INTERVIEW: Kelsea Ballerini Discusses Her Sound, Musical Influences, Performing, and Touring
Kelsea Ballerini is the first solo female artist in 15 years to hit #1 with her first two country singles.
Before Kelsea, it was Carrie Underwood with “Jesus Take the Wheel.” We call that a little bit more than impressive! 🙂 She’s toured with Rascal Flatts and has a duet with Jason Aldean on her new album that we cannot wait to hear! Glitter recently sat down with Kelsea to find out what’s next on the horizon for this amazingly talented singer and songwriter.
GLITTER: How would you describe your sound?
KELSEA: I would describe my sound as an honest mix of growing up in East Tennessee with southern roots mixed with my first concert being Britney Spears.
GLITTER: Do you have any musical influences?
KELSEA: I’ve grown up always loving every genre of music, and as a songwriter, I’ve always been influenced by artists that wrote their own music. Starting with Stevie Wonder and Bonnie Rae to Taylor Swift and Adele.
GLITTER: Do you play any instruments?
KELSEA: Yes! I started playing guitar when I was 13 and it’s really allowed me to be more creative with the music I get to make.
GLITTER: Where do you find your inspiration?
KELSEA: I’ve always tried to be honest in my songwriting and write about what I’m feeling and going through in my life. I believe that the more honest and relatable I am, the more connected I can be with my fans.
GLITTER: Where is your favorite place to perform?
KELSEA: My favorite place to perform when I’m in Nashville is at songwriters nights around town, places like The Listening Room or The Bluebird Café. When I’m on tour, it’s fun to play all different venues with different acts. I love being able to play a country club one day and an arena the next.
GLITTER: What can you tell us about your single, “Peter Pan?”
KELSEA: I’ve really liked showing a deeper and more mature side of me with this single. It’s fun to sing happy love songs, but it’s also fun to sing the more raw and emotional songs as well.
GLITTER: What is your favorite song off of your debut album, The First Time?
KELSEA: It was awesome to be able to co-write every song because I felt like I was able to make it personal. It’s probably a tie between “Peter Pan” or “Square Pegs.”
GLITTER: What do you love most about touring with Rascal Flatts on the RHYTHM & ROOTS tour?
KELSEA: My favorite part about touring with Flatts is being able to watch them sing 75 minutes of hits every night and watching them connect with the audience. It’s so inspiring and drives me to grow as an artist.
GLITTER: How does it feel to be the first solo female artist in 15 years to hit #1 with her first two country singles?
KELSEA: Knowing the last one to do it was Carrie with “Jesus Take The Wheel,” it’s crazy, especially seeing where she’s gone since then. It’s an incredible way to follow a similar career path to someone so inspirational!
GLITTER: What can you tell us about your duet with Jason Aldean on his upcoming album?
KELSEA: It’s a beautifully written song about trying to get over someone and I’ve been a huge fan of Jason for so long so it was such an honor he asked me to be a part of it. I’m really excited for everyone to hear it!
GLITTER: Is there someone you’d like to work with that you haven’t worked with already?
KELSEA: I had a goal of collaborating on every album I put out, and since that didn’t happen on my first album, I’m hoping I can make some of those dream collaborations happen on this new album.
GLITTER: How can fans follow you?
KELSEA: I love social media and I’m always down to make new friends, so come say hi at @ kelseaballerini.
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