While most other 11 year olds were watching horse shows and hanging out with their friends, Kathleen Halloran was picking up a guitar and getting inspired by The Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel and James Taylor, a far cry from her Taylor Swift-loving counterparts.
Cut to 16 and Kathleen was carving her teeth into gigs and musical theatre.
Unlike so many who waste time in a 'normal' job before realising music is their only fulfilling career, Halloran went straight for the jugular, taking up full-time musicianship from 18 and never looking back.
After studying jazz at the Victorian College of the Arts, she has forged a career sharing the stage with the likes of Kate Ceberano, Brian Cadd, and Darren Middleton, and working on musicals such as 'School Of Rock', 'Moulin Rouge' and 'Charlie And The Chocolate Factory', as well as touring her own band, the Kathleen Halloran Trio. Her passion for her instrument is unmistakable, and something she intentionally keeps lit.
"I'm always working to better myself, technically and sonically. I stay most passionate when I'm working really closely with amazing artists, it's very much a collaborative thing for me.
"I tour a lot with Kate Ceberano, and we have an amazing, special friendship and art relationship, where we are constantly inspired by music. And she'll challenge me in ways that keeps my fire going."
Leading such a diverse musical career also helps keep things fresh. "Different gigs come up in completely different styles to what I play. So I jump into it headfirst, and use it as a bit of a game.
"I learn the history of the style and study who the great players were. It's an intensive learning process that keeps me inspired, and when I bring it to the stage, I really get into the headspace of what I'm doing. Luckily, I get to do so many different styles, which is where my passion lies."
Another factor which comes in handy when convincing herself about new purchases. "If it's a completely different sound, sometimes that means buying new pedals or borrowing gear or getting new guitars, so I collect gear on that basis. It makes me feel better about buying new gear." Her current guitar tally stands at 11.
In crafting her compositions and solos, Halloran follows a simple, yet expressive, process.
"It comes down to melody and energy first. Most of what I'm currently doing is inspired by the pop-rock world, and people like Mark Knopfler and Ian Moss, players who are just full of heart and energy and melody."
Most guitarists can pinpoint a particular moment when their understanding of how to play their instrument was turned upside down and the possibilities of sound revealed.
"Derek Trucks blew my mind. He's full of heart and emotion and. . . not simplicity, but he's so connected to his instrument that it sounds like he's singing. On a local level, I've worked with Simon Hosford and Dave Leslie. Watching those guys in action is always really special."
Halloran will be teaming up with more than one local legend at the upcoming Melbourne Guitar Show, including Steph Strings and Hussy Hicks.
The Melbourne Guitar Show will also feature international acts Eric Bibb and Nick Johnston, as well as 50 exhibitors showcasing guitars, pedals, amps, and guitar tech. It's the first time the festival has run since 2019, and will be welcomed back by all.
"I'm really excited to do my own set at the show this year, and I also love the jam session finale. It's an incredible hour, and so fun to play with my guitar heroes, who I rarely get to hang out with because you're never in the same room, you're always out doing different gigs.
"I want to soak up as much as I can after my show. Simon Hosford is doing his Yngwie Malmsteen's 'Trilogy' show, which only Simon could pull off. That's definitely piqued my interest."
Melbourne Guitar Show takes place at Caulfield Racecourse 4-5 March.
