We sat down with the amazing Erin Kirby for an interview

​We’re living in a weird time with the current events of the COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement. Everyone’s lives have been turned upside down. How are you currently holding up with everything that is going on in our world right now?
Life is a little different and sort of difficult for everyone right now. It is so hard to stay positive! I personally am very religious and open about my faith. I have to trust in the Lord through these times. Proverbs 3:5 says, “ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” This verse reminds me that through difficult times such as the ones that we are going through now to trust in Him and to help one another out. I believe that music heals and I want to be able to heal hearts with the talent that He gave me. 

For new listeners who may have just stumbled upon your music, how would you describe your songs, and what sets you apart from other artists? 
 I always like to say that I am a female version of Lewis Capaldi or James Arthur. I use these names because they are artists who use real instruments in their songs, their lyrics mean something powerful, and you can hear their passion for music through their voice. 

Can you recall the moment when you decided that you wanted to pursue a career in music, and what led to making this decision?
I decided one day that I wanted to do a pageant, about three pageants in I found out that I could do talent. I always loved singing and so I definitely wanted to be a part! From the moment I hit the stage I knew that music was what I wanted to do forever. I continued with pageants for a few more years so I had a place to sing but quickly I stopped the pageants and jumped straight into the music business. 

How did you get your start in the music industry?
I recorded my first song in Nashville with three guys that go by the name of, Jordan Phillips, Adam Stark, and Tofer Brown. I then began to sing at smaller venues and karaoke almost every week! By doing those things I met some great people that started booking me in other places and encouraged me to post my music online. My career just grew from there!!! 

Let’s talk about your new single “Half in Love.” What inspired you to write this track? 
I wrote this song in Rhode Island with two fellow artists called Jake&Zac. We came up with the idea of writing a song almost anyone could relate to. This song is all about being afraid to commit to a relationship. Maybe you are nervous because you still have feelings for you ex, maybe you lost someone close to you, or maybe you are extremely involved in your career and you are not ready for a relationship. 

What is your writing process like? 
I always start with some chords or a beat. I then come up with lyrics or a melody, whichever one comes first.

How do you think you have progressed as a musician since you first started making music?
I believe that my lyrics have become much stronger. I have gotten a lot better at guitar and I now feel super comfortable on stage. 

How has social media helped you throughout your journey as an up-and-coming musician? 
Social media has given me the opportunity to reach people I cannot reach from home with my music. I can help people through tough times with my voice but online. I love keeping in touch with my fans as well and I can chat with them over Instagram or any other platform. 

Who/what are some of your influences and inspiration for your sound?
Jessie J, Lewis Capaldi, James Arthur, Sam Smith, James Brown 

Who are some of your favorite artists? If you could have a dream collab with anyone, who would it be and why?
Most definitely Ed Sheeran. He is amazing! I watched his movie through Apple Music and helped me grow. He just loves what he does and he writes such incredible songs. 

Which song of yours holds the most meaning to you?
Right Man

You recently released your new single “Half in Love.” What else can we expect coming up this year? Do you have any goals set for 2021?
I will have a few more singles coming out shortly and then an EP. I really want to do a house tour with my band so fingers crossed COVID goes away soon!

Everyone’s been hit hard by our current circumstances, including artists, as the pandemic has slowed everything to a sudden halt. The music industry has been severely impacted by the postponement and cancellations of scheduled tours and festivals, leaving musicians stuck at home. The fate of many venues are currently at risk, and may be forced to shut their doors for good. Unfortunately, it appears that there will be a long waiting period before concerts make a comeback. What are your thoughts on the long term effects this situation may have on the industry? What actions do you think should be taken to combat this issue, and help artists get back on their feet once live music is able to return?
It has been very different! Interviews, writing sessions, and even shows all from home! Georgia has started to open back up so I have been lucky enough to be able to pick shows back up! All venues have been outside and my favorite thing is that everyone has to stand in a square that is 6 feet apart from another!

Due to the pandemic, live shows are placed on hold indefinitely and touring is at a standstill right now. However, many artists are finding new creative ways to interact with their fans amidst all of the chaos; utilizing their social media platforms to share content, check in with their audiences, participate in livestreams, perform songs and put on “virtual concerts”, and provide insight into their new routines in quarantine. Do you have any plans that are similar in nature, to help pass the time until shows are back up and running again?
Before my state started to open up I decided I would learn new songs to put into my set. I first focused on getting the songs that are in my set down perfectly. Then I moved on to adding new ones in! Even if I am just sitting around I still want to practice and be as perfect as possible. 

What is one cause or organization that you are passionate about? 
I am very big into helping at cancer awareness events and animal abuse prevention. My mom is a cancer survivor and we have adopted most of our animals. I remember being scared when my mom had cancer and I want to be able to help families through the unknown times. 

Who/what inspires your fashion style and where do you like to shop to pick up your staple pieces of clothing and makeup (thrift, department stores)?
Dua Lipa is my biggest fashion inspiration. I love everything she wears. Her hair and makeup is always simple but still very flawless. I love shopping online at places such as ASOS, PrettyLittleThing, and CarliCo which is one of my favs. I also love to find hidden gems such as small boutiques wherever I am! My favorite place to buy makeup products is Ulta! They have so many options for so many different things.

What are some of your favorite books? Favorite films/TV shows? What are your hobbies?
I enjoy reading poetry but thats about it for reading. The Office is definitely my favorite show and my band and I always watch the movie Step Brothers when we are together. I enjoy spending most of my free time outside. I love hiking and hanging out with my chickens! 


What is the main thing that you would really like for people to take away from your music?
When people listen to my music I want them to understand that they can do anything. I was made fun of in school for wanting to do music and many people in the industry told me that I was too young but that did not stop me! Music is what I love so I kept working hard. Always remember that only your opinion matters and if you love what you are doing then you can most definitely do it. 

Do you have anything that you would like to tell our readers?
Thank you so much for reading this today! Make sure to follow my socials @erinkirbymusic and if you ever need to talk about something please do not hesitate to reach out!


Thank you so much for your time! It was a pleasure having the opportunity to talk to you and I love the new single “Half in Love.” Looking forward to hearing more new material from you soon! Stay safe and take care!

Interview By: Bri Rodriguez