FEATURED ARTIST: ERIN KIRBY
Erin Kirby
Erin Kirby is a rising modern day pop star. Blending heartfelt, soul-tinged lyrics with dance-infused pop, she’s creating music that takes on the realities of human emotions. Hailing from Atlanta, GA she’s already had many accomplishments throughout her career - she’s landed herself as John Maxwell Rising Star, Jezebel Magazine’s songwriter of the year, a top three contestant on Showtime at the Apollo with Steve Harvey, and she made it in the American Idol Top 60 to name a few. She regularly volunteers her talent to local non profit organizations in Atlanta and is constantly working on new music.
In 2020, she’s released 3 new songs, the latest being her single, “Half in Love.” Throughout the song she talks about the struggle of wanting a new relationship but not being completely over your ex, something that very few people talk about yet happens more often than not. The chorus sings, “I’m half in love. I can’t give my whole heart to you when somebody has the other piece of me,” which gives more perspective into what she’s feeling. She delivers heartfelt lyrics with a soft, yet powerful voice that’s backed by a soft piano in the background that pulls the whole song together.
We had the opportunity to have a chat with Erin about what she’s been up to, her musical inspirations, and her plans for the next few months.
Q&A WITH ERIN KIRBY
AC: FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO DO THIS! HOW ARE YOU DOING?
ERIN: Hi! Thank you so much for having me be a part! I’m doing pretty great! I’ve started doing facetime sessions so I can still work on my music and outdoor concerts are starting back up too!!
AC: FOR THOSE WHO MAY NOT HAVE HEARD OF YOUR MUSIC, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF AND THE MUSICAL STYLE?
ERIN: I aim to be like a female version of Lewis Capaldi or James Arthur. I love the idea of making great and fun music while still having meaningful lyrics. Music is my passion and those artists show their passion when they sing, that’s why I like to say I am similar to them.
AC: YOU'VE HAD QUITE A MUSICAL JOURNEY - FOR THOSE WHO MAY NOT KNOW, HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN MUSIC?
ERIN: I started singing in pageants! I decided to do talent since I loved singing at home. From the moment I hit the stage, I knew it was what I wanted to do forever. I continued to do pageants for a little while so I would have a place to sing but I decided to start music as a career at the age of 9, right before my 10th birthday!
AC: YOUR NEW SINGLE, "HALF IN LOVE," IS COMING OUT VERY SOON, CAN WE EXPECT ANY MORE NEW MUSIC IN THE UPCOMING MONTHS?
ERIN: After I put out “Half In Love” I will most likely put out a few more singles and then an EP!
AC: A LOT OF ARTISTS COME TO MIND WHEN LISTENING TO YOUR SONGS – WHO ARE SOME ARTISTS THAT YOU’VE BEEN INSPIRED BY?
ERIN: I grew up on old soul and rock music so I always try to put some kind of soul into my songs. I am inspired by artists like Jessie J, James Brown, Sam Smith, Lewis Capaldi, and Etta James.
AC: WE'RE (SURPRISINGLY) ALREADY HALFWAY THROUGH THE YEAR - WHAT'S ON GOAL YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR?
ERIN: The year has gone by so quickly! So many things have been canceled which is very unfortunate! My goal for the rest of the year would have to be to at least plan some kind of tour!! Whether it's planned for 2021 or if we do some drive in concerts, I really want to be able to get out and meet my fans!
AC: IF YOU COULD TRAVEL TO ANY ERA OF MUSIC AND PERFORM, WHICH ERA WOULD YOU CHOOSE?
ERIN: This is such a tough question! Maybe the 80s. I feel like it had to be a cool era of music and style! So many different things happening at once and everyone was different!
AC: IS THERE ANYTHING SPECIFIC YOU HOPE FANS TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR MUSIC?
ERIN: When my fans listen to my music I want them to feel inspired. I want them to feel inspired to start their dream career or maybe tell someone something they have always wanted to say! Whatever it is, I hope they gain that courage through listening to my music and my story!
AC: ANY LAST THOUGHTS?
ERIN: Thank you again for having me a part of this! For anyone reading make sure to follow me on social media @erinkirbymusic and we can chat!! I hope to see you at a show soon!