Whether she was jamming out to her parent’s Rock and Motown collection or performing on beauty pageant stages, Atlanta based singer/songwriter Erin Kirby has always enjoyed singing. Over the years, passion and musical talent have led Kirby to rank as one of the top 60 on Season 18 of American Idol and place in the top 3 on Showtime at the Apollo with Steve Harvey.
Her new single “Half in Love” is packed with Kirby’s emotional vocals. Through inspiring relatable lyrics, Kirby sings a heartfelt ballad about having difficulty loving someone new when a piece of her heart is still in love with an ex.
ECHO chatted Kirby about her new single, how she got started and so much more.
How did you first become interested in music?
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, 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.
For those who aren’t familiar with your music, how would you describe your sound?
I like to say that I am pop. I have hints of soul from my voice. I always describe myself as the female version of Lewis Capaldi or James Arthur. I use their names because they write music with meaningful lyrics and you can hear their passion for music through their voice.
Who did you listen to growing up and did they influence your sound?
My family and I listened to a bunch of older rock and motown music! I grew up listening to live instruments and live vocals! Some of my favorites were AC/DC and Etta James!
You grew up singing in pageants. What was your favorite part of performing and is it still your favorite part?
I just loved sharing the gift God gave me with others! Using my voice! That definitely is one of my favorite things now but I really love just having fun, loving what I do, and playing with my band.
What was the inspiration behind your new single, “Half in Love”?
“Half In Love” is written about being afraid to commit to a relationship! Maybe your ex still has a piece of you, maybe you are just nervous, or maybe you are extremely involved in your career. This song is something that everyone can listen to.
What did the song writing process look like for “Half in Love”?
On the day of writing, I flew up to Rhode Island to meet with Jake&Zac which are the guys I worked on the song with. We wrote the song that day super effortlessly! We just had a fun time!
If you could set fans up in the perfect environment to listen to “Half in Love,” what do you imagine it looking like?
I would say in the car with the volume up so you feel the full effect of the song! The car is always my favorite place to listen to music in because the sound surrounds me and the lyrics really sink in.
Where did the concept for the lyric video come from?
I always enjoy watching lyric videos on youtube and I saw a few that really hit me. I started to think of this “home video” type of feel and I knew that was what was meant for this song.
How do you hope people feel when they listen to your music?
I hope people feel whatever emotion my music makes them feel! I want them to let the words sink in and make them vibe with the song.
What can fans look forward to next?
I will have a few more singles on the way, a new merch line, and an EP soon!
What is one quote that you have heard or that you go by that you want to ECHO out to the world?
“The worst answer you can get is no, and if you don’t ask…you won’t even get a no”