Shaun Kirk is a musician who always seems to be on the road, and each time he never ceases to show regional Victoria some love. We had a chat to the musician ahead of a few shows where he’ll do just that.
Hi Shaun, thanks for taking the time to chat with Forte, how are you and what are you up to at the moment?
Doing good! I’m in writing phase for the next album at the moment. I’m really taking my time with this one and enjoying doing lots of creating in my new home studio back in Melbourne. It’s the first time in my career that I’ve had a dedicated space to write and record in, so it’s an exciting little period for me!
You recently had a shot in the National Photographic Portrait Prize Exhibition thanks to a friend, how did that come about?
The shot was actually taken during the recording of my friend Chris Cavill’s film clip for his song ‘Midnight Train’. He gathered up a bunch of Melbourne musicians to feature in it and my long time Graphic Designer, Ben McNamara was filming the clip. Ben really liked the ‘meloncholy’ lighting on the set and decided to take a number of portraits throughout the day and mine just happened to be the one he entered into the prize. The rest is history, as they say.
Last interview we discovered aside from your musical creativity you like dabbling in other creative ventures, have you been up to many of late?
I learnt how to cook spaghetti Bolognese since moving into the new house with my girlfriend. Does that count?
Though that’s only between finding time from the small percentage of the year where you’re not actually touring. Being on the road so much, have you found tricks to cope and make travelling easier? Are you able to share a few with our readers?
I found this amazing trick where you can actually get from one spot to another much quicker than my early days of touring in a van all the time. They’re called planes! They fly through the sky and don’t get stuck at any roadworks or break down on you (at least not on me personally yet…)
Touring is often the best way for musicians to hone their craft, what do you think will be the trigger or the moment where you decide to slow down on the touring front?
I’m not sure if it will happen. I feel like touring will always be a big part of my life. I really enjoy the excitement of going to new places and learning about how others live their lives. I guess having kids could potentially slow things down but I think I would want to try and take my kids on the road in an effort to install the travel bug into them also. I think keeping on the move is so good for our souls!
We recently watched a TEDtalk in which a musician described the power of that moment where you connect with the audience with a song, can you think of the last time that happened that really stuck with you?
I think it happens just about every gig that I do in some way or another. Whether it be someone coming up at the end of the show and expressing their enjoyment or how they can relate to a story I told during the show; or maybe the crowd cheering mid song which can really build energy in the room. However it comes about, it’s a great feeling and half the reason that I continue to create music.
You’ll soon be heading to Saints & Sailors, as well as a number of other regional venues, what is it you love about the venue and that has you coming back?
I’ve played Saints a couple of times now, I really like that the place has been full every time I’ve played it and the crowds have always been right into the gig! There’s really no way to beat a gig at a packed out small venue.
Thanks again for taking the time to chat with us, are there any last words of wisdom you’d like to share with our readers?
Thanks for having me! “Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something” – Plato
When & Where: Saints & Sailors, Portarlington – April 22, Shebeen, Melbourne – May 14, Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn Springs – May 29 & Main Bar, Ballarat – June 4