Erin Kirby
Interview conducted March 27, 2021
By Dan Locke
Blending heartfelt, soul-tinged lyrics with dance-infused pop, Erin Kirby creates music that explores the full intensity of human emotions. Kirby has been singing since before she could read. The Atlanta base artist is no stranger to the music scene.
Kirby is a seasoned performer, writer, and songstress. She was on Showtime at the Apollo with Steve Harvey, Performed at the inauguration for Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and most recently finished in the top sixty for season 18 of American Idol. As well as sell out headline shows she was honored to perform along with one of her idols Jessie J.
She has performed numerous televised events for Motocross, Supercross, NBA, and Professional Baseball.
For such a young artists, her matured soulful voice has given her a wide audience form youth to older generations. Her single releases have had great response , achieving international radio play as well as major international playlist placements with Spotify, Apple Music, and Tidal.
How did you discover music?
I have always listened to and loved music but I found my calling for music during my 3rd beauty pageant. It was my first time competing in talent and from the moment I hit the stage and began to sing, I knew I was meant to do music forever.
How did you start to write music?
I started writing music at the age of 13 when my best friend passed away. I needed to find a way to get all of my emotions out. I remember I picked up my guitar and wrote my first song called “Why’d You Have To Go (Shawn Song)”
I then fell in love with writing just as much as singing.
How did you get your first guitar, and do you still have it?
My vocal coach Mama Jan talked me into learning guitar. The next weekend and mom and I set out to find a guitar. I picked out a black and red Washburn acoustic from Atlanta Vintage Guitars. I recently just gave it away, which was a hard thing to do but I believed that someone else could use it more than me.
Why did you choice to have Rose Creek guitar to build your guitar?
I met Rick Gunn, the owner of Rose Creek Guitars, at a show one evening. He gave my his card and I recognized his company from my friend’s guitar. I set up a meeting to go look at his set up and all of his pieces with my band. That day I left with an order in hand. I got to pick each piece on my guitar. I LOVE my Rose Creek and I am so glad I chose Rick to create my acoustic baby.
How did your band form?
I played with my band members here and there when we needed a few fill-ins. Eventually, those fill-ins turned into my permanent bandmates and brothers.
How did you get your bands name?
I was born with my name and chose to stick with it when it came to my artistry.
Describe your music.
I am a pop singer who creates meaningful and relatable songs. I want to create music that any and everyone can listen to.
What was your first performance at like?
My first performance was so exciting. As I previously mentioned, it was my 3rd pageant so I for one was excited to compete that day along with adding talent into the competition.
Royalties never appear like magic. Royalties are only sent to you through work undertaken by a PRO to ensure that their members are getting paid. If you’re not yet signed up to a Performing Right Organization like ASCAP, BMI or SESAC, you may not be receiving all the royalties you deserve.
Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP ?
Yes, I have been a member of SESAC since I was 11 years old.
What makes a good songwriter?
I believe a good songwriter is an authentic songwriter that enjoys the process.
Why do some many people like to cover “Drivers License” by Olivia Rodrigo?
I believe it is a fun and emotional song to sing.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
My first original was called “Have Mercy” and I recorded it in Nashville.
What is the process of writing your music?
I always start with chords on the piano or the guitar and then move onto a melody and or lyrics (whichever comes first).
You did the Apollo. Did you rub the tree?
Yes! I did get to rub the tree, you definitely cannot forget to do that!
Tell me about American Idol and do you feel is something most singers should try?
American Idol was so much fun! I made some lifelong friends and I learned a lot about myself as an artist. I highly encourage singers to try it out!
Tell em about “Bad Luck”
“Bad Luck” is all about being stuck in a toxic relationship. Whether it is with a friend, a loved one, etc. it can always be difficult to get out of. This song is all about removing yourself from that toxic time and realizing how strong you are.
What is your favorite song to perform?
I love performing “River” by Bishop Briggs.
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
Streaming music is great! I love that I can listen to music from my phone or laptop.
How did you get a chicken named Sylvia?
My Chicken Sylvia came from a good friend of mine!
Are people forgetting that the # is a part of music?
Numbers are a very important part of the business but it is also important to not let the number of followers and streams effect your love and passion for music.
Digital vs. vinyl?
I like digital better than vinyl because it is right the palm of my hand and I can skip/play whatever song I want.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
“Rather Go Blind” by Etta James because I sang it at a show just last night.
If “Video Killed the Radio Star” do you think that the Covid-19 virus has killed live music? Do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
I feel that Covid has put a pause in live shows but I do believe that concerts will be back soon!
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
I have spent a lot of time with my family, band members, and my pets.
