Lee Kernaghan Prepares Release Of New Country Anthem '4x4 Is King'

'4x4 Is King' offers the first taste of Kernaghan’s upcoming album, arriving in mid-2027.

Lee Kernaghan is gearing up to release another country music anthem, 4x4 Is King.

Set for release on Thursday, 15 October, via ABC Music, the single was written for driving down the open road and offers the first taste of Kernaghan’s upcoming album, arriving in mid-2027.

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ARIA Award-winning producer and 25-time Golden Guitar winner Rod McCormack produced 4x4 Is King. Kernaghan, along with his longtime songwriting partners Colin Buchanan and The Wolfe Brothers’ Nick Wolfe, wrote the song in a cabin in the Blue Mountains, NSW.

The single draws on the singer’s love of four-wheel driving and captures the feeling of freedom that comes with taking a car down the highway.

“I’ve always loved four-wheel driving and that sense of freedom that washes over you when you get out beyond the blacktop,” Kernaghan said. “There’s something about heading down a dirt road and not quite knowing what’s around the next bend. That feeling is at the heart of ‘4X4 IS KING.’”

According to a press release, 4x4 Is King will open with an a cappella vocal from Kernaghan, McCormack, and James Gillard – a callback to Kernaghan’s The Outback Club – before launching into a full-blown country banger.

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“Recording with Rod has felt like a real homecoming,” he shared. “He’s one of the finest musicians and producers in country music, and there’s a real energy around what we’re creating together. I can’t wait for people to hear this new music.”

Kernaghan gave his brand-new single its live debut at the Deni Ute Muster last night (2 October) – the festival site is also the setting for its music video. He’ll tour in support of his new album in 2027.

Following this weekend’s Deni Ute Muster, Kernaghan is scheduled to perform at Savannah in the Round and RegFest this month, followed by the Tamworth Country Music Festival and Great Southern Sounds Cruise in January, and the Brighter Days Festival and Meatstock Toowoomba in March 2027.