It’s Time To Know More About POPPYIRIS

Poppyiris is a Country duet performing timeless romantic love songs. Recording artists MIKE LUSK and DEEDEE O’MALLEY are a perfectly matched dynamic duo with a delicious blend of soulful harmony.

Q:When you decide it’s time to make a new record, is that more exciting or stressful? 

Ans:The most exciting thing in the world.   It’s like a Christmas that never ends.  

Q:  How do you shut things out?

Ans: We are always doing what  we’re doing while we’re doing it!

Q: How easily do songs tend to come to you

Ans : Somedays it’s like breathing and some days when there isn’t a big inspiration, you gotta search your soul for something that is real to you.  A lot of people can write but not a lot of people can tell the truth and that’s what people want to hear in a song. 

Q: What’s your motto or the advice you live by?

Ans: Create create create and then create some more

Q: What is your favorite song to belt out at the bar/in the car?

Ans: Long Live the Night  by Reklaws

Q: For our readers who have never heard your music, explain your sound in 5 words?

Ans:  Upbeat, fun, romantic, timeless and catchy

Q: You write all of your own music; where do you draw inspiration from when you write songs and what’s your favorite part about the proccess?

ANS: We are inspired by the kind of love that lasts.  Relationships where two people are willing to go through anything together and come out the other side stronger.  Hey, maybe that’s our next song! Lol!

Q:Who are your inspirations?

Ans: Lady Antebellum, James Taylor, Dan Fogelberg and Brett Elderidge

Q: If you could perform with anyone, in the future, who would it have to be?

Ans: Rebe McEntire

Q:What is your favorite song to sing live?

Ans:WHY THE HELL KNOT!

Q: Do you have any events coming up or recording going on right now?

Ans:  Yes, we are constantly recording.  It is a never ending adventure.  We have several concerts and video shoots scheduled in Nashville and Los Angeles this year.  TBA

Q:Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to sing as a career or just advice about careers in general?

Ans :Keep your eyes wide open and hang out with people who build you up.  The minute you start questioning yourself, you know you are around the wrong peeps.   If you feel better when your are around someone, then they should be part of your tribe!

Q: If you had a soundtrack to your life what song/songs would have to be on it?

Ans :    I’m Still Standing (Elton John), This is it (Kenny Logins), The Gambler (Dan Fogelberg,  King of Pain (The Police), Waiting For Johnny Depp the musical,  What doesn’t Kill you Makes you Stronger (Kelly Clarkson)  1000 Years (Christina Perri)

Q:How does the conversation go when someone pitches the performance to you?

Ans:   Can you play this gig? Our question: Is it a first annual. Answer: Yes.  Our answer: No Thanks If their Answer is No,  then,  our answer is: call our manager and give him the details!

Q:When and why did you start playing?

ANS:Music is in our soul.   It’s a huge part of who we are

Q:  Which instruments do you play?

Ans: Deedee (Guitar, piano, mandolin) Mike (Bass, guitar)

Q:  Which famous musicians have you learned from?

Ans:  Michael Jackson.  His work ethic was the best.   Always on time, always professional.  No drinking and no drugs

Q:  What are your fondest musical memories? In your house? In your neighborhood or town?

Ans:  Opening for Glen Campbell.   Deedee:  when I bought my outfit, I was in the fitting room of Forever 21 and I heard, “Rhinestone Cowboy” on the speakers in the store.  That was surreal!!!   Another highlight was opening for Santana.  Mike:  laughing backstage with Loretta Lynn

Q:  Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones?

Ans:  Billy Joel, The Beatles, Kenny Rankin, Dan Fogelberg and The Police

Q:  Who are your favorite musicians? Groups? CD’s?

Ans:  Billy Joel, The Beatles, John Mayor, Miranda Lambert, Brett Elderidge

Q: Have you been in competitions? Fleadh’s? Any prizes?

Los Angeles Music award’s Singer/Songwriter of the Year and The Tasmanizn Independent Country Music Awards.   We have some great plaques on the wall.  Won the 98.7 Lilith Fair award and got a free website and tickets to Lilith!

Q:  Do you perform in public? Describe those occasions? Concerts, radio, TV?

Ans:  We play the Mockingbird theatre in Franklin, Kulaks Woodshed in Los Angeles and other privalte parties.  We want to open for a major country act like Reba, Rascal Flatts or Brett Elderide on the road!

Q:  Do you play for dances? Step-dancers? Describe the differences.

Ans: We have a song called WITH A DANCE that is perfect for line dancing.  We love when our audience gets up and dances!

Q:  How do you handle mistakes during a performance?

Ans:  Ride over them.  Never call attention to anything.  The audience does not know and they will only know if you say something stupid like, “I’m sorry”

Q:  Do you get nervous before a performance or a competition?

Ans:  If it means a lot to us.  Staying focused on the material and the message of the music keeps the stage fright from creeping in.  

Q:  What advice would you give to beginners who are nervous?

Ans:  Writers get good at writing by writing.  Just write write write and then 

Write some more!!!  Your first songs might suck but eventually they’ll be a great one and then another great one!  JUST WRITE!!!!!

Q:  Do you attend sessions? What makes a good session?

Ans:  When everyone is having fun and understands the meaning behind a song,  it just clicks!

Q:  How often and for how long do you practice?

Ans:  When it comes to vocalizing, in the morning or if there’s no time, in the car on the way to a gig or session

Q: What do you practice – exercises, new tunes, hard tunes, etc.?

Ans: Vocalizing and writing a lot.  You get great these things when you do ithem everyday!!

Q: Do you teach music?

Ans: DeedeeYes, I have taught songwriting Bootcamps all over the world and  I have an interactive manual called, “10 Easy Steps to Writing a Song” where you actually write three songs before finishing the book.  Here’s a link to the e-book if you want to check it out! http://deedeemusic.com/10-easy-steps-to-writing-a-song-e-book/

Q:  How do you balance your music with other obligations – mate, children, job?

Ans:  We have become experts at creating time.  If you wanna get something done,  give it to a busy man or band!