At the 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards, multiple GRAMMY nominee Kelsea Ballerini captivated audiences with an electrifying performance, seamlessly merging her hit ‘Mountain With A View' with GRAMMY Best New Artist nominee Noah Kahan's breakthrough “Stick Season.” Their onstage chemistry sparked excitement, leading to speculation about potential future collaborations.
A Collaboration Born
Following their standout performance, Ballerini, Kahan, and producer/songwriter Alysa Vanderheym collaborated on a new track. The result? ‘Cowboys Cry Too (with Noah Kahan),' a soulful, midtempo song featuring fiddles and dobro, capturing the raw vulnerability of even the toughest individuals.
Two Distinct Voices, One Powerful Message
Ballerini’s ethereal alto and Kahan’s heartfelt vocals come together to explore the complexities of love, expectations, and vulnerability. This unique blend highlights the power of honesty in a world that often values appearances over authenticity.
“In our culture of highlight reels, genuine emotions can be sidelined,” Ballerini shares. “Especially for men, who often grow up with the mindset to ‘saddle up, brush it off.’ This song celebrates the vulnerable men in my life, with Noah adding his unfiltered perspective.”
Kahan adds, “Working with Kelsea pushed us to explore societal norms and reject what doesn’t serve us. ‘Cowboys Cry Too’ embodies everything I hoped our collaboration could achieve.”
A Message of Healing and Compassion
The song's bridge, with lyrics like “Blame it on their fathers… Or blame it on the songs that tell you they all ride away,” brings their shared experiences to life. It’s a heartfelt reflection on refuge, support, and quiet strength in a fast-paced world.
Both Ballerini and Kahan have been featured in major New York Times profiles, appeared on Saturday Night Live, and were recognised by TIME Magazine’s TIME100 Next. Their collaboration on ‘Cowboys Cry Too' showcases their shared commitment to authenticity and emotional depth in music.
