Daily Inspiration: Meet Lance Roark

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lance Roark.

Hi Lance, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I always had a passion for music. I would play with toy guitars and harmonicas, beating and banging them around, until one day, my grandpa bought me my first guitar. It’s the same guitar I play to this day, a 1991 Martin D-16. I started learning around the age of 10, when my dad decided he wanted to learn the instrument with me and took me to a local guitar player in our community. Soon after, I started going to bluegrass festivals around the area and meeting other players that shared the same love for music as I did. As I got older and grew into my teenage years, I played with a few different bands. But I put my music on hold for a few years when I became a father at the age of 16. As much as I loved playing music, I loved being a father even more. I was raising my daughter by myself with the help of family and friends, working as an electrical apprentice and singing on the weekends when I met my wife Hannah. Together we make the dream work. One evening when I was playing at an open mic in Tahlequah, Ok I met RC Edwards of Turnpike Troubadours. While the Troubadours had taken a hiatus, he had formed another band called RC & the Ambers. He asked me if id liked to play with them and I still do to this day. Through the past couple of years I’ve met so many great musicians, one being Hank Early who helped me with my first EP ‘Better Man’ which is set to release in the next couple of months.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
No it has not been a very smooth road, I’ve had my ups and down just like everybody else. But I feel that every situation we encounter is a lesson in some type of way, even if we don’t see it until its years down the line. One of the struggles along the way was being a young father and trying to pursue my dreams. I never wanted my daughter to see me give up on what I loved. I want to teach her that no matter the situation if you love something and you feel its your calling, go for it.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a Americana songwriter from North-Eastern Oklahoma. Everybody knows me for my upbeat and positive attitude, they know that when they come to a show their going to have fun every time. There’s never a dull moment when it comes to my music. I’m most proud of being a husband and father, I love having a strong family bond before anything else in my life. I’m proud of my musical growth as well, I’ve grown so much as a person in the last few years. I would say what sets me apart from everybody else is my drive and determination to prove to other that they can achieve anything they truly set their minds to. I’m a firm believer in chasing after what you love.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Be yourself. Everybody out there has opinions on who you should, or shouldn’t be. I find that I’m most happy when I’m being who I am meant to be. Life is about being happen and discovering who you truly are.

Contact Info:

• Website: Lanceroarkmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lanceroarkmusic/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LanceRoarkMusic/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7spPlCFYNTrzrQ2N0QIIA
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/lance-roark-438591058

Image Credits
Melissa Payne Photography Desert Thorn Photography