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Randall King is bringing back the honky-tonk sound to country music – and we are here for it.
With over 300 million global streams, Randall King has proven he is a name to look for in the country music industry. His twang brings listeners back to the 90s and his new album, Into the Neon leavens his two-step ready sound. His single, You in a Honky-Tonk, was a TikTok hit, with the song going viral. Despite the success he already has, King is searching for more, yet has stayed humble to his Texas roots.
Where in Texas did you grow up?
I lived in Hereford, TX, for 13 years and then Amarillo for 5.
How did you get your start in country music?
Through a little bar in Lubbock, called the Blue Light Live. Its legend grows every day by the environment it puts out. It’s a haven for the next gen of songwriters. I went to college in Lubbock, and that’s where I got my start, trying my hand on Monday nights at the songwriter night and then working my way up to a Tuesday show, then a Wednesday and so on. I learned from all the great artists that have started there and that’s what got my foot in the door.
Your song, You in a Honky Tonk, went viral on TikTok. What was that experience like for you?
It was unreal, a true blessing by God via my fans. That was all user generated and it was incredible to see. That song put us on the map and blew our music wide open. It was the #1 song for country music on there for about three months
Who are some of your musical influences?
I grew up on classic country – early 2000s. It ranges from Hank Sr., Lefty, Merle, all the way to Alan Jackson, George Strait, Dierks Bentley, Gary Allen & Tim McGraw. But my biggest influence is Keith Whitley.
We love seeing Texas take over Nashville right now! With artists like yourself, Mike Ryan and Pecos & the Rooftops seeing success the past few years, is there an upcoming artist you think we need to keep an eye out for?
Braxton Keith, Jake Worthington, Wynn Williams, Joey Greer, Palmer Anthony, Clay Hollis, Jon Stork, Jake Jacobson – there’s a ton of GREAT young artists and I can’t even name them all.
You recently toured in Europe. What was that experience like bringing your honky tonk sound overseas?
Absolutely wild, it was like seeing a whole other world and seeing them sing my songs back all the way across the pond… and even sometimes in a language that ain’t their first language either. It was amazing. To go sell out all those shows was just truly a blessing.
I have been fortunate enough to see you in concert multiple times throughout the year, and each time it gets better and better. Do you have a dream venue in Texas to perform at?
I think we have covered just about all of Texas we can cover. For me, I dream of the big festivals like Chili Fest in College Station and it was ACL as well for me but we got to knock that off the list twice last year! It was incredible! That and my biggest goal is definitely NRG stadium for the Houston Rodeo! And of course Cowboys Stadium as well!
Burns Like Her is the perfect mixture between traditional and modern day country. Is that something you do on purpose, or do you just sing songs you like the sound of?
Everything I do is with intention and well thought out; you have to know what you’re aiming for before you go into the studio. Sometimes you get in there and it turns sideways on ya and you make adjustments but that song was so easy, I loved it. It just came together with that overdrive on the steel and that slick guitar. Reminds me a lot of an early Aldean song. I think it’s super cool. That song shows off my range within my sound.
When you are not on the road, what is something you like to do in your free time?
I love to fish or hunt when I get the opportunity; that, and I won a pair of Sea-Doos that I love firin’ up.
What is something people may not know about you?
I’m a nerd; I love Harry Potter, Marvel, Legos, all while being a super fan of sports haha.
Be sure to catch King out on the road this year – his shows are one of a kind. Whether you want to dance, sing along to good music, or just have a good time there is a place for everyone.
Check out his tour dates here.
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Update: It looks like Randall’s dreams of playing Chilifest are coming true! On April 1, 2024 Randall King will take the stage. Get tickets here.
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Cover Photo Courtesy Phil Clarkin
Emily Hord is the Assistant Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine and a native Texan. She graduated from Texas A&M University and in her free time, she enjoys going to see live music and spending time with her friends and family.
