Kiernan McMullan

 Writing songs to several people in particular and many in general, acoustic-soul songwriter Kiernan McMullan places importance on both honesty and melody as the foundation for his career. Ten years of extensive travel, performing, and crafting songs will have guided him through five music releases by the time 2013 comes to a close. Not really being from anywhere, the Irish-Australian brings an outsider's perspective to his international fan base by writing songs about atypical subjects - covering life on the road, anti-love and complacency. Kiernan was influenced by everything from The Roots to Jimmy Eat World, Rage Against The Machine to Otis Redding, and created his own intersection between the genres. By the age of fifteen, the songwriter knew that this was where he fit. The last few years of touring have proven he made the right decision. To date, McMullan has performed at sold-out shows, festivals and tour dates in the US with well-established talent including the likes of Sheryl Crow, Ed Sheeran, Dave Mason and Mat Kearney. In Ireland he accumulated a list of shows with big names including The Coronas, Cathy Davy, and The Blizzards. His new EP shows Kiernan's softer side and is set to release April 1st. "I don't write love songs.. but from a different perspective, Company is a collection of songs expressing themes that aren't really present in popular music," says McMullan. The five-song EP features his intricately balanced songwriting and continues his story where he left off on his last full-length album Two Years. Although Kiernan writes about serious and controversial subjects, it's his humor and genuine interest in his audience that always seems to immediately win over the crowd. An old soul, his soft-spoken lyrics consistently captivate rooms, festivals and theaters worldwide. Brought up by an Australian mother and an Irish father, Kiernan was raised listening to artists such as Van Morrison and Lyle Lovett. But it was by studying artists like Ryan Adams, Lupe Fiasco and Marvin Gaye that he developed his eclectic style. Cutting his teeth in both Boston and Ireland, McMullan went on to sign his first record deal with a Warner subsidiary, 111 Records in 2008. With nothing but a hiking bag and his guitar, he hitched and bussed the length of the East Coast and parts of the Midwest, playing shows every other day. "My parents met on a plane, so being a gypsy was always in my genes.." he says. Constant traveling, performing and perfecting his sound have helped him develop an international grassroots following of dedicated fans. Uncommon outcomes and unique conversations with strangers have fueled Kiernan's insatiable thirst for touring. Included in his plans for 2013 are tour dates covering the majority of the US and putting out his third full-length album. While simultaneously acquiring song ideas and passport stamps, his willingness to physically bring music to his fans marks his path to success. "People romanticize being an entertainer based on the highlight reel they see. You could be playing for 5000 people one night.. and twenty the next. I go wherever people will listen - and that's where you find the stories."

• http://www.kiernanmcmullan.com/