Full Name: Kirk Whalen
Thanks for your time. So, tell us in what part of the First Coast you reside now and how long you have lived there?
I moved to Jacksonville in 2007, but have been in St. Augustine since 2010.
When did you know you had an interest in music?
I’ve been fascinated by music for as long as I can remember. It might as well have been magic to me, too alluring to ignore but too sacred to be bad at. My grandfather was a thumb-picking guitarist who tried to encourage my musical learning but he didn’t believe I had it in me until some time after he passed.
Did you start with any specific instrument and migrate to other instruments?
I started on bass, but quickly moved to ukulele, mandolin, and banjo before finally accepting that I could do more with guitar to emulate a full band sound and support my voice.
Are you currently in a band (or bands)?
I am currently a lone wolf, even though I love the collaborative aspects of being in a band. My current style is built on testing the limits of what one person with an instrument can do to replicate the energy of a small band.
Who is your favorite musician, or what musician influenced you the most?
I have to break this one into two categories: Songwriting and Playing/Technique.
Roger Miller is the guy who broke down the walls for me, a man who fully embraced his manic wild goofiness, but who could also yank a tear out of your eye in a heartbeat. Playing-wise, it’s gotta be Merle Travis, his style of playing was so iconic we still call it “Travis Picking”. He could play a bass line, comp chords, add a melody, and then sing on top of it. Absolutely wild.
Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?
As a guy who never thought he’d be able to sing, every show feels like a highlight, but one of my most profound musical experiences happened far from the stage. My late grandmother was struggling with dementia, and I was able to use music to bridge the gap and connect with her during a time when she was very hard to reach and lost in her own mind. That moment reminded me of the magic of music and how strong the connection can be.
What area bands or musicians are at the top of your list to go out to hear?
All of them, but there aren’t enough hours in the day! I’m super stoked to see a few musical pals play at Porchfest with me this year, like Taylor Roberts, Blossom n’ Bone, and the Annie Dukes. As a musician, sometimes you only get to see other artists when you perform on the same bill.
Do you have a favorite venue that you enjoy playing locally?
Blue Jay Listening Room has got to be one of the most magical venues on the planet.
Do you have any gigs coming up to tell our readers about?
Jacksonville Porch Fest 2025!!!
What is the best way for musicians to network?
Social media is great and can build connections, but for me, there’s nothing like face-to-face interactions out there in the wild
Are there any local venue owners/managers that you would like to rave about?
All of the ones that work tirelessly to keep original music and culture alive and happening.
They build the bridges that keep music available to us.
If you had a question you would like to ask another musician, what would it be?
I’d have to ask Chet Atkins how it was humanly possible to play as cleanly as he did.
Personal hobbies or interests? Family?
My biggest hobby is probably Cycling, I’ve got a nice steel ’80s touring bicycle, and every couple of years me and a buddy will ride across the state of Florida or from Atlanta to Alabama. I like to get back up to Georgia and see my folks as often as I can as well.
What’s the best thing for you about living on the First Coast?
Coming from a rural area, you appreciate a blend of nature and professional/personal opportunities, and I feel like I’ve found a great mix of that here in St. Augustine. Events and entertainment to your heart’s content, but I can still disappear out in the woods on a bicycle trail and enjoy nature without having to drive an hour.
Where and how can folks learn more about you and/or your band? Links to your website?
KirkWhalenMusic.com or on Instagram @kirkwhalenmusic
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