Zach King's Nashville Grind: From Waiter to Wallen Opener

Zach King arrived in Nashville in 2021 with dreams of songwriting, initially supporting himself by waiting tables at upscale venues. He quickly grasped the demanding nature of the music industry, describing it as akin to a football game requiring constant focus and preparedness, rather than a casual party. His career trajectory accelerated significantly after Morgan Wallen discovered his music on TikTok, leading to an opening slot on Wallen's tour within three days' notice.

King's musical journey began with writing songs, but he soon felt a pull back towards performing and the creative control of artistry. He credits the collaborative spirit of Nashville songwriters for their ability to support an artist's vision. Before his music career, King worked as a behavioral therapist specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis for children with autism, a role he found profoundly fulfilling.

His new single, "Get to Drinkin'," co-written with ACM songwriter of the decade Rhett Akins, is now being sent to radio. King is preparing for a busy schedule in 2026, including opening shows for Luke Bryan and Riley Green, and performing at Stagecoach. He emphasizes the importance of continuous work ethic and focus, drawing lessons from successful artists' operational strategies.