Liverpool artist Katie Nicholas drops brand new single "You Kill Me" ft Robert Vincent

Katie Nicholas drops New Single “You Kill Me” featuring Robert Vincent 

An Americana anthem for the cynic’s true romantic heart. Enough to “make your stomach churn”...

LISTEN on your preferred music platform HERE, or tap below: 

 

And it kills me when you call

Cause it gets me every time (gets me every time)

Well you told me that you can't commit

That love feels like a crime

And it kills me

So forgive my naivety
And I'll forgive you for leading me
Down places where we shouldn't be

And I curse the day we met

Liverpool songbird Katie Nicholas returns all guns sparklin’ alongside UK Americana rising star Robert Vincent to kickstart a new era of self-produced country-pop bops, celebrating her earliest viral tracks which kickstarted her early career in British Country Music.

“You Kill Me” (writers: Alistair Edward Ingle, Katie Nicholas) is the Americana anthem for the cynic’s true romantic heart. Enough to “make your stomach churn”, Nicholas and Vincent’s harmonies entwine within a starry mix of multi-award winning AMA-UK instrumentalists including Anna Corcoran, Isabella Baker, Mark Lewis, CJ Hillman, Sean Rogan, Joe Coombs + more. 

With Robert heading out on tour with Robert Plant in 2025, and Katie’s completion of the prolific 50-song Songwriter Diaries series, these two artists, both championed by BBC Radio 2’s Whispering Bob Harris, have rocked up giddy to Deliver their tragic love-ballad - all with a smirk upon their face.

Katie, in her own words, shares with fans: “There’s been so many stops and starts throughout my journey that I’m feeling determined lately to release all of my music so you can stick it on while you potter around or just whenever you need a pick-me-up (or sob!) - sometimes I cannot believe most of my music is still inaccessible and unreleased… this is why I’m so desperate to get it all out so you can stream with ease”.

Regarding “You Kill Me” and what’s ahead, I am very proud and happy with this work, and it’s the first time I’m sat fully in the producer’s seat. With the end of Songwriter Diaries on the horizon (yes, episode 49 is already out - how crazy?), I wanted to celebrate a handful of my earliest songs, all written between ages 16 and 20. This one made the cut cause I could never put it down. It’s now 10 years old and only now seeing the light of day, and was my first and last co-write, written with scouse/London buddy, Ali Ingle. Fast forward to 2024 and my dear friend Robert Vincent joins me, along with a team of incredible musicians, to resuscitate and bring the track back to life.

one week of ups, downs: In a rare incite for fans into the stresses and strains involved in releasing and distributing music by an artist, Katie posted a series of Facebook posts: HERE | HERE | HERE

The sound has now been joined for a while by the most delightful fiddle sound that has made this single even more traditional….The last chorus sees both Robert and Katie pull out the most beautiful of vocals that are diametrically opposed to the harsh realities that they are singing about. -  W21 Music Review

LIVE DATES

Tuesday 29 October 2024 - Prohibition Recording Studios, Liverpool (24A Arrad Street, Merseyside, L7 7BP) Event Price £10 - £16 + fees EVENT LEMAN “Tunesday Extra” Katie Nicholas, Eleanor, Lily Almond.

Friday 8 November 2024 - Indigo Venue, Birkenhead (136 Bedford Road, Rock Ferry, CH42 2AS) "The Inaugural Songwriters Night" + Helen Delamere + Ben Burke EVENT

Wednesday 5 February 2025 - Grateful Fred's Americana, Southport (The Atkinson Theatre, Lord St, PR8 1DB) Headline at Roots & Acoustic Showcase + Strings @ THE ATKINSON  

MERCH: https://katienicholas.bandcamp.com/merch

DISCOGRAPHY: https://katienicholas.bandcamp.com/music 

CONNECT with Katie Nicholas:

ABOUT

Katie Nicholas is an award-winning songwriter, videographer and producer from Liverpool, UK.

In March 2024 her lovely single “Chemistry” topped the Hotdisc British & Irish Chart for 3 weeks.

She released a 5-track EP DIZZY on March 14, 2015.

As a graphic/ ad designer, based in Putney, by profession she created her 10 track physical debut album cover with signed copies available at the C2C Festival at (14:14 - 14:45 | CMA stand in Town Square).

Her CD Launch took place on 14th March 2015 on her birthday at the 22 Club in Liverpool.

