Lee Kernaghan has unveiled “Who I Am”, the lead single from his upcoming album scheduled for a 2025 debut. This album marks Kernaghan’s 16th studio release in a career spanning 3 decades.
“Who I Am” features 2 x Golden Guitar winner James Johnston and was written by Kernaghan and Johnston along with hit songwriters Nick Wolfe and Colin Buchanan. Produced by Jared Adlam at Machine Lab Studios “Who I Am” digs deep into Lee and James’ country roots paying tribute to the people and land they love.
“Who I Am” is a unique collaboration that began with a chance encounter between the two singers when James was just starting out. As Lee describes it, “I remember meeting James when he was just 10 years old busking on Peel St Tamworth. I shook the little bloke’s hand and signed a tour poster for him writing:
‘To James – you will rock Australian country! Lee Kernaghan 2001’
James told me that the autographed poster hung on his bedroom wall for many years alongside his childhood musical heroes. Twenty years later he’s gone on to become one of the most popular new artists in country music. To be able to release this song together and share a part of our story is pretty special to me.”
It’s the records that I wore out
It’s the heroes on my wall
It’s the dream that I’ve been dreaming of
since I was six years old
It’s the songs that I keep writing
It’s the miles that I drive
It’s the little bar in this town
I’m playing at tonight
It’s who I am
(Lyrics from Who I Am)
James recalled “As a young boy, I grew up listening to Lee’s music, it made me feel proud of the life I lived as a small town country kid. ‘Who I Am’ is an extension of that, it’s about being proud of the person you are and celebrating the life you love. To be able to have a song with this message with my childhood hero is something I’m incredibly excited about”.
Earlier this month, Kernaghan expanded his Boys From The Bush – The Concert Australian Tour , adding new dates in New South Wales and Queensland. He also hinted at the upcoming new album, revealing that he’s been working on new music in the studio and added that there will be more tour dates coming in 2025.