The Kirk Pasich Project returns with another bold reinterpretation, teaming with acclaimed singer, songwriter, actress, and comedian Scout Durwood for a fresh take on Jill Sobule's groundbreaking 1995 hit "I Kissed a Girl," available today on all streaming platforms.
Produced by Kirk Pasich and Zachary Ross, the recording features Scout Durwood on lead vocals alongside an all-star lineup including Jordan West (Grace Potter) on drums, bassist Kurtis Keber (Grace Potter, Aly & AJ), Ty Bailie (Katy Perry) on organ and acoustic/electric piano, Philip Glenn on fiddle, violin, mandolin, and accordion, with backing vocals from Maiya Sykes and Nick Jackson.
The new recording is the latest single from Woman Love, an upcoming collection celebrating songs by and about women through the lens of The Kirk Pasich Project's adventurous collaborative spirit.
For Durwood, revisiting "I Kissed a Girl" felt like a natural fit.
"The concept of re-imagining was huge for this album, both in the way songs were orchestrated and in the way they were performed," says Durwood. "’I Kissed a Girl’ is such a banger it honestly wasn't a terribly heavy lift. With the title Woman Love, my producers and I really wanted to lean into lesbian canon, and ’Kissed A Girl’ is definitely on the list."
Originally released in 1995, Jill Sobule's "I Kissed a Girl" broke new ground as one of the first openly queer-themed songs to achieve mainstream success. Three decades later, its wit, honesty and joyful sense of self-discovery remain as relevant as ever.
"It's easy to forget or take for granted how far sapphic representation has come," Durwood continues. "Jill Sobule was and remains such an icon and it was really a huge honor to take this one on. Coming from a writing background, I love a story with a narrative, and this is one that personally speaks to me. Obviously."
The result is a vibrant and heartfelt reimagining that honors the playful spirit of the original while bringing new textures and perspectives to a song that helped pave the way for generations of LGBTQ+ artists and listeners. Anchored by Durwood's charismatic vocal performance and an arrangement that blends Americana, roots music and theatrical flair, the recording captures both the song's humor and its enduring cultural significance.
The Kirk Pasich Project is the genre-blurring musical collective led by acclaimed music executive, producer and songwriter Kirk Pasich. Known for pairing unexpected artists and collaborators, the project thrives on reinterpretation, storytelling and emotional risk-taking, creating recordings that feel both timeless and adventurous.
Scout Durwood is a multi-hyphenate performer whose work spans music, television, comedy, and live performance. Known for her fearless originality and magnetic stage presence, she has built a devoted following through her sharp songwriting, theatrical flair and genre-defying creative voice.
"I Kissed a Girl" marks another distinctive chapter for The Kirk Pasich Project and Woman Love—celebrating a landmark song, honoring a true trailblazer, and introducing one of pop culture's most influential anthems to listeners through a fresh and compelling new lens.
About Scout Durwood
Scout Durwood is a cabaret comedian, writer, director, and performer known for her high-energy musicality, sharp wit, and bold visual storytelling. Her debut album Take One Thing Off, released with Blue Élan Records, was paired with a 22-episode digital series she wrote and directed, earning over 275,000 YouTube views and a 2019 Streamy Award nomination for Best Indie Series. She later created the feature-length visual album Youtopia, which premiered at Outfest 2022 and received an Honorable Mention for the Grand Jury Prize. Scout has also appeared as a series regular on MTV’s Mary + Jane, gaining praise from major outlets for her standout performance. With roots in New York’s cabaret and nightlife scene, she continues to bring her dynamic presence to stage and screen, most recently starring in Spiegelworld’s The Hook in Atlantic City.
About The Kirk Pasich Project
The Kirk Pasich Project is a collaborative music venture created to bring innovative production ideas to life through partnerships with a wide range of talented artists. Drawing inspiration from classic concept-driven projects, it aims to provide a platform where different musicians can be featured in a distinctive studio environment. Founder Kirk Pasich combines his deep passion for music with a background in entertainment law and artist advocacy, shaping a project that prioritizes creativity and artist-friendly values. His experience working with legendary musicians and supporting music-related causes informs the project’s mission to celebrate artistry and community. Ultimately, the Kirk Pasich Project offers listeners a fresh and immersive music discovery experience rooted in collaboration and exploration.