KELSEA BALLERINI RELEASES FOURTH SINGLE “YEAH BOY” TO COUNTRY RADIO THIS WEEK

CMT Breakout Artist Of The Year Follows #1 “Peter Pan” With Another Irresistible Track

Singer/Songwriter Scores First American Music Award Nomination For 

Favorite Female Country Artist

Photo Credit: Guerin Blask

Hot on the heels of her record-breaking third #1 hit “Peter Pan,”Kelsea Ballerini released her new single, “Yeah Boy,” to Country radio this week. Digging even deeper into debut album THE FIRST TIME (Black River Entertainment), CMT’s Breakout Artist of the Year proves just how adept she is at pairing relatable lyrics with irresistible hooks: even a superstar like Taylor Swift couldn’t help tweeting about “Yeah Boy” on first listen, calling it “SO lovely.” With 68 first-week adds, Ballerini looks primed to prove yet again why her voice has found a home in the heart of country fans worldwide.

The Black River recording artist recently celebrated her 23rd birthday by topping both Country Aircheck andBillboard Country Airplay charts with “Peter Pan,” which also earned double #1's on Billboard, making Ballerini the first woman to reach #1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts simultaneously.

To cap off this outstanding year, Ballerini will receive CMT’s second-annual Breakout Artist of the Year award during the network’s “2016 Artists of the Year” special, premiering October 20 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, and November 2 will find her at the 50th annual CMA Awards, where she is nominated in two categories: New Artist of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year. She is also vying for Favorite Female Artist – Country atthe fan-voted American Music Awards on Sunday, November 20, airing live at 8|7 p.m. CT on ABC. Voting is now open through November 14 at amavote.com.

Ballerini holds the distinction of having written all three GOLD-certified songs from her debut album THE FIRST TIME, including her PLATINUM-certified debut single, “Love Me Like You Mean It.” Produced by Forest Glen Whitehead and Jason Massey, THE FIRST TIME showcases Ballerini’s skillful songwriting on each of the 12 songs. After spending the summer winning over audiences on Rascal Flatts’ RHYTHM & ROOTS Tour, Ballerini is set to headline her own tour, aptly titled, THE FIRST TIME Tour. Kicking off this fall, she is already proving her crowd-drawing potential with two shows confirmed as early sell-outs, including her hometown concert in Knoxville (11/11) and Minneapolis show (11/19).

The First Time Tour Dates:

11/10 - Washington DC - 9:30 Club +

11/11 - Knoxville, TN - TN Theatre + (SOLD OUT)

11/12 - Atlanta, GA - Buckhead Theatre +

11/17 - Rosemont, IL - Joe’s Live ^

11/18 - Mahnomen, MN - Shooting Star Casino (On Sale 9/19)

11/19 - Minneapolis, MN - Mill City Nights ^ (SOLD OUT)

12/02 - New York City - Irving Plaza ~

12/03 - Buffalo, NY - Town Ballroom ~

12/08 - Los Angeles, CA - Wiltern Theatre

12/09 - Las Vegas, NV - Orleans Casino w/ special guest Cam

12/10 - Las Vegas, NV - Orleans Casino w/ special guest Cam

12/13 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues * (moved from 10/22)

12/14 - Houston, TX - House of Blues * (moved from 10/21)

Special guests:

+ With Morgan Evans

^ With Levi Hummon

~ With Jacob Davis

* With Carly Pearce

For updated tour dates and information on Kelsea Ballerini’s THE FIRST TIME Tour and brand new Fan Club visit the newly launched KelseaBallerini.com and reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

KELSEA BALLERINI RELEASES FOURTH SINGLE “YEAH BOY” TO COUNTRY RADIO THIS WEEK

CMT Breakout Artist Of The Year Follows #1 “Peter Pan” With Another Irresistible Track

Singer/Songwriter Scores First American Music Award Nomination For 

Favorite Female Country Artist

Photo Credit: Guerin Blask

Hot on the heels of her record-breaking third #1 hit “Peter Pan,”Kelsea Ballerini released her new single, “Yeah Boy,” to Country radio this week. Digging even deeper into debut album THE FIRST TIME (Black River Entertainment), CMT’s Breakout Artist of the Year proves just how adept she is at pairing relatable lyrics with irresistible hooks: even a superstar like Taylor Swift couldn’t help tweeting about “Yeah Boy” on first listen, calling it “SO lovely.” With 68 first-week adds, Ballerini looks primed to prove yet again why her voice has found a home in the heart of country fans worldwide.
The Black River recording artist recently celebrated her 23rd birthday by topping both Country Aircheck andBillboard Country Airplay charts with “Peter Pan,” which also earned double #1's on Billboard, making Ballerini the first woman to reach #1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts simultaneously.

