“It’s like Alabama and Jimmy Buffett had a baby.” In an industry that never stops moving, one can argue that Ernest is one of the busiest of all artists working today. In addition to co-writing not one but four of Morgan Wallen’s multi-platinum, #1 hits off I’m The Problem, “I Got Better” (platinum), “Smile” (2x platinum), “Just In Case” (2x platinum) and the title track (3x platinum), the “Flower Shops” has been incredibly busy on his own throughout 2025. Back in May, just a week before I’m The Problem’s release, he teamed up with Miranda Lambert, Snoop Dogg, Rhys Rutherford, Cody Lohden, Chandler Walters and Jake Worthington for the incredibly diverse, collaborative album, Cadillac Sessions. And just six months later, Ernest would return in November to deliver his second project of 2025, the steel-soaked love letter to his home in Nashville, Live From The South. In between projects, the “Flower Shops” singer would also tour with the likes of Lainey Wilson and Old Dominion. Additionally, he’d deliver a recording of the long-lost Toby Keith track, “End of the Night,” and even help former All-Pro punter Pat McAfee record his first-ever song, “Dookie,” along with an additional six songs that are coming soon. With all of that being said, Ernest has stayed busy throughout 2025, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down heading into 2026. Yesterday, he’d turn heads by collaborating with Brooks & Dunn on an Instagram post, signalling he’s helping them record their first new record in 18 years. “You’re texting the right guy this morning, Ronnie Dunn. I got my ring on and everything. I got my f***** country-smash ring on so, and I got nothing to do. I’ll go f*** with a guitar and see what happens. I’m assuming you need tempo, show-bangers, smash. ‘Hard Workin’ Man’ 2.0. Probably not another cowboy song. Of course, I say that, and you’ll probably take a cowboy song so. I’m going to try to write a hit.” Even better for fans of the “Tennessee Queen” singer, during a recent conversation with Bobby Bones last week, he confirmed that he has already finished his next album (for those counting, that will be three projects in a 12-month stretch). Noting that he just has to shoot the cover art for the album, Ernest would tell Bones that the record will be coming “sometime like spring break,” which all but confirms it’s coming at some point in March or early April at the latest. “I’ve recorded and finished my next album, and I’m going to shoot the album art soon. And I’m going to put it out sometime like spring break. It’s going to be the perfect time for boat season.” As for what to expect from the album, which is still untitled, Ernest would reveal it will have some beachy/island vibes mixed with some of his patented southern flair. He’d go as far as to call it Alabama meeting Jimmy Buffett. “There’s a little island inspiration in this next album for sure. And just like a little southern, too. It’s like Alabama and Jimmy Buffett had a baby.”  It’s safe to say that you cannot go wrong with either Alabama or Jimmy Buffett. I can’t say I’ve ever heard someone use those two artists as a way to describe their project (maybe early Zac Brown Band could apply), but I’m beyond excited to see what he has in store for this one. If it’s anything like Live From The South, we’ll be in for another treat from the Nashville native. Watch the full podcast here: Live From The South 2026 Dates: 1/21 – Denver, Colo. – Mission Ballroom* 1/23 – Salt Lake City, Utah – The Complex* 1/24 – Reno, Nev. – Grand Sierra Resort & Casino* 1/29 – Solana Beach, Calif. – Belly Up* 1/30 – Anaheim, Calif. – House of Blues* 1/31 – Sacramento, Calif. – Ace of Spades* 2/7 – Indio, Calif. – Fantasy Springs Casino 2/19 – Athens, Ga. – Georgia Theatre > 2/26 – Jacksonville, Fla. – FIVE > 2/27 – Charleston, S.C. – Charleston Music Hall > 2/28 – Norfolk, Va. – NorVa > 3/5 – Indianapolis, Ind. – The Egyptian > 3/6 – Rosemont, Ill. – Joe’s Live > 3/7 – Columbus, Ohio – The Bluestone > 3/11 – Grand Rapids, Mich. – The Intersection # 3/13 – Detroit, Mich. – Filmore # 3/14 – McKees Rocks, Pa. – Roxian Theatre # 3/19 – Durant, Okla. – Choctaw Casino 3/26 – Boston, Mass. – House of Blues* 3/27 – New York, N.Y.– Irving Plaza* 3/28 – Bensalem, Pa. – Parx Casino* 4/2 – Houston, Texas – White Oak Music Hall* 4/3 – New Braunfels, Texas – Gruene Hall* 4/4 – Ft. Worth, Texas – Billy Bob’s* 4/16 – St. Louis, Mo. – Hawthorn # 4/18 – Minneapolis, Minn. – First Avenue # * Support By Chandler Walters > Support By Cody Lohden # Support By Rhys RutherfordThe post Ernest Has Already Finished His Next Record & It’s Dropping This Spring: “It’s Like Alabama & Jimmy Buffett Had A Baby” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.