The single ‘empty’ by aubreyleighkirk arrives with lyrics so visceral they resound as though they’ve poured from a raw wound. Confounded with striking minor-key piano chords, filmic orchestral swells and the singer-songwriter’s seraphically melancholic vocal harmonies, the debut single instantly catches you off guard.
With gospel-esque choir vocals adding to the arcane atmosphere of the cinematic vignette—which illustrates the hollowness of loneliness when you’re missing the warmth of the only person capable of making you feel whole—aubreyleighkirk easily distinguished herself as a purveyor of authentic artistry. As the industry waits with bated breath for more of her discography to cascade from her cultivated pipeline, she’s already an indie pop icon to watch.
Aubrey grew up immersed in music. After graduating from the Manhattan School of Music with a BM in Musical Theatre, she pursued the arts relentlessly and proudly joined the Actors’ Equity Association. Her career soared in the cabaret scene, including appearances at 54 Below, The Greenroom 42, and Birdland Jazz Club. To date, she has performed in three original works at the NY Winterfest, the NY Theatre Festival, and a five-week Off-Broadway run at the Players Theater.
After building her film presence in LA through lead roles in commercials, short films, and independent features, she now flies between NYC and LA, forging her music path with ‘empty’ and preparing more releases this winter.
empty was officially released on December 13; stream the single on Spotify now.
Review by Amelia Vandergast