After more than 15 years of determination and resilience, Sony Music Nashville artist Corey Kent is set to release his highly anticipated sophomore album ‘Black Bandana' on September 6, 2024. The album’s release will be followed by Kent’s headlining Black Bandana Tour, kicking off on September 21. As a platinum-selling artist with a history of overcoming challenges, Kent’s latest work showcases his journey and growth, both personally and professionally. Pre-order the album right here.
Fans were recently treated to a preview of the new album with the release of ‘Now or Never,' a powerful duet featuring Lauren Alaina. The track, which Kent describes as a song about drawing a line in the sand in a relationship, combines orchestral-rock elements with 80s-inspired anthems, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh. Lauren Alaina shared her excitement about the collaboration, noting the importance of the song’s message and her anticipation for its impact. “I am so excited to be a part of this song with Corey,” said Alaina. “I think the message is super powerful. It’s okay to love someone and take a stand for yourself when needed. I am honored Corey asked me to be a part of it. I can’t wait to see where the song takes us.”
‘Black Bandana' is more than just an album title for Kent; it’s a symbol of his journey and resilience. From his humble beginnings in Bixby, Oklahoma, to his rise as a decorated artist with over 940 million career streams, Kent’s story is one of relentless pursuit and unwavering hope. The black bandana, which started as a practical accessory during motorcycle rides, has become a staple of his on-stage persona and a rallying cry for his fans.
The album, which features a mix of cinematic electric guitars, heart-pounding drums, and Kent’s gravel-road rasp, explores themes of integrity, resilience, and family. Kent co-wrote six of the album’s ten tracks, blending classic rock influences with contemporary country sounds. Notable tracks include the title track , ‘Ain't Gonna Lie' and the deeply personal ‘So Far.'
Kent’s journey has been far from easy, with setbacks like the pandemic and the loss of his first publishing deal. However, his perseverance paid off with the success of his hit single “Wild As Her,” which re-ignited his career and led to his major label debut, Blacktop. Despite his growing mainstream success, Kent remains true to his independent spirit, focusing on what’s important in both his career and personal life.
As Corey Kent prepares to release ‘Black Bandana' and hit the road for his headlining tour, he reflects on his journey and looks forward to the future. “I’m still excited about the records I’ve yet to create,” he says. “I’m excited about the shows I haven’t played yet. I’m excited about unlocking new levels of my craft, and writing more songs that people connect with deeply. …I still live for those moments.”
The Black Bandana album is available for pre-save now, and fans can listen to ‘Now or Never' on all streaming platforms.
Black Bandana Track List:
- Ain't Gonna Lie (Corey Kent / Austin Goodloe / Brett Tyler)
- Damn Good Country Song (Ben Burgess / Michael Lotten / Whitney Phillips)
- Black Bandana (Corey Kent / Rocky Block / Jordan Dozzi / Brett Tyler)
- Never Ready (Corey Kent / Austin Goodloe / Joybeth Taylor / Lydia Vaughan)
- Break Like That (Thomas Archer / Jacob Hackworth / AJ Pruis / Brett Tyler)
- Nothing But Neon (Corey Kent / Austin Goodloe / Joybeth Taylor / Lydia Vaughan)
- Now or Never feat. Lauren Alaina (Sam Ellis / Ryan Hurd / Geoff Warburton)
- Rust (Corey Kent / Casey Brown / Jacob Davis / Travis Wood)
- This Heart (Thomas Archer / Blake Bollinger / Jacob Hackworth / Michael Tyler)
- So Far (Corey Kent / Joe Fox / Lauren Hungate)
