An Australian-Fijian singer-songwriter based in Nambour, Andrea Kirwin writes, records, produces and performs her own originals and also runs her independent record label Peace Run Record.
Andrea's current single is 'Bloom' (also the title song of her upcoming album), a song about family roots and overcoming challenges in order to bloom where you are planted.Here, she shares some inspirational people.
1: Oprah
I used to fake being sick when I was little because I wanted to watch the Oprah show. I was then obsessed with wanting to meet Oprah when I was growing up.One day, I woke up and decided I could be just like her and listen to people's stories and reflect to them their gifts, talents and help them feel worthy. I now have an Oprah couch at my studio on Queen Street Nambour.
2: Clare Bowditch
My first live music concert was Clare Bowditch and The Feeding Set at age 21 at ANU Bar in Canberra in 2006. She blew me away with her charm, songs, stories and smile. I started writing songs after the concert.3: Eloise Boyd
Eloise was a really close friend at uni when I was studying law at ANU. Being Islander and gay was really challenging at 21 years old, as I had zero role models and I had a falling out with my Fijian mum over my sexuality.Eloise was there to help me navigate the early years of finding my authentic self. And to party, of course.
4: Amos Enders-Moje
My best mate, and an old house mate from my Canberra days. Amos rolled into my life on a skateboard with his big, loveable German short-haired pointer, Doberman, Lux.Amos is one of the most genuine, kind, thoughtful people who has made my life an adventure. He was the reason my first band The Andi and George band bought a tour bus and helped drive us on two east-coast tours.
He is super talented at many things and inspires me every time we speak.
5: Claire Evelynn
Lastly and most importantly, Claire Evelynn, my fiancè. Claire and I have been together for 13 years and has been my muse and my Queen.When I released my third album in Feb 2017, she became severely ill with chronic fatigue. I watched her fight to recover from rock bottom for three years and then over the last two years teach herself how to play the Celtic harp and sing.
She is incredibly kind, thoughtful and she inspires me daily. She's the reason why I can write love songs, and a huge part of who I am today.
Andrea Kirwin joins Nikolaine Martin and Umbriel for a special MELT edition of Live Spark at Brisbane Powerhouse 30 May.
