Corey Kent, the Oklahoma-born artist who turned two Number Ones at country radio and a billion career streams into a defining identity, has named his next project: Heartland Rock and Roll, a 16-track album produced primarily by Austin Goodloe and dropping September 25, 2026 via his independent imprint. His current single “Rocky Mountain Low,” a collaboration with Koe Wetzel, is climbing country radio faster than any previous Kent release. Before that, “Cigarette Burns” announced the album’s gritty, uncompromising tone, and “Empty Words” became a viral sensation that escaped its album-cut fate to reach a wider audience than anyone expected. This is an artist peaking at exactly the right moment.
How Corey Kent Built His Way to This Moment
Kent’s path to this point is a study in grinding it out. He appeared on The Voice in 2016, gained exposure, and then chose the harder road: touring relentlessly, building a regional fanbase across Oklahoma and Texas, and releasing music independently. His breakthrough arrived with “Wild As Her,” a 3X Platinum certified hit that reached Number One at country radio and introduced his name to a national audience. The follow-up, “This Heart,” certified Gold, confirmed the hit was not a fluke. By the time those singles crossed the finish line, Kent had already become a reliable headliner on the club and theater circuit, a fact that says more about his live show than any chart position could.
Rocky Mountain Low with Koe Wetzel Is a Statement
“Rocky Mountain Low” is not just a radio single. It is a declaration of where Corey Kent lives sonically and creatively. Pairing him with Koe Wetzel, one of country music’s most genre-defiant voices, signals that Heartland Rock and Roll will not soften for radio play. According to reporting from Entertainment Focus, the single launched at country radio with impact numbers that surpass any previous Kent release. For an independent artist with no major label infrastructure behind him, that is a remarkable data point and a sign that the audience for his sound has grown considerably.
What Heartland Rock and Roll Promises
The album, described by Kent as capturing “golden-hour nostalgia, rugged honesty and the peace that comes with staying true to yourself,” arrives September 25, 2026. The 16-track set was produced primarily by Austin Goodloe, with additional production from Jon Randall and Chris Farren. Confirmed tracks include “Rocky Mountain Low” (ft. Koe Wetzel), “Empty Words,” “Wannabe,” and “Cigarette Burns.” The remaining 12 tracks have not yet been officially named. What the confirmed material makes clear is that Kent is not chasing trends. He is building a catalog on his own terms, in a genre that occasionally rewards exactly that approach. Coverage of “Cigarette Burns” describes the track as setting the tone for an album that leans into rock without losing the country soul that brought Kent his first radio hits.
Frequently Asked: What is Corey Kent’s new album in 2026?
Corey Kent’s new album is called Heartland Rock and Roll and it releases on September 25, 2026. The 16-track project fuses country, rock, and soul and was produced primarily by Austin Goodloe. His current radio single is “Rocky Mountain Low” featuring Koe Wetzel, which is climbing country charts faster than any previous Kent release.
Why Corey Kent Belongs on a Festival Stage
There is a specific kind of artist who thrives at a country music festival: someone with enough hits to anchor a crowd, enough range to surprise them, and enough live credibility to make those minutes on stage feel earned rather than produced. Corey Kent is that artist. His sound, rooted in Oklahoma dust and Texas road miles, translates directly to open air. The grit of “Wild As Her,” the swagger of “Rocky Mountain Low,” the vulnerability of “Empty Words.” Put those songs under an open sky with a crowd who came ready to feel something and you have a set that sticks. Watch this name for 2027. You can follow more of Central Florida’s growing country music scene right here as we track who belongs on the biggest stages.
Corey Kent is exactly the kind of act that belongs on a festival stage. Sunset Country Fest 2027 is coming to Apopka, Florida in March 2027. Mark your calendar and keep following Sunset Country Fest for lineup announcements, ticket info, and all the country music coverage you love.
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Sources & References
- Corey Kent — Official Website
- Entertainment Focus — Corey Kent Defines His Sound on New Album Heartland Rock and Roll
- Artistrack — Corey Kent: Cigarette Burns, a New Look at the Country Star’s Latest Hit
- Ticketmaster — Corey Kent 2026 Tour Dates and Tickets
- Country Now — Country Next: 10 Artists to Watch in 2026
When does Corey Kent’s new album Heartland Rock and Roll come out?
Corey Kent’s album Heartland Rock and Roll releases on September 25, 2026. The 16-track project fuses country, rock, and soul and was produced primarily by Austin Goodloe, with additional production from Jon Randall and Chris Farren.
What is Corey Kent’s new song in 2026?
Corey Kent’s current single in 2026 is “Rocky Mountain Low,” a collaboration with Koe Wetzel. The song launched at country radio with impact numbers that surpassed any previous Kent release and is his most successful radio impact date to date. He also released “Cigarette Burns,” “Empty Words,” and “Wannabe” in 2026 ahead of his September album.
How many Number Ones does Corey Kent have at country radio?
Corey Kent has two Number Ones at country radio: “Wild As Her,” which is certified 3X Platinum, and “This Heart,” which is certified Gold. He has accumulated over one billion career streams across his catalog.
Disclaimer — Important Notice
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Last updated: June 29, 2026 · Sunset Country Fest Editorial Team · Contact Us