To cap off this outstanding year, Ballerini will receive CMT’s second-annual Breakout Artist of the Year award during the network’s “2016 Artists of the Year” special, premiering October 20 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, and November 2 will find her at the 50th annual CMA Awards, where she is nominated in two categories: New Artist of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year. She is also vying for Favorite Female Artist – Country atthe fan-voted American Music Awards on Sunday, November 20, airing live at 8|7 p.m. CT on ABC. Voting is now open through November 14 at amavote.com.

Ballerini holds the distinction of having written all three GOLD-certified songs from her debut album THE FIRST TIME, including her PLATINUM-certified debut single, “Love Me Like You Mean It.” Produced by Forest Glen Whitehead and Jason Massey, THE FIRST TIME showcases Ballerini’s skillful songwriting on each of the 12 songs. After spending the summer winning over audiences on Rascal Flatts’ RHYTHM & ROOTS Tour, Ballerini is set to headline her own tour, aptly titled, THE FIRST TIME Tour. Kicking off this fall, she is already proving her crowd-drawing potential with two shows confirmed as early sell-outs, including her hometown concert in Knoxville (11/11) and Minneapolis show (11/19).
The First Time Tour Dates:

11/10 - Washington DC - 9:30 Club +

11/11 - Knoxville, TN - TN Theatre + (SOLD OUT)

11/12 - Atlanta, GA - Buckhead Theatre +

11/17 - Rosemont, IL - Joe’s Live ^

11/18 - Mahnomen, MN - Shooting Star Casino (On Sale 9/19)

11/19 - Minneapolis, MN - Mill City Nights ^ (SOLD OUT)

12/02 - New York City - Irving Plaza ~

12/03 - Buffalo, NY - Town Ballroom ~

12/08 - Los Angeles, CA - Wiltern Theatre

12/09 - Las Vegas, NV - Orleans Casino w/ special guest Cam

12/10 - Las Vegas, NV - Orleans Casino w/ special guest Cam

12/13 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues * (moved from 10/22)

12/14 - Houston, TX - House of Blues * (moved from 10/21)
Special guests:

+ With Morgan Evans

^ With Levi Hummon

~ With Jacob Davis

* With Carly Pearce
For updated tour dates and information on Kelsea Ballerini’s THE FIRST TIME Tour and brand new Fan Club visit the newly launched KelseaBallerini.com and reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

KELSEA BALLERINI TO EMBARK ON FIRST HEADLINING TOUR

THE FIRST TIME Tour Kicks Off October 21 With Additional Dates Announcing Soon

High-Flying Single “Peter Pan” Top 10 & Climbing At Country Radio

Platinum-selling country sweetheart Kelsea Ballerini has achieved yet another milestone on her way to superstardom, announcing today (8/1) her first-ever headlining tour -- aptly titled THE FIRST TIME Tour.

Named after her critically-acclaimed debut album THE FIRST TIME and kicking off October 21 in Houston, TX, the Black River artist's nationwide trek will take her record-breaking hits like “Love Me Like You Mean It” and “Dibs” to 10 cities over the 11 dates with additional dates to be announced soon. The tour is set to wrap up with a two-night stand in Las Vegas with special guest Cam in early December. The news comes on the heels of Ballerini’s latest single, the smash “Peter Pan,” entering the Top 10 on both the Billboard Country Airplay and Mediabase radio charts, while its fantasy-themed music video , directed by Kristin Barlowe, nears 10 million views on Vevo.

“I’ve been blessed to open for so many incredible artists and people I admire. Getting to watch their shows and learn more about our craft has inspired me to grow as an artist,” shared Ballerini. “One of the highlights of touring has been meeting fans and creating new relationships along the way. And for that reason, I was inspired to put together my first headlining tour. I can’t wait to get up close and personal with the people who have made the last few years so incredible. See you this fall!”

