Acoustic Storyteller
Dirk Schwenk wears two hats comfortably—lawyer and songwriter—and his latest record, Bring That Back, proves just how seamlessly he moves between the worlds of precision and poetry. The seven-track collection is rooted in acoustic traditions but stretches into bluegrass, reggae-tinged grooves, and heartfelt Americana storytelling.
“It’s acoustic music. That’s what I would call it,” Dirk explains. “There’s maybe a little less rock influence, but bluegrass sneaks in because my producer is a great bluegrass player. Every once in a while we go there—that’s good fun.”
Nostalgia and “Hippie Chicks”
One of the album’s most vibrant tracks, “Hippie Chicks,” comes alive in a video filled with VW bus charm. For Dirk, the song connects back to his youthful flirtation with counterculture and a love for the free spirit of the ’60s.
“I really wish I’d honored the music there more,” he says of attending Grateful Dead shows in the ’80s and ’90s. At the time, the scene felt too constrained to him—“you had to wear certain things, think certain thoughts”—but in retrospect, he recognizes the breadth of Jerry Garcia’s artistry and the bluegrass influences woven into the music.
Technology and Freedom
Dirk often reflects on how our relationship with technology has shifted over time. Growing up, he recalls long canoe trips and camping expeditions with no contact with the outside world—moments of pure, untethered freedom.
“Kids these days will never have that,” he says, noting that the constant presence of cell phones has reshaped the way we experience the world. “There’s just a loss of freedom there that you cannot get back. It’s gone.”
Even when he first carried a beeper while his wife was pregnant, Dirk laughs that he probably still would have missed the call. But he recognizes that moment in the late ’90s as a dividing line—when disconnection became nearly impossible.
The Long Road to Bring That Back
The making of Bring That Back was a slow, deliberate process. Unlike full-time musicians who can cut a record quickly, Dirk balanced recording sessions with his legal career and family life.
“I’m often working a couple hours a week,” he admits. “Five hours is a lot for me. There are songs we threw in the garbage can before we ended up with these particular seven.”
His previous release was a “COVID record,” born in a basement when the world stopped. This new project came together while life was in motion—through gigs, trials, and everyday commitments.
Law Meets Lyrics
Surprisingly, Dirk sees strong parallels between practicing law and writing music. Both demand a mastery of language, clarity of thought, and an ability to connect with an audience.
“The trick is to look natural and comfortable on stage, but that only happens after hours of practice—just like trial work,” he says. For him, being a “words guy” ties the two worlds together seamlessly.
Staying Grounded
Despite the weight of two careers, Dirk knows where to find balance. The outdoors is his reset button: time in the woods with his dogs, camping trips, or staring at the stars.
“Between the woods and the family, I feel pretty good,” he says simply.
Community, Connection, and Caution Online
Often described as a community-minded family man, Dirk acknowledges he’s pulled back from social media. While he cares deeply about making the country and the world better, he’s disheartened by how toxic online spaces have become.
“There’s so much inauthentic behavior online now,” he reflects. “I can remember a time when I had what felt like a real community. Now, you can’t trust what’s on the other side of the screen. It’s all losing and no winning.”
Festival Bound
This September, Dirk takes the stage at the Annapolis Songwriters Festival, a hometown celebration of craft and creativity.
“It’s the perfect kind of event for this city,” he says. “Some outside, some inside—amazing venues like Rams Head on Stage. The sound is incredible, the service is great, and you go there just to listen.”
And if you catch him in Annapolis, he might just take you out for sushi—a food he swears is worth overcoming the fear of raw fish. His advice? “Start with shrimp. It’s the perfect gateway.”
Fast Track Finish
Beach or Mountains?
“Beach. I’ve spent my lifetime in boats—I need the water.”
Vinyl or Streaming?
“Vinyl. I hate streaming with a passion… but confession? I don’t even own a record player.”
Courtroom or Stage Spotlight?
“Stage. The courtroom pays better, but if I could make the stage pay the bills, I’d choose that every time.”
Dream Jam Partner (Living or Gone)?
“Neil Young. He can just flip the switch and go crazy on guitar. But EmmyLou Harris—she’s the one for harmony magic.”
See Dirk next here: https://www.annapolissongwritersfestival.com/
And check out his music page here: https://www.dirkschwenk.com/