Q&A with Pop Duo: TRYON – Brothers Stephen + Justin Kirk Talk Touring with Carrie Underwood, Debut Single “Somebody To Love Me” and More!

TRYON is a pop duo consisting of brothers Stephen and Justin Kirk. Growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina, both Stephen and Justin Kirk immersed themselves in many musical endeavors. From Gospel choirs and school bands, to backyard parties and music clubs, the Kirks both learned to sing and master multiple instruments.

“We’d play and sing for anyone who would listen,” recalls Justin. “To be honest, that’s something we’ve never grown out of.”

Having opened for national acts (Carrie Underwood – Blown Away Tour, Safety Suit, and two time Juno nominee Kira Isabella), and after gaining a strong live and social media following, TRYON believes their time has come. “It’s been a ton of work and a lot of time – but we’ve got something to say…and we’re ready for the world to hear our music!”

TRYON has teamed with Grammy award-winning songwriter Gary Baker. Baker is responsible for hits from Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, and N*SYNC, along with the classics, “I Swear” and “I’m Already There”.

All Access Music writer, Nicole DeRosa got to catch up with Stephen and Justin of TRYON between gigs. Read more in their interview below!

Hey there Stephen + Justin! Where does our interview find you today? What’s on the agenda besides our interview?

Hey Nicole! We are currently in a studio here in Nashville finishing up some recording before rehearsal tonight! Today is one of our few days in town so were really just getting caught up before we head out to LA tomorrow!

For those that are not familiar with you and your background in music growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina, how did you get your start? Who or what was the catalyst for you to want to live the life of a musical gypsy?

Growing up in Charlotte was amazing because it isn’t necessarily a music city, so that helped us realize the world was bigger than the city we lived in and it really pushed us to find a way to get to a city where we could really pursue music.

We grew up in a pretty musical family, so we always were around instruments and opportunities to perform and that really shaped us growing up. We took a trip as kids to Atlanta with a church band we were in for Martin Luther King Jr. day and performed for a few thousand people that weekend. That was probably the moment we realized this is all we want to do. 

TRYON has opened for many talented artists including: Carrie Underwood (on her Blown Away Tour), Safety Suit and two-time Juno nominee Kira Isabella) to name a few. Who would you love to tour and / or collaborate with next?

There are SO MANY artists that we look up to, and would love to work with, but the first few that come to mind are Taylor Swift, of course, Tori Kelly, Drake, or Jason Derulo!

Who have been your inspirations growing up that also inspire you today?

Stephen – I have always loved R&B and pop music like: Michael Jackson, Usher, Chris Brown. I also love Frank Sinatra for the way he carried himself. That is really inspiring to me.

Justin – I love Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Maroon 5…  There are way too many to mention!

What was it like working with Grammy award-winning songwriter, Gary Baker? Baker is responsible for hits from Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, and N*SYNC, along with the classics “I Swear” and “I’m Already There”.

It has been a blessing and a dream come true working with Gary. He owns an amazing studio and lets us just take it over for weeks at a time haha.. He helped us find a direction, and really was patient in letting us try so many things before landing on our sound.

What was the inspiration for your debut single, “Somebody To Love Me”? You have a lyric video, will there be an official music video?

The inspiration was GIRLS, OBVIOUSLY! Hahahaa… “Somebody To Love Me”  is just about the innocence and magic of that moment where you can’t contain your feelings any longer.The jumping point where you just have to let her know how you feel. And, yes there will definitely be a video!

Nowadays, everything is so instant…you press a button and it’s yours ala Spotify, Soundcloud and iTunes. What was the first album you saved up your hard earned money for as a kid and bought for yourself?

Stephen – When I was a kid, a girl named Jessica bought me the Usher 8701 cd. We listened to that until it broke!

Justin – My first cd was No Strings Attached by N*SYNC! I bought it with my birthday money!

What was the first song you fell in love with (or has had the biggest impact on you) and why?

Stephen – I’ve always been in LOVE with music from the 80’s. My favorite song would have to be “Missing You” by John Waite. There is something about that song, that moves me. Not to get too technical, but it’s the part where the pre-chorus goes to the 6 minor… lol

Justin – I love Stevie Wonder so much! “Superstition” is my all time favorite!

Who is in your current playlist? What artists or bands are in current rotation for you?

We constantly listen and try to discover new music, but off the top of our head… Drake, The Weeknd, MJ, Meek Mill, One Direction, 5SOS, Bieber, Tori Kelly, Taylor Swift!

What’s on tap next for TRYON? What are you most excited about for this year?

Our single drops MARCH 1st, so there is a lot of promo coming up then more time in the studio then TOUR! We wanna see everyone we can this year so come see us!!!!

 Stay connected with TRYON by visiting their socials below:

Website  /  YouTube  / Twitter  / Instagram