“My background is gospel in my father’s church, Blues is so closely related in my opinion, to me it’s free expression to really express how I feel. It just feels I can express myself more. The joys, pain, suffering, love and heartbreak.”

Kirk Fletcher: Keep On Pushing The Blues

The VizzTone label group has released Keep On Pushing (2025), the powerful new album from internationally renowned guitarist and singer Kirk Fletcher. The title is more than just a phrase, it is a message of resilience from an artist who has overcome personal trials and returned stronger than ever. Recorded at East Nashville’s Wow and Flutter Studio, Keep On Pushing was co-produced by Fletcher and guitarist JD Simo, with Ron Eoff on bass and Jason Smay on drums. Engineers Glenn Nashida and Joe McMahon helped craft a sound that captures the immediacy of a live performance, an approach that nods to some of Fletcher’s favourite classic recordings. The album blends originals with carefully chosen covers. Fletcher pays tribute to blues greats such as Big Bill Broonzy, Arthur Crudup, Percy Mayfield and Ruth Brown, alongside his own compositions and a collaboration with JD Simo honouring Robert Nighthawk.

(Kirk Fletcher / Photo by Mitch Conrad)

Born and raised in Bellflower, CA, he built a foundation for the Blues in the Compton church where his father served as pastor. Inspired by his older brother Walter (seventeen years Kirk’s senior), he cut his teeth in front of the congregation, playing guitar regularly in the church until his early twenties. He eventually wound up touring as a guitarist in Kim Wilson’s Blues Revue. Kirk Fletcher plugs in his guitar and lets out the weight of the world. With every string bend and sustained vocal, the Los Angeles-born and Nashville-based singer, guitarist, and producersummons the spirit of classic Blues spun with his own fresh fire. It’s why he’s been tapped to complement everyone from Joe Bonamassa to The FabulousThunderbirds on stage or in the studio. It’s why he’s received several nominations for the Blues Music Award. It’s why he’s covered Living Blues Magazine and incited the applause of Guitar World, Guitar Player, Guitar and more. It’s why he’s amassed a beloved solo discography streamed millions of times.

Interview by Michael Limnios                                 Special Thanks: Kirk Fletcher

How do you think that you have grown as an artist since you first started making music? What has remained the same about your music-making process?

I feel like as I started my mind was so fascinated with all things guitar. I lived, eat and slept with my guitar. All I wanted to do was play my guitar everyday. I’ve grown to appreciate music more in general and the song writing process. They call it song craft I guess becoming a singer somewhat I feel has improved my musicianship in a lot of ways. Playing what’s best for the song and not just thinking of a cool guitar for instance.

How did your relationship with the blues come about? What keeps a musician passionate after three decades in blues?

My background is gospel in my father’s church, Blues is so closely related in my opinion, to me it’s free expression to really express how I feel. It just feels I can express myself more. The joys, pain, suffering, love and heartbreak. 

Do you have any interesting stories about the making of the new album “Keep On Pushing”?

I finally got the guitar sound I was looking for and it inspired me to play thanks to Joe McMahan the engineer and who’s equipment I used. It was a joy to record because the vibe was so relaxed. I guess not too interesting.

“I feel like as I started my mind was so fascinated with all things guitar. I lived, eat and slept with my guitar. All I wanted to do was play my guitar everyday. I’ve grown to appreciate music more in general and the song writing process. They call it song craft I guess becoming a singer somewhat I feel has improved my musicianship in a lot of ways. Playing what’s best for the song and not just thinking of a cool guitar for instance.” (Kirk Fletcher / Photo by Mitch Conrad)

Why do you think that Big Bill Broonzy, Percy Mayfield, and Robert Nighthawk legacy continues to generate such a devoted following?

Because it’s timeless music for me personally, I wasn’t totally aware that these great musicians have such a devoted following I just felt the need to do my part and play some of Blues I love.

You’ve worked in many different settings, from clubs and studios to open air festivals and cruises. How do you navigate between these different worlds?

It’s somewhat all the same to me. Sonically I might change my sound a bit, but roughly it’s the same. I try to get the whole band as close to each other as possible so we don’t have to solely rely on monitors but that’s about it.

How has your experience with musicians of the “golden era” of the blues influenced the way you compose and perform today?

That is everything to me Those great musicians laid the groundwork for what I do. If you just listen you can find a wealth of what you should or shouldn’t do. It’s all  there if you listen with your heart. 

How can a band/musician truly turn the blues into a commercial and popular genre of music for the today's audience?

Is it really popular music these days? I’d say don’t be bothered by that and just dig the music and love it with everything you have.

Kirk Fletcher - Home

(Kirk Fletcher / Photo by Mitch Conrad)