Kent goes for "Heartland Rock and Roll"

The 16-track project on Sony Music Nashville finds the Oklahoma native fusing country, rock and soul into what he calls heartland rock and roll.

"'Heartland Rock & Roll' is my third major label album, and it's really the first time I've been able to finally name the sound I've been working towards my entire career," said Kent. "These songs sound like where I'm from. 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. Every artist wants to leave their mark in music, a way to say, 'I was here and I did it my way.' This feels like mine. This is heartland rock and roll."

Kent also released his newest song "Cigarette Burns." The track follows recent releases "Rocky Mountain Low" featuring Koe Wetzel, "Empty Words," and the stripped-down "Wannabe," continuing to give listeners a taste of Kent's next chapter. Listen to "Cigarette Burns" and pre-save Heartland Rock and Roll HERE. ."

The slow burning ballad was written by Zach John King, Ben Stennis, Lauren Hungate and Jameson Rodgers. Lyrics include:
"I might just chase that fire
Chain smoke her right back next to me
Kill me some cowboy killers
No filter on them memories
Light up an old flame even though it's gonna hurt
I kinda love the way a cigarette burns"

"This song has such an infectious pulse and a perspective I've never heard before, which is why I gravitated towards it. One of my favorite records ever is 'Come Around Sundown' by Kings of Leon," Kent said. "There's a few songs on there that have a very country western feel to them while keeping all of the laid back, beach town rock elements. This song feels like it would fit right into that record, which is why I think I love it so much. I can't wait for people to hear this because to me it feels like a fresh soundscape in country music. Timeless, yet new."

"If you're an artist, you hope to have that record – the one that when people think about you, they think about that record," said Kent. "For the first time in my career, I feel like I do."

"I've been fighting my differences for so long, but now it's like, 'Let's just use those,'" Kent said. "I'm not trying to be anybody else. Bigger fades, 'better' lasts."

The record was produced primarily by Austin Goodloe, with additional production from Jon Randall and Chris

The forthcoming album follows Kent's projects "Blacktop" and "Black Bandana." Kent has earned Platinum certification for "Something's Gonna Kill Me," Gold certification for "This Heart," and a Triple-Platinum certification for his number one breakthrough hit "Wild As Her."