Kelsea Ballerini Releases New Single ‘First Rodeo’ Ahead of Upcoming Album

Renowned country music artist Kelsea Ballerini has unveiled her latest single, “First Rodeo,” accompanied by a picturesque music video. Ballerini’s new release marks another step towards the launch of her eagerly anticipated studio album, “Patterns,” due to be released on October 25. The single and its visuals encapsulate themes of love, heartbreak, and new beginnings, elements that have characterized Ballerini’s music career and personal journey.

The artist, known for her introspective lyrics and emotive storytelling, expressed the essence of her new music video in a recent statement. “The visuals are meant to show the emotion, duality, feelings, and landscape of this record,” Ballerini explained. The video captures the singer in serene settings, including a beach, a boat, and a cozy hotel room, all while she becomes comfortable with a new partner. “First Rodeo” communicates the singer’s process of reopening her heart to love following a public breakup.

In discussing the track, Ballerini shared insights about her personal experiences, stating, “There’s a reality that an inner monologue post-public breakup is, ‘I feel washed up on the heart front. I feel like I don’t know how to do this anymore,'” she said. “But at the end of the day, choosing love is bigger.” She added that the honesty behind asking for patience and choosing to be vulnerable can create a beautiful, connective experience.

“Patterns” is Ballerini’s first studio album since 2022’s “Subject to Change” and follows last year’s release of the EP “Rolling Up the Welcome Mat,” which included seven new songs. Earlier singles from “Patterns” and her collaboration with Noah Kahan have already generated significant interest, fueling anticipation for the full album release.

Ballerini collaborates with a familiar team of creatives on her new album, including producer Alysa Vanderheym and renowned songwriters Hillary Lindsey and Jessie Jo Dillon. These partnerships reflect Ballerini’s commitment to producing deeply personal and resonant music. Her previous work with artists like Noah Kahan for the single “Cowboys Cry Too” continues to gain traction, distinguishing Ballerini’s presence in the country music genre.

For “First Rodeo,” Ballerini worked once more with director Patrick Tracy to create a visually stunning music video that mirrors the song’s lyrical lushness. Set against the backdrop of sunsets and intimate settings, the video evokes a sense of new hope and introspection.

With her newest project, Ballerini aims to connect with her audience by inviting them into her personal narrative. “As much as it’s personal and my own art and life, it’s kind of at the point now that it turns into a shared relationship,” Ballerini noted, reflecting on how her songs resonate with listeners. She anticipates that “First Rodeo” will provide fans with a poignant glimpse into the underlying themes of her forthcoming album, “Patterns.”