Kelsea Ballerini Unveils Empowering Anthem: 'Leaving the Past Behind'

Kelsea Ballerini is gearing up for a new chapter in her music career, wrapping up a whirlwind year with the reimagined version of her viral breakup EP, Rolling Up the Welcome Mat (For Good). The singer reveals that the re-release is a tribute to the dedicated fans who resonated with the heartfelt and vulnerable songs, inspired by her divorce from Morgan Evans, and made them their own.

According to the 29-year-old artist, the rerelease is a heartfelt gesture exclusively for those who have connected deeply with the music since its initial release in February. Ballerini explains that she initially dropped the six-song EP, Rolling Up the Welcome Mat, with minimal fanfare as she was primarily focused on her forthcoming 2022 album, Subject to Change. However, she was pleasantly surprised by the unexpected and profound connection that fans formed with the music.

Ballerini, who spoke with Us while promoting her partnership with Sonic, explained that she has truly honored the music by performing it live. She started off with "Blindsided" on Saturday Night Live in March, where she modified the lyrics as a nod to Evans' song "Over for You," which talks about searching for her worldwide. Despite fans heavily analyzing the songs, Ballerini has expressed her disinterest in further dissecting the music.

"It's no longer just mine, it truly isn't. It has become a collective experience. The fans have been very vocal since the beginning—when I performed 'Blindsided' on SNL, they immediately requested the 'Yeah, Sure, Okay' version," she explains. "And each time I sang 'Penthouse' live, it organically changed and evolved. Then one day, on a whim, I altered one word, and it took on a whole new life. They wanted that version, and they named it 'The Healed Version.' It wasn't my idea, it was theirs."

Sonic

In her song "Penthouse (The Healed Version)," Ballerini croons, "I shared a kiss with someone else last night. Now, I have no concern for your whereabouts, darling." The initial lyrics went, "I shared a kiss with someone else last night. However, I am unaware of your current sleeping location, darling."

"I have reached a point where the songs and their meanings – undoubtedly, a significant chapter of my life linked to that album – no longer evoke the same emotions," she shares with Us. "Now, it has become a symbol that unites me with others, and I am enthusiastic about expressing my gratitude by fulfilling their requests with this music. That's why I am incredibly excited about it. My sole sentiment towards it is gratitude."

An enhancement to Rolling Up the Welcome Mat (For Good) is the extended edition of "Interlude," which is a mere 45 seconds on the original version.

“We arranged the songs in a specific order and I felt that transitioning too quickly from ‘Penthouse’ to ‘Blindsided’ lacked emotional connection. I believed there needed to be a bridge that could guide you emotionally from point A to point B," she explains to Us. She admits that she was spontaneously expressing her thoughts for the track. "And that's exactly how 'Interlude' full-length album turned out as well."

Ballerini acknowledges that transforming a non-traditional format into a full-length song was challenging. "We went through multiple versions of it. But it still retains a sense of stream of consciousness," she reveals.

The upcoming EP, set to release on August 11th, features a fresh track called "How Do I Do This." In an interview with Us, Ballerini reveals that the song revolves around the nerves of going on a first date after a breakup. She explains that it delves into the uncharted territory of a new beginning. Ballerini expresses that, for her, it was important to share her perspective on what occurred in her life after the breakup, hence why she prioritized discussing the breakup itself first. She believes that this would be the first part of her story, while her current project, "Rolling Up the Welcome Mat (For Good)," would serve as the continuation of her narrative.

Ballerini goes on to reference boyfriend Chase Stokes.

"Now, with a new relationship steadily blossoming, the public has taken notice," she shares. "Thus, I believe it is the perfect moment to update everyone and shift the focus from the past to the present."

Before officially moving on to the present, Ballerini is tapping into her teenage self by putting a new spin on Sonic's Ocean Water.

"I have this fascination with how certain tastes, smells, and songs have the power to transport you back to specific moments in your life. And for me, Ocean Water reminds me of those first two years of high school," she reveals. "Back when I was still living in Knoxville, Tennessee, I had friends who could drive, and there happened to be a Sonic just 0.3 miles away from my high school. So whenever we had the chance - after school, during lunch breaks, before a game, or before study sessions - Sonic and, specifically, Ocean Water were always the go-to treat."

Ballerini spiced up the drink by incorporating Lime and Blue Raspberry flavors. She describes it as a delightful tropical summer indulgence and expresses her excitement about it.

While Sonic remains a significant part of Ballerini's life, she now frequents the chain with her band during lengthy bus rides or prior to reaching a venue, as opposed to her high school friends. Regarding her other selected orders, Ballerini states that it varies depending on her current mood.

"I have a deep fondness for the tots and the popcorn chicken. Additionally, I must admit that I thoroughly enjoy indulging in a chili dog from time to time," she confesses. As our conversation with Ballerini comes to a close, she hints that she will be taking a break once her new album, Rolling Up the Welcome Mat (For Good), is released later this month. She concludes, "I am going to retreat from the spotlight and embrace the milestone of turning 30. I'm excited to live a life worth writing about."