Corey Kent’s “Heartland Rock and Roll,” out Sept. 25, was recorded with friends at his Texas ranch. Its opener urges exploration, while the finale, named for his Oklahoma hometown, recalls simpler days; “Everyday Life” includes his children’s voices.
Kent said the personal material on the album reflects a priority on authenticity over success. “Everyday Life” captures a moment in family life, opening with his children telling producer Austin Goodloe about their Christmas gifts and names. Kent said he sometimes skips shows to attend his son’s soccer games and sees music as a way to support his family while doing work he enjoys.
Kent recalled moving to Nashville at 17 or 18 without money or a place to stay. After signing a songwriting deal and getting cuts and hits in Texas, he said he was fired from a Nashville songwriting job, moved to Texas during the shutdown and took jobs at a motorcycle shop and a pavement company when he could not play music.
