Country star Kelsea Ballerini has decided to continue her successful journey with Black River Entertainment, her label home for the past 10 years. Despite receiving offers from major label groups, Ballerini and her team, including manager Jason Owen and Black River Entertainment president-CEO Gordon Kerr, made the unanimous decision to extend their partnership without considering outside distractions.
During the recent Grammy Awards, Ballerini was seen dancing with her friend Taylor Swift, where she was also nominated for Best Country Album for her EP, 'Rolling Up the Welcome Mat.' Looking ahead to 2024, Ballerini plans to release at least a taste of her forthcoming album in the second quarter of the year, along with other exciting projects.
The decision to renew her deal was not based solely on Black River's support of her latest project, but rather on the overall journey Ballerini has experienced throughout her career. Reflecting on her first No. 1 hit, 'Love Me Like You Mean It,' she emphasized the importance of having a partnership where she feels safe to explore and challenge her artistic voice, something she believes is not always the case with other labels.
Ballerini's willingness to take risks is evident in her recent album, 'Rolling Up the Welcome Mat,' which delves into the emotions she experienced during her divorce. This departure from her usual upbeat persona paid off with a Grammy nomination and positive reviews. Black River's unwavering support during these creative endeavors played a significant role in Ballerini's decision to continue working with the label.
Gordon Kerr praised Ballerini's achievements and described her as an artist who represents music with excellence, integrity, and style. He expressed his excitement to continue their partnership, as they have numerous stories to tell and a legacy to create together.
Manager Jason Owen, who also works with other high-profile artists, underscored the benefits of having Ballerini at a smaller label where she is the main focus. He praised the collaborative nature of the relationship between Sandbox Entertainment and Black River, highlighting their shared dedication to Kelsea's best interests. Owen expressed his gratitude for the freedom to dream big and bring new ideas to the table, knowing that he has never been told no by the label.
Both Owen and Kerr emphasized that their partnership extends beyond just creating new music. The terms of the renewed deal remain undisclosed, but it is clear that they are committed to exploring a wide range of opportunities. Ballerini's passion for making records and writing music remains a priority for her, but she also expressed her interest in exploring other aspects of the industry.
Owen hinted at a significant chapter for Ballerini, set to begin in the second quarter of 2024, promising a big and loud presence in the entertainment world. The team's enthusiasm for collaboration and their shared commitment to transforming the industry is a driving force behind their continued partnership.
As Kelsea Ballerini looks forward to the future, one thing is certain: her relationship with Black River Entertainment is built on trust, support, and the shared desire to create groundbreaking music and make a difference in the world of entertainment.
