How Erina & Kurt Turned a Cover Session into Something Real: The Story Behind Their Collaborations

When two full-time solo artists suddenly sound like they’ve been singing together for decades, people want to know how it happened. Erina and Kurt sat down to tell the whole story—from the first spark to the harmonies that now stop listeners in their tracks.

The Spark That Started It All

Erina doesn’t mince words:

“The first time I heard Kurt sing, I knew I wanted to sing with him.”

It started innocently—cover sessions at local hangs, nothing serious. But when Erina and her husband wrote “Hurricane,” everything shifted. The song practically demanded Kurt’s voice. One duet later, the chemistry was undeniable.

Kurt recalls:

“Erina proposed it right as I was dipping my toe into co-writing for the first time. I’d been obsessed with her recordings already, so saying yes was the easiest decision I’ve made in years.”

The First Real Writing Trip

Talking turned into creating when Erina’s husband did what any supportive partner would do—booked a weekend cabin and essentially locked them in until songs came out.

The result?

• Two songs in one weekend.
• “Moonlight” came first.
• “Thunder in the Clouds” followed while inspiration was still burning.

Momentum became its own machine, and they’ve been writing and recording ever since.

What Each Brings That the Other Needed

Erina on Kurt:

“He sings with his whole heart. That’s why I love singing with him.”

Kurt on Erina:

“Her vocals are smooth, versatile, and sound effortless—everything I’ve always fought to achieve. I just try to stay out of her way.”

In the studio, they’re opposites that snap together perfectly.

Erina’s the one declaring, “That take was perfect—print it.”

Kurt’s ready to record 47 more—“just in case.”

Somehow, that push-and-pull blends into something unmistakably theirs.

Keeping It Special

Both artists protect their solo identities, but their duo dynamic is easygoing and intuitive. There’s no formal schedule or long-term contract—just one rule:

If the right song shows up, they’ll record it. Period.

Erina says,

“This is just another cool project we get to do inside an incredibly supportive community.”

Kurt’s philosophy?

“I just want to serve the song.”

They also swap tricks—Erina admits she steals Kurt’s emotional vocal inflections (and a fancy F chord). Kurt laughs it off since he “physically cannot sing like Erina,” making him safe from imitation.

The Sound in One Phrase

Erina describes their blended sound as:

“Authentic and soulful.”

Kurt’s response?

“What Erina said.”

Their north-star influences include:

• The Swell Season (Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová)
• “Sweet Symphony” by Joy Oladokun & Chris Stapleton

Raw. Emotional. Bigger together than apart.

Live Shows & Dream Stages

Their recent run of live shows has delivered something neither fully expected:

People cry.

Erina says she’s always moved when someone admits a song brought tears.

As for dream stages:

• Erina: The Bluebird Café in Nashville
• Kurt: The Paramount in Seattle—with Erina joining for the duets

Maybe both dreams happen in time.

What’s Next

2026 already has a major release set in motion:

“Moonlight”

Co-written by Erina’s husband and Gina Belliveau

Guitars by Kurt

Vocals by Erina

Produced by Brandon Bee

Release date: TBD, but definitely on the way.

When we asked them to finish the sentence—

“The next time Erina and Kurt get in a room together, the song will probably be about ________.”

Erina’s guess:

“The weather… we kinda have a theme going.”

Kurt’s prediction:

“Maybe parents??”

Whatever the topic, one thing is certain:

When inspiration hits, they’ll be ready—

and we’ll be waiting.