R.D. King is an award-winning composer and performer of instrumental acoustic guitar music. Following a tumultuous childhood, King has confronted the anxiety and alienation of modern life by seeking deeper meaning, beauty, and connection through music. A captivating and energetic performer, King blends guitar pyrotechnics with cinematic and evocative music. Inspired by literature, philosophy, art, and meditation, King’s pursuit of music is his deepest source of personal growth. He hopes to inspire listeners in their own journeys towards empathy, love, and self-actualization. 

King is a TEDx Cambridge performer, winner of the 2017 Canadian Guitar Festival’s International Fingerstyle Guitar Competition, and winner of the 2018 Walnut Valley Festival NewSong Showcase (Instrumental Category). He has opened for Grammy-nominated Ari Hest, Andy McKee, Liz Longley, and many others.

Born in Boston, MA, to a family of writers, musicians, and artists, King took an unconventional path towards a career in music. Despite spending most of adolescence with a guitar in hand, he planned to become an engineer or architect; his last-minute decision to attend Ithaca College’s School of Music surprised even himself. 

His debut album, vs. Self, was described as “energetic and epic” and “transformative journeys of sound” by New York Music Daily and The Deli magazine, respectively. His second album, R.D. King, was recorded with Antoine Dufour and was released in January 2019 under Candyrat Records. His latest EP Summerlast was released in May 2021.

R.D. King resides in Boston, MA, where he performs, teaches, and explores the evolution of consciousness through sound.