We’re back with another installation of our latest series, TuneCore Tuesdays, which aims to highlight artists and other music professionals who are writing, recording, and hustling on their own terms. By showcasing creatives doing it their way all over the globe, TuneCore Tuesdays aims to empower and inspire our diverse community of artists.
This week we’re talking to Atlanta-based pop songstress Erin Kirby. Check out her video below and be sure to learn more about her journey!
The 17-year old North Georgia-native is no ordinary teenager, nor a newcomer to the spotlight. At 8-years old she began orbiting the Atlanta pageant circuits, realizing her budding musical talents. By age 13, she had gone on to appear in the reality television series Kim of Queens, and Steve Harvey’s variety series Showtime at the Apollo.
Kirby declares that she knew straightaway that nothing would stop her from pursuing a career in music. “I began to take my career seriously at the age of 10 and recorded a few originals in Nashville. Then I began guitar lessons at 11 and started to write a lot around 13…When I started to sing, I was also part of a reality show on Lifetime called Kim of Queens. That opportunity helped me to get my name out there before I had any social media. Then I started my Instagram page and moved on from there.”
Recognizing the influence that comes with a powerful social media presence, Kirby has developed a staunch fanbase – which now boasts nearly 45,000 followers on Instagram – as she explains, “Social media is so important now. I appreciate that I am able to communicate with fans and other artists.”
She went on to elaborate that TuneCore empowered her to maximize her opportunities to reach new fans, and even collaborate with other artists: “TuneCore has given me the flexibility to have more control over my releases. It has given me opportunities to meet with other artists and work with new people. TuneCore helps spread the word of new music and the Atlanta base has given me many opportunities and they are always there to answer questions.”
For many artists, 2020 was a period of apprehension, but Kirby’s determination and unbridled spontaneity landed her spot in Hollywood on Season 18 of American Idol. The experience opened her eyes to a future as a pop-singer and songwriter.
“I had the greatest time at American Idol. I decided out of nowhere to audition and I made it to Hollywood. I made some of the greatest friends and learned a lot about myself as an artist. After my time ended on the show, I began to write music that really connected with me as an artist. The first song I wrote was “Half In Love” and I am so grateful for what I learned on the show.”
When asked about her accolades, Kirby keeps it simple: “Success is something you can have in every situation. I feel that I have had the opportunity to be successful because I am able to do what I love each day. For rising artists I would say, set up a goal and understand what “success” means to you. From then on work towards that goal and never give up.”
Tags: artist spotlight erin kirby featuring tunecore tuesdays