Raised on the plains of West Texas, Randall King honed his craft with countless nights spent strumming his guitar under the expansive skies, backlit by the stars’ neon glow. Flash forward to today, and King’s road warrior diet finds him revitalizing Country’s neo-traditional sound under a different kind of neon – the radiant glow from the signs of nearly 150 honky tonks he performs in across the country each year.
It’s this inspiration of nature and humble establishments that have nurtured country music’s blue collar roots since its foundation that have inspired King to usher people Into the Neon, his latest album inspired by rowdy roughnecking, romantic tenderness and breathtaking emotion. The 18-track sophomore album is expected to land on 26 January, 2024 via Warner Music Nashville.
“You grow wiser with age, you grow wiser while you’re working and experiencing life, and I feel like I have a deeper understanding of what my music really is,” said Randall King, in reference to the growth he’s experienced since his 2022 release, Shot Glass. “We’re moving into the neon era of country music. The pendulum is swinging, and you’re watching it happen… Now I just hope people get their mind blown.”
Co-produced by King alongside Jared Conrad, the project incorporates a unique blend of the influences from icons and modern masters alike who have inspired King’s sound; inclusive of the timeless ‘80s country twang of George Strait and Keith Whitley, and the blood pumping, Y2K-era rhythms of Dierks Bentley and Gary Allan.
Showcasing his ability to traverse from a toe-tapping waltzer with ‘When My Baby’s In Boots’ to the yearning lament of ‘I Could Be That Rain’, King lays it all on the line with songs that could just as easily be enjoyed while slow dancing under the starry night sky or while line dancing at a local honky tonk. With the release of ‘Hang Of Hangin’ On’, available to listen to now, King sings about finding himself graciously holding close to the girl he loves despite keeping “a goodbye up his sleeve” in the past.
“Think I’m getting the hang of hangin’ all this music out there,” King added. “I sure loved this song from the first time I heard it. Go spin your lady to this one y’all!”
Despite being in the studio recording new music this year, King has also stayed busy on the road, recently returning from his first-ever European tour in September, Neon Overseas, with a set of 11 shows, including sold-out stops in Cologne, London and more.
He will return to Germany to play C2C Festival Berlin with Brad Paisley on 3 March, 2024. As the year winds down, King will support Jon Pardi and Ian Munsick on select tour dates, while continuing to headline stops in Paso Robles, CA; Reno, NV; Salt Lake City, UT and more.
King’s 3rd Annual KingFest in Luckenbach, Texas will take place on 11 November with Gary P. Nunn, Jon Stork and Braxton Keith at the helm for support. For upcoming tour dates and more information, visit RandallKingMusic.com.
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