Everyone has a dream they strive for their whole lives, but for some the hard work pays off with even greater opportunities. For Drake King, a 20-year-old Fort Towson native psychology major with a passion for music, his dream may be steps away from coming true.

The full-time student and singer-songwriter has an opportunity to record an album in Nashville with producer Harold Bradley, whose recording studio is located on the famous Music Row. Bradley has recorded with artists such as Patsy Cline and Willie Nelson.

King has recorded two EPs so far, and he is in the process of working on a third album outside of the opportunity, but this time with a full band.

He has played many live shows, including USAO’s arts festival Droverstock, and also plays in USAO’s Showband. King said he hopes to make a living with his music, but it is easier said than done. The Nashville opportunity, he said, could set him on that road.

King said many people have told him his music connects with their lives.

“The songs that I write are all inspired by very real situations or events that I have experienced personally,” he said. “Some people have told me that they feel like they know my life story after hearing my music. That is exactly what I want. My hope is that the listeners of my music are touched by what they hear and that they can feel some sort of emotion that I put into that song.”

King said he grew up with a rocky home life. “My guitar became the gateway to my happy place,” he said.

Since he was little, it has always been King and his guitar. He started playing guitar at age 12 and wrote his first song at 15.

In order for King to accomplish his dreams, he must raise $6,000 by this summer. So far he has raised $1,600. These funds will cover travel fare to and from Nashville and in-studio expenses for the musicians, producers, and mixers who help put albums together.

Today is the last day to help King raise the needed $4,400, by buying t-shirts online at booster.com/senddraketonashville. The shirts cost $25. He will also have different t-shirts for sale at his booth at Droverstock.

King has music available for streaming on Facebook at Drake King (Music) and on his official site drakeking.com. This is also a good way to keep up to date on his progress throughout his career.