(CelebrityAccess) – The wait is officially over as Black River Entertainment recording artist Kelsea Ballerini’s much-anticipated sophomore album, Unapologetically, is available everywhere today.
“’Unapologetically’ means leading with your heart, trusting it, following it and not letting other people’s opinions sway it,” Ballerini reveals. “From heartbreak to finding the love of my life and embracing the ‘in between’ – this album is all in order, just like it happened. Loss, life, love… this is my story, Unapologetically.”
Produced by Forest Glen Whitehead and Jason Massey – in addition to Shane McAnally, Lindsay Rimes, and Jimmy Robbins on select tracks – Unapologetically spotlights 12 tunes written or co-written by Ballerini. Penned with “blood, sweat, and heartbeats,” the striking successor to her critically acclaimed, GOLD-certified The First Time, exposes the intimate journey of loss, life, and love that the Country star has experienced since her history-making debut album.
“These are exciting days for Kelsea and Black River,” said Gordon Kerr, CEO of Black River Entertainment. “With the success of her first album; including three number one songs and a Top 3 single, we are extremely grateful to the outstanding radio promotion staff at Black River and all the people who came alongside Kelsea to make history with her first album. As we launch Kelsea’s second album, Unapologetically, we look forward to continuing this journey alongside Kelsea and the wonderful people that day in and day out, tirelessly work to advance this great artist’s music.”
Early reviews have critics applauding Ballerini’s fearless evolution as both an artist and songwriter alike:
“Her voice is winningly sweet, and also durably strong — it suggests a carefully withheld tenderness. And she is an elegant songwriter…” – The New York Times
“… the most daring female artists in the genre these days are those that are singing songs of empowerment and self-reliance…And right now no one is doing that better than Kelsea Ballerini.” – Paste Magazine
“It’s stacked with strong tracks from start to finish, each showcasing the Tennessee native’s natural ear for radio-friendly, pop-country hooks and original, memorable lyrics.” – Forbes
Fired-up following her heartwarming homecoming show at Knoxville’s Central High School October 28th and the announcement of The Unapologetically Tour launch this winter, Ballerini kick-started this momentous week by surprising fans from Nashville to New York City with invitation-only mini concerts in celebration of Unapologetically.
On November 2nd, she excitedly spilled details on a secret pop-up party on her Instagram account, before taking over The Wayland in East Village. Wanting to ring in her unforgettable midnight release, Ballerini amped up her late-night “Legends” – her endearing nickname for her fans – until the clock struck 12. The first 100 fans were also gifted an autographed physical copy of the album.
Previously in Nashville, Ballerini surprised the top 125 Nashville Spotify listeners of her music on Monday October 30th. From Music City’s The Back Corner, she hosted an acoustic concert featuring a handful of new songs, such as the lovestruck title anthem, all while the enchanted crowd sang along to every word. During a special Q&A portion emceed by CMT’s Leslie Fram, Senior Vice President of Music Strategy, Ballerini answered a range of questions from guests and in honor of one of her favorite lyrics from her chart-rising single, “Legends” – “We wrote our own story” – she further invited everyone to write her a letter from a satellite station stocked with stationary inside the venue before exiting. Ballerini capped off the memorable night with a casual hang where she ditched her ornate blue-green floral suit for comfy sweats.
She made her debut on CBS’ The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on November 3rd and then returned to Nashville, where she was honored with the treasured ASCAP Vanguard Award at the 55th annual ASCAP Country Music Awards last Monday, November 6th.
Yesterday marked the 51st annual CMA Awards, where the Female Vocalist of the Year nominee partnered with Reba McEntire for an iconic duet of “Legends.” Both also performed live from Nashville on ABC’s Good Morning America that same morning.
Contacts & Information
Kelsea Ballerini
https://www.kelseaballerini.com
North American Agency
CAA / Creative Artists Agency – Nashville
401 Commerce Street Penthouse Suite
Nashville, TN 37219 United States
Phone: 615-383-8787
Fax: 615-383-4937
http://www.caatouring.com
Responsible Agent: Marc Dennis
E-Mail: mdennis@caa.com
Responsible Agent: John Huie
E-Mail: john.huie@caa.com
North American Management
Iconic Entertainment
2 Music Circle South, Suite 100
Nashville, TN 37203 United States
Phone: 615-454-6795
E-Mail: info@iconicentertainment.com
http://www.iconicentertainment.com
Responsible Manager: Fletcher Foster
E-Mail: info@iconicentertainment.com
North American Co-Publicity
Black River Entertainment
12 Music Circle South
Nashville, TN 37203 United States
Phone: 615-780-3070
E-Mail: info@blackriverent.com
http://www.blackriverent.com
Responsible Publicist: Dawn Delvo
E-Mail: ddelvo@blackriverent.com
Sweet Talk Publicity
PO Box 120429
Nashville, TN 37212 United States
Phone: 615-320-9616
http://sweettalkpublicity.com
Responsible Publicist: Jensen Sussman
E-Mail: jensen@sweettalkpublicity.com
North American Record Label
Black River Entertainment
12 Music Circle South
Nashville, TN 37203 United States
Phone: 615-780-3070
E-Mail: info@blackriverent.com
http://www.blackriverent.com
