The song debuted live during the band’s Grand Ole Opry debut in October
Shinedown has released their new single “Searchlight,” out now via Atlantic Records. The song marks the start of the next era for the multi-platinum band, arriving on the heels of a career-defining year that included sold-out arenas, record-breaking chart success, and a historic debut at the Grand Ole Opry.
The song was first performed live during the band’s Grand Ole Opry debut last month, where the band’s fans packed the infamous venue, and the song became the most talked-about moment of the night. Frontman Brent Smith introduced the song by telling the audience, “Sometimes when you listen close enough to the universe and you’re willing to receive something from it- a song can come out of thin air. We didn’t find this one, it found us.”
The group was introduced by friend Carrie Underwood and received a standing ovation.
On the song’s release, Smith says, “Searchlight is a song about owning your true feelings. It’s an awakening of the soul. Lyrically, it is a coming-of-age story that celebrates the moment you decide to go out into the world and find your purpose. Musically, it is an homage to all the music our parents and grandparents brought us up on. It is a love letter to Americana, Rhythm and Blues, Bluegrass, Outlaw Country, and, of course, rock ‘n’ roll. The creative process for this song was quite a journey, and we hope all the “Fans/Family” feel that authenticity in every note and every word.”
Written by Smith, Eric Bass & Dave Bassett and produced by Eric Bass at his Big Animal Studio in Charleston, SC, “Searchlight” channels the emotional depth and anthemic power that have become Shinedown’s signature, but with new sonic elements fitting of the Opry’s stage. In the song’s music video, shot by Andrew Donoho, you can see each member performing their own instruments, including a steel pedal guitar and banjo. Filmed in Nashville, Tennessee the day after their Opry debut, the video showcases the band’s live performance as well as the emotional power behind the song.
2025 has already been a defining year for Shinedown, with “Searchlight” following their powerful global hit “Three Six Five,” which topped multiple radio formats. The band also released “Dance, Kid, Dance” and “Killing Fields” — both of which hit No. 1 — further cementing their dominance at radio. Shinedown currently hold the record for the most No. 1 songs on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Chart with 21, making them the top artist in the chart’s history, as well as the most No. 1s on the Mediabase Active Rock Chart with 23, along with the records for the most Top 5s and Top 10s in the chart’s history.
Recently, the band announced their first-ever curated festival event – Shinedown’s Lunatic Ball Beach Weekend, taking place October 23-25, 2026, in Miramar Beach, FL. The three-day destination experience will feature performances from Shinedown (two headlining sets), Bush, Hanson, Flyleaf (with Lacey Sturm), Living Colour, From Ashes to New, Guardians of the Jukebox, Neon Mooners and more to be announced.
Not to mention, the band recently announced they will be headlining the unparalleled Sonic Temple Festival. They’ll take the main stage on Friday, May 15, 2026, marking their first time headlining the iconic Ohio event. Their momentous performance will anchor the festival’s second night, with My Chemical Romance, Bring Me the Horizon, and Tool leading the other days of the lineup.
Up next, the band is confirmed for the 2025 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour Presented by Capital One where they will perform on December 2nd at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, TX, December 8th at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL, December 9th in Detroit, MI at Little Caesars Arena and December 16th in Washington, D.C. at Capital One Arena.
