Podcast Lounge| Meet Kirby Lauryen

It was a pleasure being able to interview such a humble spirit. Her videos capture the essence of every song she writes. Her voice eludes you into emotion and speaks passion into you. She's definitely a talented, young woman. Having consistent uploads of her own songs, who else do you know can write  over 150 plus new songs in 150 plus days? Her name is Kirby. Enjoy the interview. ^_^

Neosha:  Who is Kirby? Share with us a little bit about yourself?

Kirby: I’m a singer-songwriter. I love music and sometimes I like to be a fly on the wall and sing about what’s going on in my life. I am private in speech, but public in song. I’m my mother’s youngest child, a sister… I love chocolate and anything vintage. I am from a small town in Mississippi but went to college in Boston so I say Yo and Y’all quite often. 

Neosha:  How did your love for music manifest? When did you realize singing would be your passion?

Kirby: I don’t know how it manifested, but it was always something I wanted to do. It wasn’t until I realized that I sang for no other reason besides I love this, that I realized it was my passion. That happened in high school, it changed from something that I could do & loved, to a passion.

Neosha:   Is there someone or people you credit for inspiration?

Kirby: I give majority of the credit to my mother and sister. I started piano and vocal lessons around the age of 7, and I think that changed everything. Most people follow things that they know they are good at, but often times it takes someone saying, “Hey, you’re good at this” for you to notice that you have a gift. So if my mother would’ve never said, “My daughter is good, I’m going to help her be great” I don’t know where I would be. 

Neosha:  Where did this idea of posting a song a day to your YouTube channel come from? Also, do you have a favorite that you’ve shared so far?

Kirby: You know how they say the greatest ideas & inventions come out of desperate times? Well I believe Song A Day was just that. I  know the idea was a God-sent because I never even considered writing A Song A Day before this. The last few days of December 2011, I started to realize that if I don’t know start making a consistent effort to make my dreams come true, then they wouldn’t happen, & I couldn’t allow that.

My favorite Song A Day so far. Wow, it changes weekly. I really like the songs with the best stories. Like AMERICAN DREAM #DAY121 or RED#22 EARTHQUAKE#136, I can’t name a favorite. I love them all.

Neosha:  You’ve already made some major accomplishments. From opening up for Anthony Hamilton to getting praise from Jennifer Hudson, herself for your cover to her single, “Where You At”.  What’s next for you?

Kirby: I hope to be touring soon, and I will be releasing some official music videos hopefully by this summer. Definitely going to release a new EP before the summer ends.

Neosha:   How would you describe your soulful vocals? What genre of music would you consider your music to be?

Kirby: I hope to be an easy listen. I don’t want to sound like I’m yelling at you.  You know? If you’re in a car riding for 8 hours, I want you to be able to listen to me & not get tired. As an artist, my musical home is R&B, but I want to venture into Adult Pop-Contemporary.  As a songwriter, I really want to find a home in country music. I absolutely adore the songwriting in country music.  

Neosha:  You’re a southern bell. Growing up in Mississippi, one of the most famous states that birthed some of the best music to ever hit the South. Many have said that you are sure to have your spot in music that will be played through generations. What do you believe is the focal “it” factor that makes your sound so different and memorable?

Kirby: You know Stevie Wonder makes you happy, Ray Charles makes you happy, Etta James “At Last” Makes you happy, The Beatles  make you happy, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Whitney Houston… their music made you happy. Even when it was a sad song it didn’t matter because it felt true . And when something is true, it might hurt but inevitably it leads you to being happy. And that’s what I try to do with music. I try to give you the truth as I know it, & I think that makes people happy. I am not selling them a cheap high or thrill, I am not selling anything actually. I am simply conveying my truth, about love, about pain, about life, about relationships in hopes that in some way…It makes you happy.

Neosha:  You have so many amazing songs that I relate to so easily. One of my favorites is, Day 133, “Ex of Mine”. You sing of heartbreak, love, happiness, pain, and so much more. Where does your “A Song A Day” inspiration come from so quickly?

Kirby: Awww I love that one, so I’m glad its one of your favorites. You know I think we all have ways we process things, and I process life through writing. Even in college, I noticed that songs do come quicker to me than per say the next person, but that’s nothing I take credit for. I thank God for that ability.

Neosha: When should we anticipate seeing you walk the red carpet accepting more than 5 grammy awards in one night? Your voice is so beautiful. The industry needs more authentic talent such as yours.

Kirby: Thank You ! Thank you! J I say soon because I am a positive thinker. And like Kanye said, “nobody believed me until I believed me.” I try not to put a date on things because you have to let life take its time, but I believe the date will be soon… in it’s  perfect timing.

Neosha: You’re an inspiration. What advice would you give to those who want to share with the world a talent they were blessed with? Any words of encouragement or faith that you live by?

Kirby: I would say don’t despise the days when it feels like no doors are opening for you. Often times when nothing is happening on the outside, there’s a change happening on the inside of you. So you have to Believe in your destiny & don’t compare yourself to anyone. NEVER. There’s only one you.

Check out on of my many favorites by this beautiful woman. 

Want to find out more about her? 

Download her latest EP here- RISK IT ALL 

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