A few months ago, you did the Goodwill challenge. Have you tried to shop at the Goodwill Bin Store where you can shop at $1.29 a pound?
I have not been to the Bins yet, but I really want to go!
How do you stay healthy during the lockdown?
I take my vitamins daily.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
I recently started playing piano and I love it!
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In October that is going to change at least on Facebook. Facebook is cracking down on livestreamed shows that include recorded music with new terms of service, preventing artists from using the platform for “commercial or non-personal” purposes, unless they have obtained the relevant licenses.
The updated music guidelines state that users “may not use videos on our products [which include Instagram] to create a music listening experience […] This will includes [Facebook] Live,” and stipulates that such content should be posted for the enjoyment of friends and family only.
How do you think this will change the landscape of Facebook?
I believe that it will draw more traction to other new apps.
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merchandise to them at the show?
I use my website to sell merch and I connect with my fans through social media.
Is pay to play still a thing? Now pay to play also means thinks like playlist on the internet and opening slots for a major band on tour.
I think it is still around but I am not completely sure.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
I love the whole experience of an in person concert.
Governments around the world are hearing the call of thousands of music creators and included protections for the music community in the omnibus bill. In addition to extended and improved unemployment benefits and small business loans for freelance creators, the package includes several bills which the Recording Academy, its members, and the larger music community advocated for. From the Save Our Stages Act, provided a lifeline to performance venues and promoters, to the CASE Act, which creates an avenue for smaller creators to defend their copyrighted works, Congress has ensured that both music creators and those who act behind the scenes to bring music to life are given the support they need during this difficult time.” Do you think this will save music venues?
I think that it might be a good start to saving venues.
Did you know that the Grammys MusicCares can help artist. The MusiCares COVID-19 Relief has helped thousands of music industry artists and professionals during these difficult days. This is the most recipients helped, for any single event, in MusiCares’ history. The need remains great, and these unique times remain critical for music people. It has taken a community uplifting one another to get through this pandemic, and MusiCares has pulled together a list of additional organizations and resources to further support you. https://www.grammy.com/musicares/get-help/relief-resources. Have you applied for it yet?
No, I have not.
In the past, if a musician stop doing music they find a new career. For example, David Lee Roth from Van Halen became a licensed EMT in NY for 6 years, San Spitz (guitarist for Anthrax) became a master watchmaker, Dee Snider (Twister Sister) voice over work for SpongeBob SquarePants.. If you can’t do music what would you like to be doing?
I really have not considered doing anything other than music.
What is your happy place?
The stage with my band.
Alot of musicians such as Stevie Nicks, Bob Dylan, Taylor Swift, Journey, Def Leppard, and Shakira have sold their catalog rights within the last year. Bob Dylan sold his entire catalog for a reported $300 million. Once you get to the age of about 70. Publishing is far more lucrative then the mechanical royalties paid to artist based on sales, airplay and streams. A good example of this is Michael Jackson brought the rights to the Beatles catalog in 1985. And in the late 80’s the Beatles Revolution appeared in a Nike commercial.
The lump sums being offered by publishing firms are more tax friendly concerning estate planning.
Do you think you would be willing to sale your back catalog if someone like Universal is will to buy everything, such as all the rights to all your songs? Another factor is mortality.
I think it would depend on the situation.
You have over 1 million streams from your song “Half in Love”.
Spotify’s ‘Stream On’ event on Monday (February 22), the company confirmed that more than 60,000 new tracks are now being ingested by its platform every single day. This means people are added new tracks uploaded to its platform every 1.4 seconds.
The figure, announced by Spotify’s co-Head of Music, Jeremy Erlich, means that across the course of this year, approximately 22 million tracks will be added to Spotify’s catalog. Spotify confirmed in November last year that its platform now played host to around 70 million tracks.
Therefore it’s reasonable to assume that, by the end of 2021, SPOT will be home to over 90 million tracks. And that in the early part of next year, it will surpass a catalog of 100 million for the first time.
But still back at the beginning of the year Spotify deleted 750,00 songs, mostly from independent artists. What do you think what that could mean to independent artist?
It is very hard has an independent artist to be heard when the market is saturated. It is great that artists can create and upload songs, however it can be very difficult at times.
Sony Music in November and Warner Music Group in December, The ByteDance-owned video app revealed on (February 8) that it has struck an “expanded” global licensing agreement with Universal Music Group. Now that TikTok is now fully licensed by all three major record companies, will you start using TikTok more?
I try to post on tiktok regularly and I really enjoy the app.
Anything you would like to say in closing.
Thanks for having me.
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