Four-time GRAMMY Award-winning duo for KING + COUNTRY released their new single “World on Fire (feat. Taylor Hill)” on Friday (Oct. 3), signaling what the brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone describe as a “new season of passion and purpose.”
The release marks their return after a year away from touring and introduces the first track from their forthcoming 2026 album. Known for their cinematic sound and faith-centered storytelling, the Nashville-based brothers said World on Fire reflects a renewed clarity and creative energy following a time of rest and recalibration.
“It’s been quite the year for all of us, hasn’t it?” Joel and Luke Smallbone said ahead of the single’s release. “For us, it’s been a time to re-create, be with family, pray, recalibrate, and let God breathe fresh vision into our hearts. Out of that refining has come a renewed clarity and passion. World on Fire is an anthem of joy and hope set to a global rhythm—marking the start of a brand-new era.”
In a “Story behind the song” video, Joel Smallbone said the song’s title intentionally turns a familiar phrase on its head. “Let’s not pretend there’s a lot going on in the world right now, and one could even say the world has been on fire,” he said. “But interestingly enough about this song, this is flipping the phrase on its head. This really represents being bold, being brave, being powerful, being optimistic, being hopeful—because there’s so much to live for. God has given so much, and there’s opportunity and beauty. Stepping out into that bright, bold, beautiful future is really what this song represents for us.”
Guest vocalist Taylor Hill said his contribution to the song was inspired by his grandmother’s encouragement to use one’s God-given light to impact others. “My grandmother was always such a stickler for taking the light that God put within us and making a lasting impact with other people that we come in contact with,” Hill said. “Being that city on a hill that everybody can see—and boasting on who God has called us to be—actually makes a lasting impact.”
Luke Smallbone added that the song draws on a childhood memory of singing This Little Light of Mine. “Such a beautiful song when the kids sing it,” he said, “but one of the things I think we’ve forgotten to ask ourselves is, as we grow older, is that little light growing? How much brighter is it actually becoming as we grow up? Our hope is that when you listen to this song you ask yourself, how bright is my light? And that it’ll continue to grow.”
Joel Smallbone concluded, “It’s simple but it’s profound. With all the mixed messaging in the world today, I think the greatest witness we can be for God—for each other, for love, for hope, for joy, for peace—is literally just living it out for the world to see. We hope you’re spurred on and encouraged. I heard someone say the other day, ‘I’d rather be ashes than dust.’ So, let’s go burn. This is the story behind our song World on Fire.”
The track is the first preview of the band’s forthcoming studio album, following their Billboard Top 10 release What Are We Waiting For? and their award-winning feature film Unsung Hero.
For KING + COUNTRY—originally from Sydney, Australia—has become one of the leading bands in modern Christian music, earning four GRAMMY Awards, 13 No. 1 singles, and over 3 billion career streams. The brothers have also collaborated with artists such as Dolly Parton, Tori Kelly, Lecrae, and Timbaland, and remain active in humanitarian causes including anti-human trafficking and child advocacy.
In their announcement, Joel and Luke invited listeners to join them in prayer as they begin what they call a new era of music and ministry: “October 3 is just the beginning, and we cannot wait to embark on this joyous journey with you.”
