Estella Kirk is an interesting singer-songwriter whose new EP “Growing Pains” we reviewed recently. I have included Anna-Louise’s review at the very end of this piece for your ease of reading (if you haven’t come across it before). After that review we decided to find out some more and were happy to get to ask Estella a few questions about the EP to satisfy our interest, and provide some pleasurable reading material for her growing fan base out there.
First of all I will share the press release on an EP that seeks to capture the tension of becoming, the ache of transition, and the steady presence of faith through it all.
About the EP
Across four heartfelt tracks, Growing Pains explores the subtle and seismic shifts of young adulthood—from changing coffee orders to leaving a church that once felt like home. Each song acts as a mirror for listeners in transition, offering clarity and connection through Kirk’s warm vocals and sincere storytelling.
The first single from the EP, “All I Know (To My Knees)”, features Hunter Plake, a Top 5 finalist on The Voice and rising pop-Christian artist. The collaboration blends Kirk’s emotional depth with Plake’s dynamic vocal presence, creating a powerful anthem of surrender and spiritual grounding.
About Estella Kirk
Kirk released her debut single Shelter in the Storm at age 14 and quickly gained recognition for her ability to write music that speaks to life’s uncertain seasons. Now 20, she continues to grow her audience through authentic songwriting and a commitment to faith-forward artistry. Now based in Franklin, TN, Kirk is part of a rising wave of young Christian artists redefining the genre with emotional depth and cultural relevance.
Why Growing Pains Matters
With Christian pop music seeing a surge in mainstream popularity—largely led by male breakout artists—Kirk stands out as a fresh female voice. Her EP arrives at a time when college-aged listeners are seeking music that reflects their lived experiences and evolving faith.
And now on to the interview:
“Growing Pains” feels very personal, almost like a diary of transition. When you were writing these songs, was there a particular moment where you thought, “Yes—this has to be on the record because it captures exactly where I am right now?”
Estella: 100% “Growing Pains” came from living right in the middle of it. I was moving, figuring out who I was, trying to balance faith and change all of that was happening in real time. When we wrote the title track, I just remember thinking, this isn’t just a song, this is my journal out loud. That’s when I knew it had to be on the record.
In “18” you call it a “detrimental age”—still a teen but suddenly expected to grow up. Looking back now, what advice would you give to your 18-year-old self—or to fans listening who are standing at that same crossroads? (my son is currently 17 and having those – I hope my exam results are okay, what course at which university should I go to etc moments), it is an age of change isn’t it?
Estella: At 18, I felt like I had to have everything figured out, and that pressure was heavy. Looking back, I’d tell myself You don’t have to rush. You’re right on time. Trust the process God has for you, even if it doesn’t look like everyone else’s. To anyone standing at that crossroads like your son I’d say give yourself grace. The decisions you make matter, but they don’t define your whole story.. Ultimately we have to trust the Lord and keep our eyes on him!
Your track “Coffee” has this reflective, everyday quality—almost like watching the world pass by with a warm cup in hand. Do you find inspiration more often in the “big” life changes, or in those small, ordinary moments that carry hidden meaning?
Estella: Both inspire me, but I think I’m most drawn to the smaller, everyday moments. Sometimes sitting with a cup of coffee, looking back on who I used to be, teaches me more than the big dramatic changes. I find life’s biggest lessons usually hide in the ordinary 🙂
“Same Jesus, Different Pew” is a powerful concept—that faith travels with us even when our surroundings change. Was there a particular experience of leaving home, or being far from a familiar community, that inspired that song most directly?
Estella: That one came from moving to a new state and walking into a church where no one knew me. I had gone from a place where everything was familiar, even the seat I always sat in to asking a stranger if a seat was taken. It reminded me that even though the people and surroundings changed, Jesus hadn’t!
We say we are a Christian music magazine in ethos, although we feature and review a wide range of music and the Christian aspect sometimes appears! One thing we note is how the Christian influence in music, Gospel especially, is often not acknowledged. To me, Elvis, for example, was always a Gospel singer at heart. BB King had deep roots in Gospel that influenced him through his life – just 2 examples. I feel Gospel music has influenced so many performers, and sometimes they don’t even know it! Do you agree?
Estella: I completely agree. Gospel is at the root of so much of the music we love, even when people don’t realize it. The emotion, the soul, the storytelling all of that traces back to Gospel. I think it’s beautiful how it quietly shaped generations of music and still shows up today.
Working with Hunter Plake on “All I Know (To My Knees)” must have been exciting. How did that collaboration come about, and what did he bring to the song that surprised or inspired you?
Estella: Working with Hunter was such a gift. We connected through a mutual friend, and actually connected when we were both living in Oklahoma, so It was awesome to continue working together after we both had moved to Nashville. When we started “All I Know (To My Knees)” he brought this raw honesty that pulled the song deeper. He has this way of creating melodies that feel effortless, and that inspired me to be more vulnerable in the storytelling of this song.