Katie told South West Londoner: “It is my dream to become a prolific songwriter, able to deliver original music while maintaining my personal, unique brand.”

After a musical hiatus she stepped into a new era with her 4 track EP "FEATHER" (released Dec 1, 2024 | tagged Singer/songwriter APPLE MUSIC),  showcasing her as a distinctive artist, skilful guitarist and fearless in bending any genre to suit her message.

With firm roots in Americana and Country, she expanded on her poetic lyricism with carefully crafted guitar and string arrangements, reminiscent of obscure but timeless artists such as Judee Sill, Eva Cassidy and Joni Mitchell. "Powerful Vulnerability" - BBC Radio Scotland.

Already established on the British Country Music circuit when living in London, Katie was quickly discovered and showcased by Whispering Bob Harris on his "Under The Apple Tree" Event in Nashville, has gone on to record music at Abbey Road Studio London and The Blackbird Nashville, and was most recently featured on the SSL advert with her popular track "Chemistry".

In November 2023, she independently sold out her first headline show at the Liverpool Philharmonic Music Room.

Her SONGWRITER DIARIES Vol I. is a 50-part YouTube series sharing 10+ years of unreleased music revealing the stories and personal journey behind her earliest music. With 7 distinct themes, this collection is one of metamorphosis, exploring the many eras Katie has moved through as a young writer who struggled to get her work out into the world. Beginning in 2007 with her first song, the series journeys through a decade of songs between 2010 and 2020, with the majority of tracks written between the ages of 18 and 21 (30 songs). In a bold effort to set free all that has struggled to see the light of day, here she attempts to catch up with her extensive back catalogue, and is no longer feeling “stuck in her cocoon”…Read More

After completing her prolific 50-song “Songwriter Diaries” video series (endorsed by Aston Microphones), showcasing an extensive and largely unheard back-catalogue of music, Katie celebrates an incredibly dynamic year with the release of her purest and most enjoyable work. She’s beginning again - on her terms.

“A striking new talent” – Country Music People

“An absolutely beautiful voice” – Frank Hennessey, Celtic Heartbeat, BBC Radio Wales

Singer/Songwriter Angie K Releases "Golden"; New EP Coming Early Next Year

2024 CMT LISTEN UP ARTIST, ANGIE K, RELEASES REFLECTIVE

NEW TRACK “GOLDEN”

Self-Titled EP, Angie K, will be Released in Early 2025

"Golden" Cover Art | Photo Credit: Marissa Boucher 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Rising country singer/songwriter and HOLLER “Artist You Need to Know,” Angie K has had a breakout year which includes making her Grand Ole Opry debut. Today she releases the song that closed out that first-time performance and earned her a standing ovation on the hallowed stage, “Golden.” The thoughtful and reflective ballad is available now. Listen HERE. (Preferred music platform) or below:

“‘Golden’ is a song about the present,” shared Angie K, “and to remember that the greatest gift we can give each other is our time so slow down and savor every moment.”

"Golden" is the latest new music from Angie K and will be featured on her forthcoming self-titled EP, Angie K. Produced by acclaimed writer/producer and BMI Songwriter of the Year, Stephony Smith, the EP will be released independently early next year. 

Written by Angie K along with Mary Kutter, Brian Alexander and Noah Lubert, the independently released track finds her reflecting on our most precious commodity…time…and soaking in every second. 

Nobody knows what’s coming tomorrow 

Every breath we’re breathing is borrowed 

Make the most of every moment

Cause someday, these days will be Golden

This latest release follows the Latin country artist’s recent collaboration with Jimencio for the Tejano and country music infused “Yo Quiero Todo.” Co-penned by Jimencio and Angie K, it is the first collaboration between the Nashville artists, with the duo lauding an unconditional love that withstands all circumstances. Listen to “Yo Quiero Todo” HERE. 

The queer country artist first made her mark on Music City with bilingual track, “Real Talk,” catapulting her onto the country scene as a “Highway Find” on SiriusXM’s The Highway. The new music follows the powerhouse vocalist’s recent releases “Stay,” “Death of Me” and “Red Dirt on Mars,” which left Billboard praising her “disarming vulnerability.” She also recently explained the influence Smith had on her when it came to releasing “Death of Me” in a “Holler Nashville Session” sharing, “It's a very vulnerable song, and I almost didn't put in on the record, but I'm glad I did - just because of the stories I've heard of people relating to it.” Listen to “Stay” , “Red Dirt on Mars” (222K Streams) and “Death of Me” HERE. 

