Singer-songwriter Kirk McElhinney is renowned for his soulful voice, insightful lyrics and conveying inspiring messages of hope and positivity in both his recorded music and live performances. His music combines a rich and vibrant mosaic of acoustic guitar picking that is both unique and enticing.
His highly anticipated second album ‘You Are Not Your Past’ channels all his infectious live energy and, importantly, his rich and significant life experience to date. When Kirk turned thirteen, his uncle gifted him a basic 3 string guitar and his musical odyssey began in earnest. Early musical inspirations were the greats: The Beatles, The Who, Led Zeppelin, The Doors, Hendrix, BB King, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Queen, ACDC, Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, closely followed by more eclectic influences such as John Martyn, Nick Drake and flamenco jazz genius Paco Da Lucia. His switch to acoustic guitar came when he met, and was hugely inspired by, Scottish folk and guitar legend Bert Jansch. The die was well and truly cast!
His 2014 debut solo album, ‘World Gone Blind’unfortunately marked a bad time for Kirk. Poor health forced him to revise his lifestyle completely and become teetotal. His recovery from what was a difficult and challenging time was poured wholeheartedly into his new album ‘You Are Not Your Past’
“I poured my all into this album, it’s been a real labour of love but also been a real therapy for me. I find song-writing a great way of getting the inside out and untangling all my thoughts. It’s a very honest album, lyrically and musically…”
– Kirk
But don’t be fooled into thinking the album is dark and negative – far from it: ‘You Are Not Your Past’ exudes positivity and encourages a metaphorical ‘uprising’ of sorts, with a message of hope and of ‘elevating’ our life’s mission. It shows us how we can ALL make our world better by joining in solidarity and common purpose and exchanging ideas openheartedly, free from judgement of one another.
Read the full Q&A with Kirk McElhinney below.
Q: Hey there Kirk, how are you?
I’m ok man. Just took the dog for walk in the park, so feelin’ chilled.
Q: We are almost half way through 2021, how has this year been for you so far?
It’s been good. I spent precious time with my family. I’m one of the lucky ones, I guess, but I don’t tend to look back. I keep rollin’ on… I recognise it’s been a terrible year for a lot of people though and I feel for them. Let’s hope this madness ends soon eh..
Q: You wanted to be a musician at an early age, what prompted this decision? How did you get into music?
Well, my Dad’s side are all into music and playing guitar. My mum played a lot of Motown music as I remember growing up. I suppose it’s in the genes, I didn’t have a choice really but to be involved in it. Music was my awakening and I still find it fascinating, like another world.
Q: How would you describe your work?
Well, I’ve never had lessons in music. From an early age I would feel the emotion in music and that had a profound effect on me and that feeling has always stayed with me. I don’t hide anything in my music, if i’m feeling pissed off or in love or passionate about something then you’ll hear it. I don’t recognise styles in music, it’s time we knock that on the head. It’s either from the heart or from the ego…
Q: What do you want people to take away from it?
Well, we’re not as unique as we think we are. Love, hate, sadness, joy etc… all these are emotions that flow through us all at different points in our life. I think people dig my music because it’s honest and hopefully leaves you feeling that you’re not alone…
Q: What inspires you and who are your influences?
People who are kind inspire me, nurses, people who take time out for others, selfless souls inspire me. A walk in nature, breathing slowly and keeping with the moment inspires me. Love inspires me.
As for my musical influences, Stevie Wonder is a huge influence on me and so is Bert Jansch. Also, Paco De Lucia, Nick Drake, John Martyn, John Ellis, Wizz Jones, Keith Richards, Freddy King, B.B King, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles, Randy Newman, Gustav Holts, ABBA, The Who, David McEwan, Massive Attack, Sacred Spirit, Queen, Vangelis, Howard Shore, Nina Simone, The Doors, Roy Harper, Johnny Rotten, Miles Davis, Jose Feliciano, Led Zeppelin, Toumani Diabate, Jason Singh, Bob Marley, Davy Spillane, Max Richter, Tommy Emmanuel, Shakti, Willie Nelson, Aretha Franklin, Leo Kottke, Chuck Berry, Bowie, AC/DC, Satie, Hendrix, John McLaughlin, John Williams, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Kelly Joe Phelps, Antonio Carlos Jobim, I could go on and on all night….
Q: What advice would you give to your younger self?
Quit the alcohol! Get your head out of your arse! Do more practice and then do some more. Eat healthier. Stop Assuming!! Be gentle on yourself. Move your arse more.
Q: What’s next for you? What are you most excited for?
Well I’ve nearly fished writing my next album. The songs are sounding great just me and the guitar, so I know they’re good songs, especially if they sound full when stripped down. I’m excited for playing live again and getting back into the studio to start recording these next set of tunes. Ciao for now brothers and sisters x
Keep up with Kirk McElhinney’s music and career on his social media.
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