Tickets for THE FIRST TIME Tour will be available to fan club members beginning Wednesday (8/3) and go on sale to the general public this Friday (8/5) at 10 a.m. local time. A limited number of VIP experiences will also be up for grabs to fan club members starting Wednesday (8/3) at 10 a.m., with non-members joining the sale at noon local time.

Already on the road as part of Rascal Flatts’ RHYTHM & ROOTS Tour, media outlets around the country can’t get enough of Ballerini’s musical style and sparkling personality, raving about recent performances with quotes such as:

“…Ballerini, who has the fresh-faced, doe-eyed enthusiasm of a younger Mandy Moore, impressed with her soulful voice and inviting stage presence...” - The Charlotte Observer

“…Ballerini's vivacity is almost tangible, and it is easy to see her taking the next steps towards stardom…” - The Plain Dealer

“…Ballerini quickly climbs to top of country music world…” - Albuquerque Journal

Announced dates and cities on Kelsea Ballerini’s THE FIRST TIME Tour:

10/21 - Houston, TX - House of Blues*

10/22 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues *

11/11 - Knoxville, TN - TN Theatre +

11/12 - Atlanta, GA - Buckhead Theatre +

11/18 - Mahnomen, MN - Shooting Star Casino (Delayed on sale date from National Tour)

11/19 - Minneapolis, MN - Mill City Nights ^

12/2 - New York City, NY - Irving Plaza ~

12/3 - Buffalo, NY - Town Ballroom ~

12/8 - Los Angeles, CA - Wiltern (Delayed on sale date from National Tour)

12/9 - Las Vegas, NV - Orleans Casino w/ special guest Cam

12/10 - Las Vegas, NV - Orleans Casino w/ special guest Cam

Special guests:

* With Carly Pearce

+ With Morgan Evans

^ With Levi Hummon
~ With Jacob Davis

Adding to the excitement, Ballerini will perform tonight (8/1) on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! outdoor stage, this Wednesday (8/3) will feature her as part of the massive CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock concert special (also on ABC) and on Thursday (8/4), she and Arsenio Hall will co-host the grand finale of ABC’s musical retrospective “Greatest Hits” live from Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.

For tour updates, tickets and more information, visit KelseaBallerini.com. Reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

KELSEA BALLERINI RELEASES DEBUT ALBUM "THE FIRST TIME"

Ballerini Celebrates With Hometown Appearance Tomorrow (5/19) 

 National TV Debut On The TODAY Show Thursday (5/21)

“Love Me Like You Mean It” Lands Inside The Top 10

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Jeremy Ryan

NASHVILLE, TN (May 18, 2015) – Black River Entertainment recording artist Kelsea Ballerini has been counting down to the release of her debut album THE FIRST TIME, today (5/18) and will celebrate this week with a national media blitz across several platforms, including performing her Top10-and-rising smash “Love Me Like You Mean It” (Ballerini, Whitehead, Kerr, Carpenter).

“I feel like I’ve been dreaming about, writing, and wishing for this day since I was twelve. To finally get these songs out to people, is really special and something that I’ve been excited about for a long time,” said Ballerini.

"This is a such special day for Kelsea and Black River," said Black River Entertainment CEO Gordon Kerr. "Over the last couple of years, we have been privileged to share in the development of Kelsea’s amazing songwriting talents and artistry. Today, the world gets to hear her heart and we couldn’t be more proud!"

To kick off release week, fans can celebrate with her when she returns to her hometown of Knoxville, TN, on Tuesday (5/19) for a special in-store appearance at Walmart (10900 Parkside Dr., Knoxville, TN) at 6PM EST. Then, she will jet off to NYC to make her national TV debut on NBC’s TODAY show on Thursday (5/21) beginning at 10AM in all time zones and take her performance to new heights at the top of The Empire State Building on Friday (5/22).

On stands now, the stunning singer-songwriter graces the cover of NASH Magazine. The story gives an inside look at Ballerini’s rise to becoming one of CMT’s Next Women of Country, her songwriting inspiration and the making of her debut album.

Produced by Forest Glen Whitehead and Jason Massey, THE FIRST TIME highlights Ballerini’s skillful songwriting and contagious personality on all 12 songs.

