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 Mike Ireland |  |
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Vocalist and Bass Guitarist, Mike Ireland, may be a strong proponent of country music, but that was not always the case. Raised in Missouri, Ireland grew up with a dislike for country music - he did not think it was cool. But that was later to change. Ireland was eventually converted to country music when he listened to a George Jones record. For eight years, Ireland attended the University of Missouri - Columbia studying music education. He achieved undergraduate and graduate degrees in the subject. During this time Ireland played in a band, but the band broke up and Ireland went back home to Kansas City to live, get a job and get married. It was at his wedding reception that his interest in music involvement was renewed - Ireland gave an impromptu performance with two of his former band members. This led to the formation of the group, `The Starkweathers’. `The Starkweathers’, a country music quartet, were named after the U.S.A.’s most infamous spree killers and, appropriately, the group wrote and sang songs of a sombre nature. The band consisted of Rich Smith - lead vocals, Mike Ireland - bass guitar and harmony vocals, Michael Lemon - lead guitar, and Paul Lemon - drums. The band was very popular in the Midwest, playing many nightclubs and bars, and becoming a cult band in some areas. The band was styled `alternative country’ and band members Mike Ireland and Richard Smith wrote the material they performed. The group eventually released a 5 track EP in 1994. The EP was heard by the CEO of Seattle record company, Sub Pop, Jonathon Poneman. Sub Pop had a number of big acts signed at the time, including `Nirvana’. Poneman attended a Starkweather’s concert in Lawrence, Kansas to check out the group. He didn’t like the show much but he did like the band; and he was particularly taken with Mike Ireland’s vocals. The band cut a single at Sub Pop and Mike Ireland even left his job so he could devote all his time to `The Starkweathers’. However, the very next year, the band disbanded following a falling out between Mike Ireland and Richard Smith. Associated problems also resulted in Ireland’s marriage breaking down. These events shattered Mike Ireland. He began writing songs of a sombre nature, initially in `The Starkweathers’ country rock style, but Ireland’s preference was developing into the `Countrypolitan’ style of the 1960’s. Ireland took to songs about heartbreak and loss - dealing with breakups and the aftermath of lost love. Having already taken a liking to Mike Ireland’s vocals Sup Pop CEO, Jonathon Poneman, wanted to continue the relationship and signed Ireland as a solo artist. Ireland, however, encouraged former Starkweather’s members, Michael and Paul Lemon, to join him. Dan Mesh was also taken on board as the new rhythm guitarist. The band, `Holler’, was now formed. It comprised: Mike Ireland - vocals, bass guitar, glockenspeilIreland continued to write songs, looking for material that was acceptable to Poneman. More and more, Ireland began to perceive background strings as a preferential buttress to much of his material. Essential Countrypolitan was the result, and Ireland loved it; so did Sub Pop. `Holler’ recorded many of Ireland’s post break up songs on their debut album `Learning How To Live’. A number of tracks on the album are testament to Ireland’s (and Holler’s) preference for the Countrypolitan style of country music. Arranged by Jerry Yester, the album embraces the string-support style of Billy Sherrill, who enhanced the record sound for artists such as Charlie Rich, Tammy Wynette and George Jones in the 1970’s. Tracks comprise: 1. House of SecretsSo, Ireland was back on the road with his band, Holler. The band’s repetoire included considerable countrypolitan offerrings. Hits of the 70’s: `Banks of the Ohio’ and `Harper Valley PTA’ were frequent inclusions. Ireland desires to bring traditional country music to radio (once again) and is quite satisfied making music for an older audience. Ireland’s agony from his pre-Holler days blossomed to success and satisfaction, to the point where he was invited to perform on the Grand Ole Opry. Why, he even found a new love. Life has certainly taken a turn for the better for Mike Ireland. He is now to the fore in the new breed of Countrypolitan artists. Written by Michael D'Arcy for Countrypolitan.com, February 2001. |
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