“Get To Drinkin’,” Artists to Watch & Life on Tour | Zach John King
Zach John King is heading into 2026 with some serious momentum.
The rising country artist joined Heart of the Gulch host Tony Mendoza during CRS 2026 in Nashville to talk about his radio single “Get To Drinkin’,” being named an Artist to Watch, and what he's learned touring with some of country music's biggest names.
With influences ranging from George Jones to indie rock, Zach is building a sound that combines traditional country storytelling with a modern edge.
Zach John King discusses “Get To Drinkin’,” country radio and the momentum behind his growing country music career.
“Get To Drinkin’” & Country Radio
Zach dives into his current radio single “Get To Drinkin’,” written alongside Rhett Akins, Thomas Archer, Kyle Sturrock and Kyle Fishman.
As the song continues gaining traction at country radio, Zach reflects on the writing process and what it's like watching a song move from the writers' room to listeners across the country.
We also get into songs like “Lose You” and “Hole in the Wall,” showcasing different sides of the music he's creating.
One of Country Music's Artists to Watch
The industry is beginning to take notice.
Zach talks about being recognized by platforms including Amazon Music, Spotify and Audacy, including being named an Amazon Music Artist to Watch and Audacy Artist to Launch.
For an emerging artist, those opportunities can introduce the music to an entirely new audience—and Zach is using that momentum to keep pushing forward.
Heart of the Gulch host Tony Mendoza interviews Zach John King during CRS 2026 about songwriting, touring and his rise in country music.
From Morgan Wallen to Gavin Adcock
Life on the road has already put Zach in front of some massive crowds.
He's toured with artists including Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, Brooks & Dunn, Riley Green, Jon Pardi and Chase Matthew, giving him a front-row education in how different artists build and connect with their audiences.
Zach even breaks down the difference between opening for someone like Morgan Wallen versus Gavin Adcock—and how dramatically the energy can change depending on who's in the crowd.
Georgia Roots & Finding His Sound
Zach John King talks about touring with Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan, Brooks & Dunn and other major country artists.
Before Nashville, there was Fayetteville, Georgia.
Zach reflects on the music that shaped him growing up, from traditional country artists like George Jones to the indie rock bands that helped broaden his musical influences.
Instead of choosing between those worlds, he's bringing pieces of both into his own songwriting.
With “Get To Drinkin’” at country radio, major Artist to Watch recognition and increasingly bigger stages, Zach John King is quickly becoming a name country fans should know.
Watch Zach John King on Heart of the Gulch
Watch the full Zach John King interview from CRS 2026 as he joins Tony Mendoza to discuss “Get To Drinkin’,” country radio, Morgan Wallen, touring, songwriting and being named one of 2026's Artists to Watch.
Tony Mendoza is the Nashville-based host and creator of Heart of the Gulch, featuring conversations with country artists, songwriters and personalities from Nashville and beyond.
