Luke Combs releases unexpected 3-track EP ‘The Prequel’ before upcoming 2026 album
Luke Combs has pleasantly surprised his fans by dropping a fresh three-track EP titled The Prequel, set to be released on Friday, 3 October, under Sony Music Nashville. This release is a significant milestone in the successful year of the singer-songwriter from Asheville, North Carolina, who has emerged as a prominent figure in modern country music.
The EP, co-produced by Combs and Chip Matthews, includes three new tracks: My Kinda Saturday Night, 15 Minutes, and Days Like These. With the lead track already generating excitement online, Combs’ worldwide fanbase eagerly awaits the release. Notably, My Kinda Saturday Night will be the inspiration for his upcoming 2026 world tour.
In a statement, Combs shared, “I’m still in the process of working on my new album, which will be out early next year, but I have three songs ready now that I couldn’t wait to share with you all. Therefore, I am releasing them this Friday as The Prequel.”
This EP arrives during a momentous period for Combs, who recently made history as the first country music artist to headline both Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza, festivals typically dominated by rock and pop genres. His versatility has enabled him to cross genre boundaries, headlining events like Newport Folk Festival and New Orleans JazzFest earlier this year, with upcoming headline performances at Austin City Limits and Country Calling this month.
Combs’ latest single, Back in the Saddle, released earlier this year, is steadily climbing the US Billboard Country Airplay chart, currently holding the No. 8 spot. Critics have praised the song for showcasing Combs’ powerful vocal style and continued success, with Billboard describing it as “a future multi-award winner” and Whiskey Riff referring to it as “a classic Luke Combs hit.”
In less than ten years, Combs has transformed himself from a regular at Asheville bars to a superstar filling stadiums. Since his breakthrough in 2017 with his debut album This One’s For You, Combs has broken records at every step. He recently achieved his 19th consecutive No. 1 single with the Grammy-nominated Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma, setting the record for the most consecutive chart-toppers at country radio for a new artist.
He also made history as the first country artist with two songs surpassing one billion streams on Spotify, and four of his singles have been certified Diamond by the RIAA. Additionally, Combs has spent over a year at the top of the Billboard Country Airplay chart.
Combs delved into more personal storytelling with his 2024 release, Fathers & Sons, reflecting on fatherhood. As a member of the Grand Ole Opry, he has amassed an impressive collection of accolades: 11 CMA Awards, four ACMs, six Billboard Music Awards, and four Grammy nominations. This year, he is nominated for three more CMA Awards-Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, and Single of the Year (Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma).
Throughout his career, Combs has engaged in several noteworthy collaborations, such as working with Post Malone on tracks like Guy For That and Missin’ You Like This. His duet with Bailey Zimmerman on Backup Plan even became the anthem for the 2025 SEC Network. Notably, his performance of Tracy Chapman’s Fast Car at the 66th Grammy Awards created a buzz as one of the most memorable live moments in recent music history.
In 2024, Combs helped raise more than $24.5 million for Hurricane Helene relief efforts through the “Concert for Carolina,” sharing the stage with Eric Church, Billy Strings, and James Taylor.
The Prequel Tracklist
– My Kinda Saturday Night
– 15 Minutes
– Days Like These
Upcoming Luke Combs Tour Dates
– 3 October – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits Music Festival
– 5 October – Ocean City, MD – Country Calling
– 10 October – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits Music Festival
– 23-25 October – Miramar Beach, FL – Bootleggers Bonfire