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, earning him 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”.

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 1 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 #3 on the Amrap AirIt Great Southern Charts. It also

charted in the USA, reaching #6 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

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

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. As well as assisting with the financial pressure of producing an independent album, crowd funding will allow Kirk to donate a proportion of the sales profit to

Orphfund, a non for profit charity helping abandoned children across the globe. The project target

was reached well before it's cut-off date, and saw participants pledging towards a variety of

exclusives, including a feature role in one of Shaun's forthcoming film clips, and having their 'selfies'

included on the album's booklet.

Recorded at The Wick Studios in Melbourne, Australia 'Steer the Wheel' is Shaun's first recording

with a band. As well as collaborating with ARIA award-winning rhythm section of Danny McKenna

(drums) and Grant Cummerford (bass) to lay down the core of all tracks. Shaun has bought together

some of Australia's finest musicians and vocalists to produce his most diverse release to date. Songs

such as 'Give to the Needy' and 'No One Gonna Love You When You Love Like That' are a true

example of the raw energy in Shaun's music whilst 'Twenty Two' is a ballad with a clear message.

Country blues number 'Two Hands on the Wheel' features Shaun's good friends Kyle and Dan Lizotte

(Halfway to Forth) and sounds like the soundtrack for many a road trip. 'Stitches' is packed with soul

and demonstrates a vocal flexibility that Shaun has kept locked away until now. His blues influences

are far from neglected, with songs like 'Blues for My Birthday', 'Find Me A Lady' and Tony Joe White's 'As the Crow Flies' reflecting the sound he has become recognised for in his relatively short

but impressive time as a performer.