The 2023 CMT Next Women of Country artist has been in the studio working on the forthcoming EP with Smith, who penned the smash hit “It’s Your Love” for Tim McGraw/Faith Hill and has received cuts from some of music’s biggest stars including The Chicks, Shania Twain, Barbara Streisand, Kenny Chesney, Terri Clark, Reba McEntire and more. 

Named a 2024 CMT LISTEN UP artist with CMT also calling her an “up-and-coming female artist to watch,” this year is certainly shaping up to be a breakout year for Angie K. Born and raised in El Salvador until age 11 and raised in Georgia, her love for country music was nurtured from a young age. Her mother’s dedication, saving up to bring her to Nashville to the Grand Ole Opry, came full circle with her making her Opry debut in Aug., fulfilling a lifelong dream.

American Songwriter was on hand for the emotional evening sharing, “Her voice rang strong and clear through the Grand Ole Opry House, compelling fans to raise their phones on the last song and fill the darkened theater with light—a moving display of acceptance and adoration for a woman who has dreamed of standing in the hallowed circle since before her feet touched North American soil.”

For the latest news and tour dates, visit officialangiek.com 

About Angie K

A member of CMT’s 2023 Next Women of Country class, Angie K was named earlier this year to CMT’s 2024 LISTEN UP Class and named an “Artist You Need to Know” by Holler. 

With a nod to Angie K’s Latin roots, her first bilingual single “Real Talk” catapulted her onto the country scene as a “Highway Find” on SiriusXM’s The Highway. 

As an out and independent artist she has accumulated over 20 million+ streams, 500k+ followers and even played on the Nissan Stadium stage during the 2022 CMA Fest. Angie has also shared the stage with Tanya Tucker, Trace Adkins, Melissa Etheridge and more.

With CMT calling her an “up-and-coming female artist to watch" this year, 2024 is certainly shaping up to be a breakout year for Angie K. 

She made her Grand Ole Opry debut in August, and took the main stage at Nashville Pride and the Reverb Stage at CMA Fest this year. She will release her self-titled EP, Angie K, in early 2025. For upcoming tour dates and more information, visit officialangiek.com/ and follow along @officialangiek on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

BOWEN * YOUNG release electrified version 'Hair Of The Dog' feat. Kezia Gill

BOWEN * YOUNG RELEASE ELECTRIFIED VERSION OF ‘HAIR OF THE DOG’ FEAT. KEZIA GILL STREAM

PREMIERED ON RADIO 2 BBC SOUNDS (World Exclusive) 

DEBUT ALBUM ‘US’ OUT NOW VIA SNAKEFARM 

LISTEN HERE  (Preferred Music Platform)

BOWEN * YOUNG have released a new, electrified version of anthemic track ‘Hair Of The Dog’ (Original audio), featuring a guest appearance from award-winning UK singer / songwriter, Kezia Gill – currently on her ‘The Story So Far’ tour of the UK & Ireland.

After crossing paths at the Highways festival at Royal Albert Hall earlier this year, and playing each other’s songs in an impromptu backstage jam, it was clear that there was real chemistry between Bowen * Young & Kezia; so much so that the Nashville-based duo felt they had to get Kezia involved in a new, reimagined version of ‘Hair Of The Dog’.

Comments BOWEN * YOUNG: “We’re so excited to have Kezia lend her gorgeous voice to this new recording of ‘Hair Of The Dog’, a special song for us. Yeah, it’s about hangovers, but hangovers don’t just happen after a massive stag night – sometimes a hangover is the day after someone or something has made you feel like your dreams aren’t yours anymore. It’s about picking yourself up, dusting yourself off and remembering who the hell you are. Kezia immediately understood the sentiment of the lyrics and has now become a friend. We had the best time recording with her – what’s more fun than getting together for a raucous day in the studio with your mates? 🖤”

Adds Kezia: "I was first asked to collaborate with Bowen * Young on their song 'Hair Of The Dog' at Royal Albert Hall, backstage at the Highways festival. It was so much fun to perform together, and I immediately clicked with Clare and Brandon. I loved their energy and felt our voices blended well. Fast forward a few months and I was blown away to be asked to feature on a re-imagining of the track. It is such a pleasure to be involved – I love the song, I love Bowen * Young, and I can’t wait for it to be out in the world!"

