Music News

Kelsea Ballerini releases new single ‘First Rodeo’

Kelsea Ballerini has released her new single ‘First Rodeo’, the latest song to be taken from her forthcoming album PATTERNS out October 25th via Black River Entertainment.

Following her single ‘Cowboys Cry Too featuring Noah Kahan, which is closing in on 90 million streams, and the confessional Sorry Mom, with all the tells of how we fail our parents, ‘First Rodeo’ offers a young woman willing to seek, but speaking to the tentativity that being hurt can create. With a vibey track, a bit of cello and a slightly breathy vocal, Ballerini owns her own experiences and hopes for something worthy of her heart.
 
“Listen, there’s a reality that an inner monologue post public breakup is, ‘I feel washed up on the heart front. I feel like I don’t know how to do this anymore,'” she says. “But at the end of the day, choosing love is bigger, and the honesty of saying please take it slow and be patient with me can actually be a beautiful and connective moment. ‘First Rodeo’ encapsulates that conversation, and more so, that decision within self to be vulnerable and open and allowing the hope of it all to seep back in.”

To reinforce the tentativity of re-engaging, Ballerini again teamed with Patrick Tracy for a visually rapturous video filmed on the beach, on a vintage carousel, in a luxe hotel room, on a boat and in the arms of a new lover. With an emphasis on golden hour and sunset lighting, there’s a dreaminess to the clip that matches the record’s own wistfulness.

Ian Mc Donnell

Recent Posts

The Scratch / Maruja – live gallery and review from Iveagh Gardens, Dublin 04.07.2026

Manchester's Maruja opened the night at the Iveagh Gardens with an explosive, jazz-punk energy. Blending…

5 hours ago

Cian Ducrot / Jamie McIntyre – live gallery and review from Trinity Summer Series, Trinity College Dublin 03.07.2026

As the fifth night of MCD's Trinity Summer Series unfolded beneath the historic surroundings of…

1 day ago

Natasha Bedingfield / Stephanie Rainey – live gallery and review from Live at the Marquee, Cork 02.07.2026

Cork native Stephanie Rainey opens the night with the kind of voice that requires very…

1 day ago

Dylan Gossett / Brenn! – live gallery and review from Iveagh Gardens, Dublin 03.07.2026

The evening at the Iveagh Gardens kicked off with a deeply authentic and captivating performance…

1 day ago

Glen Hansard / Josh O’Keefe – live gallery and review from Trinity Summer Series, Trinity College Dublin 01.07.2026

A Night of Rock, Friendship, Storytelling, Folk, Rebel Songs and Pure Joy For reasons unknown,…

1 day ago

Irish artist Sailing Stones – beautifully compelling sophomore album ‘Slow Magic’, out now

Irish born and Bristol-based artist Sailing Stones' highly anticipated sophomore album, exploring the complexities of matrescence, Slow Magic is out…

1 day ago