Kenny Chesney Opens Up About Approach to Next Album

While he’s not revealing the title, release date or any information about specific tracks, superstar Kenny Chesney is giving fans extra insight into what will soon become his 19th studio album.

Speaking passionately about the songs he’s been writing and recording over the last 18 months, the country icon says he’s “ready to get the next wave of my life on in full.”

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The best part about songwriting and getting in the studio is that music always surprises you… if you stay open, keep listening and let it show you where it wants to go. I think we’re dialing in a pretty cool record that represents me and every single person who’s a member of @noshoesnation. There really is no better compass than all of you. #noshoesnation has more heart, more passion, more love of life, and if I can be true to you, then I feel like we got it. I’m ready to get the next wave of my life on in full. I can’t wait for you to hear some of these songs and see them everywhere this summer on the #chillaxificationtour.

A post shared by Kenny Chesney (@kennychesney) on Jan 22, 2020 at 12:55pm PST

“One of the hardest things about being this far into a career isn’t keeping up with what other people are doing,” Chesney says, “but telling your own truth in a way that’s not repeating yourself, that’s not just doing what you know works. I know there are certain things I respond to: Songs that rock you hard, lyrics that twist without being too clever, ballads that open up your soul and make you think. It sounds easy, until you try to actually do it. But the best part about songwriting and getting in the studio is that music always surprises you – if you stay open, keep listening and let it show you where it wants to go.”

Currently in the rehearsal stage of his upcoming Chillaxification 2020 Tour — which will hit a wide range of stadiums coast-to-coast and also see his return to amphitheaters for the first time in years — Chesney reveals he’s been taking his time on the new tracks, recording all over the U.S. with sessions in Nashville; Key West, Florida; Malibu, California; and out on the road.

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#noshoesnation, I love playing for you any time, anywhere, but these stadium shows are always something so powerful. I can’t tell you how much anticipation goes into each one. We’re always wanting to top what’s come before, and I think this lineup might pack the most fun of them all. Come get some CHILLAXIFICATION next summer with @floridageorgialine, @olddominionmusic and @michaelfranti & Spearhead. Tix are onsale now. chillaxificationtour @noshoesnation @bluechairbayrum ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

A post shared by Kenny Chesney (@kennychesney) on Sep 24, 2019 at 4:00am PDT

“Rather than just churn out a record because it was time, I wanted to give myself the opportunity to just get inside the music,” he said. “I’m always looking and listening, and this time getting to record in the moment over the course of many, many months was incredible.

“I think we’re dialing in a pretty cool record, that’s not just me, but every single person who’s a member of No Shoes Nation,” Chensey proclaims. “They have more heart, more passion, more love of life – and if I can be true to them, then I feel like we got it.”

Chesney’s Chillaxification 2020 Tour kicks off April 18 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and will feature Old Dominion, Florida Georgia Line, and Michael Franti & Spearhead on select dates.