The original version of ‘Hair Of The Dog’ features on debut Bowen * Young album, ‘Us’, out worldwide via Snakefarm / Integral. Clare Bowen, renowned for her role as Scarlett in the hit TV series ‘Nashville’, and Brandon, a melody-spinner from Connecticut, have come together to deliver a captivating, emotive 10-track outing. You can listen to the album HERE. 

Guided at first by acclaimed Americana songwriter / producer Sean McConnell and subsequently by Nashville producer / writer Roger Alan Nichols, ‘Us’ captures the essence of Clare and Brandon’s feelings, weaving together haunting melodies, heartfelt story-telling and hypnotic harmonies. From facing adversity to cele-brating life’s victories, each track resonates with passion, showcasing the duo’s signature musical blend – an approach they have dubbed ‘Cinematic Americana’.  

“We poured our hearts and souls into creating ‘Us’,” says Clare. “It’s a celebration of love, resilience and the power of music to unite us all.” 

For more information and the latest updates on BOWEN * YOUNG, please visit: www.bowenyoung.com 

Us Track Listing:

1.     “Water To Wine” (Clare Bowen, Brandon Robert Young, Sean McConnell)

2.     “Hair of the Dog” (Clare Bowen, Brandon Robert Young, Sean McConnell)

3.     “God Forbidden” (Clare Bowen, Brandon Robert Young, Sean McConnell)

4.     “Seven Days” (Brandon Robert Young, Jeff Cohen)

5.     “Us” (Clare Bowen, Brandon Robert Young, Justin Halpin, Cale Dodds)

6.     “Aurora” (Clare Bowen, Brandon Robert Young, Sean McConnell)

7.     “Halo” (Ryan Tedder, Evan Bogart, Beyoncé Knowles)

8.     “Gets Late Early” (Brandon Robert Young, Justin Halpin)

9.     “World Brand New” (Clare Bowen, Brandon Robert Young, Mikky Ekko)

10.  “To The Bone” (Clare Bowen, Brandon Robert Young, Mikky Ekko)

MORE ABOUT BOWEN * YOUNG

Drawing inspiration from their personal experiences and musical influences, BOWEN * YOUNG effortlessly blend elements of folk, Americana and country to create a sound that is distinctly their own.

After growing up in rural Australia, Clare Bowen moved to Music City in 2012 to play the role of Scarlett O’Connor in hit TV show ‘Nashville’, gaining respect from the city’s musical leaders and finding mentors in legendary Grammy Award-winning producers / songwriters, T-Bone Burnett and Buddy Miller.

 

Hailing originally from Connecticut, Brandon Robert Young began singing at the age of five under the guidance of his mother. He eventually moved to Nashville, where he taught himself to play guitar, working as a courier during the day, filling composition books with songs at night. 

Bowen has performed with artists such as Vince Gill, Zac Brown Band and more, while Young spent a decade touring with John Hiatt and collaborating with Emmylou Harris, Colin Linden and Mikky Ekko. 

The pair were first brought together in 2013, when Brandon was a last-minute replacement for Clare’s no-show duet partner for her first solo set at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. 

BOWEN * YOUNG made their UK debut joining Billy Joel and Daryl Hall at British Summer Time in Hyde Park, before performing at Royal Albert Hall earlier this year as part of Highways Festival.

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE

Kelsea Ballerini releases new album 'PATTERNS'

KELSEA BALLERINI

RELEASES NEW ALBUM

PATTERNS

LISTEN HERE (Preferred Music platform) or below:

  ****   USE the Playlist play control 2nd left from top of the screen to see the playlisted..tracks and select one to play from the drop down menu  ***  👇 

 On Thursday (24 Oct 2024) episode of Bob Harris Country, Kelsea guested (and she has tour news!). Ref ‘Nothing Really Matters': “That is an exclusive and the album is really good” Bob Harris BBC SOUNDS 

It’s a mature and introspective collection that captures an artist at a crossroads between who she was and who she might go on to be. This makes the album a compelling and relatable listen for anyone who has experienced growth through heartache. While not always light-hearted, the album’s depth, honesty and catchy pop production make it one of Ballerini’s most personal and memorable releases to date. - 4 STARS EF Country

"characteristically varied collection that finds her looking inward with honesty and resolve, staying strong without sounding too heavy about it" 3.1/2 STARS ROLLING STONE 

Kelsea Ballerini has (October 25^th) released her new album PATTERNS via Black River Entertainment. Intimate, but pop-inflected, personal, but somehow universal, PATTERNS reflects the young woman emerging from divorce and its aftershocks to assess her life with clear-eyed grace and a future that seems clearly pointed to a well-earned happily ever after.

