Meet Ireland | Local gigging Singer-Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ireland and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ireland, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“I don’t chase, I attract. What belongs to me, simply finds me.” It’s an affirmation I used for a while, that I would say every day to myself. I’m a firm believer that you can manifest good things and manifest what you want. When you send out good vibes and good juju into the world, you’re more prone to receive the same. I think you need to be your biggest believer and have confidence in yourself in order to bring success. A lot of people don’t believe in manifestation and affirmations, and to each your own, but for me, I believe in the power of speaking things into existence. If you believe in yourself and believe you will do something, you are more likely to make it happen.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a Singer-Songwriter who gigs all over the DFW metroplex. I started at age 13 and have been working hard every day since! Over the years I’ve been given so many opportunities by so many people, some which have been life changing and fun, and others that really took a toll on my heart and soul. I’m proud to say, every year I play around 100 gigs in the DFW area! I’ve also recently released a new single called “High” and am stoked to be releasing even more new music this year! It’s taken a lot of hard work, time, and failure to get to where I am. I’ve played empty rooms, I’ve been let down and criticized, have been told I wasn’t good enough or wasn’t unique enough, and have been bullied throughout my entire career. All of that though, no matter how hard it is to hear, has only pushed me more. My dad think it’s funny and amazing that I use what people say against me to become better and work harder. I once had an older gentleman tell me after a gig, that I had quite an expensive guitar for not being able to actually play it well. So over the next year I worked my butt off and truly honed in on my craft, so by the next time he saw me he was so blown away with my guitar playing and showered me with compliments. It’s hard not to let the criticism and harsh words get you down, but if you let all the bad things people say and do to you get you down, how’re you ever going to get up and get better. I’ve found that the best come backs are silent, show off your skills and show them you work harder, there’s no need to stoop to their level. Being a young female in this industry can be hard, I’m usually one of the only, if not only, females to gig at most of the places I play. It’s been really eye opening for me to see all the extra work that I have to put in compared to some of my male counterparts. I’ve come such a long way from where I started, and I’m excited for the long journey ahead of me. I’m proud to write music from my experiences, and others experiences for myself and others. Music is something everyone listens to, and I find it so fascinating how differently music affects people. I want people, especially young people, to feel heard, feel like they aren’t alone, and feel like thing will be okay. It’s a scary world we live in, so feeling like you’re not alone makes it easier to face.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Deep Ellum is one of my favorite areas in Dallas.. There’s an amazing music scene, and great places to grab a bite to eat. I love catching shows at Club Dada and The Twilite Lounge, and seeing some of my favorite touring bands at the Bomb factory! I also love attending and playing the Deep Ellum Arts Festival every year! One of my favorite tattoo studios is also around the area, “Lilac tattoo Studio”. The owner, Dominique Ransom, has done a handful of my tattoos and has an amazing all-female team that works with her. I also am a huge coffee addict! I actually work at a Coffee Shop In Grapevine, called Buon Giorno Coffee. So when I’m not there, I love to stop by Merit Coffee, and then run next door to Jade & Clover for some cute knick knacks! I also adore going to Fiction coffee, especially around the Holiday season. Some fo my favorite bites in the area would include, Oni ramen, revolver taco, and even Ebb & Flow for a fun nighttime snack! There’s always a lot of fun little hidden gems in the Dallas area, and sometimes you just have to walk around and find them 🙂

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Being a female in the music industry is hard enough, but starting at the age of 13 was even harder. Along the way I had mentors, and loved ones who really kept me going! So shoutout to Darwin Prophet, Brek Lancaster, and Kelly Himes, for being such amazing mentors at different points in my life. Also big shoutout to my mom and dad who have always supported me, whether it come to music or other things in life. They have always showed me love, compassion, forgiveness and support! Somehow, they still come to a majority of my gigs and aren’t tired of me yet, hahaha!

Website: https://www.irelandsinger.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ireland.singer/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/irelandsinger

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ireland.singer/?ref=hl

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCboJKM3grOMkx8oMUJb2_bg/featured

Image Credits
Eric Bevill, Waffles Weekly, and Cathy Neth