In an industry often polished to a fault, Krystal King stands out by leaning fully into who she is. Self-described as a “next-door redneck” with a gift for storytelling, King has built a career rooted in honesty, grit, and a sharp ear for the moments that feel real. From award-winning music videos to national radio and stages few artists ever reach, her journey reflects a careful balance of authenticity and intention, creativity and craft.
That balance, she admits, is not always easy to maintain. “That can definitely be difficult sometimes, as I can get caught up in the ‘business’ mind and feel distant from myself as an artist and creator,” King says. “Ultimately, I think I have realized that my personality is ‘the brand’ so I’m really just trying to figure out how to highlight my unique redneck self in my marketing, music, and interactions with others. It works because people respond to authenticity.” For King, the work is not about reinventing herself, but about allowing her natural voice to lead, both musically and professionally.
Her debut album, Pretty Poison, released in March of 2025, marked a turning point. The project and its accompanying music videos earned recognition from CountryLine TV and Heartland Network, along with two Josie Music Awards for Female Music Video of the Year and Best Actress in a Music Video. While the accolades were validating, the creative process itself offered a deeper lesson. “I think the biggest lesson for me, in making and releasing these projects, was to listen to my gut,” she says. “I tend to overthink and not trust my instincts or opinions during the creative process.” One piece of advice from her mixing engineer became a guiding principle. “My mixing engineer said something that stuck out to me ‘if it’s not a yes, then it’s a no’ (Daniel Ford).” Learning to trust her instincts helped King reconnect with her inner artist and quiet the noise that can cloud creative decision-making.
That trust was tested and rewarded when King stepped onto the Grand Ole Opry stage to accept multiple Josie Music Awards. With more than 80,000 submissions in the competition, the moment carried significant weight. “This was HUGE!” she says. “I have worked my booty off the past few years and it was very reassuring to see that hard work pay off.” Standing on a stage steeped in music history offered affirmation that went beyond trophies. “Sometimes you can feel very stuck in this business, so standing in that circle, where so many greats have stood, was validation that I am on the right track.” True to her personality, the experience also included a moment of chaos. “In the moment, it didn’t feel real… especially since I lost my car keys right before winning my first award. In hindsight, that was the most ‘me’ thing that could have happened.”
While her career keeps her closely connected to Nashville, King’s home life in Spring Hill provides a grounding counterbalance. After moving from Franklin five years ago to buy their first home, she and her husband embraced a slower, more communal rhythm. “We live in a small neighborhood, no HOA, friendly neighbors, and kids running around,” she says. “I appreciate the slower pace and reminder that I don’t always have to be in the rat race.” That sense of place, rooted in simplicity and connection, feeds directly into her songwriting and reinforces the values that shape her music.
In addition to writing and performing, King has spent the past two years as a DJ on SiriusXM Radio Margaritaville, a role that has expanded her relationship with both music and listeners. “This opportunity fell into my lap and has been one of the most rewarding experiences during my time in Tennessee,” she says. The Margaritaville audience, known as Parrotheads, reshaped her understanding of fandom. “They are more like family,” she explains, noting the personal connections and generosity that define the community. Immersed in Jimmy Buffett’s catalog and the folk artists he championed, King has also deepened her approach to listening. “Jimmy Buffett was a master writer and connoisseur of iconic folk artists,” she says, adding that the experience has inspired her to study music more intentionally.
As she approaches the one-year anniversary of Pretty Poison, King is already looking forward. She is writing, collaborating with new producers, and exploring what feels right for her next chapter. Her latest single, “Different Shade of the Same,” released January 23rd, offers a glimpse of a more soulful direction, while an extensive tour schedule beginning in April will take her across the country. With her instincts sharpened and her voice firmly her own, Krystal King continues to carve out a path that feels as genuine as the stories she tells.
KrystalKingMusic.com