Working with an all-female creative team, the four-time GRAMMY nominee looked to longtime collaborator Alysa Vanderheym, Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Hillary Lindsey, GRAMMY Songwriter of the Year nominee Jessie Jo Dillon and Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild to forge a sisterhood in song for the 15-song cycle that measures her life in far brighter shades. Or as Rolling Stone opines of the feminine force of creativity, “she sings about the lifelong power of ride-or-die friendship. What comes out is an album about turning life lessons into bops and today’s hardships into tonight’s drink orders.”

PATTERNS offers a judgment-free zone that feels good as it unpacks the patterns that get in our way and those special friends who pull up and get you through. Whether it’s the self-accepting perspective of ‘Nothing Really Matters’, the erotic charge of ‘Deep’, the girlfriends-forever bop ‘I Would, Would You’ or the ironic ‘We Broke Up’, Ballerini is once again crafting songs that reflect how life evolves if you’re present and wanting to experience it at full range of (e)motion. Even ‘Baggage’, with its owning all the pieces of the journey suggests Ballerini’s as committed to the voyage as she is sharing all the good, bad and hilarious with her people. 

Meanwhile lead single ‘Cowboy’s Cry Too’ featuring Noah Kahan is continuing to prove a major hit, quickly closing in on 100 million streams as it climbs country radio in the US and looks forward to the Country Music Association Awards where it is nominated for ‘Musical Event Of The Year’.

Regarding the new album Ballerini says, “PATTERNS marks the end of my Saturn return (thank the heavens).The beautiful and brutal look into myself and the people I love the most. The celebrations and challenges in the name of betterment, growth, and all-around elevated vibes. The healthy habits that I hold close and the ones that gotta go."

Ballerini continues, "Written from my truest self, but meant for you to project onto your own lives and try on for fit. Whether you relate, want a song to cry in the back of an Uber music video style to, dramatically/drunkenly tell someone how much you love them, or scream sing about moments gone wrong before they went right…it’s all yours." 

To mark PATTERNS’ release, Ballerini is playing a special album release concert at Madison Square Garden on October 29^th which sold out in minutes. Truly a bucket list moment, she is celebrating the power of her emergence as a writer/artist finding a new level of creativity and connection.

Ballerini is now set to take her captivating live show to another level on her 30-city, three-month US arena tour KELSEA BALLERINI LIVE ON TOUR, kicking off on January 21^st 2025. 

Fans can register now for access to the KELSEA BALLERINI LIVE ON TOUR presale at kelseaballerini.com.

RELATED POSTS

Kelsea Ballerini releases her new single ‘First Rodeo’

Kelsea Ballerini ‘Two Things’ Brand New Single & Video
##

Corey Kent raises A Black Bandana with sophomore album and announcing UK dates in 2025

COREY KENT RAISES A BLACK BANDANA

Video for Single, “Now or Never” Featuring Lauren Alaina, Available

UK & IRELAND TOUR FEBRUARY 2025

Listen to His New Podcast “Bus Call”  New Episodes Released Each Month 

Named a Best Album Pick by NPR’s All Songs Considered

“Poised to Be Country’s Latest Red Dirt Star” - Rolling Stone

 “music for those whose lives have been seasoned by rocky times" - Billboard  

“Gently but unrelentingly uplifting. This soulful kid has got something special.” - Music Row

“fierce and spirited listen” - Entertainment Focus (4.5 STARS REVIEW)]

Corey Kent

Black Bandana Tour Dates:

International Dates

Saturday 1 February 2025 -  Green Room at The Academy, Dublin (The Academy, 57 Middle Abbey Street,  Dublin 2, Ireland) TICKETMASTER IE w/ Lori McKenna

Sunday 2 February 2025 - The Limelight 1, Belfast (17, Ormeau Avenue, BT2 8HD) TICKETMASTER IE / Lori McKenna

Tuesday 4 February 2025 - SWG3 TV Studio, Glasgow (100 Eastvale Place, G3 8QG) TICKETMASTER UK  w/ Lori McKenna 

