Kelsea Ballerini is embracing a new chapter in her life following her recent move to New York City. The country music star, known for her hit song “Patterns,” has settled into the vibrant metropolis, which she describes as a significant source of inspiration for her creative process. Recently, she spoke with PEOPLE while judging SoFi’s Amplify Your Ambitions contest, an event designed to support aspiring musicians with substantial financial prizes.
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The 32-year-old singer, who has made a name for herself with five albums and two EPs primarily recorded in Nashville, shared her excitement about the potential impact of her new urban surroundings on her future music. “I’ve made five records and two EPs in Nashville,” she noted, “but I’m in a place in my life where I wanted to explore how changing my landscape might influence my creative output.” Her time in New York has already begun to feel transformative, leading her to conclude that it reflects what she envisions as her version of country music infused with urban energy.
In a light-hearted moment during her interview, Ballerini compared her recent experiences in the city to those of the iconic character Carrie Bradshaw from “Sex and the City.” Her transition has come with its own set of challenges, such as learning to navigate her new home. “I moved here by myself and I’m in an apartment by myself, which I haven’t done in a long time,” she shared. “In Nashville, I’m usually surrounded by family and friends, but this new environment has pushed me into personal growth and self-discovery.”
Ballerini’s affection for New York is deeply rooted. She recalls first visiting the city at the age of 14 on a school choir trip, where she pledged to experience life there someday. “I thought to myself, ‘I want to have a chapter of my life in New York’ — but I wasn’t sure how or when that would happen,” she explained. “Initially, I wondered if now was the right time, and eventually, I realised, ‘Why not now?’”
As a judge for SoFi’s Amplify Your Ambitions contest, Ballerini is playing an integral role in awarding one grand prize of $200,000 and two runner-up prizes of $50,000 at a concert set to kick off on June 4 in Nashville. The talent showcased in the contest consists of musicians who submitted video and written essays detailing their ambitions and how they would utilise the winnings to further their careers. Ballerini is sharing judging duties with Vivian Tu, SoFi’s Chief of Financial Empowerment, and Grammy-winning songwriter Shane McAnally.
Reflecting on her own journey in the music industry, Ballerini expressed empathy for the struggle many artists face when starting out. “I think about the years before I had my first real opportunity — those were the moments where I was investing in myself, whether through time spent networking or managing finances,” she said. She underscored the importance of financial backing for aspiring musicians, explaining how it affects various aspects of a career, from playing live shows to acquiring instruments and paying for studio time. “These artists in our top three have a chance to experience a life-changing moment with SoFi, and being part of that is incredibly fulfilling.”
As the CMA Fest approaches, Ballerini’s involvement in mentoring and supporting upcoming musicians resonates strongly with her own experiences. The singer’s commitment to fostering new talent highlights the importance of community in the music industry, echoing her own desire to uplift those starting their journeys. The excitement surrounding the contest and her fresh inspiration from New York is sure to lead to an exciting period of creativity for Ballerini.
From her early dreams of living in the city to her current role as a mentor and judge, Kelsea Ballerini’s journey is a testament to the power of determination and the ever-evolving landscape of a musician’s career. With New York serving as her new canvas, fans can expect to see a new dimension of her artistic expression in the near future.