Dirk Lind

Born into a family of musicians, Dirk Lind's musical journey began almost as soon as he could hold an instrument. He played classical music until his teenage years, when he discovered hardcore punk, the genre that began his career as a songwriter. From punk, he moved to reggae, and then to Congolese Soukous, Senegalese Mbalax, and the Afrobeat of Fela Kuti.

In 1991, he started (and still fronts) the seminal Virginia worldbeat band Baaba Seth. Yet through all these stylistic explorations, Dirk's songwriting has always been, at its roots, a guy with an acoustic guitar.

On his first solo release in 2003, "The Theory of Evolution," he explored elements of worldbeat music, getting help from Memphis saxophonist (and Baaba Seth member) Hope Clayburn, Scottish trumpeter Malcolm Strachan (from the Haggis Horns, Corrine Bailey Rae, and Jamiroquai), and from his sister, violist Anjali Lind.

His second solo album is called "Division Street," being released in March, 2011. On this disc, Dirk has pared down his production, focusing on more intimate and acoustic songs. The tunes on "Division Street" highlight his multi-instrumental skills - he plays everything from guitar, to banjo, to ukulele, to mandolin, to keyboards, bass, drums, and percussion. This album also features the recording debut of Dirk's son Seth, who plays piano on several tracks.

Dirk Lind started writing songs at the age of fourteen, after seeing the Ramones play live. From 1991 until 2000, he was the lead singer and principal songwriter for the popular east-coast worldbeat band, Baaba Seth. The band won over audiences all over the east coast, led by an energetic live show and Lind's catchy, unique songwriting.

One music journalist wrote of Dirk's singing as having "one of those distinctive, gravel and velvet voices. Lots-o-tone and texture. He’s also a deeply spiritual type of guy. Eyes closed, brow furrowed in concentration, Lind is an intense and emotional singer. Crafty lyricist too. He’s got a knack for turning serious, reality based themes of human rights and social commentary into thoroughly enjoyable melodies. Heavy message, groovy delivery." (Lee Abraham)

Jambands.com's review of their second album (Live At the End of the World) noted: "Dirk Lind's vocal's help to make the picture complete. He has an urgent insistence in his voice that appeals to me, and rather resembles Ziggy Marley. I know most vocalists hate to be compared to anyone, but it does help to give you an idea of his talent. The utmost in quality, without being polished."

After Baaba Seth broke up in 2000, Dirk relocated to the Pacific Northwest. Though Baaba Seth still plays reunion concerts every summer, Lind has sheltered himself in his home studio and has now released two solo albums - 1995's "The Theory of Evolution," and in 2011, "Division Street."

I busk 3 or 4 days a week here in Spokane, and various acoustic-oriented venues.

Fela Kuti; Youssou N'Dour; Paul Simon; Brahms; Spearhead; Steve Earle; Femi Kuti; Salif Keita; Aliens

Instruments, voice, Mac, LogicPro, guitars, banjo, bass, mandolin, piano, melodica, ukulele