The Ballroom Thieves

Early in 2020, an article was released declaring that the music industry needed more happy songs. As Martin Earley and Calin Peters recall, they laughed while reading it, knowing that their work as The Ballroom Thieves explores the spirit of that paradigm. Well, sort of…they're not interested in easily defined worldviews.

"We read that article and thought, 'how are we supposed to write happy songs right now?'" says Earley. "We don’t write happy songs, but this time we decided to try something new by pairing optimistic sounding music with dark lyrics. If the listener is not a lyrics person, they might not notice."

The Ballroom Thieves' fourth album, Clouds, is a song cycle born of mixed experiences and fueled by the power of imagination. The album is a lush meditation on longing to return to touring - to see different sunsets and cities. But, it's also a reflection of its difficulties, e.g., insomnia brought on by sleeping in different hotel rooms every night. After a major car accident and the departure of a band member, the duo has taken the duality of all these experiences and translated them into song.

"We miss exploring the country," says Peters. "The road offers us structure and it gives us something to write about. These past two years we learned just how much we love and need it.”

As they leaned into their wanderlust, themes became apparent - the idea of a life spent in motion ("Shine"), the power of the storm representing a relationship transformed into heartbreak ("The Lightning"), Man’s ceaseless degradation of resources and Nature’s inevitable fury ("Worldender"), and Harry Styles ("Harry Styles"), who should be considered a force of Nature as far as Peters and Earley are concerned. "We were sitting around our woodstove, and Callie looked over at me and said, 'I think I'm in love with Harry Styles,'" Earley recalls. "And my first thought was, 'wait a minute, I love Harry Styles! You can't have him!’”

Clouds became an opportunity for the band to mine the challenges of the past three years for creative inspiration. "We were able to step away from a lot of the big three-part harmonies and for the first time we recorded most of the album live," says Earley. “We try to let change inspire us, even when it comes with difficulty.”

It's an artistic statement that doubles as a life mission. The pair both emphasize that they’ve learned to navigate complicated situations, including their struggles with depression, which often colors their songs. If they can impart anything to listeners, it’s that talking about mental health is not a weakness—and that sharing any of life's trials can be a source of strength.

"There’s so much material out there on fighting mental illnesses and keeping our heads up but I think it’s also just important to know that it’s okay to be affected. The human experience can be ugly and difficult and it’s okay to feel things deeply,” says Peters. “Not every day has to be seized.”

“I’m so glad it’s more common for people to talk openly about depression these days, because it can be tough when you think you’re the only one feeling it,” adds Earley. “We figured if it helps us when others are candid about their experiences with mental illness, maybe it’ll help someone else if we do the same.”

Clouds will be released on July 15 via Nettwerk Records.

Past Shows


Feb
14
th
2024
Fine Line
Feb
14
th
2024
Fine Line

Sarah Jarosz

Polaroid Lovers Tour
with The Ballroom Thieves
Sep
30
th
2023
The Cedar Cultural Center
Sep
30
th
2023
The Cedar Cultural Center

Joshua Radin

with The Ballroom Thieves
Oct
13
th
2022
Turf Club
Oct
13
th
2022
Turf Club

The Ballroom Thieves

with Georgia Harmer and Bad Posture Club
Sep
2
nd
2020
7th St Entry
Sep
2
nd
2020
7th St Entry
Sep
15
th
2018
7th St Entry
Sep
15
th
2018
7th St Entry

The Ballroom Thieves

with SWAY WILD
Apr
3
rd
2018
Mainroom
Apr
3
rd
2018
Mainroom

Phillip Phillips

with The Ballroom Thieves
Nov
4
th
2017
7th St Entry
Nov
4
th
2017
7th St Entry

The Ballroom Thieves

with Frances Luke Accord
Oct
6
th
2016
Turf Club
Oct
6
th
2016
Turf Club

The Ballroom Thieves

with Maggie Koerner
Dec
18
th
2015
7th St Entry
Dec
18
th
2015
7th St Entry

The Ballroom Thieves

with The Bros. Landreth and The Sharrows

More Shows

Apr
9
th
7th St Entry

Sam Blasucci and Julia Zivic

Apr
19
th
Fine Line

BRENN!

Jul
11
th
Surly Brewing Festival Field

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

with JJ Grey & Mofro
Sep
17
th
Palace Theatre

Viagra Boys