Krystal king
Feed the Band
Feed the Band
Krystal King
Patrick L.
Can ordinary be extraordinary? If you’re headed to Google or a dictionary to get the answer, don’t. They will lay out the argument that the two words can’t exist when referring to the same thing. Two years ago, I would have easily agreed with them. However, that was before country music artist Krystal King walked into my life.
I’m going to have to walk a fine line when referring to the ordinary parts of Krystal King. She has no problem correcting me If I get out of line. While she can be a firecracker when provoked, most days she’s quite charming. This is going to sound a bit silly, but when I first met Krystal, the first thing that came to mind was the photos in new frames. She looks like she could have been a frame model in a past life. While you are laughing, let me tell you why such an ordinary thing can be extraordinary.
Unlike many artists, Krystal King is not on a pedestal just out of reach. She represents women everywhere. Krystal is the woman sitting in front of the window at your favorite coffee shop, your child’s 1st-grade teacher, and the lady scanning your groceries struggling to get by on minimum wage. What makes her extraordinary is being ordinary. When many mainstream female artists are selling luxury lifestyles, Krystal is getting the word out that a doublewide and dinner at the Waffle House is still a life worth celebrating.
Krystal King is out to prove that it’s ok to be yourself, flaws and all through her music. I can’t tell you how many times I have listened to (You Had Me At) Double Wide. Yet even today, it still makes me chuckle. Why? Because that song represents so many people I know. The great thing is that it’s not the only one. “Rhinestone Ring” and “You’re The Reason I Drink” reflects the very same people in my life. We all have fallen into the trap of thinking our ordinary lives are not enough. However, Krystal King proves Google wrong. Ordinary can be extraordinary.
Krystal King's Latest Video
Finally, after a couple of years, Krystal and I got together to do a formal interview. While you are reading, be on the lookout for the Ultimate Raspberry and Wine Milkshake recipe she inspired. Let’s get to it! Here is my interview with country music artist Krystal King.
Tell us about your road to country music.
It all started with Alan Jackson. I heard him on the radio at three years old and that started my passion for country music. I sang any chance that I could and eventually started playing guitar, writing, and performing small shows in early high school. In college, I studied music therapy and started working as a music therapist in hospitals. I loved it, but I quickly realized that I still wanted to pursue country music. So, we packed up and moved to Nashville. It was scary, but something clicks when you are doing what you are meant to do…so here we are!
You are a proven songwriter. What advice would you give the fifteen-year-old you?
Stop trying to be perfect. Just write, even if it’s bad. Not every song has to be a piece of art or the next big hit. The more you write, the easier it comes and every song you write is just a step closer to something really special.
Who are your top 3 influences, and how did they shape you as an artist?
Such a tough question… I’ll say Alan Jackson, Chris Stapleton, and The Chicks. You can hear influences from all of these artists in my music, especially my new album. From Alan Jackson and the Chicks, I got my honky tonk love of the fiddle and the steel guitar mixed with quirky story telling. I used to sing “Goodbye Earl” on the Kindergarten playground…so it’s no surprise I love a good murder song. Stapleton made me fall in love with mixing country elements with blues, roots, and rock. He really spearheaded that shift in country music. I was actually driving and trying to decide about moving to Nashville, when his song “Either Way” came on the radio. It was heartbreaking and raw and I just started to cry. I realized Nashville was where I wanted to be because I wanted to learn to write in a way that moved someone like his song did for me.
If you had a warning label, what would yours say?
Do not mix with Tequila.
What is your biggest fear?
Not succeeding…or at least feeling like there was maybe 10% more that I could have given to have succeeded.
We are constantly developing recipes here at Southern Fellow. When writing music, what recipe do you use?
I’m more in the professional taste-testing business than the actual cooking business. We lived next door to my Aunt Tona who was constantly baking…she’d just open the screen door and shout for me to come run over and taste things she was cooking. Luckily my husband is a fantastic cook. I’d say baked goods are probably my writing snack though…and wine.
How do you enjoy spending your alone time?
Mostly cuddling with or walking my dog “Bo Berry Biscuit.” He’s rather clingy so if I’m at home with him and not working, he is in my lap ready for cuddles. He’s also always down for a good nap, which is another favorite hobby of mine.
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Outside of music, what would you like to be famous for?
In dreamland…I’d basically be Leroy Jethro Gibbs and investigate crimes on NCIS. But in reality, probably working as a radio talent! I love anything creative, and I used to work for radio in college. I might have a radio announcement up my sleeve…
What 3 indicators do you feel need to be in place to know that you have “made it”?
Well, the goal is the be the next Miranda Lambert with success as a songwriter and artist on a major label, winning awards, playing the Opry, with a clothing line and non-profit to save all the dogs…but really I think it comes down to these three things.
- I’m making a living doing what I love. I don’t have to be making a killing but able to live comfortably without worrying about my next meal.
- To still be having fun no matter what “level” I’m on and to be true to myself. Not saying I’ll never release a stupid song or do something out of character…but overall I’d like to be able to look at myself in the mirror and like what I see, Knowing I earned my success.
- To have a platform to inspire and help others through my writing, music, and overall person.
What takes too much of your time?
Being an independent artist means that I do it all. The admin stuff takes a lot of time – social media, making events, updating the website, just to name a few.
What does the next two years look like for you?
I just finished a 7 song album!!! This is just the START! You can look forward to 3-4 single releases with videos and then a full album release over the next year or two. I look forward to seeing what opportunities this project brings.
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What’s an essential part of your daily routine?
I’m pretty terrible at keeping a routine…the main thing that I do EVERY DAY is walk my dog. He’s pretty pushy about it, but I think it also forces me to move, get outside, and just clear my head.
Tell us about your new single, “Red Wine and White Lies.”
It is a sassy, cheating, country song! I wrote this one with fellow artist Taylor Hughes who recently released another one of our co-writes “Jesus & Jail.” It releases August 25th and is the first song off of my new album “Pretty Poison.” It has a classic rock chord progression with a catchy slide guitar intro and a sing-along style chorus. Very Reba inspired.
You are married. In your opinion, what does it take to have a successful marriage?
Alcohol. Separate Bathrooms.
At least that Is what I say in my song “You’re the Reason That I Drink”
But on a serious note – I don’t really know. I just picked a really good guy. You need trust, open communication, supporting each other’s dreams, and don’t forget to laugh at yourself and each other.
What’s your “dance like nobody’s watching” song?
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye and Tammy Terrell
Is there anything else you want your family at Southern Fellow to know?
Go pre-save/stream my new song “Red Wine & White Lies” coming August 25th. I’ve also partnered with Grinder’s Switch winery – a local winery in Tennessee for some cool content such as giveaways, live streams, and two “Wine” cover songs. Be sure to check these out on my social media and website: www.KrystalKingMusic.com. I appreciate your love and support Southern Fellow! You are such a champion for independent artists.
That is Krystal King! She is proof that the ordinary can be extraordinary. Want to celebrate that fact? You can listen to her music on your favorite streaming platform including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and YouTube. While you are listening, give that recipe for the Ultimate Raspberry and Wine Milkshake a try! It will cool you down this extremely hot summer.
Thank you for reading this interview. We have more music, recipes, and concerts on the way!
