Our Interview with MICKEY HARTE
Popular singer songwriter Mickey Harte is never very far from our radios or tv screens. Having spent many years on the music circuit in Ireland, Mickey exploded onto the popular music scene in the early naughties, with platinum selling singles and his debut album spending three weeks at the number one slot. The Donegal born artist became much loved across the entire country and received a whole host of new fans. Mickey spent the next few years touring Ireland and playing abroad, everywhere from Cannes to the US. Drawing on that independent Donegal spirit of his, Mickey later went on to create his own music label, Swerve Music Ltd. Under this label, Mickey continues to make records and indeed plays regular gigs all over Ireland. In fact, Mickey and his band are playing a fab residency gig at the Russel Court Hotel (Krystle), Harcourt Street Dublin every Tuesday night at 9pm so if you are in the area you should pop in and catch Mickey and his band doing what they do best.
Q: You have an innate love of - and talent for - music and song-writing, but when did this passion first become obvious to you?
A: I think it was something I always had a great love of and it was instilled and encouraged by my parents from an early age.. I'd sing at any family occasion and weddings, etc.. I picked up the guitar from my Big Bro Jim and a few cousins,, John harkin being one for sure.. and from the moment I could string 3 chords together (pardon the pun) i naturally started to write words and melodies of my own.. so early teens I guess was when it started to happen for me .. along with football(soccer) and oh yeah, girls too!!
Q: Who were your biggest influences musically?
A. My biggest influence by far was My brother Jim.. he still is.. followed closely by songwriters such as.. John Hiatt, Paul Brady, Van the man, and the songs and tunes of Queen, Lizzy , AC/DC, U2 , The Police and Glen miller.. weird mix i guess but thats what I was hearing in the house and beyond.
Q: What has been the highlight of your career so far?
A: Oh I've had some good ones in the last few years... I guess working with other songwriters is always a kick.. I wrote some songs in L.A. with a guy called Jack Tempchin.. he's the coolest, nicest guy in the world.. his writing credits, include "peaceful easy feeling" recorded by the eagles.. this was our party piece as a 3 piece vocal performance - me, my sis and bro for party's and the likes when we where growing up.. and then in recent years to get to meet, work, gig and generally hang out with the guy who wrote it was cool in my book.. and he included one of our co-writes on his last album a song called "all the love you can give" so it maybe a small thing in some respects but massive in my book.
Q: Aspirations for the future?
A. Another album sooon.. thats where my head is at Mo.. so im working on alot of new songs ideas at Mo.. thats as far ahead as I look to be honest.. every day is a bonus as they say ...!
Q: A day in the life of a musician must be very varied – have you got any ‘staples’ in your daily routine that you always do, no matter where you are?
A: Ya Berroca and sulpadine together in a glass make every day ok again..Ha.. No seriously thats just a hangover cure... so I've been told. I generally get to the gig early as possible esp if its a long way.. and do sound check.. decide on setlist...kinda.. and then put head down for an hour.. get up, shower.. warm up .. kinda.. and gig.. the little hour kip fools your body into thinking its time to be active again.. try it.. cat naps are the new Black.!!
Q: Do you enjoy being in the public eye?
A. im not pushed either way, I can take it or leave it.. its not that big of a deal anymore.. just par for the course sometimes.. and sometimes its really flattering when someone asks for a pic or autograph.. etc. Far from that I was reared, as they say up here! But maybe I'd be more annoyed if they stopped asking.. so I wont knock it.. I feel very privileged sometimes to be in that position..
Q: In terms of being in the public eye, what advice would you give to young and upcoming musicians in Ireland today?
A. That's such a tough question. The industry is changing everyday. Be aware of all the many changes that are happening in Internet terms. It has been so difficult to see where the dust is gonna settle. But in general, you cant beat experience, so, get as many opportunities as possible to perform in front of a live audience. That will really help to sharpen your act, and more importantly you'll know if this is the business you wanna be in.. its not for everyone.. but I love almost every minute of it. But its no bed of roses and for every yes you get, you'll probably get get 10 No's.
At this stage i'd like to remind you of a joke that sums it all up... "What's the difference between a Pizza and a musician? A pizza can easily feed a family of 4!"
Q: In the world of music, image plays a rather vital role. How much emphasis do you place on your image?
A. Image is not everything, but it is important for sure. I'd like to think I've gotten better at it, although sometimes i wonder. But I think if you have any doubt as to how important it is, just do a little research on U2 and how they have kept it always looking fresh, new and cool.. simple really when you know how.. and have some good advice to hand!
Q: Where do you like to shop?
A: ahhh.. jeees....sports question please! If I say Top Man il be crucified.. but Its cool and you can change a whole wardrobe for couple of hundred quid... ha.. I do like BT2, and zara too though..
Q: Finally, if you could have anything you wanted - what one thing would be top of your wish list right now?
A: Anything I wanted? That's easy... I'd really like another day or two with my Dad!! I hope he's happy up there..and I hope we get the chance to talk again.. I have alot o stuff to say at this stage.. he was a man of few words but good ones if you get my drift. Miss the old man.
Catch Mickey Harte Tuesday nights at 9pm in the Russel Court Hotel, Harcourt Street Dublin - (Krystle)
www.mickeyharte.com
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