Kirk Smith is an American singer, songwriter, and playwright from Austin, Texas. He is best known for writing and performing, Despair’s Book of Dreams and the Sometimes Radio, an alternative musical that was produced in multiple cites around the US and won a number of awards.
Kirk grew up in Great Bend, KS and came to Austin to attend the University of Texas. Kirk’s first record, Suddenly Bright Out, roared with atmospheric indie rock. His follow-up, Ithaca, is more nuanced and mature, though no less powerful an exploration of alternative rock, new wave, and folk music.
The band is a who’s who of Austin luminaries. You’ll hear soaring guitars and compact synth lines courtesy of Billy Harvey (Charlie Mars, Patty Griffin). Jon Sanchez (Roky Erickson, Bob Schneider) adds his own searing riffs and textures. The drums, at times tender and then thundering, originate with Conrad Choucroun (John Doe, White Denim). Ithaca was produced and recorded by Austin’s own Lars Goransson (The Cardigans, Cotton Mather)
When not writing songs Kirk stays busy playing sandlot baseball, teaching Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and remodeling houses.
“In the land where PJ Harvey meets Jeff Buckley, Austin playwright Kirk Smith sets up camp, burning The Unforgettable Fire while whistling Ziggy Stardust”
The Austin Chronicle
“Singular poetry, songwriting, and singing.” The Austin American Statesman