Out Today: Kyle Clark’s “Checking Out” — ‘Better On A Boat’ Due May 22

KYLE CLARK
RELEASES FEEL-GOOD SINGLE
“CHECKING OUT”
TODAY

AHEAD OF COASTAL-INSPIRED COUNTRY ALBUM
BETTER ON A BOAT
DUE OUT FRIDAY, MAY 22

NASHVILLE, TN (May 1, 2026) — If you can picture a cold drink in your hand, sand between your toes, and a country song playing at sunset, you’re already in Kyle Clark’s world. Today, the Platinum-certified songwriter, producer, and rising recording artist drops his new feel-good summer anthem “Checking Out,” a laid-back ode to escape and letting go. The track offers the latest preview of his forthcoming album Better On A Boat, arriving Friday, May 22.

Co-written by Clark, Joybeth Taylor, Clara Park and Averie Bielski, “Checking Out” captures the moment when everyday stress gives way to carefree escape, as Clark trades responsibility for a week of sun-soaked freedom. Set against ocean breezes, tiki bars, and a hint of summer romance, the track leans into a laid-back, beach-country vibe. With vivid imagery and a spirit of disconnection — symbolized by tossing a phone into the ocean — it embraces living fully in the moment. What begins as a temporary getaway ultimately hints at a deeper desire to make that freedom last.

STREAM “CHECKING OUT” HERE.
PRE-SAVE / PRE-ADD BETTER ON A BOAT HERE.

An established force in Nashville’s songwriting community, Clark recently co-wrote “Let Him In Anyway,” the current single at country radio from Blake Shelton. He previously earned his first RIAA Platinum certification with “Villain” by Lily Rose, and his growing catalog includes cuts with HARDY, Jon Pardi, Dylan Scott, Mitchell Tenpenny, Restless Road, Mackenzie Carpenter, Erin Kinsey, and Chayce Beckham.

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and raised in Jefferson, Georgia, Clark blends island ease with Southern grit — a duality that shapes both his sound and Better On A Boat. Arriving just ahead of Memorial Day weekend, the 10-track album leans fully into that identity, pairing sun-soaked melodies with heartfelt storytelling and feel-good country built for long summer nights. Produced and mixed by Clark and mastered by Sam Moses, the project leans deeper into his beach-forward lane within the genre.

Previously released singles from Better On A Boat — “Me, God And The Ocean,” “Blame It On The Sun,” “Dock And A Hard Place,” “Fake Dead In Fiji,” and “Florida On My Mind” — reflect Clark’s coastal-country perspective, capturing the easygoing rhythms and playful spirit of life by the water throughout the record.

Clark shares, “‘Better On A Boat’ represents the mindset and way of living I naturally gravitate toward. It’s about life on the water, slowing things down, being present, and finding joy in the simple moments. The boat has always been a place where everything feels clear to me. Life’s just better.”

Beyond his success behind the scenes, Clark has proven his ability to connect directly with listeners. His breakout single “Hope It’s Hot Out” surpassed 40 million independent streams and gained widespread attention on TikTok, underscoring his organic rise as an artist.

With proven credibility as a Platinum songwriter, viral independent momentum, and growing traction as a recording artist, Clark continues to establish a distinct coastal lane in country music. After signing a joint publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing in 2019, Clark later joined Relative Music Group, further solidifying his reputation as one of Nashville’s most versatile young writers. A true multi-hyphenate, Clark writes, produces, and mixes much of his own music, bringing a hands-on creative vision to every release.

Above: ‘Better On A Boat’ Album Artwork; Photo Credit: Chad Clark

BETTER ON A BOAT TRACKLISTING:
“FLORIDA ON MY MIND” (Kyle Clark, James Slater)
“LIFE’S WHAT YOU MAKE IT” (Kyle Clark, Bobby Hamrick, Jeremy Bussey)
“BETTER ON A BOAT” (Kyle Clark, Marc Beeson, Kat Higgins)
“HOUSES ON THE BEACH” (Kyle Clark)
“BLAME IT ON THE SUN” (Kyle Clark, Smith Ahnquist, Jarrod Ingram, Blake Hubbard)
“DOCK AND A HARD PLACE” (Kyle Clark, Madison Kozak, Griffen Palmer)
“ME, GOD AND THE OCEAN” (Kyle Clark, James Slater)
“HIGHS & LOWS” (Kyle Clark, Smith Ahnquist, Heather Morgan)
“FAKE DEAD IN FIJI” (Kyle Clark, Jordan Walker, Jordan Dozzi)
“CHECKING OUT” (Kyle Clark, Joybeth Taylor, Clara Park, Averie Bielski)

CONNECT WITH KYLE CLARK ONLINE:
WEBSITE | SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC | YOUTUBE MUSIC | PANDORA
FACEBOOK | YOUTUBE | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK