Kirk Smith

Kirk Smith is a 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’s first record, Suddenly Bright Out, roared with atmospheric indie rock. His follow-up, Ithaca, was more nuanced and mature, though no less powerful an exploration of alternative rock, new wave, and folk music. The single, This Debt, stayed in regular rotation on Austin’s KUTX 98.9 for nearly a year. The new album, IN WAVES is Kirk continuing to explore the common ground between New Wave and Americana. There are hints of Father John Misty alongside Pulp and even Brian Eno. But what ties things together are the songs, and the voice. It’s not exactly crooning, but it’s close. Like Leonard Cohen and Morrisey, Kirk finds a little light in the darkness. He comes across callous at times but also comforting. When not writing songs Kirk stays busy playing sandlot baseball with your Texas Playboys, teaching Gracie 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