Jaxon Ballard
We got the chance to talk with Jaxon Ballard, drummer for Trent Cowie, and hear more about how he got started playing in the Texas Country Music Scene. Jaxon Ballard is a finalist for Drummer of the Year at the 2024 Texas Country Music Awards, this November 10th at Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth, Texas.
When did you learn to play the drums and did you have any specific person or instance that inspired you to get into music?
I started playing when I was two years old when my parents friends gave me a full acoustic drum set as a joke. When I was six, I started taking drum lessons until my teacher told my dad he couldn’t teach me anymore. I played every single day unless I was away for travel baseball, and even then I beat on everything in the dugout!
When did you know you wanted to play drums for a living?
When I was ten, I met Rodger Creager and William Clark Green at Dosey Does in the Woodlands. WCG told me that night to chase my dream, and so it began! At eleven, Lee Mathis and Shelia Weaver invited me to play a set with them at the Back Porch in Kilgore and that’s when I knew…I was meant to be on a stage.
Where do you draw your musical inspiration from?
I’d say my Uncle Ray Lena. He’s a drummer in the Oklahoma City-area. My dad ran sound all over East Texas for worship and they would let me sound check the drums growing up.
Where are you based out of?
I live and went to school in Elkhart, Texas. I’m now homeschooled and should graduate this year.
How long have you been playing with Trent Cowie?
I played my first show with Trent Cowie in October 2023.
What has you career as a drummer been like with Trent Cowie and the band, as well as the Texas Country Music scene as a whole?
It been a fast, wild ride so far! Who knew that at sixteen I’d be honored to be nominated for such a big award!
What does the Texas Country Music scene and community mean to you?
Everyone has been so open to “the kid” as everyone calls me. I remember Jeff Hogg telling me after I opened for Whiskey Myers that out of all the bands that have opened for them, I was one of the top drummers. That really shocked me coming from him!
What are your emotions around being a finalist for Drummer of the Year for the 2024 TCMA Awards?
Totally blown away! It really hasn’t set in completely yet, but it will real soon.
Do you and the band have any upcoming shows or projects you are particularly looking forward to?
We have a show with Casey Donahew on November 8th that I’m excited to play. Most weeks I don’t know where I’m going, I just know my dad said be home at this time cause we’re rolling out. I usually get the details on the way to the show.