Two prominent musicians, Alex G and Keith Urban, have recently released new songs that highlight their evolving artistic directions and collaborative efforts. Alex G surprised fans by uploading two new tracks on his personal YouTube channel, marking his first upload in six years. This move is notable given his current contract with a major label, RCA, which appears to support his independent creative impulses. The songs, titled “Good Green Friend” and “In the Yard,” offer listeners a fresh glimpse into Alex G’s music.
“Good Green Friend” was created during the recording sessions for Alex G’s 2025 album Headlights but did not make it onto the final tracklist. The artist has shared that this song reflects a personal experience of feeling great after taking a break from smoking weed. He first performed it live during the album’s New York release show. In contrast, “In the Yard” is a more mysterious addition with no background information available, suggesting it might be a standalone release or a loose track.
Alex G is currently touring throughout 2026, including appearances at events like Kilby Block Party. Alongside touring, he is composing the original score for the upcoming film Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma by director Jane Schoenbrun. This project continues his collaboration with Schoenbrun, having scored her previous films We’re All Going to the World’s Fair and I Saw the TV Glow.
Meanwhile, country music star Keith Urban has been promoting two new songs from his forthcoming album Flow State, which embraces the yacht rock genre. The album features covers of classic yacht rock tunes as well as one original song titled “We Go Back,” co-written with Michael McDonald of the Doobie Brothers. This track was penned in 2020 but only recently recorded after McDonald joined the project through a mutual friend connection.
Urban described Flow State as an organic creation born from casual studio sessions after purchasing a new recording space. The album aims to deliver a relaxed, immersive listening experience that captures the essence of yacht rock while introducing fresh interpretations of familiar songs. Notably, John Mayer and Little Big Town also contribute to the album. Urban praised Mayer’s evolving guitar style and versatility during their collaboration.
In addition to releasing new music, Urban plans to perform Flow State live at intimate venues, including a pop-up show in Nashville’s Cannery Hall where he will play the entire album. He also discussed how he structures his live performances to balance energetic songs with those requiring vocal control. Despite his extensive catalog, Urban stated he does not have a single favorite song but enjoys performing all of them.
Both artists demonstrate their commitment to exploring new musical landscapes while maintaining their distinct identities. Alex G’s return to sharing music independently alongside major label support shows his dedication to creative freedom. Urban’s venture into yacht rock and collaborations with renowned musicians reflect his willingness to experiment and connect with fans in unique ways.
As these releases reach audiences worldwide, listeners can anticipate engaging experiences ranging from introspective indie tracks to smooth, nostalgic yacht rock vibes. These new songs not only enrich each artist’s repertoire but also highlight their continued evolution in today’s diverse musical scene.
