Strumming to Stardom: Erin Kirby on ‘Redneck Rich,’ Viral Hits, and Country Soul

Erin Kirby is a talented Nashville-based artist who is quickly making waves in the industry with her unique blend of pop-inspired country sound and soul-stirring lyrics. With her latest single, “Redneck Rich,” released on August 11, Erin continues to showcase her knack for capturing the essence of country life with a modern twist.

Erin’s journey to the spotlight has been nothing short of a viral sensation, thanks to her duet with Kameron Marlowe, “I Can Lie (The Truth Is),” which exploded on TikTok, amassing nearly a million views. This online success led to an official duet recording and a memorable performance with Kameron at the Opry, solidifying her place in the country music scene.

With a TikTok following of over 170K and 5.4 million likes, Erin’s social media presence is a testament to her connection with fans. Her previous releases this year, including “Boys These Days” and “Raised In A Barn,” have further cemented her reputation as a relatable and authentic artist.

At just 19 years old, Erin’s musical inspirations span from legends like James Brown and Aretha Franklin to contemporary icons like Adele and Luke Combs. Her dedication to her craft and the depth of her songwriting resonate with a wide audience, earning her national airplay and international playlist placements.

Erin fills us in on the inspiration behind “Redneck Rich,” her songwriting process, and the personal connection she hopes to create with her listeners through her music.

Tell us about the inspiration behind your latest release, “Redneck Rich.”

“Redneck Rich” was so much fun to write. I wrote this song with Skip Black and Chris August and our main goal was to combine the materialistic side and God-given side of being “Redneck Rich.” Being a redneck can be a great thing. As one myself, I’m thankful for the dirt roads, stars, and great friends the Lord has blessed me with.

What was the songwriting and recording process like for the song?

“Redneck Rich” was one of my favorite projects. The writing session for this song was full of laughter. I ended up loving the song so much. We produced it and shot the music video shortly after writing it. Every bit of this project had a smile on it.

What do you hope your fans/listeners take away with them when they listen to your music?

I hope that fans listen to my music and smile. I believe God gave me the gift of music, and I never want to take that for granted. I hope to heal hearts and put smiles on people’s faces with my voice and writing.

When did you first pick up the guitar, and what drew you to that instrument?

I first started playing guitar when I was eleven. I loved guitar because the music I was listening to had special guitar parts. My vocal coach, Mama Jan, also influenced me to play guitar. I loved her guitar playing and it inspired me to learn the instrument myself.

Speaking of instruments, what brand(s) do you play and why?

I grew up as a Gibson girl but in 2020, I came across a boutique company in Georgia called Rose Creek Guitars that specializes in custom acoustics. I immediately fell in love with the look and sound of the guitars they create. I was able to get the guitar of my dreams through them, a black glitter guitar that has double pearl inlays, and even my initials on the headstock.

Who are some of your musical influences?

Some of my biggest influences when it comes to my music are Luke Combs, Drew Parker, Hardy, and Hank Williams Jr.

Do you have any upcoming shows or tour plans in the works?

I always have shows in the works, whether it’s a writer’s round or a show; I love to play out whenever I can. For upcoming shows, you can check out my website at erinkirbymusic.com.