An Interview With The Rising Pop Star, ERIN KIRBY On New Music and More!

The rising Atlanta-based pop star, Erin Kirby has had a busy few months with not one but two singles coming out. Earlier this summer, she put out “Steal Your Heart” and more recently, “Ours Tonight” came out.

Watch “Steal Your Heart” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EbUM6a-nVw&feature=youtu.be

A good listener, and an even stronger songwriter, Erin makes “Steal Your Heart” a soulful pop-ballad that anyone can relate to. “Steal Your Heart” was inspired by a feeling all too familiar; when you know you are interested in someone and the feeling is mutual, but you’re just waiting for them to make it official. Erin heard stories from her friends and her own experiences and noticed a pattern; they all were waiting for someone to make a move. She took that idea and created the catchy track we hear today.

Next up and more recently, Kirby put out, “Ours Tonight.” This is a song that’s dear to her heart, the Atlanta-bred vocalist had been sitting on the track since she was twelve years old. After performing the song more and more, she feels that she embodies the track now more than ever and is finally sharing a studio version for everyone to hear.

“I recorded ‘Ours Tonight’ when I was only 12 but as I have performed the song more and more, I have grown into the song emotionally and artistically in performance. I re-recorded the song this past summer and I now relate to the song more than ever,” Kirby tells Celeb Secrets exclusively.

She continues, “To me, ‘Ours Tonight’ is a song that I can relate to when I like someone or even when I’m out with friends. It’s definitely an anthem song and it’s a great song to communicate when you feel a connection with someone.”

Both of these tracks can be found on her upcoming EP, set to be released this fall. This is a project that goes through all the stages of a relationship, the highs and lows and all the complex emotions that come with loving someone.

Erin has already seen a variety of success. Labeled by Jezebel Magazine as the “Best Local Singer/Songwriter” she’s performed at Fox’s “Showtime At The Apollo,” Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms’ 2018 inauguration, showcasing at John Maxwell’s Annual Leadership Conference, multiple SoFarSound performances and impressed audiences of tens of thousands at Supercross events.

For Erin, music is a healing process and she hopes her music does the same for her listeners. “I want to be relatable with my music. I want people to find a song that resonates with what they are going through and not feel alone.” 

Aside from music, Erin is also an activist and philanthropist who loves giving back to the community. She supports many charities including Relay For Life, Youth Empowerment, Children’s Miracle Network, Jamaica Project, Girl Talk and many other national causes. She is an ambassador for Red Beret Society and recently toured with Bullies Reality Foundation.

Connect With Erin Kirby Online Here:

Spotify |Instagram| Facebook || Twitter | YouTube | Website

Learn more about Erin Kirby in the following All Access interview:

-What does a typical day look like for you? What do you have scheduled the rest of today and this week?

I don’t really have a typical day, it usually varies on what is going on with my schedule. Today I have a guitar lesson, finishing my school work, and last minute shopping for my upcoming show on Saturday. I will be practicing tomorrow for the show and Saturday I have a pre show at the Atlanta Braves Stadium, then I get to stay for the Braves vs. White Sox game.

-Now that we are more than half-way through the year, how has 2019 been treating you? What are some goals that you have had for yourself this year? How close are you to reaching them or did you already? What are you already excited about for 2020?

2019 has been a very exciting year. I have released some original content which was one of my biggest goals. I have written and recorded a lot of music. I worked with some amazing musicians and producers. I try to set goals that are more internal, like learning the piano, or increasing my knowledge on guitar. I definitely worked on my writing skills this year. I also wanted to open for a bigger artist, which will be happening in October. I am excited to release an EP in 2020, and to hopefully begin touring.

-Growing up, how important was music in your life? Can you recall the moment when you decided that you wanted to be in this industry? Was it an easy or difficult choice to make?

Music has always been a huge part of my life. It really began very young. I remember doing a pageant and they had talent; I stepped on stage and I knew this was what I wanted to do forever. It has not been a difficult choice for me, it is really all I have wanted to do.

-Was there ever a time when you thought about doing something else? If you weren’t a musician today, what else could you see yourself doing? Would you be as fulfilled in life?

I don’t really see myself doing anything else, and I honestly cannot imagine my life without doing something in music.

-What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all? What has been the best part about it all?

The biggest surprise so far in music is that music is not only about music. It really is a business and you should learn as much as you can regarding the business side. There are always unexpected things in the music industry. Streaming has changed the way we buy and listen to music, so that can be a challenge. The best part of it is doing what I love and meeting people who say they connect with my songs.

-Let’s talk about your newest single “Ours Tonight.” What was the inspiration for this track? How does it compare to anything else you have previously released?  Do you plan on making a music video for it soon?

“Ours Tonight” was one of the songs I actually didn’t write, however it is one I absolutely connected to the lyrics. I have had the song for a few years and decided to re-record it recently. It is a song I love and I feel it reflects the emotion of leaving your cares behind, and focusing on the moment. It is more of an anthem so it is different from my other releases. We did film a video and will be releasing it very soon.

-How do you think your already released songs prepare listeners for your upcoming EP set for release this Fall? 

My songs all have a similar concept, and they are about relationships and various stages of emotions we have during relationships. They are not always a romantic relationship, but can be between friends or family etc.

-Where can people see you perform next? Do you have any fall tour dates scheduled yet?

I will be performing at the Atlanta Braves Stadium for a pre show on August 31st in Atlanta. I do have some shows already set through the new year as well. I am adding shows all the time, so it is best to check out my website for updated events.

-How do you think you have grown as a musician since you first started making music?

I now write and am more involved in the production of my music, which has made me open my mind up more to things I did not before. I was pretty set in one sound, and now I am open to creating organically, and less concerned about sticking to a specific genre.

-How do you feel about social media? What has social media done for your career so far?

I think social media is great if used the way it should be. I think being able to reach your fan-base from other countries is amazing. I love interacting with people and getting feedback or just saying hi! I do not get hung up on numbers or followers because I really want to have a relationship with the people that take time to actually engage and listen to what I am saying.

-I would love to know more about your involvement with different charities. How did you first get interested in them? Can you talk about a few of them that are important to you these days?

I began actually helping in church then in pageantry; I was able to use my crown as a platform for various organizations. I do a lot with cancer events. My Mom is a survivor as well as my Grandmother, and Aunt. I love working with kids charities. I was part of an anti bully program which toured schools. I have been working with animals as well since around age eight. I write letters to our employed soldiers and help sort those for Bert’s Big Thank You. I usually do holiday fundraiser every year. I feel if we all do our part we can make a difference. We are here for one another.

-Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you absolutely love to work with in the future?

My favorite artists who I actually are very inspired by are Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran, Gavin James, and Jessie J. They are all amazing writers and vocalists. They all are amazing people who just love music. I would LOVE to work with Sam Smith one day.

-If you had an unlimited budget and your schedule was free, what would your dream music video look like?

There is a Astrid S. song “Think Before I Talk” I love the vibe, lights, and movement.

-Where would you love to hear a song of yours played?

I would love to hear a song of mine played on the radio.

-At the end of the day, what do you hope people take away from your music?

I hope they can use my music to help them express emotions. I want them to relate to it and feel they are not alone in whatever is going on with them.

-Would you like to share anything else about yourself or your music with our readers?

I would love to thank them for reading about me and getting to know me a bit more. I truly hope they are inspired by my music and continue to watch for my next release coming up soon.