Over the course of an incredibly jam packed week of music at Mile 0 Fest, we got to interview several phenomenal songwriters & performers in a low-key, personal space. Second interview of our 4 part series is the incredible performer & breakout star Ellis Bullard.
Bullard is an Austin based artist specializing in honky tonkin' with his absolute powerhouse band. His parents were both country artists, destining him to follow in pursuit of beer drinkin', steel guitar slingin', rhinestone suit wearing stardom.
We caught Bullard after his Backyard stage set, dragging him into a jungle-esque alleyway for a quick quiet moment... But something says this isn't his first post show alley hangout.
"Man, it was a war zone out there," Bullard said jokingly about his midday set at Mile 0 Fest. "Some country music was played; we brought that honky tonk energy from Austin, & we had a good time!"
Speaking of Austin energy, Bullard's band is extremely noticeable in the public eye. Standing before me was Bullard in a yellow, super curled brim cowboy hat & tan embroidered suit similar to Nudie's work on country heroes like George Jones & Gram Parsons. His band dressed for the job they have in eclectic belt buckles, yoked pearl snaps, & snazzy boots typical of cool Austin fashion.
"I've heard about Mile 0 Fest for years," Bullard said. "I've had friends that have come back to back & was told it's something I just gotta do. It's so cool, everyone seems unplugged & enjoying themselves. Not everybody's on their phones. It's definitely about the music-- so if you're a music fan & you're about having an experience, I feel like Mile 0 [Fest] is one of the best ones to go to."
We agree with that sentiment as yearly attendants of the fest. However, Bullard has that can't-look-away factor that tells us he's a pro at captivating audiences & keeping them locked & loaded in whatever true blue bad assery is coming from his band. His performance was nothing short of a Silverada show, keeping that good ol' bass line bumpin' & dancehall diddies coming.
"JJ Cale is somebody I hold in high regard, groove for days, keeps it really simple," Bullard said when asked about his music inspiration. "Don Williams, Merle Haggard, Jerry Reed-- those are all guys that are definitely on my Rushmore of country."
You can hear those influences in the lyrical composition of popular jam "Prison in My Mind" or the bayou bangin' "Back To My Roots."
"Well, I haven't said this yet, but someone said we sound like Mer-gle Simpson," Bullard said. We're assuming that's a Merle Haggard meets Sturgill Simpson mash-up. "That's the best compliment I think I've ever been given."
Bullard ought to be used to compliments by now with the star-studded reviews he's received from fans & various media outlets at Mile 0 Fest to include Rolling Stone & Saving Country Music. One compliment was even so striking that Mile 0 merch queen Uncle Bekah had it printed & placed on an inappropriate trucker hat, totally following through with the business' namesake.
"We still got our second album out 'Honky Tonk Ain't Noise Pollution', but we do have new music on the way," Bullard said. "We have been writing. We have a third album that we're excited to put out."
You can catch those new songs live at any of Bullard's upcoming shows. He'll be playing an upcoming Texas Monthly Magazine showcase with Silverada, Gary P. Nunn, Summer Dean & more. He also will play a festival in Idaho with Dale Watson which is "huge" for him, as 'Good Luck Good Truckin'' was vital in his country adolescence.
Buy a ticket to a Bullard show & let us know your thoughts. Guaranteed to be a honky tonkin' good time.
As always, thank you Mile 0 Fest for the killer lineup. See you tomorrow for our interview with Bri Bagwell at noon!