Kelsea Ballerini

Kelsea Ballerini's breakout hit, "Love Me Like You Mean It," is just a taste of the country-pop sound in her imaginative catalog. The Knoxville, Tennessee native has dedicated the better part of the last decade to creating inspiring music, based on her life, to motivate others to live without fear of their emotions. Her full-length debut, "The First Time," has Ballerini's credit behind every song. The album radiates positivity while exploring all facets of the human experience. She is a true poet, and "The First Time" reflects that.

Ballerini's refreshing approach to music is rooted in a vulnerable place. Turning to songwriting to help her through her parents' divorce, she first discovered Keith Urban's "Stupid Boy." Captured by the lyrics and the story, Ballerini knew she had found a creative home in country music and continued to uncover strength and inspiration from artists such as Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, and the Dixie Chicks.

"Life got rocky when I was 12," Kelsea says, "and this gift of songwriting just fell into my lap. It was literally this blessing that came at the perfect time. And for me, it's always been that steady thing in my life that I can always go back to."

Ballerini’s vision, ambition, natural talent, and genuinely positive personality became abuzz on Music Row. "I would meet with anyone that would meet with me," Ballerini says. "I always approached meetings not expecting anything but just asking for advice. That way I never left disappointed."

Black River Publishing VP Celia Froehlig signed the burgeoning artist to a publishing deal in 2013. That December, at the company Christmas party, Black River Entertainment CEO Gordon Kerr offered Ballerini a record deal in the form of a wrapped present.

Ballerini's self-titled debut EP quickly gained her a loyal following and introduced fans to the hit single "Love Me Like You Mean It." With the release of "The First Time" the 12-song collection showcases her lovable, playful side with the catchy "Dibs" and "Yeah Boy." Ballerini sings of getting stood up by a former flame in the ballad "The First Time," while "Looking at Stars" is her fun-loving spin on a romantic dirt road date.

Ballerini proves stronger than the heartbreak of her parents' divorce in the revealing "Secondhand Smoke." "Square Pegs" celebrates being yourself in a world where you can choose who you want to be. "Sirens" warns of the dangers of falling for a heartbreaker, while the youth anthem "Underage" paints a portrait of life before the age of 21.