INTERVIEW: Irene Greene — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Irene Greene

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WITH a debut single out there…

I have been speaking with Irene Greene about the amazing Platinum Baby. The American songwriter discusses new artists to look out for and some albums that mean a lot to her; whether there is going to be any material coming a bit later in the year – she reveals whether there are plans to come and play in the U.K.

I ask Greene which musicians she idolises and what she has planned for the rest of the year; what gigs she has coming up; if she gets time to unwind away from her music career – the songwriter ends the interview by selecting an awesome song.

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Hi, Irene. How are you? How has your week been?

Just had an amazing cup of Joe, so life is good.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

I’m Irene Greene and my hobbies include eating lots of pasta and feeling sorry for myself!

Platinum Baby is your debut single. Can you talk about the background of the song?

Platinum Baby is an ode to my partner - who is way too good for me. I wanted to explore and underline how love tends to be that line between admiration and obsession.

I hear a lot of greats and legendary songwriters in your tones. Which artists did you idolise and follow growing up? Do you have quite eclectic tastes?

I would say my favorites include David Bowie, Fiona Apple; Ella Fitzgerald, Kate Bush and Marilyn Monroe.

You were born in Philadelphia. What is the area like in terms of music? Is it quite a vibrant and appealing area for music?

To tell you the truth; I grew up in this small town called Berwyn, PA (I was once asked if I lived in the state of Philadelphia so wanted to make it easier) but I played a lot around Philly growing up. In Philly, they have great Punk and Jazz scenes, respectively (although, Punk-Jazz sounds awful and great), so I sort of teetered somewhere in the middle of those. Berwyn has choir, which I was in for four years, thank you very much.

Is there going to be more material coming later in the year?

I have a spooky, 1960s-inspired music video for Platinum Baby dropping later this month and a full E.P. to come in the fall.

Do you have any gigs lined up? Where are you heading?

I currently have no gigs lined up; working on the E.P. for this summer.

Will we see you in the U.K. at all? Have you played over here before?

It would be a dream come true to play in the U.K. I have never played in the U.K. but you can bet your butt I’ll try my darnedest to play there!

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

In 2018, I hope to work on loving myself and writing a sh*t-ton of music.

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

A moment from music that has stuck in my mind was the first time I performed solo in my high-school auditorium in front of the whole school. I sang and played Rhiannon by Fleetwood Mac and I remember everyone being so supportive and loving, even though I missed some of the chords. My heart was very full that night.

If you could select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?

My three desert island albums include Tidal by Fiona Apple, Summerteeth by Wilco and From a Basement on the Hill by Elliott Smith. All of them are robust, beautiful masterpieces from start to finish and, if you haven’t listened to them, do it now.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

For a new artist coming through; I would say make sure you are practicing and writing every single day, remembering to eat, and staying authentic. Don’t write something because you think it will be a hit: write it because you want to.

IN THIS PHOTO: Mason Summit

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

For a new artist, I would recommend checking out Mason Summit, BAUM; Rett Madison, NoSo; Jensen McRae and Common Ground - because they are all amazing and talented people.