Multi-Platinum Sony Music Nashville artist Corey Kent is taking a more personal approach with his latest release, “Everyday Life,” the newest preview of his forthcoming album, Heartland Rock and Roll, due Sept. 25. Written by Kent with Austin Goodloe, Matt Roy and Lydia Vaughan, “Everyday Life” finds the Oklahoma native celebrating family, hard work and the everyday blessings that can sometimes be easy to overlook. The warm, optimistic track offers a glimpse into Kent’s life away from the stage, including his role as a husband and father. "‘Everyday Life’ is a bit of a departure for me in a really fun way and it puts the ‘heartland’ in this record for me,” Kent says. “I typically keep my personal life relatively private, so it was cool to give folks a glimpse into my everyday life.”
The accompanying music video takes that sentiment even further, featuring Kent’s family in their video debut and capturing intimate moments from the life behind the music. Kent says the song was inspired in part by Travis Tritt’s “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive,” aiming for a similarly lighthearted but grounded spirit. “I don’t think I’ve ever experienced more joy or had more fun writing and recording a song to date,” he adds. “Everyday Life” continues the rollout of Heartland Rock and Roll, Kent’s third major-label album and a project he describes as the clearest representation yet of the sound he has been developing throughout his career. “These songs sound like where I’m from,” Kent says. “The lyrics span from nostalgia to honest regrets and gratitude for the simple things I value most in life. From top to bottom, this is me.”
Photo: Dayna White
Produced primarily by Goodloe, with additional production from Jon Randall and Chris Farren, the 16-track album blends country, rock and soul while drawing on Kent’s Oklahoma roots and heartland influences. The release arrives as Kent’s current single, “Empty Words,” continues its run at country radio, where it has already reached the Top 40. The album campaign has also included “Rocky Mountain Low” featuring Koe Wetzel, “Wannabe,” “Cigarette Burns” and “Rather Be Here” featuring Jason Aldean.
Kent has built his career from the ground up, progressing from Oklahoma dancehalls and dive bars to two No. 1 country radio singles, more than 1 billion career streams and multiple RIAA certifications. His breakthrough hit “Wild As Her” is certified Triple Platinum, while “Something’s Gonna Kill Me” is Platinum and “This Heart” is Gold. Following breakout projects Blacktop and Black Bandana, Kent has continued to establish himself as one of country music’s distinctive emerging voices. He has toured with Morgan Wallen, Jason Aldean, Parker McCollum, Jon Pardi and Koe Wetzel. With Heartland Rock and Roll, Kent is embracing the qualities that set him apart. “I’m not trying to be anybody else,” he says. “Bigger fades, ‘better’ lasts.”