From personal stories to creative process, Tobin Kirk opens up about his music, influences, and the path to artistic fulfillment.
Tobin Kirk ©️ 2023
Today we have the pleasure to have Tobin on Goathead!
GH: Tobin, it's great to have you here on Goathead. How did you first get started in the music industry? Can you share any notable experiences or milestones that helped shape your career as an artist?
Tobin Kirk: Hey! It's great to be here ! I've been writing my own songs since I started playing guitar when I was 14. I played in several bands in my teenage years, but I was in my early 20s when I first had a record deal. That band achieved a lot, including touring the country and having songs placed in TV shows, commercials, and even a video game. We never quite broke through to the mainstream, but I really enjoyed that experience. Afterward, I focused on songwriting and spent several years in Nashville, learning from other writers. These days, I'm back to singing my own songs, and that's a lot of fun too.
GH: As an artist, you have demonstrated versatility in your music, exploring various genres. How do you decide which musical style to pursue for a particular project, and how do you ensure that it aligns with your artistic vision?
Tobin Kirk: I have always been a big fan of old school rock 'n' roll and old country, and I think those influences come through in most of the songs I write. But even within those styles, there are sub-genres like rockabilly, Doo-Wop, and Western. In truth, I rarely decide on a style beforehand. My writing process usually begins with a few rhymes and a melody. As I build upon that, it often starts to gravitate towards one end of that stylistic spectrum or the other. But even after a song is finished, I sometimes experiment with changing the style. I have even changed time signatures, adjusted lyrics, and phrasing to make a song feel right. Recently, I did this with a song called "Trust The Tears." It began as a 6/8 soulful doo-wop song, and by the time it was finished, it had evolved into a rowdy 4/4 honky-tonker. I liked it both ways, but the 4/4 just felt right.
GH: Your singles "Let's Get a Drink" and "Scar Tissue" have received positive feedback. Is there a specific single in your catalog that holds special meaning to you, either in terms of its creation process or the impact it has had on your career and personal life?
Tobin Kirk: It's hard to pick, but one of my favorites is "If I Weren't So Lonesome Tonight." I wrote that one during the lockdown part of the pandemic when I, like many people, felt very lonely. I wanted to capture that feeling, something that resonated with others experiencing similar emotions, but not explicitly about the pandemic. I wanted it to endure beyond that experience. I'm proud of how it turned out—the lyrics and melody capture the feeling of time moving slowly within the limited, lonely scenery of my four walls. When I got the chance to record the song, the slow but jazzy interplay between the guitar and bass, along with the crying pedal steel, all fit together perfectly. While many of my songs are fun like "Let's Get A Drink," "If I Weren't So Lonesome Tonight" achieved something more.
GH: "Lessons in Lonely" is a fan-favorite album showcasing your ability to craft infectious and upbeat melodies and tunes. Can you share the story behind this album and what inspired its creation?
Tobin Kirk: "Lessons in Lonely" holds a special place in my heart as my first album of my own songs as a solo artist. After taking a break from music for a few years, I found myself with a collection of songs that weren't being fully realized. An old friend suggested that I book some studio time and record them, and I thought it was a great idea. At the time, I didn't have a band, so I reached out and managed to assemble a talented group of musicians. The songs on "Lessons in Lonely" were not initially written to be an album. However, they ended up fitting together seamlessly, thanks in large part to the creative collaboration with the rest of the band. Each track explores themes of personal growth, love, and resilience, reflecting my own experiences and the lessons I've learned along the way. One of the standout tracks on the album is the title track, "Lessons in Lonely." It was inspired by a family member's divorce and serves as both advice and reflection, using the metaphor of a jukebox filled with sad, old country songs. The album as a whole is a collection of stories and emotions that I hope resonates with listeners.
GH: What can fans expect from you? Are there any upcoming projects in sight?
Tobin Kirk: I'm excited to share that I'll be heading back into the studio soon. The plan is to record five more songs that I've been working on. Among them are a couple of songs I wrote a few years ago, one from about a year ago, and two of my newest compositions. At this stage, I haven't decided whether these songs will be released as singles, part of an EP, or if I'll wait to record more for a full album release. I'm eager to see how these tracks turn out and determine the best way to share them with the world. Looking ahead, I have plenty more songs in the works, and I'm always honing my craft as a songwriter. Some of my best compositions are yet to be recorded, and I believe in waiting for the right time and inspiration to bring them to life. As long as the songs keep coming, I'll continue to write, create, and share my music with all of you. Thank you for the support, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to connect with my fans and share my musical journey.
Don't forget to follow Tobin on Instagram and listen to his music on all streaming platforms.
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