Having just released her debut single “Drunk Too,” singer-songwriter Erin Kinsey has been on an incredible hot streak that has earned her several media accolades and has catapulted her status to one to watch. We recently had the chance to chat with Kinsey about her debut single, how her song “PINK” became associated with the Susan G. Koman Foundation, writing with Victoria Shaw, how the music scene in her home state of Texas played an influential role on her career, and much more!

Single Review of "Drunk Too"

Live Review from The Listening Room Cafe

www.erinkinsey.com

1. You’ve just released your debut single “Drunk Too.” Tell our readers a little bit about the song; the lyrics, the writing process, how the idea came about, etc.

At the core of the song, it’s about being embarrassed. The girl in the song shared more about her feelings than she should have, and she decides to blame it on something other than the truth. The song concept was one I was really excited to write about, and it came from someone close to me going through a similar story.

2. Why did you feel that “Drunk Too” was the best representation of where you are at currently as a songwriter and an artist?

I felt “Drunk Too” was the right song at the right time for many reasons. One of the biggest factors for me is that it was a song I was proud of. I was proud of the idea, the melodies, and really felt it could stand alone in any room. I don’t get that feeling about many songs, so when I do, it’s pretty hard to ignore. Another factor was the amount of people that connected with the song. Connecting with people through music was why I entered the business, so to know that this song was doing that definitely gave me a lot of confidence in it.

3. The song found a life of its own on TikTok when your performance of it earned half a million views and a ton of amazing comments. Were you ever expecting that kind of reaction from your fans, and why do you think the song resonated with them so much?

I had actually posted the song acoustically twice before it blew up, so I truly wasn’t expecting that kind of response at all. I think the song resonated so well with people because we have all been embarrassed, and on at least one side of the story of the song. Either being the person saying things you don’t fully mean and having to go back on your word, or on the side of being told that someone didn’t mean all of the things they said.

4. On the heels of all that happening on social media with the song, the decision was made to release “Drunk Too” about six months ahead of schedule. That said, what is coming down the line next from Erin Kinsey that we need to be on the lookout for?

After releasing my first song, I truly just can’t wait to release more. I am hoping to release a song this summer, and will be keeping everyone updated on that process on my various social media platforms! I will even be posting sneak peaks of possible songs! 

5. For someone who has only heard “Drunk Too,” which other one song from your catalog do you feel they need to go and give a listen to, to understand who you are as an all-around singer-songwriter?

Even though it’s not out, a song I am very proud of is “Hurry”. It’s about being “in a Hurry” to get home and be with the person you love. It’s a super fun song, and I hope people enjoy listening to it as much as I love playing it out. 

6. Another song that has been incredible for your career is “PINK.” Can you tell us a little bit more about that song and how it became affiliated with Susan G. Koman?

“Pink” is a song I wrote with Victoria Shaw and Jodi Marr about the day when “Pink is just another color”, and won’t have to represent breast cancer. It sparked from my manager going through her own battle with Breast Cancer, and the song is basically everything I wanted to say to her throughout such a tough time. Victoria got the song to Susan G. Komen in the middle of the pandemic, and it truly has been able to save lives through promoting early detection. It has by far been one of the most important things I have been able to be a part of. 

7. Like with “Drunk Too,” “PINK” took on an entire life of its own. How did it feel to have such legendary artists – Dolly Parton, Sara Evans, Rita Wilson, Monica, and Jordin Sparks – performing the song you co-wrote?

I often joke that it was beyond a bucket list moment for me, because I never could have even dreamed of artists of that caliber singing a song I wrote. It has been absolutely surreal, and often leaves me speechless when I really think about it.

8. You do a lot of writing with Victoria Shaw (“The River,” “I Love The Way You Love Me,” etc). What has writing with her taught you the most about songwriting?

Through working with Victoria and being able to see her in her element, the biggest thing I’ve learned is to be true to yourself in lyrics. You don’t have to put in the song what you think other people want to hear, you just have to write down how you would say something in a conversation to a friend. It’s easy to get very poetic while writing a song, and even though there are beautiful moments for that as well, it is just as important to just say what you want to say.

9. You’re originally from Texas, which of course, is a state that has a wonderful country music scene. How did being around that music scene early in your life help shape your path the most, and what ultimately brought you to Nashville to pursue your music career?

I think being around the Texas music scene let me know early on, that being a singer-songwriter was a true career choice and more than just a hobby. Because of that, I started truly pursuing my career at the age of 12 and haven’t stopped for a moment since. What pushed me to eventually move to Nashville was wanting to be even more submerged in the country music industry, and Nashville is without a shadow of doubt the place to be. 

10. What is the one piece of advice that you can give to any aspiring singer-songwriters who are just getting started with pursuing their careers and chasing their dreams?

To an inspiring singer-songwriter I would tell them to just go for it. To write all of the songs you can, play for whoever will listen, and learn everything you can about the artists that inspire you. This business definitely takes time and dedication, but there really is a spot for everyone to succeed. 

Learn more about Erin Kinsey by visiting her official website at: www.erinkinsey.com

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