About.

"Impeccable." - Austin Chronicle
"Infectiously melodic." - NPR
"Poetry and power." - Dirty Linen
"Refreshing." - Austin American-Statesman
"Tasteful and lively." - Minor 7th
"One of the very best." - Music City Texas
Kim Simpson is an Austin-based singer-songwriter, fingerstyle guitarist, and radio host whose musical journey defies genre boundaries. A native of Salt Lake City, Utah, Kim grew up surrounded by a rich blend of jazz, rock, and Scandinavian folk music, all of which shaped his eclectic sound. He’s known for his soulful acoustic performances, weaving together original songs, virtuoso guitar work, and a multilingual repertoire.
As the host of The International Folk Bazaar on Austin’s KOOP Radio, Kim shares his deep passion for global roots music with listeners while also diving into his own musical explorations. His most recent releases include Tex Mex Guitar, an EP showcasing his fingerstyle interpretations of conjunto accordion songs, and The Comets Swish Their Tails, a collection of 15 new originals. Kim’s dedication to his craft has earned him accolades such as “poetry and power” from Dirty Linen and “infectiously melodic” from NPR.
A lifelong learner, Kim holds a PhD in American Studies from the University of Texas and has authored Early ‘70s Radio: The American Format Revolution. His expertise has made him a sought-after consultant, including contributions to the Peabody Award-winning radio documentary Whole Lotta Shakin’. He’s also toured internationally, performing American folk music in China and inspiring listeners worldwide through his music and radio shows.
Kim’s musical career spans decades of solo and collaborative work, including his past projects with The Mad Dukes and his current group, The Reveleros. Whether he's performing solo or with his band, Kim's music continues to captivate with its authenticity, versatility, and endless spirit of adventure.