Looking to stray from the pack, singer-songwriter and York native King Kyote is set to perform on NBC’s new live music competition, the “American Song Contest” tonight. 

King Kyote, whose real name is Jon King, will perform his new single “Get Out Alive” — a song he says has been years in the making. 

The show, which debuted on March 21 is hosted by Snoop Dog and Kelly Clarkson. Over eight weeks, 56 artists from the 50 states, five U.S. territories and Washington D.C. will compete to win the country’s vote for best original song. 

The acts range from solo artists and duos to DJs and bands, representing the different styles and genres across America. For Maine, Kyote’s sound is tied closely to rock and folk music. 

If his name doesn’t grab your attention at home, his voice will. In his most recent song, "Gold Fades," King Kyote's lyrics tell a captivating story. With a gritty and amorous voice, Kyote takes you on a journey that's both melodic and raw.

Click the player below to listen to “Gold Fades” on Spotify. 

Spectrum News Maine caught up with King Kyote ahead of his performance and talked about the show, his new single and Maine.

Spectrum News: Your music was described by NBC as “a night of whiskey drinking in a cabin among the Maine pines,” is that an accurate depiction of your sound?

King Kyote: Very much so, yes. I mean, I was born and raised in the state, and most Mainers I know like to drink some whiskey in the pine trees. 

SN: First, I have to ask, how did you come up with the name King Kyote? 

KK: I came up with (the name) a few years back. I went down this rabbit hole of researching coyotes, and I loved how scrappy and rugged they could be and how they were pack animals, but could also go off on their own and survive a lot of harsh environments. I want to write music that is related to that — scrappy, singer-songwriter roots in rock music. 

SN: Can you tell me a bit about the process of getting selected to represent Maine on the show?

KK: I sent in an audition and was happy to hear that it was going to work out. It was a pretty simple process and I’m just stoked that they wanted me to represent my home state. 

SN: How are you feeling about your performance? 

KK: I feel good, we’re doing rehearsals out here. I’m just going to get up there and do what I do, do what I love to do — sing one of my songs. 

SN: Your song is being released by Atlantic Records, that’s quite a feat. Tell me what was running through your mind when you got that call to sign with the label? 

KK: The Atlantic deal is a big deal. Essentially what it is, is a big foot in the door and I’m just excited for what’s next. I’m excited for the performance and sharing this new song with everybody and putting it out on Atlantic, but I’m also excited for what all of this will bring for the future. 

SN: You teased your song “Get Out Alive,” which you’re performing on the show. I read that you wrote and recorded the single about three years ago, but never got around to releasing it. How does it feel to finally get that song out there?

KK: It feels good to finally put this song out. It's been sitting in the vault for awhile. I went back in and reworked a few things sonically with my crew. I am feeling really good about sharing it with the world now.

SN: The lyrics and instrumentals on your most recent song “Gold Fades” feels nostalgic and raw, with a sound of blues and rock. What was your process for writing that song? 

KK: I tend to write a little more cinematically, I guess. I want to tell a story and bring the listener on a journey — my journey or whatever the song is about, that journey. I wanted it to be raw, I wanted it to be relatable and pull at the heart strings a little bit, but also be kind of more rugged and fit in that nostalgic Americana vibe. 

SN: Where did your love for music originate? 

KK: I grew up in a house with guitars always sitting around and musicians coming to visit the house for family get-togethers and cookouts. From an early age, I was around really talented musicians. My grandmother went to Juliard and she was an exceptional pianist and vocalist, so music had always been in the family and something that I was experiencing. I picked up a guitar pretty early and from what I remember I didn't like it at first, from the first couple of lessons I took — but I came back to it maybe a year later. I just remember when it clicked. As the years went on, in high school I made bands with my friends and started playing shows and writing songs. It just has snowballed in my life and kind of led to this point. I’ve been doing music my whole life, but professionally I've been trying to get after it this last decade. 

SN: In Maine, where is your favorite venue or place to perform? 

KK: I think playing music at any kind of outdoor venue, especially at home in Maine, definitely sets my soul on fire. Any kind of festival with an outdoor stage, where you get the sun. Afternoon, evening… the sun is going down, there’s good music and people are having a good time — that’s the dream, right? That’s why we do it. That’s why people like to go listen to it and that’s why musicians like to go up and perform. 

SN: What other Maine-based bands or artists should people be listening to?

KK: Oh man, there’s the Maine staples like The Mallett Brothers Band or The Rustic Overtones — but there’s also a newer group that’s just starting to hit and do some cool stuff in town, Love By Numb3rs. 

Portland and Maine have such a great music scene. It's small, but it’s like a little family. We all see each other, see each other around, tour with each other and play shows with each other. I grew up listening to Jeremiah Freed and The Rustic Overtones, groups like that I love seeing around. 

Oh! And Spose, who can forget Spose? He’s such a genuinely awesome human being. 

SN: Name the ideal day spent in Maine. 

KK: It would be to wake up at sunrise, check the waves, hopefully it’s like 6 foot and mackin’. So, go out, have a surf and then a coffee. Then in the evening go play a show and perform with my friends and family in the audience, and then maybe have a couple beers after that — try not to stay up too late. 

SN: Anything else you’d like to say to Mainers watching back home? 

KK: It comes down to America voting for these artists that are performing, so if you feel so inclined to do so, check out my song when it drops after my performance. If you dig what I do, you can vote for me — vote for Maine. Anybody that is listening or watching, get out there and support Maine artists, go see a show. 

King Kyote will perform on NBC’s ‘American Song Contest’ March 28 at 8 p.m. You can vote for Maine on NBC’s website, on your mobile device using the NBC App or via TikTok. Voting for the qualifying round opens on Monday and closes Wednesday morning. 

You can stream King Kyote’s music on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.