Friday 7 February 2025 - Manchester Academy 2, Manchester (Manchester Union, Oxford Road, M13 9PR) Standing £24.86 EVENT w/ Lori McKenna

Saturday 8 February 2025 - O2 Academy2 Birmingham, Birmingham (16-18 Horsefair, B1 1DB) TICKETMASTER UK w/ Lori McKenna

Sunday 9 February 2025 - The Trinity Centre, Bristol (Trinity Road, BS2 0NW) Standing £25.86 SEETICKETS w/ Lori McKenna

Tuesday 11 February 2025 - The Electric Ballroom, Camden Town (184 Camden High Street, London NW1 8QP) SEETICKETS 

Artist Website (US Tour Dates) | Tickets available from Ticketmaster UK

Sony Music Nashville artist Corey Kent has spent more than 15 years cutting his own path through a tangled wilderness of stumbles and setbacks … and never once come close to waving a white flag. The result…his sophomore album, Black Bandana, named a “Best Album” by NPR’s All Songs Considered with Rolling Stone noting his “charismatic vocals lift every song.” The platinum-selling Kent kicked off his headlining Black Bandana Tour on Sept. 21.

Available now, listen to Black Bandana HERE (preferred music platform) or below:

  ****   USE the Playlist play control 2nd left from top of the screen to see the playlisted..tracks and select one to play from the drop down menu  ***  👇

Black Bandana Track List

(Songwriters in Parenthesis) 

1.     Ain't Gonna Lie (Corey Kent / Austin Goodloe / Brett Tyler) 3:44  379K streams 

2.     Damn Good Country Song (Ben Burgess / Michael Lotten / Whitney Phillips) 2.28 1.6 million streams

3.     Black Bandana (Corey Kent / Rocky Block / Jordan Dozzi / Brett Tyler) 4:26 283K streams

4.     Never Ready (Corey Kent / Austin Goodloe / Joybeth Taylor / Lydia Vaughan) 4:41 2.4 million streams

5.     Break Like That (Thomas Archer / Jacob Hackworth / AJ Pruis / Brett Tyler) 2:59 214K streams

6.     Nothing But Neon (Corey Kent / Austin Goodloe / Joybeth Taylor / Lydia Vaughan) 3:27 153K streams

7.     Now or Never feat. Lauren Alaina (Sam Ellis / Ryan Hurd / Geoff Warburton) 2:54 5.1 million streams

8.     Rust (Corey Kent / Casey Brown / Jacob Davis / Travis Wood) 2:50 6.9 million streams

9.     This Heart (Thomas Archer / Blake Bollinger / Jacob Hackworth / Michael Tyler) 3:07 23.8 million streams (#37 Hot Country Songs)

10.  So Far (Corey Kent / Joe Fox / Lauren Hungate) 194K streams

Kent also surprised fans with the release of a music video for his current single, “Now or Never” featuring Lauren Alaina. The Tennessean called the track a “steel guitar-aided ‘80s-style power ballad” and the video captures that spirit with the duo delivering angst and drama in the clip. Watch the video directed by Wales Toney HERE (Track 7 above). 

Title track “Black Bandana” helped set the tone for the album Billboard calls, “music for those whose lives have been seasoned by rocky times." Co-written with Rocky Block, Jordan Dozzi, and Brett Tyler, the slow-burning call to stand your ground pairs tender country-rock reverence with a big-picture mindset, helping tie all of Kent’s struggle, success, and plans for the future together. The album was almost finished when he wrote it, Kent says, but he was happy it “derailed” the project.

“It encapsulates the journey. The reason we’re here is because we didn’t give up, and the whole record is a call to action against all odds,” he explains. “When the going gets tough and everybody quits, you be the one that stays the course and never gives up. I think there’s a lot of people that relate with that.”

Co-writing six of Black Bandana’s 10 songs, what Kent ultimately wanted was to mix themes of integrity, resilience and family with a sonic setting befitting the mission. Finding the midway point between cinematic electric guitars and heart-pounding drums meet a warm, gravel-road rasp, as Kent brings classic rock into the present tense. 

Other tracks fuse that “wave of black bandana” call to action with Kent’s let-it-ride mentality. The dark and smoky soul of “Ain’t Gonna to Lie” kicks the album off with a rough-edged ‘70s rock spirit for a tune that on the surface, finds a guy fessing up about the damage to his broken heart. But really, it’s another call to be unapologetically honest, in whatever you stand for.

