Meet Mark Irwin | Songwriter

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

Hi Mark, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
Back in 1987 after spending a few years playing in cover bands around NY and NJ, deciding that if I wanted to have a career in country music, Nashville was the place I had to be.
Leaving my family and the only place I ever called home was a pretty difficult decision. Moving to the South from the NY/NJ area was like moving to Mars. I felt pretty alien down here for a while, but now I think I can say I’ve assimilated pretty nicely…after 35 years.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I pretty much focus on country music. I lean more towards the traditional side of country, but I pride myself on being versatile. Meaning if I’m set up to write with another writer or artist whose writing comes from a more contemporary place, I can work with em and help achieve what they’re striving for. I think has helped me over the years. As a songwriter who is hoping to get cuts here in town, I think being flexible is important.

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.
Well…first off, The Bluebird Cafe and the Listening Room are two of the best music clubs in the country. You’re always gonna see a top tier show at either of those places. But also Dee’s out in Madison is a fun place to drink a couple of beers and hear some great new talent.
The Ryman is always a special place to be as well…
As far as restaurants, I don’t eat out too much but any visitor would has to sample some Nashville Hot Chicken. (I like Prince’s personally) or some great down home cooking at the Loveless Cafe. Deg Thai is one the best Asian places I’ve ever eaten at as well.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have had many champions over the years. Folks who believed in me and helped me achieve my goals.
Both my reps at ASCAP ‘back in the day’, Pat Rolfe and Ralph Murphy in particular, and the folks at the Nashville Songwriters Association International really helped me navigate Music Row. Ralph and Pat got me in touch with a few publishers and other songwriters I should reach out to, and NSAI steered me to the Bluebird Cafe…which ended up being a huge part of my story.
Over the years I’ve been lucky to find publishers who believed in me enough to sign me and help me focus on my development as a songwriter. There are plenty of people I can mention but a few standouts are Robin Palmer, Barry Coburn, Jewel Coburn, Elizabeth Brahan Wright and Missi Gallimore.
Someone else I need to mention is Josh Kear…a steady cowriter for years and dear friend whose talent, work ethic, kindness and ambition has been a constant inspiration to me.

Instagram: markirwin62

Facebook: https://facebook.com/mark.irwin1428

Other: My CD Mark Irwin/Never Gets Old is up on all music streaming platforms including Apple Music and Spotify. About to start recording my second CD.