A new musical era might be coming from Keith Urban. The Grand Ole Opry member reveals that he is discovering again his love of another style of music, one that isn’t country, which might influence his next set of tunes.
“I’ve sort of rediscovered a big love for songs that would fit into the yacht rock category,” Urban says on Apple Music 1. “All that music I really, really love. That might be a little precursor to something I’ve got coming out down the track – just FYI. Some of my own music might have something to do with that.”
Urban has been part of country music for more than 25 years. Still, he admits that some of his biggest inspirations come from artists who are just getting started.
“People ask me a lot [about] what I listen to, and I listen to everything,” Urban acknowledges. “I love all kinds of music, all kinds of artists. I like to defy the algorithms. I like unexpected artists – someone I would not have expected to like. That’s the thing about word of mouth, someone hipping you to an artist. Discovering new artists I absolutely love.”
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Keith Urban’s Goals for 2026
There isn’t a lot Urban hasn’t done. But Urban, known for his never-ending work ethic, still has a lot more he wants to accomplish, especially in 2026.
“A friend of mine said, ‘Just work on how you introduce yourself to the day,'” Urban tells his producer, Dann Huff (via Parade). “I thought that was an absolutely beautiful phrase. He said to me, ‘How do you introduce yourself to the day, every day?’ And I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, I love that. I love that… You get to do it every day.”
“That’s where I’m at,” he adds. “Simplifying. Simplifying is my journey this year.”
Professionally, the future Musicians Hall of Fame inductee also wants to become a better guitar player, even though he is already considered among the best of the best.
“Guitar-playing-wise, I’d like to work on playing less,” Urban explains “Not playing the next two notes I was about to play. Just having confidence that the one you’re playing right now is more than enough — and letting it sit for a second.”
“And just being aware that I’m aware,” he continues. “That I’m none of the voices in my head — I’m just the one listening. Because it simplifies everything and brings it right back to a very calm, steady, grounded place, but it’s a constant process.”
Keith Urban Plans On Releasing More Music
In December, Urban released High and (A)live, a live album with 20 songs. But he also has another record he is working on, which will likely be released in 2026.
“I’ve been writing quite a bit,” Urban says on Country Countdown USA. “I’ve been recording quite a bit. I’m looking forward to getting back into the studio. That’s what I do. I don’t have hobbies. I love music. That’s what I do.”
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Apple Music