STAWELL - Four years, four records and well over four hundred shows. Independent blues/soul troubadour Shaun Kirk has come a long way since his debut release in 2010.
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He has earned accolades such as 'one of the most explosive solo acts Australia has to offer' and 'one of the finest blues voices this country has ever heard'.
Shaun Kirk returns to the Diamond House Restaurant in Stawell on Friday night.
The journey began with his maiden record 'Cruisin' being awarded 'Best Debut Album' at the 2010 VIC/TAS Blues Music Awards, whilst his second album,
'Thank You for Giving Me the Blues' shot to number one on the Australian Blues/Roots Airplay Charts in early 2012.
Kirk's third release, 'The Wick Sessions'; a live in the studio CD/DVD package and somewhat unique approach from an underground artist, climbed as high as number three on the Amrap AirIt Great Southern Charts.
It also charted in the USA, reaching number six on the Smokestack Lightning Radio Playlist amongst the likes of Buddy Guy, Gary Clark Jr, Tedeschi Trucks Band and Charlie Musslewhite.
Wanting to give his audience further insight into his passion for music and what has led him to the artist he is today, the gamble to make the CD/DVD package paid off, with the record proving to be his most popular seller.
Shaun went on to release a five-track EP in late 2013 entitled 'Giving'.
It was Kirk's second release in the space of 12 months, acting as a teaser for the forthcoming full-length album 'Steer the Wheel' which included three live tracks, showcasing his natural ability to engage an audience when he takes to the stage.
Shaun's profile and recognition as a talented performer has steadily grown over the past 18 months, supporting artists such as Joe Bonamassa, Big Bill Morganfield (son of the late great Muddy Waters), Diesel, Ash Grunwald and Mia Dyson as well as appearing in the line-up at many of Australia's top festivals - Woodford Folk Festival, St Kilda Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival, Queenscliff Music Festival and Byron Bay Bluesfest where he has been billed with the likes of Robert Plant, Taj Mahal, John Mayer, Ben Harper, Bonnie Raitt, Gary Clark Jr and Santana.
He was voted the 'Youth People's Choice Award' at the 2012 Blues at Bridgetown Festival, as well as winning the public's vote for 'Best New Artist' at the 2013 St Kilda Festival, substantiating his increasing popularity with the punters.
The forthcoming album 'Steer the Wheel' is Kirk's most experimental and electrified record to date, seeing him explore beyond the blues influences that have characterised his previous work.
Shaun attributes the recent purchase of a record player and a rapidly growing vinyl collection to the shift in his song writing.
With influences ranging from rock, soul and rhythm & blues. 'Steer the Wheel' is a collaborative record, which has enjoyed an inclusive approach from conception to completion.
Not only did Shaun gather an abundance of talented musicians to assist in the recording process of the album, he also drew together many of his loyal fans to be a part of the album's creation through a crowd funding campaign.
Recorded at The Wick Studios in Melbourne, Australia 'Steer the Wheel' is Shaun's first recording with a band.
To see Shaun Kirk at the Stawell Diamond House you can book on 5358 3366. Meals are available from 6pm.