Rising Country Artist Zach John King: From Nashville Songwriter to Sony Music Nashville Star
Zach John King, a rising talent in Nashville, moved to Music City in 2021 to pursue songwriting while working at The Twelve Thirty Club. He had the opportunity to meet and seek advice from country artists like Nate Smith, who encouraged him to keep going despite challenges. Now signed with Sony Music Nashville, King released the EP Slow Down last year and is gearing up for a busy 2026 with his new song “Get to Drinkin’” hitting the airwaves. He will be opening for artists like Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, Riley Green, and Jon Pardi, as well as performing at Stagecoach.
King shared the story behind “Get to Drinkin’,” a song he co-wrote with Rhett Akins, Kyle Sturrock, Thomas Archer, and Kyle Fishman during a writing retreat. He discussed his journey to Nashville, transitioning from a songwriter to an artist, and the fulfilling experience of working as a behavioral therapist before pursuing music full-time. King also reflected on the lessons he learned from observing top artists like Wallen and emphasized the importance of focus and work ethic in the music industry.
Elevating his career to new heights, King opened shows for Morgan Wallen in stadiums while continuing to play club shows. He credited his team for the opportunity and highlighted the support he received from Wallen and his camp. As he works on a full-fledged project, King described the process of creating music amidst a busy schedule, emphasizing the importance of writing retreats to craft the best songs for his upcoming album. Despite the challenges of balancing touring and recording, King remains dedicated to delivering quality music to his fans.
In his downtime, King enjoys listening to music, going to the woods for relaxation, fishing, and cooking. He shared his must-haves on the road, including a Bluetooth speaker, water, Miller Lite, Jack and diet Coke, and running shoes. King also revealed his favorite podcast and reminisced about his first concert experience seeing Switchfoot at the Georgia Theatre in Athens. As he continues to navigate the music industry and pursue his passion for creating music, King remains focused on honing his craft and connecting with his audience through his artistry.