: I remember using pencils to drum on soup cans to 90’s country playing on the radio. My folks got me a drum set and then a guitar after that, and I gravitated more towards the guitar at age 6.
What was the biggest leap of faith you took in chasing music professionally?
Gallaher: I moved to Nashville, from Pennsylvania, when I was 19. I knew nobody, but I knew I had to be there.
You’ve built a unique sound that mixes heartland country rock in the vein of Petty, Mellencamp and Seger with arena rock guitar riffs a la Slash, Eddie Van Halen and Randy Rhoads. How would you describe the music you make and the stories you want to tell?
Gallaher: That’s a good assessment! I love songs that are centered around a signature, infectious guitar riff. I also love songs that tell a story and have some weight in the lyric. That’s where I live musically, in the middle between both.
Where do your best song ideas usually come from?
Gallaher: My best song ideas come from something real. Whether it’s my own life experiences, or someone I know that’s going through something, or a guitar riff.
When you’re not on stage, what are you most likely doing?
Gallaher: Either on the water or in the woods, but with two kids under two, a little less time fishing and hunting right now!
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned on the road?
Gallaher: Always have a backup! Whether that’s a guitar, an amp, a guitar cable, a mic, etc. The show must go on, even if there’s equipment issues.
If you could share a stage with any artist, who would it be?
Gallaher: I recently saw the Eagles in Nashville after wanting to see them for a long time. I was blown away. The songs, the sound, the talent; incredible. I’d have to say the Eagles.
Ben Gallaher: Taylor Gold is set to release on August 7. What was the inspiration and motivation for this reinvention of some of your most popular songs from the TIME album and beyond?
Gallaher: I’ve been playing Taylor acoustic guitars since 2011, but when I got my hands on the new Taylor Gold Label model, I couldn’t put it down. I was immediately inspired and wanted to release select songs from the TIME album recorded with the new Taylor Gold guitar.
You recently made your national television debut when you performed your current radio single, “I’ll Take You,” live in-studio on “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” Were you nervous? Were there any hijinks, funny stories, challenges you faced that day? What did this pivotal moment in your career mean to you?
Gallaher: I was incredibly honored when I was asked to play “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” Kelly and her whole crew are the best of the best. But funny you should ask, I actually landed in NYC for the show the night before and ended up having some serious sinus issues. Any singer faces this from time to time, because of so much travel in different locations. But you rock on!
What’s still on your bucket list as a musician?
Gallaher: I’d love to record an entire album in a remote location, not in a typical studio.
What advice would you give to artists who are just starting their journey?
Gallaher: My advice for an artist just starting out is to begin building your fanbase in your hometown. Once you have a regional fanbase built, then move to Nashville and dive in.
What are you looking forward to most about performing at Z-Topia in Monroe – or to being in front of any crowd for that matter?
Gallaher: I’ve been looking forward to this show for a long time now. I love connecting with people through music. That’s why I play. I’m pumped to play for and meet the folks in Monroe, CT.
What’s something that Ben Gallaher fans have to look forward to?
Gallaher: My new Ben Gallaher: Taylor Gold acoustic album dropping everywhere on 8/7!
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