Biography
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 at Melbourne’s Ruby’s Lounge 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, David Bowie, 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 Melbourne’s hardest working independent artists.
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Shaun’s strong, distinctive vocal has been described as “a killer voice”- (Nick Charles), however his performances extend far beyond his vocals, with an energetic combination of slide 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 Triple R, PBS and the ABC. With constant performances to large crowds on some of Australia’s best known stages including St Kilda Festival, Queenscliff Music Festival, The Gov (Adelaide), The Rails (Byron Bay), The Blues Train (Melbourne) and The Republic Bar (Hobart), 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 artist is growing bigger day by day.
AWARDS
Best Debut Album
- 2010 VIC/TAS Blues Music Awards
Runner Up Best Duo/Solo
- 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 (2010 OZ Music Awards Artist of the Year)
‘It’s possessing the right attitude and sense of tradition that makes him stand out.’
– Lloyd Spiegel (A&R Cole Clark guitars)
'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'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
“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
'He nails it live!!!'
– Carus
'Some people are just born to do something whilst others have to work all their life to achieve the same.
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!'
– John Carver (Presenter PBS FM)
Shaun is a fantastic musician, singer and songwriter. A mighty Aussie talent!’
– Gary Young (Triple R FM)
'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")
'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)
"Foot Stompin' Beats with a social concience"
- Nadine Cloonan (Yarra Valley FM)
"It's not often that someone comes along and grabs your attention like Shaun Kirk does"
- Jess Crohan (3MDR FM)
Biography text from Last.fm, available under CC BY-SA.