Los Angeles native Nathan Ballard discusses lyrics, music, acting and more

It's rare to meet a born and raised Californian in Los Angeles but Nathan Ballard is just that. He was born in Los Angeles and later moved to central California in his teenage years. Nathan is a musician and actor. He recently released a single and music video called " Nickel Short of a Dime" which can be found on Spotify and all streaming platforms. Nathan mentioned he just released a second song "More" which can also be found on Spotify as well. The lyrics of "Nickel Short of a Dime" are so heartbreakingly raw "My heart is slowly running thin, Cause I feel I have lost another win" mixed with upbeat melodies is magical. Nathan said that the lyrics had been with him for a while but it wasn't until the Pandemic hit that he really was able to sit down to finish it.This is a song that is about relationships not working out, questioning oneself, self discovery, and in the end letting go. We've all been there-feeling like we are not enough. One of the best parts of talking with Nathan about his work is how much he cares about people. He hopes that his music will speak to people's hearts. That they are able to relate to it and know they aren't alone in their emotions.

Although Nathan is an amazing musician, he is also pursuing a career as an actor. In fact, Nathan and I met while filming a Promo for Season 2's of " A Million Little Things". This was a very unique day of shooting that involved us discussing emotional personal issues with strangers on camera. This promo was shot in 2019 but that day still is a reminder to us that people are so much more than meets the eye. In the promo itself Nathan says " Whatever you do, just love each other." During our interview he elaborated saying "That sounds simple but it's amazing how many of our current issues would be solved if we all practiced loving each other better."  

The other questions about acting, and success seem trivial after such a simple yet powerful truth but Nathan's answers continue to inspire me. He said:  

If I can make a living as an actor the goal would be to make enough that I could give back to the community. If I can help others with money that I make doing what I love then I'd consider that a success. 

When Nathan was asked what his big dream is and how he maintains positivity while striving towards it he responded:

It's hard. I'm still learning how to do that. Sometimes that's with friends, sometimes that's with therapy. Therapy has helped a lot. It also really helps to have a community of other creatives that you can share with and learn from.  Big goal wise,  I'd love to be a working actor and play music on the side. Or incorporate music into my work in other ways. In many ways-not to sound cheesy-I'm already living my dreams. I wanted to live in Los Angeles and I live in Los Angeles. I wanted to write a song: I wrote a song.  Now I want to write an Album. Dreams change and evolve with us. I don't really want to focus on my big end goal dreams because I find when I do I don't end up appreciating the smaller moments that are also big accomplishments. 

To live in the moment enough to celebrate the small details is a very awesome perspective. Many people focus on negative thoughts especially during this past year. It's easy to feel discouraged. It's important to learn how to keep yourself focused with a healthy balance. The importance of therapy and community should be highlighted- it's important to have support.

Nathan spent much of 2020 working on music, taking acting classes, working on self tape audition skills and putting in the prep work for his future. He has been working hard. It's a false assumption by the general public that an unknown actor is not a working actor. Many many actors that are "unknown" by the general public are working actors. Nathan's an actor that will be known. He is talented, proactive, and kind. When discussing acting and the journey of it all Nathan said:  

It could take me 20 years to get a recurring role on a TV show, but you know that's ok because just think how awesome the next 20 years after booking that role will be. 

Knowing Nathan, he will not have to wait 20 years for his big break. Until then I know he will be creating music and reminding others they are deserving of this life and here for a purpose. 

Follow Nathan on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/nathanballard135/?hl=en

Meet the Author

Kristina looks Midwestern but this girl was born and raised in the jungles of Africa. A mix of cultures herself, Kristina knows people aren't always what they seem. She loves meeting new people and seeing their hearts. She is a mom and for the past 10 years also a military spouse. Kristina is also an actress and hopes to teach her children that with hard work dreams can come true. @kristinaburke16