Corey Kent Plots Sophomore Album, ‘Black Bandana,’ Shares Tender New Track, ‘Never Ready’

Just days after announcing his headlining 25+ city Black Bandana Tour, Corey Kent has unveiled even more good news. The Sony Music Nashville artist revealed that his sophomore album, titled Black Bandana, will be released on Sept. 6, 2024. To celebrate, Kent is giving fans a first listen to the project with the release of his brand-new track, “Never Ready.”

Corey Kent shared that his forthcoming collection will mirror his core values and beliefs, allowing listeners to understand how he navigates life. These songs will highlight the mentality that helps him overcome some of the toughest moments in order to be his best self for his family. 

“There are a few virtues that I live my life by. They have guided me in the toughest and darkest of times. One being unwavering hope… believing if the odds are one in a million, you’ll be the one,” Kent shared regarding his forthcoming album. “Another being relentless perseverance… when everyone else quits, you stay the course. This album embodies those virtues. We all have our battles to fight. Our people to love and protect. It ain’t always easy. When the going gets tough and you feel like waving the white flag, I hope this record inspires you to raise a black bandana instead.”

Opening Up About The Speed Of Life In “Never Ready”

Produced by Kent with Chris Farren and Austin Goodloe and written by Kent along with Austin Goodloe, Joybeth Taylor, Lydia Vaughan, the heartfelt track “Never Ready” is the first taste of what to expect from this project. Throughout the delicate guitar plucks and soothing melody, the Oklahoma native chronicles some of the most significant moments in the romantic side of his life, from falling in love to proposing, marrying his now wife, Dayna, and starting their family together. Kent gets honest about the emotions that come with some of the happiness milestones as well as some of the hardest, as he realizes just how fast everything starts to move as you grow older.  

“You’re never ready for that/ Kinda hit you outta left field/ Naw, you never saw it coming/ How it’d make you feel/ Seeing the nurse put your baby on her mama’s chest/ Trying act tough, but you’re a train wreck/ It’s a half smile, half cry/ Change your whole life feeling/ That’ll stop you in your tracks/ People talk about it/ And you thought about it/ But that kind of heavy/ Naw, you’re never ready for that/ Naw, you’re never ready for that,” he delivers on the chorus. 

Kent Says The New Song Centers Around “Real-Life, Love and Loss”

“I’m so proud of this song,” Kent said. “It’s about those moments in life that no matter how much you prepare for, you’re never ready for them. You know they’re coming and but they’re such big moments when they happen, it still feels like they hit you out of left field. A song about real life, love and loss…all the elements that make for a great country song to me.”

Black Bandana Tour Kicks Off In September

Corey Kent’s first-ever headlining trek will launch in Paso Robles, California on Sept. 21 and continue with stops in over 25 cities such as Boston, MA, New York, NY, Milwaukee, WI and more. Plus, in early 2025, he will head overseas for shows in Ireland and the UK.

Tickets are on sale now at coreykentofficial.com.