Mark Irons, submitted photo.

At Java City, we always try to feature musicians and artists for the Southern Kentucky region because of the rich fertile ground for music in this area and the talent it produces.  An email recommendation came in last fall about a new singer-songwriter on the horizon named Mark Irons.  I went to his MySpace page and liked what I heard.  Mark’s style is pleasant without being saccharine, introspective without being self-indulgent and intelligent without being esoteric.  I booked him for the noontime concert series and he drew a really nice crowd.  

Mark thanks for chatting with us.  Can you tell us a bit about your personal and musical history?

Mark:  I was born in Mississippi and then my family spent a little time in Tennessee before we moved to Bowling Green, KY. I’ve lived in Bowling Green for the majority of my life besides spending 2 years attending Berea College in Berea, KY. I finished up my college education at WKU and graduated in December 2009. I got started in music when I was about 9 years old. My mom suggested that I do something besides sports, I grew up playing basketball and baseball, and she got me taking guitar lessons. I have been playing guitar since then. I picked up keyboard at Berea, I took an introductory piano class. I’ve really been making up my own music since I was about 13.

How did you get started?

Mark:  Well I got started in music with the guitar lessons. Soon after I picked up guitar, my friends and I formed a band. We called ourselves Temple, I have no idea why. I actually played bass guitar, we were unique, we had two bassist. I was essentially the backup bass player. We played in my friends garage and had a few concerts for family members. After Temple, I started to create my own songs. Over the years since Temple I was in a few other bands. These bands were essentially the same members of Temple, plus or minus a couple people. I have been a solo musician for the last few years.

Who influenced you as musicians? Anybody local?

Mark:  When I was younger I started to listen to one of my mom’s CDs: Simon and Garfunkel’s Concert in Central Park. I wouldn’t compare my sound now to Simon and Garfunkel, but I think their music influenced me and I still enjoy it today. Another artist who I have enjoyed over the years is David Bazan. Again, I can’t say I sound like him but I think he’s a great storyteller and has colorful lyrics. I’d say he’s influenced me as well.

How do you define your sound?

Mark:  That’s a good question. I don’t think I even know. It seems like my music has been evolving. Before I got into keyboard, my music was mainly acoustic guitar, somewhat slower, laidback music I guess. My Yamaha keyboard has now become like an additional band member. I’ll create background keys, beats, bass, and I think it has added another layer to my sound. My newest recordings, which will be on a Demo EP, have a acoustic/electro-pop sound. Hopefully my sound is fun for the listener. I like to create memorable or catchy songs with lyrical or musical hooks that hopefully stay with the listener.

Do you write your own music? If so, where to you get the ideas for your songs?

Mark:  I write all my music. The ideas can come from anywhere. Experiences in my own life influence me. These can be centered around other people or involving particular times, places, or events. Sometimes I’ll just create a story, which may only be loosely inspired by something in my own life. The subject matter in my songs seems to be light-hearted, but it just varies. As a Christian I might have lyrics influenced by God or faith. The ideas come from all over, I just hope to keep it interesting to the listener.

What is your favorite sort of gig? Any good “gig stories?”

Mark:  I don’t have a particular favorite sort of gig. I’ll play my music wherever and whenever I can. One funny gig story that comes to mind occurred at Froggys in Bowling Green. I played to a crowd that was mainly looking for country cover songs. I was playing my own songs and I kept hearing chants like, “Don’t you know Rocky Top!?”

Where do you want go with your music?

Mark:  I want to go wherever my music will take me. I would love to see just how far I can take it.

I see on your myspace page that you a planning for a CD? How is that going?

Mark:  It’s going good. I’m recording a 6 song, sort of Demo EP. I’m excited about this EP because it really represents the sound I think I’m going for. The EP will be available for purchase at a very cheap price. I am currently setting up show dates and will be performing my music throughout the summer in Kentucky and surrounding states.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Mark:  My music pages can be found on Facebook and Myspace. I hope to soon have my songs up on itunes. Get excited, Mark Irons t-shirts will be available soon!!

About the author: Jack Montgomery is a librarian, author and associate professor at Western Kentucky University where he handles bookings for musical acts in University Libraries, Java City coffeehouse. Jack has also been a professional musician since 1969 and performs with a celtic quartet called Watersprite. Visit him at MySpace/shadowdancerjack or on Facebook.