Life & Work with Krystal King

Today we’d like to introduce you to Krystal King.

Hi Krystal, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
I have had my taste in music since I was about 2 years old. I heard Alan Jackson on the radio, and I was hooked. From then on, I wanted to be a country music artist and was constantly singing or talking. I sang on my first stage at age 5 when my parents dared me to ask the DJ to play “You’re Still the One” by Shania Twain. Later I began guitar lessons, and with the help and encouragement of my guitar instructor, Tony Eltora of Hickory, NC, I began writing songs in high school and playing local coffee shops and other stages.

Nashville has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. But as a combination of my mom’s wings and dad’s roots, I decided to go to Appalachian State University. There I studied Music Therapy as a way to combine my love of music and people. I’m a strong believer in the power of music to heal hearts and communities and have specialized in music therapy in mental health. Krystal also uses music for worship as the music director at Epworth UMC.

I finally moved to Nashville 5 years ago to hone my craft and have become a full-time Country Music Artist. Since then, I have played in various local venues, including places on the famous Broadway strip. I have released 6 original songs, including my latest, “Honky Tonk Love Songs,” which features 3 songs released in February of 2022. I have also had my first two cuts as songwriting, including the song “White Claws,” released by Zach McCabe last month. I have had additional success in and out of Nashville. I was the 2018 winner of the Hickory Oktoberfest Songwriting Competition, receiving a spot to perform on the singer-songwriter stage. In 2019 I was the Winner of a multi-series songwriting competition through Old School in Franklin, TN.

This year I have begun touring to expand my audience to North & South Carolina, Kentucky, Florida, Arizona, and Wisconsin. According to fellow artist and personality Kirstie Kraus, I’m “Your next door redneck with storytelling songs that will make you laugh” My sound has been described as classic, folky, with a little bit of blues and soul. I pull a lot of inspiration from 90’s country artists such as Reba, Alan Jackson, The Chicks, and more. Other influences include Sugarland, Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, and Chris Stapleton to create “a classic sound that brings a voice to Nashville that we have all missed. Krystal King has a true country sound, with raw and emotionally laced vocals, that will cause you to reminisce.”

My current project is a Full 7 song album called “Housefire.” This project will begin releasing in early 2023 and combines my current Honkytonk sound with tongue-in-cheek lyrics. This project also shows a different side of my sound, including more roots, blues, folk, and rock influences than my previous work.

You can follow me on social media or on my website:
www.krystalkingmusic.com
Instagram: @krystalkingmusic
Facebook: @Krystalsmusic

​Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being a singer-songwriter has had its challenges; First and foremost, being an independent artist is a grind. It requires a lot of time and multi-tasking. Many people see us on stage but don’t see the full picture. In addition to my full-time show schedule and odds and ends jobs to make ends meet, I write songs, record book shows, reach out to companies and brands for interviews and promotion, and keep up with social media. It takes a lot of balance and hard work. An additional challenge is financing. To record top-quality music requires funding. I love what I do, so all of these struggles are worth it but a definite part of the artist’s reality.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an independent singer-songwriting in the area specializing in country music. I am known for many tongue-in-cheek and humous songs, including my first single, “You Had Me At Double Wide,” and my current single, “You’re the Reason I Drink.” I have a unique and quirky personality that sets me apart from others. I try to be very authentic with my audience. I am proud that I can bring relatable songs to people and that I have gotten as far as I can while staying true to myself and my roots.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you, and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I think I did learn a bit more about balance during Covid. The shutdown forced me to slow down some and prioritize more. I have tried to look at the bigger picture instead of getting caught up in daily hustle. I also learned that just because the world stops doesn’t mean I have to. Artists all over found ways to create, share, and inspire during this hard Tim.

Pricing:

• Booking $100/Hour
• Honky Tonk Love Songs EP $10
• T-shirts (three options) $25

Contact Info:

• Website: www.krystalkingmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krystalkingmusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Krystalsmusic/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqQEfVafUT3lok5xGtzoeOg

Image Credits
Depends on photo (may need to know which ones you use)