Tyler King: High‑Functioning Mind, High‑Voltage Music
by James Coulter
Before he learned to talk, he was already singing. Music was his first language, and that early passion has carried him all the way to the front of a local band.
Tyler King, lead singer of Kai7en, was one of the many local musicians who performed at Rockin’ on the Chain, a recent Autism awareness fundraiser hosted at Tanner’s Lakeside in Winter Haven.
Proceeds from this year’s event will go toward the Winter Haven Hospital Foundation Fund for Mental Health. While the funds raised for this year have yet to be announced, last year’s fundraiser raised over $90,000.
The annual fundraiser has a special place in Tyler’s heart, as he has high-functioning Autism. So, being able to perform at an event for Autism awareness as a person with Autism is nothing short of an honor.
“I have Autism, and I like performing there for a great cause,” he said. “It is a great event for people with Autism and special needs. And it is a good charity event to perform at.”
From an early age, Tyler was drawn to music. His late grandfather, a polka musician, was the first to spark that love. Even as a toddler, Tyler was humming and singing before he could form words.
“Before I learned to talk, I was actually singing,” he said. “I love to sing. I have always loved to sing all my entire life, and singing is my passion.”
Tyler participated in a musical group at Lake Region High School, where he learned to hone his vocal skills. He frequently participated in karaoke contests, one of which even inspired him to audition for local bands.
He has been a member of Kai7en for five to six years. He and his bandmates perform everything from rock and country to heavy metal. His favorite songs are those that invite audience participation, like “Sweet Caroline”, “Seven Nation Army”, or “Kryptonite.”
“Those songs can offer good crowd interaction, and I love performing with a crowd,” he said. “My favorite is a good gig with a great crowd because I love interacting with a good crowd.”
Tyler King recently appeared on the Chattin’ on the Ridge podcast. Listen to the full interview on Spotify and Acast: https://shows.acast.com/chattin-on-the-ridge/episodes/ep-83-rockin-on-the-chain-2026-wtyler-king-kai7en
