Shaun Kirk

March 2011 Gig

 

Having only picked up a guitar for the first time in 2004 at age 16, Melbourne-born Shaun Kirk has achieved a great deal in such a short time. Discovering a gift for story telling and an undeniable connection with the guitar, Shaun won the 2006 Basin Music Festival Youth Songwriting Competition. 2008 saw the release of his first independent EP, 'Seagulls' and in January 2010 Shaun launched his award winning debut album, 'Cruisin'; to a capacity crowd, closely followed by his first national tour.

'Cruisin' demonstrates Shaun's increasing professional maturity and passion for the blues/roots style. Featuring five self penned tracks taken from life experiences and three covers from classic, new and local influences, showing Shaun's "sense of tradition"- (Lloyd Spiegel) for the genre.

Although based in blues/roots and folk, Shaun's sound is "authentic, exciting and compelling" - (John Carver). Whilst his influences range from Bob Dylan, Robert Johnson, Ray Charles, Howlin' Wolf, Jeff Lang and John Lee Hooker, Shaun continues to develop his own sound; mixing his natural groove with elements of other musical styles, and is now one of the country's hardest working independent solo artists. Shaun's strong, distinctive vocal has been described as "a killer voice"- (Nick Charles), however his unique style of swamp/boogie blues and soul extends far beyond his vocals, with an energetic combination of guitar, harmonica and foot percussion.

Together, his music and heart felt lyrics create a captivating experience for his audience whenever he takes the stage…it is somewhat difficult to believe it is only one person producing this truly complex sound. Dedication to his art and hard work has earned Shaun numerous radio and TV appearances and is now receiving regular airplay across the country on community stations and well recognized programs such as the ABC with 'Cruisin' climbing as high as #5 on the national blues/roots airplay charts. With constant performances to large crowds on some of Australia's best known stages including St Kilda Festival and Queenscliff Music Festival, Shaun has also supported and played alongside many of Australia's best blues/roots artists such as Ash Grunwald, Dallas Frasca, Marshall & The Fro, Lloyd Spiegel, Carus Thompson and Jimi Hocking just to name a few… Shaun's reputation as one of Australia's most promising upcoming artists is growing bigger day by day.

AWARDS
"Best Debut Album" – 2010 VIC/TAS Blues Music Awards
Runner up "Best Solo/Duo" – 2010 VIC/TAS Blues Music Awards
QUOTES
“Shaun has a vocal range I could only dream of having. He is always a pleasure to listen to!”– Dallas Frasca
“Shaun is no doubt a talented and inventive young artist, but in a music scene filled with so many talented young artists, it's possessing the right attitude and sense of tradition that makes him stand out. I look forward to watching him on his journey” – Lloyd Spiegel (A & R Cole Clark guitars/Patron to the Australian Blues Music Festival)
“Shaun Kirk's youth belies the depth of his music, his soulful tone and feel draw from a tradition beyond his days. And yet, I still get the feeling that something new is happening when I hear him play.” – Jimi Hocking
“Shaun has a great vibe on stage and plays a solid mix of rootsy, folky, acoustic joy. Hes a good player and he nails it live - gets the crowd into it. Also a lovely bloke!!!” – Carus Thompson
“Some people are just born to do something whilst others have to work all their life to achieve the same. Extraordinary though it may sound, Shaun Kirk only picked up the guitar six years ago. Nowadays he sounds as if he was born with one in his hand. Shaun's music is authentic, exciting and compelling. His stripped back feel sounds like it ferments in the muggy back blocks of Louisiana and not Melbourne's urban fringe. This man is the real thing. This album should be in every blues lovers collection.” – John Carver (Presenter PBS FM)
“Shaun is a fantastic musician, singer and songwriter. A mighty Aussie talent!” – Gary Young (Triple R FM)
“Shaun's a young yet established exciting performer, with a natural presence on stage, confidently singing original tunes accompanied by smooth slide guitar and sensible harmonics to croon any audience!” – Dutch Tilders
“The blues is one of those funny things. We all have our ideas about what the blues is but as soon as we think we have a handle on the music, where it's come from and where it's going along comes someone like Shaun Kirk who blows away all our preconceptions. Watch out for this fellow - before too long he'll be influencing the next generation of performers.” - Matthew Fredericks (Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society, Bluesletter)
“Shaun's a wonderful talent! He writes thoughtful songs and has a great groove through his music, not to mention a killer voice! I'm expecting big things!” – Nick Charles
“His soulful sound and street-spunk look will set Shaun Kirk sailing as he cruises onto Australia's blues and roots scene. With a great vocal range, Shaun rocks the crowd with his stomp box rhythm and plays the lap slide and harp as if he has many more than 22 years behind him.” – Yasmin Paton (The Geelong Advertiser)