Nashville-based country artist Krystal King is stepping into a new chapter with her upcoming single, “Different Shade of the Same,” arriving January 23. Co-written with hit songwriter Mason Douglas, the track leans into a more soulful, stripped-back sound while staying rooted in the honest storytelling that has become King’s signature. Inspired by an unexpected dose of nostalgia, the song finds King reflecting on change, growth, and knowing when to walk away. Krystal caught up with Complete Country to talk about the story behind the song and what lies ahead.
“Different Shade of the Same” reveals a more soulful side of your voice. What made now the right time to explore this sound?
- I released my debut album in March of 2025, closing out that chapter of music. This one has been sitting in my catalogue for a while now and it has always been one that I have loved, but I wasn’t sure what to do with it. I figured this was a great time to explore and showcase my versatility as an artist. I’m just trying to put out new things and see what people respond to and what feels good to me, before working on the next album. I guess the title of this song reflects this time in my music – showing you a different shade of the same me.
You’ve shared that the song was sparked by a Dawson’s Creek binge-watch. How did that nostalgic moment turn into such a meaningful song idea?
- I saw that Dawson’s Creek was on Netflix a few years ago. I’m a 90’s baby, so I remembered watching this with my sister as a kid. Unfortunately, as an adult, it was not as good as I remember; however, I’m no quitter so I watched the entire thing. The idea came from a quote in one of the episodes and I took it to Mason Douglas who came up with the chord progression. It flowed pretty quickly from there, keeping the angsty romance themes from the tv show.
The song centers on realizing that sometimes it’s not the person who needs to change, but the situation. How personal was that realization for you?
- I think it was more of a general theme. Recognizing that you can’t control other people but you can control your own behavior, reactions, & boundaries. You decide when you need to make a change, because we can’t change other people. It wasn’t a single situation but more just analyzing that as I get older, I am in control of my own happiness and have a low tolerance for things that disrupt that.
You co-wrote the track with Mason Douglas, who has an impressive list of hits. What did he bring to the writing process that helped shape the song?
- Mason is a total pro but also super personable which sets me at ease and allows me to be a bit more vulnerable. He is a producer in addition to a songwriter, so he can really hear the whole song as he is writing it. I came up with the idea and he played this great chord progression. After that, it was bouncing back and forth on lyrics and melody, which we finished in just a couple of hours, and then recorded the worktape the same day.
A bandmate described the track as “country meets Pink Floyd.” What was your reaction to that, and how do you approach blending genres while staying true to country?
- We were in rehearsal and I failed to send him the worktape, so he was listening on the fly and said that after he heard the first few lines. I think I just laughed and said “I’ll take it.” Up until college, I listened to only country music. But by the 2010’s country radio had changed and had a lot of “pop” or “bro country” elements. I found them catchy, but didn’t resonate with them as much. So, I started broadening my musical horizons. Soon after, artists like Eric Church and Chris Stapleton were bending genres in a bluesy, soul, rock way. I really fell in love with that side of country music, although I still love a good ole honky tonk song. For me, it was less about staying true to country music, but staying true to myself.
The production feels intentionally stripped-back and intimate. How important was it for you to keep the focus on the emotion and the vocal performance?
- Very important. I wanted the vocals to really be forefront in this song. The initial production actually had steel guitar and some Kacey Musgraves style banjo in the background. I love those instruments, but it felt like it pulled away from the sentiment of the song. So, we stripped it back and gave it more room to build.
Fans know you for your witty, relatable songwriting. How does this more reflective track fit alongside lighter moments like “You’re the Reason That I Drink”?
- Honestly, I’m not sure that it does other than the fact that it is raw and honest- which is the common theme in all of my music. In a world where we have to “brand ourselves” I would say this is off brand. But I don’t like being put in a box and don’t like it when every song sounds the same. I’m still an up and coming artist, so now is the time to explore.
From Hickory, North Carolina to playing iconic Nashville stages, how has your journey shaped the artist you are today?
- As artists, I think we are sponges. All of the experiences we have shape us as humans and shape our music. I just continue to keep my head down, hustle, and try to keep getting better. I feel like I’ve really honed in on showing off my personality and letting it shine on stage, in my writing, and on the radio. I think that just comes with experience which continues to build your confidence.
Your debut album Pretty Poison made a strong first impression. In what ways does this new single represent your growth since that release?
- You know, this song was actually written and considered for the album, but it just didn’t seem like the right fit for the project. After semi self-producing my album, I was a lot more comfortable in the studio, making decisions, and trusting my gut. I also felt like it was time to show a more “classy and mature” version of my redneck self. 2 years ago, you would never have gotten me into that rhinestone romper.
You’ve also had success writing for other artists. Does that experience change how you approach writing songs for your own projects?
- Typically, I try to approach songwriting as a hangout with friends. Obviously, I want to be productive but sometimes that business mindset can create a lot of pressure in the writing room, which can suppress creativity. I just want to have a good time and write a good song no matter who it is for. Often, we don’t know who the song is for until it is done.
With new music, touring, and your role on Radio Margaritaville, what can fans expect from you next in 2026?
- I will continue to be on the air on Radio Margaritaville and continue recording/releasing music during this phase of exploring. I also plan to hit the road! I currently have shows in 11 states books for 2026. Five of those are states I have never played before. Also just booked my second gig as a festival emcee. Just gonna keep on grinding.
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With “Different Shade of the Same,” Krystal King continues to push her sound forward while staying grounded in authenticity and heart. As she balances vulnerability with confidence, the new single marks another standout moment in a career that keeps gaining momentum—one honest song at a time.
