Kim McDonald

Biography
Kim McDonald is a musician who writes with a personal honesty and truth. He possesses the rare gift of being able to be as honest with an audience as he is with himself, and in doing so reveals a vision of the world that is easily relateable.
There is no layer of pretension in his writing, and what comes through is the nature of a true musician; that of one who makes music because he has to, because it is how he makes sense of the world, because it is how he communicates. It is a social commentary that is wise enough to be open to interpretation while being honest enough to present a view of situations so close to common experience they can reach people from any sphere.
It is this relationship between artist and audience that seems integral to Kim McDonald’s music. Over the past ten years Kim McDonald has worked tirelessly to bring his music directly to people, whether it is through busking in the street or playing in live venues. His preference towards this intimate style of performance is telling of the way he perceives his music, and the way in which he plays it. He never overstates, preferring to present himself passively and let his listeners interpret his music how they will. His straightforward, often colloquial lyrics compliment his playing and his dedication to reaching his audience. It is in his down-to-earth manner, the truthful tone of his voice and his gentle style of composition that one can see how easy it is to relate to his music.
While the music itself does not overtly demand attention, it undeniably attracts it. Kim McDonald’s music is presented in such an honest and endearing way that it cannot simply be heard, it actually has to be listened to.
Kim has shared the stage with the likes of Steve Poltz (USA/ co-writer of Jewel’s hit single “You Were Meant For Me”, Carus Thompson & The True Believers, Dave Johnson, Blanche Du Bois, Ant Grey (Schvendes), Chris Cobilis (The Tigers), Felicity Groom & The Black Black Smoke, The Justin Walshe Folk Machine, Sam Buckingham, Sarah Humphries, Bianca Jade. Lyn Sillitto.
'Daydream Driver' Album Review
Rarely will you come across a musician so honest with his music as Kim McDonald. His familiar dulcet tones have been a strong constant in venues and the Perth music scene for over ten years, and through a strong work ethic and countless performances Kim’s self acquired style and voice have come into their own on his debut record , “Daydream Driver.”
Although McDonald has had past releases over the years, this particular long player appears to be the beginning of something special. Beginning with the heartfelt “1000x’s or more a day”, Kim’s voice comes through particularly bittersweet and clear, before almost intentionally taking on a haunting whisper on the next track, “The Ghost of Skip McGraw”.
McDonald appears to want it made clear that he doesn’t have just one style, and with that point made, “Fly Away”, “Best Intentions” and the aching “Gillian Says”, really start to explore his more observant and contemplative sides as an artist, and through careful and intricate layering on songs like “Best Intentions” and Seven Seas”, a wise insight into minimalist orchestration is also effortlessly portrayed. Although the accompaniment on “Daydream Driver” involves a varied tapestry of instruments which highlight country and pop/ folk influences, on the whole “Daydream Driver” is a refreshingly stripped back acoustic album, which really does highlight McDonald’s ability to structure an insightfully written selection of songs, through the warm production of Jason Hayles, a Perth based freelance Sound Engineer and musician.
“Daydream Driver” is a record that carries a very personal message and sound that is so refreshing to listen to as we carry ourselves on into this period of over-layering , asymmetrical haircuts and yelping. Colin Silitto.
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You can hear Kim played on Radio Fremantle from time to time.
Radio Fremantle 107.9 FM
Tunesmiths Cafe Radio . Listen Friday nights from 10 pm. A great blend of easy listening music, live performances, from all over.