Newly crowned one of CMT’s Next Women of Country, Ballerini has been abuzz with recent shout-outs from Superstars Taylor Swift, Little Big Town, Kristian Bush and TODAY’s Hoda Kotb and landing on several 2015 “Ones to Watch” lists, including Billboard, Country Weekly, Rolling Stone Country, The Huffington Post, Radio.com, Spotify, #CMChat and more. Racking up the firsts, she scored her first-ever award show nomination for the 2015 CMT Music Awards Breakthrough Video of the Year (“Love Me Like You Mean It”). Airing live on CMT June 10 at 8/7 CT, fans can vote now at http://www.cmt.com/cmt-music-awards/vote/breakthrough-video-of-the-year.jhtml.

Currently, Ballerini is co-headlining CMT’s NEXT WOMEN OF COUNTRY Tour - the network’s first-ever ladies-only tour – and will also join select dates on Lady Antebellum’s WHEELS UP Tour throughout the summer.

Hailing from Knoxville, TN, Ballerini moved to Nashville, TN at age 15 to chase the dream of becoming a songwriter.  At age 19, she signed a publishing deal with Black River Publishing in 2013 and later that year signed a record deal with Black River Entertainment.

For tour dates and more, visit KelseaBallerini.com. Reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

#NEWARTISTNEWS - KELSEA BALLERINI RELEASES OFFICIAL ALBUM ART AND TRACK LISTING FOR THE FIRST TIME

Debut Single “Love Me Like You Mean It” at Number 21 This Week

Nashville, Tenn. (April 2, 2015) – Black River Entertainment recording artist Kelsea Ballerini released the official album art and track listing for her 12-song debut album The First Time. Set for a May 19 release on Black River Entertainment, the lead single from the debut album nears the top 20 only inches away at #21 on the Billboard chart this week.

Fans are taking note of Kelsea’s debut single “Love Me Like You Mean It” at #19 on the Country Song Charts with 15,329 downloads this week. Furthering her name recognition, Variety announced yesterday that Kelsea Ballerini is among those presenting at the Radio Disney Music Awards, following her full schedule at the ACM awards, both coming up later this month.

Songwriting is at the cornerstone in Kelsea’s composition as an artist and it is on full display throughout The First Time as she’s the writer or co-writer on every track. Produced by Black River Publishing's songwriter/producer Forest Glen Whitehead along with Jason Masse, The First Time contains all of the tracks from the previously released digital EP and seven additional original tracks.

Named one of CMT’s “Next Women of Country” late last year, Kelsea is living up to the title as “Love Me Like You Mean It” (Ballerini, Kerr, Whitehead, Carpenter) continues its climb towards the Top 20, and has landed her on several “ones to watch” lists for 2015 including Billboard, Country Weekly, The Huffington Post, CBS Local’s Radio.com, Spotify, #CMChat, Country Music Is Love, and more.

Official Track Listing for The First Time

01. “XO” (Ballerini, Gravitt, O’Brien)

02. “Peter Pan” (Ballerini, Whitehead, Lee)

03. “Love Me Like You Mean It” (Ballerini, Whitehead, Kerr, Carpenter)

04. “Square Pegs” (Ballerini, Osborne, Stepakoff)

05. “The First Time” (Ballerini)

06. “Lookin’ At Stars” (Ballerini, Whitehead, Stepakoff)

07. “Sirens” (Ballerini, Whitehead, Denmark)

08. “Secondhand Smoke” (Ballerini, Kerr, Shellhart)

09. “Dibs” (Ballerini, Kerr, Griffin, Duke)

10. “Stilettos” (Ballerini, Whitehead, Savigar)

11. “Yeah Boy” (Ballerini, Whitehead, Timmer)

12. “Underage” (Ballerini, Kerr, Stepakoff)

Upcoming Tour Dates Include:

04/03 - Augusta, GA - The Country Club

04/10 - Norfolk, NE - w/ Scotty McCreery

04/12 - Green Bay, WI

4/17-19 - Dallas, TX - ACM Awards

04/25 - Los Angeles, CA - Radio Disney Music Awards

05/02 - Indianapolis, IN

06/06 - Pittsburgh, PA Heinz Field

06/17 - Wichita, KS

06/19 - Pueblo, CO - Bands in the Backyard w/ Toby Keith; Eli Young Band

06/26 - Cadott, WI - Chippewa Valley Music Fest w/ Tim McGraw


For full tour date schedule and info on Kelsea Ballerini please visit KelseaBallerini.com, and reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Now playing on CMT, fans can watch the music video for “Love Me Like You Mean It” on CMT.com, Vevo, YouTube and purchase “Love Me Like You Mean It” anywhere digital music is sold.