Corey Kent Performs at Indianapolis Radio Concert

The country artist discussed the secret recording of his latest single during the 97.1 Hank FM event.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Country

Graphic illustration of an acoustic guitar and a vintage microphone against a desert horizon, evoking independent country music creation.
Country singer Corey Kent detailed the independent recording process of his latest collaboration with Koe Wetzel during a live Indianapolis performance. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Country singer Corey Kent headlined the Annie and Cole Up Close Concert in Indianapolis, where he shared stories about his musical journey. He highlighted the resilience of his song This Heart and the behind-the-scenes creation of his new single with Koe Wetzel.

Why it matters

The performance underscores the success of grassroots radio support, specifically from 97.1 Hank FM, which championed his music when other stations moved on. It also showcases the efficiency of artists bypassing traditional label channels to release new collaborations.

The song This Heart reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart after spending approximately one year outside the top 40. Meanwhile, the new single Rocky Mountain Low was shipped to radio just 3 days after its release.

The players

Corey Kent

He is a country music artist known for his recent Billboard chart successes and independent recording approach.

Koe Wetzel

He is a country musician who collaborated with Corey Kent on the single Rocky Mountain Low.

97.1 Hank FM

This Indianapolis radio station is recognized for its ongoing support of Corey Kent's music.

The details

Corey Kent revealed he recorded his collaboration Rocky Mountain Low with Koe Wetzel at a studio in Cisco, Texas, after texting him to request a verse. The duo opted to bypass labels and managers entirely to complete the track, making it the fastest-climbing single of Kent's career.

Timeline

  1. October 28, 2026: Article publication date.

Industry Dynamics

Kent's career trajectory mirrors the success of artists who bypass major labels to secure placements on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. His story highlights a broader shift toward independent production and direct artist-to-artist collaboration in the modern country music landscape.

Listeners in Indianapolis can tune into 97.1 Hank FM to hear music that might not be prioritized by larger, more restrictive radio networks. Fans of Corey Kent and Koe Wetzel can now access the new single, which was fast-tracked to radio stations following its secret production.

The takeaway

Kent's career serves as a reminder that persistence in radio airplay can eventually lead to major chart success. Aspiring artists can take note of his strategy of initiating direct collaboration with peers to cut through industry red tape.

Further reading

Explore more local updates on our Country music page.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Country 97.1 HANK FM.

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Do you trust local radio stations to identify and support new music before it goes mainstream?