Chris Kirby as ‘Cool Chris’ ¦ Live 95 Picture Library
Limerick songwriter Chris Kirby, known as ‘Cool Chris’ on YouTube, has helped US Channel ‘Handyman Hal’ reach over a billion views on YouTube.
A Limerick songwriter is now reaching a global audience of millions as a star of the American children’s channel, ‘Handyman Hal’.
Chris Kirby, originally from Thomondgate, has become a central figure on the YouTube channel, where he is known to young fans across the world as ‘Cool Chris’.
Kirby, who has been around the Limerick music circuit for over twenty years, now writes the songs, stars in the episodes, and produces a monthly adventure podcast for the brand.
Going back in the years, the songwriter performed at The Stables, and played in bands like ‘The Ragged Bones’, ‘Section Pink’, and ‘Lavelle’. He also worked closely with Limerick artist Emma Langford in the band Lemon Street.
His transition to the US market began through bespoke songwriting platforms, where his work caught the eye of the producers behind Handyman Hal.
Speaking to Live95, he gushed over his job, which sees him partially based in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
“I have to pinch myself a lot because it feels like a dream. When people ask me how I’m doing, I always say I’m living the dream, and that’s the truth”.
While Chris tones down his Limerick accent for the international audience, he remains proud of his roots and the strong music scene he comes from.
“I’ve been asked to tone it down because I’m from Thomondgate and there’s a kind of flavour to that, that a lot of the international audience doesn’t understand, but I want to help them understand”.
“It’s about 50-50. Yes, it’s a kids’ television programme and I’m trying to be kid-friendly, but I’m also trying to represent who I am and where I come from and that history, that passion, that character of who I am, mixed with a fictitious character”.
While he uses an American-friendly tone on camera, he says the “Limerick side” comes out as soon as the camera is turned off.
Chris is now preparing to go on a major American tour. The live show will see ‘Cool Chris’ take to the stage to perform for thousands of families who have grown up with his songs online.