AWARD-winning Melbourne blues and soul artist Shaun Kirk lights up Swan Hill Town Hall next Friday night with his one-man-band performance.
Kirk has earned a reputation both in Australia and abroad for his gritty, soulful vocals and magnetic stage presence.
Praised by Buzz Mag as “one of the finest blues voices Australia has ever heard,” Kirk has impressed not only critics and fans, but fellow artists too; three-time Grammy Award winner Fantastic Negrito called Kirk’s performance “one of the best one-man shows he’s ever seen!”
Kirk said he creates the sound and impact of a full band, without all the tricks.
“I do a kind of one-man-band show, that’s pretty unique,” he said.
“Hopefully, it’s something people haven’t really seen before.
“I play guitar, harmonica, and drums with my feet, all at the same time.
“There’s no looping. It’s all completely live.”
Kirk’s journey into the one-man-band was driven by necessity.
“I wanted to make as much noise as a full band,” he said.
“But I didn’t have a band.
“I wanted to stay full-time in music, and being able to do it all myself meant I could keep going without needing a day job.”
That solo path has led him to major stages around the world, including festival appearances at Bluesfest Byron Bay and supporting slots for music legends such as Joe Bonamassa.
“The Palais show with Bonamassa,” Kirk said.
“Two or three thousand people.
“That one really stuck with me.”
Despite being from the city, Kirk said he loves performing regionally.
“I love getting out into the country towns,” he said.
“People in regional towns really appreciate live music.
“Plus I’m big on nature and hiking.
“So those trips tick a few boxes for me.”
Musically, Kirk said his sound has evolved over time.
“I started out pretty straight delta blues,” he said.
“Now I’m leaning into something more progressive. It’s matured.”
His vintage guitar tones and raw grooves pay tribute to the timeless influences that have shaped his musical journey, creating a distinct sound that’s fast becoming his own.
Lyrically, Kirk doesn’t shy from vulnerability.
He said songs like Howlin’ at the Moon, co-written with Joel Quartermain of Eskimo Joe, reflect personal struggles.
“That whole EP was written during a big mental transition for me,” Kirk said. “I was coming out of a pretty dark place.
“It’s that moment of realising you’re stuck in a cycle, and that your the one responsible for changing it.”
Kirk said his value for authenticity, means some songs have been left behind.
“Those early albums were my apprenticeship,” he said.
“I’ve done my 10,000 hours.
“I’m at a new stage where I feel my songwriting is more considered and refined.”
Kirk said he wants first time concert-goers to feel inspired.
“There’s storytelling in the show, and I use that to inspire people, and energise, it’s a high energy show,” he said.
“I want people to walk out feeling wide-eyed and ready to take on the world.”
The show is next Friday, July 4, at the Swan Hill Town Hall.
Ticket price: $33.70 to $38.70
Tickets available at the venue and online: swanhilltownhall.com