You’ve moved from your hometown in Oklahoma to Franklin, TN—a shift both musically and personally. What’s been the most surprising part of that transition—either something you gained, or something you didn’t realize you’d miss?
Estella: In Franklin, I’ve found a creative community and opportunities I never could have imagined, but I’ve also realized how much I miss the simplicity of Oklahoma—the slower pace, the familiarity of home, even my hometown church. There are so many incredible churches here, but nothing will ever replace the memories of one I grew up in, and I think that’s something a lot of people can relate to. That push and pull, between what I’ve gained and what I miss, shaped a lot of Growing Pains and even songs I haven’t released yet.
The EP is only 10 minutes long, but it lingers much longer emotionally. If you had to describe “Growing Pains” as a film scene, or even a painting, what would it look like?
Estella: I think I would picture a coming-of-age film scene of someone driving away from their hometown, the rearview mirror catching glimpses of what they’re leaving behind, but the road ahead is filled with so many possibilities.
Any ongoing news and plans musically that you can share with us as we approach the back end of 2025?
Estella: I’m continuing to write and I’ve been working on new songs that dig even deeper into faith and identity. I also want to keep playing live, connecting with people face-to-face. Toward the end of 2025, I’m hoping to share some singles that will carry into the next chapter!
I hope you enjoyed the interview, for me, from the universal uncertainties of turning 18 to the comfort of coffee and the reminder that faith travels with us wherever we go, Kirk’s music speaks both to her personal journey and to the experiences of a generation navigating change. Through heartfelt storytelling, a memorable collaboration with Hunter Plake, and a voice that balances vulnerability with strength, Kirk has carved out a space as one of Christian pop’s most authentic rising artists. Growing Pains lingers beyond its ten minutes, offering encouragement, reflection, and connection—a soundtrack for anyone walking their own path of becoming. I will include next the review of the EP that Anna-Louise Burgess recently completed for us.
The EP has 4 tracks and runs for 10 mins 34.
“18” is a piece of commercial radio-friendly pop, with light-touch vocals that happily soar over the simple melody. It’s a track about being 18, that most difficult age when you suddenly find you are a grown-up, “a detrimental age”—“still a teen but got to grow up.” I can identify with this; it is a confusing time!
“Coffee” is a gentle swaying track, reflective and a moment of storytelling. I was sitting having a cup of tea and a biscuit with my headphones on and the song was a nice complement to the moment; you move along with the sentiment. Remember “Watching the Wheels Go Round” by John Lennon, sometimes you need to watch the wheels, or perhaps sip the coffee!
“Growing Pains” continues with the general theme of growing up and finding the moment. Growing up, walking the tightrope of both leaving the parental cloak and having to make your own decisions in a world where you are suddenly expected to make your own decisions. Life is full of growing pains, isn’t it?
“Same Jesus, Different Pew.” “What a Beautiful Name,” when we are at our worst, when far from home, how often do we find a place to pray—wherever we are in the world? “Same Jesus, Different pew.” I’ve been in bad places, but Jesus comes with me! This is, I think, the sentiment here and it is probably my favorite song on the EP. It uplifts and connects, and we always connect to music in different ways—I’m homesick personally for sitting next to my Dad (now gone from us) in Church, but maybe he still remains with me, as Jesus does.
“Growing Pains” is a short but stirring EP that lingers long after its 10 minutes are up. Kirk manages to capture the beauty and the ache of becoming, wrapping it in melodies that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable. It’s the kind of record you’ll want to sit with—whether over coffee, in prayer, or in a quiet moment of reflection.
Growing Pains reminds us that faith, love, and identity aren’t fixed points—they grow with us.
And we hope you liked the feature, dear reader! If you did, please check out the other pages of the magazine; we have many great features, merchandise pages, shops, editorials and even a poetry page. Content is free here, but we work hard for you, and to support the magazine, please show your appreciation on the support button below and buy us a coffee!
By Mark C. Chambers
and
Anna-Louise Burgess
Release Details
- EP Title: Growing Pains
- Release Date: September 12, 2025
- Genre: Contemporary Christian / Pop
- Streaming Platforms: Available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and more
- Social Media: @EstellaKirkMusic on Instagram, Facebook & TikTok, and @EstellaKirk on YouTube
What a delightful read! Estellas journey from Oklahoma to Nashville sounds like a beautiful mix of gaining creative opportunities and missing the simplicity of home – sounds like many of our own moves up north! 😄 Her advice to 18-year-olds to give yourself grace is spot on, and honestly, needed now more than ever. The idea of Gospel being the root of so much music, even when hidden, is a fascinating point, like a secret Christian DNA in our favorite tunes. And yes, the Same Jesus, Different Pew concept resonates deeply – proof that Jesus travels with us, even when were just… sitting in a new coffee shop wondering where we left our phone. Kirks music and this interview truly capture the beautiful chaos of growing up with faith, and honestly, made me want to grab my own coffee and reflect for a bit.