Meet Cathleen Ireland

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Cathleen Ireland. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Cathleen, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

I’m definitely a silver linings kind of person. Always looking on the bright side, the glass is half full. It’s a part of who I am for sure but it’s also a choice for me. Optimism is a choice. As a child, my mom said I was always singing and dancing or skipping down the street. I typically have kind of an upbeat vibe or energy. But when I am feeling challenged by the music business or otherwise, I have found the path that works for me is the path of least resistance which means I try to focus on a dilemma and remove myself from areas that are causing undue pain and heartache. There’s always another pathway that can get you where you’re trying to go. You’ve got to trust the journey.

I get a surge of positive energy from sunshine and the great outdoors which is why I love to write songs while walking in the woods or along the beach, communing with nature and immersing myself in the universe. Nature is a great healer. Long hikes in the woods are my therapy. Whenever I’m feeling down or stressed I can find calm in the green of the forest, the songs of birds, dirt or grass under my feet or in the presence of bodies of water, be it a lake, a river, the ocean or even next to a creek or a pond. I allow the calm of the outdoors to soak into my being and it allows me to breathe more fully and I feel the tension melt away.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I’m thrilled to announce that I have a new album called “IN THE CITY” coming out at the end of June. I’ve been working with my favorite producers (Ryan M. Tedder and Sean McDonald out of Pittsburgh) to create some fun, happy tunes as well as a few more introspective pieces. I also was able to work with my friend and band mate, Frank DiDiano, for the first time, writing a sexy tune called “STRATEGIC”. Frank acted as producer on that one. It was a lot of fun working together and I hope to continue doing so in the future.

I want to get the word out that creative juices flow at any age. As I’m about to turn 60 this year, I’m feeling that “IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO BE AN UP AND COMER” (also a tune off the album). I’ve been performing in cover bands since 1984 but also always writing on the side but never giving that outlet the attention it deserved. There was always a real job, a family life, a working band, and so much more that soaked up my energy and attention. I’m finally at a place financially where I can splurge on my passion and I am more available at this stage of my life to put the time in. It’s been so rewarding to create with professionals that can inspire me to create my best work and that can expand upon my vision and make it a reality.

I’m still making time for philanthropic endeavors, and I don’t see myself ever giving that up. My husband and I are able to host charitable events at our home for local causes that are near and dear to our hearts such as the YMCA of Indiana County of which I’m a board member and the Indiana County Recovery Center.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

One hundred percent for certain, a positive attitude is the most important quality one can possess in this business or any business for that matter and as a general rule for a happy life. I have always been a silver linings kind of person. I don’t really know why but it is just a big part of who I am, and it has served me well these past 59 years. Of course, I get down sometimes and I’ve dealt with disappointment, but I really make a concerted effort to find the good in all of it. I went through a period in my mid-twenties where I soaked up all the self-help material I could take in and “DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF and IT’S ALL SMALL STUFF” by Richard Carlson, really stayed with me. It’s great advice for anyone.

I also recommend being goal oriented or as Stephen R. Covey put it, “begin with the end in mind”. It took me a while to start practicing this one but it’s extremely important to success of any type. You can’t map out your trip until you know where you want to go. You will waste a lot of time if you don’t know where you’re headed and if you don’t take control of that you will be led by others on their journeys to where they want to go. You might help others along the way and that’s not a bad thing (says the silver lining), but you won’t help yourself as much as you could with a defined goal.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

Because of my age I can say without a doubt that social media is the biggest challenge I’m currently facing and have been for a while. It is not an area where I’m comfortable at all. Posting about gigs is fine but any more than that is terrifying to me. How do you balance content about yourself without sounding braggadocious? How do you come up with different ideas every day and stay engaging? However, it’s simply impossible to get your material heard without it. Playlisting will achieve minimal effect, but that constant barrage of short form content can gain viral results. I am currently researching hiring a media manager though I really hate paying for something I could potentially do myself. I’d much rather put that money into studio time and the production of my songs. I’m still attempting to figure this one out, but I know without this piece of the puzzle I just call my music project a hobby I do solely for self-gratification.

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Jamie Steetle

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