A Dirty Dozen with Diane King

100% Rock, September 2025

According to a recent press release: “Nashville-based Americana / country-folk singer-songwriter Diane King is set to release her new album, SKY, on September 19, 2025. With 10 songs that come straight from the heart, King’s album showcases fearless songwriting, pure vocals, rich three-part harmonies, and a musicality that’s as intentional as it is inspired. SKY doesn’t stay in one emotional lane; it takes you everywhere. From the wide-open joy of love and life to the quiet ache of heartbreak, King’s songwriting holds it all with honesty and grace. This is music made with heart and backbone, where Appalachian roots meet razor-sharp songwriting and a keen ear for detail. This is real Americana, raw and unapologetic.” We get Diane to discuss new music, influences, and more…

1. Tell us a little about your latest release. What might a fan or listener not grab the first or second time they listen through? Are there any hidden nuggets you put in the material or that only diehard fans might find?

This project was a total partnership in co-production between me and Stephan Oberhoff. All the songs were first recorded from a guitar / vocal tracks, and then built out from there. It was very important to me to maintain the integrity of the song and how they were written. I didn’t want to play along with the band when we were recording, because, from a production standpoint, I needed to be in the control room to hear and focus on what the musicians were playing. There are so many gems in these arrangements. You can listen over and over and hear something new. People might not realize that it’s me singing all the three-part harmony vocals and many of the background vocals. And then, from a songwriting perspective, some of the songs take a few listens to catch all the message details and to interpret it for one’s own life experiences.

2. What got you into music, and can you tell us about the moment you realized you wanted to be a musician?

My family is musically inclined, and we were in Appalachia, so music was always around and of great importance. There were two specific moments that got me into music. One was hearing Olivia Newton-John on the radio, and the other was seeing Amy Grant perform. I knew that’s what I wanted to do from an early age.

3. Building on that, is there a specific song, album, performer, or live show that guided your musical taste?

In addition to Olivia Newton-John and Amy Grant, both Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin had such a big influence on my songwriting and guitar playing.

4. If you could call in any one collaborator to do a song with, who would it be, and why?

That’s a great question. I’m going to go with my first thought, which is kind of surprising to me. I think it would be fun to collaborate with Taylor Swift. She’s a great songwriter, and she’s so passionate about music. Her level of creativity is inspiring, and her enthusiasm is contagious. And, she’s authentic and just downright smart!  I love that!

5. What is your favorite activity when out of the studio and/or not on tour? What do you like to do to unwind?

I love to be outside. Working in the dirt is relaxing to me. I really enjoy building a fire in my firepit and puttering around the yard.

6. How would you describe your music to someone who’d never listened to you before? What is the one comparison a reviewer or fan has made that made you cringe or you disagreed with?

I would describe my music as Americana / country / folk. It’s acoustic guitar-driven and heavy on the harmonies. As the writer of the songs, my music is definitely straight from my heart. I don’t recall ever being compared to anyone that made me cringe. I’m often compared to Brandi Carlile, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and Sheryl Crow. I consider those comparisons to be very high compliments.

7. When your band is hanging out together, who cooks, who gets the drinks in, and who is first to crack out the acoustic guitars for a singalong?

It won’t be me cooking, but I do make a great margarita. I play the acoustic guitar, so it would be me breaking out the guitar.

8. When was the last time you were starstruck and who was it?

I don’t recall being starstruck recently, but I guarantee that I would be starstruck if I met Dolly Parton!

9. What is the best part of being a musician? If you could no longer be a musician for whatever reason, what would be your dream job?

Well, I’m a songwriter first. I also sing, play instruments, and arrange and produce my music. All are varied experiences and talents in music. To be able to create it, hear it, and consume music – take it in – at that level of depth and intensity is the greatest reward. I can’t not be a songwriter and musician, so there’s no such thing as another dream job. If I didn’t have all this music in me, I would be a college history professor, archeologist, and / or a farmer.

10. What is one question you have always wanted an interviewer to ask – and what is the answer? Conversely, what question are you tired of answering?

I absolutely love the question you ask about which album I’d want to go back and be a part of. And, I really don’t have any questions that I mind answering.

11. Looking back over your career, is there a single moment or situation you feel was a misstep or you would like to have a “do over,” even if it didn’t change your current situation?

I’ve missed some possible opportunities because I can be shy and have some social anxiety. I’m sure it’s cost me chances to meet people who might have made a difference.

12. If you could magically go back in time and be a part of the recording sessions for any one record in history, which would you choose – and what does that record mean to you?

I love this question! It would definitely be one of Olivia Newton-John’s albums, and I would have to go with Let Me Be There, If You Love Me Let Me Know, or Don’t Stop Believin’ (which was recorded in Nashville). My interest in Olivia’s albums goes beyond the songs and her musical talent. It includes the work of her producer, John Farrar. He is so much a part of her sound, and he wrote many of her hits.

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