Music

Memphis born and Mississippi raised, KIRBY’s upbringing was steeped in the rich musical traditions of the South. Growing up surrounded by the sounds of gospel, blues, and R&B, she developed her voice singing in a small church on top of a hill in Eudora, Mississippi. “Everyone who sang in the choir was related to me. My Grandma, cousins, and aunts… I remember the first time I led a song with my sister on piano and I was moved to tears. I was too young to know what was happening, but I knew God had given
me a gift.” It was in these formative years that KIRBY began to develop her signature style, combining her powerful range, soulful melodies, candid storytelling, and an emotional depth & vulnerability that has connected with listeners around the world. With a career spanning songwriting, recording, performing, and collaborating with some of the biggest names in music, KIRBY continues to rise as one of the most soulful voices of the South.

KIRBY’s songwriting talents are widely touted within the music community, having contributed to some of the most iconic songs of this century. Her pen has helped shape the musical landscapes of global superstars, and her collaborative work is a testament to her versatility and range. Notable highlights of her songwriting career include co-writing "FourFiveSeconds"—the collaboration between Rihanna, Kanye West, & Paul McCartney, “Only One" by Kanye West & Paul McCartney, “Tell Me You Love Me" by
Demi Lovato, "Die With You" by Beyoncé, "Break Your Heart Right Back" by Ariana Grande and many more. KIRBY’s songwriting style is defined by its authenticity. “At this point of my life, if I ain’t lived it or I don’t want to live it, I won’t write it. I think it helps me stay grounded and tell the most authentic stories. In a world where AI can write a soul song in thirty seconds, we have a responsibility to put our real raw emotions, details, and stories in the music” she shared. “If I’m singing about something personal, I want
the listener to feel like they’re hearing my real thoughts, my real feelings.” Her ability to write songs that speak to universal emotions—love, heartbreak, triumph and tragedy—has allowed her to stand out as a one-of-a-kind collaborator in music.

While KIRBY’s songwriting credits are extensive, her own artistry is where she truly shines. Her breakthrough came with her debut EP “Sis.”, a seven track EP produced by Homer Steinweiss and The Menahan Street Band of Amy Winehouse's famous album “Back To Black”. With this project, KIRBY introduced her own take on modern soul and her commitment to creating “soul music for the future” in a time where many no longer ascribe to genre. The EP was met with critical acclaim and became a defining moment in her career, drawing attention not only for its unique sound but for her fearless exploration of self-love, womanhood, and vulnerability. Appearances on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, COLORS Berlin, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert allowed KIRBY to further showcase her music and artistry. Her live performances are a masterclass in vocal delivery and emotional connection. KIRBY’s powerful stage presence, combined with her signature raw & raspy falsetto has garnered her a dedicated following, with fans and critics alike praising her ability to bring lyrics to life. In her own words, “You can go anywhere on a Sunday morning and find a great singer in Mississippi, so I try to take that humility with me. My last name comes from the plantation that is the birthplace of the blues. I like to think that singing soul music & the blues isn’t something I chose, but a call that I have answered. When I sing, I hope those who came before me would be proud; that they would hear themselves in the dialect, the cadence, the tears, and the joy. I don't sing for me, I sing for those who sang on the land they worked and tilled for, but never owned. I sing for the Mississippians before me who gave us America’s music.