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Inspired by the complexities of life, love, and heartbreak; Balast combines folk, rock, and R&B influences into a powerful, honest sound led by emotionally-driven vocals. Balast is the moniker for Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter, Lucas Ballasy. "Balast" is a tribute to the original spelling of the Ballasy family name prior to migrating from Germany to New York City in the late 1800s. Originally from Philadelphia, Ballasy spent much of his youth inside writing music and performing locally. After releasing his first CD at age 13; Ballasy started gaining traction and soon found himself on stage for Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater (Harlem, NY), taking first place for his rendition of “Ain’t No Sunshine.” Ballasy would go on to release “All Directions” an album inspired by his time spent in Nashville and “Believe” a stripped down acoustic EP produced by Will Yip (Lauryn Hill, The Fray, Keane, Circa Survive) at Studio 4. Moving to Brooklyn had a big impact on Ballasy's songwriting. As his life and environment changed, Ballasy discovered new stories to tell and started experimenting with the writing techniques he had become accustomed to. A new sound began to emerge and Balast was born. In review of Balast's latest single, Atwood magazine wrote "'Young at Heart' is a stellar contrast of the grittiness that comes with rock and the authentic storytelling of folk, resulting in a piece of music that stands high above others in its music sphere. Balast has cemented himself as an artist to be on the lookout for."
