Lance Roark: From Local Talent to Red Dirt Rising Star

In just over a year, Lance Roark has transformed from a relatively unknown Oklahoma songwriter into one of the fastest-rising artists in the Red Dirt scene. His co-write on the Turnpike Troubadours’ “Chipping Mill” helped put him on the map, but it’s Roark’s ability to seize that opportunity and showcase his talent that has propelled him forward.

With his new six-song EP *Tenkiller*, Roark steps out of the shadow of being just a co-writer and asserts himself as a solo artist and frontman. This EP marks his transition from a singer/songwriter to delivering a full-fledged Red Dirt rock experience, combining energetic performances with strong melodic prowess. The EP tells six stories of love lost, anchored by the title track, which is set against the backdrop of Tenkiller Ferry Lake in Oklahoma, weaving in intricate storytelling with a murder scene masked by fireworks.

Tenikiller not only presents a cohesive Red Dirt sound but also allows for variation between tracks, from the mid-tempo country vibe of “Big Bad Heart” to the rock-driven “American Heartbreak.” Roark discovers that his voice shines in the higher pitches, adding emotional depth to tracks like “One More Chance.” With this EP, Roark continues to build momentum, working with WME and Thirty Tigers, positioning himself as a formidable entertainer on the rise in the Red Dirt music scene.