HELLO, I'M DR KARLYN KING!
Dr. King of Vinyl | Music Biz Professor | Media Broadcaster | Published PhD Researcher 🎓 UK | LA
I explore the culture, business, and future of music—spinning research and real-world insights into accessible conversations for students, collectors, and industry pros alike.
As featured on: BBC, Sky News, SXSW
I have an MA Hons Psychology from University of Glasgow and a Postgraduate Diploma in Music Innovation & Entrepreneurship from University of West of Scotland and a PhD from University of Birmingham exploring the enduring format of vinyl records in the digital era with published work in The Routledge Handbook of Women's Work in Music.
I have written for top tier academic journals Popular Music and Popular Music History as well as being regularly commissioned by agencies to write music business articles for clients such as Jagermeister/Night Embassy.
I am currently leading a Discogs research project on making vinyl more inclusive. I regularly speak and present at major U.S. music business events—including Music Biz, Making Vinyl Nashville, and USC—as well as curating panels with artists like IDLES at BIMM London. I was the main presenter for SXSW Manchester in 2025.
As a frequent expert voice on BBC Radio and Sky News, I also bring academic and industry perspectives to wider audiences. Earlier in my career, I organised an international conference on vinyl culture at the University of Birmingham, securing Royal Musical Association funding in my first year of doctoral study.
See the Media tab for documentaries, podcasts, and BBC appearances.
"KARLYN KING IS AUDACIOUS, ANIMATED, FULL OF VIGOUR AND IDEAS, THOROUGHLY ENTERTAINING AND EDUCATIONAL"
Dr Jerry Thackray/Everett True