Tunes like “Damn Good Country Song” beg for a chance to get destroyed by love, matching Kent’s tender growl with a bare minimum of back alley R&B production – just enough to make the torchy track strut. And while previously released “Never Ready” emerges as a fully-realized full-circle ballad, with Kent acknowledging the fleeting nature of our most precious blessings, tracks like current single “Now or Never (feat. Lauren Alaina)” seek to strike while the romantic iron is hot – a seize-the-moment power duet built on orchestral “’80s hair metal ballad vibes.”

“Break Like That” smolders with a singalong promise of fidelity, and while “Rust” tributes a love that will weather the elements, tracks like “Nothing But Neon” and “This Heart” sway with somber classic rock heartache.

A Bixby, Oklahoma native now based in Dallas, the proud husband and father has become a decorated artist on the rise, growing from humble heartland roots into a Platinum certified Number One hit maker with 950 million career streams, and a black bandana on his neck. But today, that Black Bandana is more than an accessory – and not just the title track of his sophomore major-label album, which Music Row calls, “gently but unrelentingly uplifting.” It’s his rally cry.

“It started from riding motorcycles and wanting something over your face so you didn’t swallow a bug,” the singer-songwriter says. “But then it turned into a staple I wear on stage, and then a symbol of the path through my career, and life. Through all the ups and downs, the one constant thing was this relentless hope – this relentless pursuit of believing that if I don’t give up, I can get where I’m going.”

With a self-built story that has seen success and disaster, keeping that belief wasn’t always easy – but it’s been paying off. Rising from the vibrant Red Dirt country scene as the embodiment of authenticity, Kent set his sights on Nashville as a teen, bringing his self-penned catalog of country-rock anthems with him. But after the pandemic coincided with the loss of his first publishing deal, Kent was forced to move to Texas and get a job on a paving crew to pay the bills, yet he stubbornly refused to call music quits. Honky-tonks and dancehalls on both sides of the Red River became his stomping ground, and slowly but surely, the black bandana spirit grew.

Fast forward a few years and the hit single “Wild As Her” (released July 18, 2022 | No.3 Billboard Country Airplay) proved he was right all along. An untamed tribute to a free-spirited stunner, the track re-invigorated Kent’s career as a now Double-Platinum-certified No. 1 at country radio, and the lead single off his major label album debut, Blacktop. Despite never cracking country radio’s Top 40, Kent’s trust-your-gut second single “Something’s Gonna Kill Me” went Gold (and is now approaching Platinum status), proving his message was connecting. And momentum kept building, with Kent hitting the road alongside Jason Aldean, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum and more. Next-big-thing accolades came in from CMT, Opry Next Stage and more, but even as Kent became the most played new artist on country radio for all of 2023, he kept the underdog, who-cares-about-conventional-wisdom mentality. And so did his fans.

For Kent, the point was that his fans have the same independent spirit he does, and he took that lesson into his next chapter. Settled into his ranch in Texas and intent on being fully present as husband and father, while also achieving his dreams, his second album is all about finding balance, keeping clear eyes on what’s important – and waving that Black Bandana for all to see.

“We all face our own demons. We all face our own setbacks, and I hope this record serves as encouragement,” he says. “It would be really easy to lean on the past and go ‘Look at what I’ve done,’ but I’m still excited about the records I’ve yet to create. 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.” 

 
Kent is also connecting with friends on the road in his new podcast “Bus Call.” The podcast finds Kent chatting with everyone from country music star Bailey Zimmerman to 2023 Doak Walker Award winner, OSU Running Back Ollie Gordon. The Texas Troubadour and his guests share laughs, inspirational moments and talk through the ups and downs of both business and personal life. Listen to the first two episodes of season one now and stay tuned for a new episode each month. 
 
The Oklahoma native will be joined by Braxton Keith, Kaitlin Butts, Max McNown, Karley Scott Collins and Lauren Watkins on select dates for his headlining, international Black Bandana Tour, which kick-offs in Paso Robles, California on Sept. 21. The road warrior will trek across both the U.S. and U.K. with stops in New York, Boston, Atlanta, Dublin, London and more into early 2025. Tickets are on sale now. Purchase at coreykentofficial.com.