Multi-Platinum Sony Music Nashville recording artist Corey Kent continues the rollout of his forthcoming album Heartland Rock and Roll with the release of "Rather Be Here," a high-octane collaboration featuring country heavyweight Jason Aldean. The track arrives today as the latest preview of Kent's third major-label album, set for release on Sept. 25.
Penned by Michael Hardy, James McNair, Josh Miller, Morgan Wallen and Daniel Ross, "Rather Be Here" leans into the grit of Southern rock while celebrating the enduring appeal of a Saturday night at the neighborhood honky-tonk. Driven by an arena-ready chorus, roaring guitars and a barstool-country attitude, the song pairs Kent's rugged vocal delivery with Aldean's signature country-rock swagger.
For Kent, the collaboration is as personal as it is musical. "There's nothing I love more about music than playing live, which is why this song resonated so deeply with me," Kent says. "The energy from a rowdy Saturday night honky tonk crowd is the spirit of this track."
Pictured: Jason Aldean/Photo: Spidey Smith, and Corey Kent/Photo: Dayna White
He adds that the song was intentionally crafted with a vintage Southern rock influence, making Aldean the ideal collaborator. "I really wanted to capture a '70s-style southern rock vibe, and I'm so lucky to have my big brother in country music, Jason Aldean, on this one. Nobody has blended country and rock & roll better than Jason. His early music was such an inspiration to me as an artist, so having him on this song is perfect."
The release continues the momentum behind Heartland Rock and Roll, a 16-track collection Kent describes as the album that finally defines the sound he's spent years developing. Produced primarily by Austin Goodloe, with additional production from Jon Randall and Chris Farren, the project blends country storytelling, classic rock influences and soulful melodies into what Kent calls his most authentic work to date. "Heartland Rock and Roll is the first time I've been able to put a name to the sound I've been chasing my entire career," Kent says. "These songs sound like where I'm from. From top to bottom, this is me." The new single follows a string of early releases from the album, including the Koe Wetzel collaboration "Rocky Mountain Low," current country radio single "Empty Words," as well as "Wannabe" and "Cigarette Burns." "Empty Words" has already climbed into the Top 50 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart after generating strong streaming numbers and fan demand.
A native of Bixby, Oklahoma, Kent has steadily emerged as one of country music's most distinctive voices by fusing heartland country with the raw edge of rock. His catalog has generated more than 1 billion career streams, produced two No. 1 country radio singles, and earned multiple RIAA certifications, including Triple-Platinum status for breakthrough hit "Wild As Her," Platinum certification for "Something's Gonna Kill Me," and Gold certification for "This Heart." The singer-songwriter's rise has also drawn praise across the industry, with Rolling Stone recognizing his ability to bring Oklahoma's musical heritage into the mainstream, while CMT and the Opry NextStage program have spotlighted him as one of country music's artists to watch. Kent has previously toured alongside Morgan Wallen, Jason Aldean, Parker McCollum, Jon Pardi and Koe Wetzel. With "Rather Be Here," Kent doubles down on the sound that has become his calling card—equal parts country tradition and rock-and-roll muscle—while teaming with one of the genre's most influential crossover stars as anticipation builds for Heartland Rock and Roll.