Kelsea Ballerini gets candid about songwriting, producing, life

Kelsea Ballerini's decade-long journey in the music industry has been marked by her unwavering passion, unapologetic politics, and unforgettable performances. 

With five albums under her belt, including her latest release Patterns, Ballerini has solidified her position as a country music powerhouse.

Ballerini's commitment to using her platform for social change has sparked controversy, particularly with her 2023 CMT Music Awards performance featuring Drag Queens amidst Tennessee's anti-drag legislation. 

"There is just so much hate in the world and it's so loud... that was my first experience, secondhand feeling that and it made me really wake up to just making sure that I'm aligned and that I can again be a good person first, good artist second," she shares.

In a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Ballerini reflects on her growth, creative process, and personal life.

Looking back on her debut album The First Time (2015) to Patterns, Ballerini notes, "What haven't I learned over the last decade? I think that the core of who I am and what drives me is the same, but I think the rest of my life is unrecognizable."

Her songwriting process remains a vital outlet. "I started writing songs when I was 12, 13 and my parents were getting divorced... I fell in love with songwriting." 

The singer's vulnerability shines through in songs like Sorry Mom, which holds special value as one of the first tracks written with her female collaborators.

Ballerini's creative process has evolved, with producing becoming a newfound passion. "I stopped dumbing myself down... Just because I don't know what this knob does, doesn't mean I can't ask and figure it out."

When asked to describe what makes her, her, Ballerini laughs, "Probably the fact that I'm a double Virgo Cancer moon. That is very much so exactly what makes me me. Like I cry but on a schedule... Let me pencil it in."

Beyond music, Ballerini's current obsessions include perfecting her spicy carbonara recipe and sharing quality time with boyfriend Chase Stokes.

As she continues to break boundaries and push the envelope, her dedication to her craft and social responsibility remains unwavering.