Performing solo or with his band around the local area and beyond, Phil Ireland is a well-known vocalist and guitarist in the North West. He is also an award-winning bass guitarist.
Phil’s enthusiasm for music is evident in every performance, as he effortlessly captivates listeners with his beautiful vocals and amazing guitar talents. Whether he’s roaring out his own original songs or putting his own touch on popular versions, Phil never fails to leave an impression on anybody who hears him perform.
But what distinguishes Phil from the rest? Not only does he have great talent, but he can also connect with his audience on a deeper level. His music is more than just entertainment; it’s about creating a shared experience that draws people together in a moment of pure musical beauty.
From large to small festivals, arenas, venues, ale houses, weddings, birthday celebrations, and business gatherings, he has performed everywhere. With a vast repertory of catchy pop/indie/soul originals and covers, he never fails to get the audience singing.
Having been a songwriter for the most of his life, Phil naturally continued to write songs and perform them at his cover shows, which have now developed into a distinct musical genre under his own.
In addition to two CD releases of the same material, his former band, “Breaking Waves,” has two complete studio albums and an EP that are available to listen to on all digital music platforms. They have also made multiple national tours to promote their work, including those in North America and Europe.
When Phil first entered the solo singing scene in 2016, he largely performed covers. He still has a large repertoire of covers, but he also started developing songs around that time and began playing more original songs at shows.
Most people, musicians most of all, came to a standstill in 2020, therefore he used that opportunity to record his debut album and the other songs he had written during that trying period. That album is called ‘Ruling Days’
When did you start writing music?
I started writing music as soon as I got my first Bass guitar at fourteen, without sounding dramatic it was like something awoke in me, but the songs did get better as I started to understand music & my instrument more.
Years later I realized that, in a way, I had started writing songs earlier because I used to write poetry in primary and high school and really that was the start of my soul searching and putting my feelings out in the world.
What is your creative process like?
I’ve found that I can write songs at any time, but I tend to get my best songs (the songs I put out in the world) when I’m on an upper or a downer.
As I say, I can actually force myself to write songs because I’ve been doing it for so many years now but those tunes never come out as well.
My best music seems to be when my head & heart are in the same place & always come at the most inconvenient times. Like at 3am in the morning, so I need to quietly sing into my dictaphone or when I’m playing my guitar or bass I’ll come up with an idea and I need to be going out somewhere, it always makes me late!
What’s the best show you’ve ever played?
I have a few that spring to mind, but the one that always sticks out is Shepherd’s Bush Empire. That gig was the last night of Exit State’s UK tour supporting Michael Schenker, and within the first song the crowd were on our side. It’s a stunning venue to play anyway, and the live sound was great that night. We got mobbed coming off stage which was a bizarre experience, so needless to say we definitely ended that tour on a high.
What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened at one of your shows?
There have been quite a few moments, especially from the Exit State days, although my favourite moment over recent years was at Trillians in Newcastle. I was with my two piece duo Breaking Waves and that night we were playing to a packed out crowd of rockers and uni students, but there was also a big hen do in the venue. Near the end of the set I invited the bride to be on stage, but her and all her hens invaded the stage with shots. We just kicked off the encore anyway (Led Zeppelins ‘Rock and Roll’) with all of them dancing around us, feeding me and the drummer shots of god knows what, it was carnage! Everyone seemed to love the vibe though, and it was a great end to the gig.
I ended up playing her wedding about a year later too, ha ha.
Where was your current project recorded?
The latest single Coming Alive and the last album and single were recorded at Holm studio near Bradford and Leeds. Rob Hobson, the engineer and producer, is a complete wizard and has knocked Coming Alive out of the park production wise.
Are you planning any videos for your music?
I have a big back catalogue of music videos I’ve been involved with over the years, so the answer is a definite yes!
I’ve just released a new video for my latest single, Coming Alive. I’ve also spent a lot of money on videos in the past & I’m sure I will again at some point, but the latest video was shot in the studio whilst recording Coming Alive. Other than it taking time to edit, it’s been a cheaper process this time around and still looks the part.
If you were to write an autobiography, what would the title be?
Phil Ireland: The artist who fell down the back of the couch!
What’s your least favourite personality trait, you like about yourself?
How obsessive I can become over my music and music in general. I’m a lot better at acknowledging the signs that I’m falling in to that trap these days, but I sometimes have to remind myself that the listener/fan of the song is the most important part of why I do what I do and they won’t be bothered about an extra lyric or an extra guitar run that I’m obsessing over. Perfection is rarely achieved, and perfection is boring.
What do you think the greatest invention has been?
The electric bass guitar, so I don’t have to lug around a huge double bass to venues all the time!
What historical figure would you love to see in 21st century life?
This is an out there one, but I would say Sigmund Freud. I think he would be equally fascinated and equally disgusted with how people act online these days.
It would be interesting to hear his views on the way the world is heading & why some people are willing to sell their souls online for views and fame.
It would be interesting to hear his views in an interview, can you imagine the revelations.
Are you an asset on a Pub Quiz team?
My wife and friends say I’m always the best person to take to a quiz, although I’ll always need someone there for the sports questions, I’m crap at sports knowledge and always fall flat at them.
Music, pop culture, films, history, science, geography count me in but sports (especially football) I’d need to phone a friend.
