Home Culture Interview: Mikalene Ipson discusses country music in Southern Utah

Interview: Mikalene Ipson discusses country music in Southern Utah

June 25, 2016

I recently had the opportunity to get to know one of the few musicians who call St. George home. Mikalene Ipson is a country singer/songwriter who has won multiple singing competitions and worked as a demo singer in Nashville for hit songwriter Don Goodman. I visited Mikalane to ask her a few questions about herself and her career.

Arlene Trani: First of all, what is the correct pronunciation of your name?

Mikalene Ipson: It’s pronounced My-KA-lean. Yeah, a lot of people have trouble with it.

AT: How long have you lived in St. George?

MI: We moved when I was a sophomore in high school in 1999, so I’ve been here … what … about 15 years? We lived all over northern Utah before coming here.

AT: What made you want to be a singer?

All photos courtesy of Mikalene Ipson, used with permission

MI: It was something I always loved, something I was passionate about. I guess it was something I was born to do!

AT: Who were your main influences in music?

MI: Reba McEntire, she’s my number one influence. My mom took me to a concert, and as soon as I saw her perform and the way she made me feel, that made me want to be a singer and made me want to do what she does. It makes people feel good, it makes people feel amazing things.

AT: So how long have you been singing?

MI: Professionally, I’ve been singing since I was 13 years old. Well, singing since I came out of the womb really. When I was 13, LeeAnn Rimes came out, and she was the same age as me, and I just thought, “If she can do it, I can do it!”

AT: How hard is it to stick to a career like this?

MI: It depends on what you’re doing it for. I think that if you’re just doing music for money, it’s very difficult because, you know, you can’t make a living as a musician, especially in a small town. But if you’re doing it because you love it, then there’s no limit!

AT: As a wife, mother, and a homemaker, do you feel you are neglecting your family to pursue your dreams?

MI: There have been times that I have felt that way, but luckily for me, I have a very supportive husband, and if I didn’t have him, then I probably wouldn’t be doing this, because it takes somebody else to say “It’s ok” to go out and do those things, to pursue your dreams. I got lucky!

AT: That actually answers part of my next question: How supportive is your family in your music?

MI: Oh, yeah — amazing! All of them. They’re amazing: “Go do your thing, we’ll take care of the kids!”

AT: Which artists have you had the chance to perform with?

MI: Well, I got to open for Jo Dee Messina last year and that was amazing. I’ve opened for Marshall Reins (sp), and like Las Vegas bands, and Eric Dodge, of course. He’s amazing! More local than mainstream artists.

AT: Many people were upset with the recent Country Music Awards showcasing more of a rock style format instead of traditional country. How do you feel about the perceived change of style?

MI: I hate it! I don’t care for it. I grew up listening to my Mom’s vinyl records. You know, traditional country music: Tammy Wynette, George Jones, Eddie Arnold. To hear the difference in style today, it’s heartbreaking. I turn on mainstream radio, and I don’t want to listen to it. It’s really hard, you know. Yeah, I don’t really like it.

AT: If you could, who would you want to record a song with?

MI: Oh, Reba! Reba McEntire or Garth Brooks. Those two, I would probably die!

AT: Do you feel you get community support and recognition?

MI: Oh, absolutely! The community is amazing! I’ve been singing locally for, well, since we moved here. The community has always been so kind and supportive. When we had my CD release party, so many people came out, and it was great. I love this community!

AT: If you were to become as popular as, say, Carrie Underwood, do you think it would change who you are to others?

MI: Maybe to others? Maybe other people might think that I have changed, but I don’t think I would ever change, you know. I would never change. Even if I had millions of dollars, I would still want a small house, you know, because I’ve cleaned houses for people and I don’t want a big mansion. Who would clean it? Of course, I’d have money to have someone else to do it, but I wouldn’t want to wish that on someone else because I did it for so long!

AT: You’d still have your “small town” mentality?

MI: Oh, yeah. Absolutely. I’d probably get a big cabin out in the woods somewhere. Lots of horses and property. A small, little house. Being famous, I don’t think, changes who you are. It just changes how people see you.

AT: Where do you see your career going in like maybe the next five years?

MI: I’ve got big plans for the next five years! I hope to still be writing songs. Right now, I’ve been writing a lot of songs for people. A lot of people think it’s the singers that make the money, but really it’s the songwriters in the industry, so I’ve been really trying to hone my songwriting skills and write the best music that I can. So, writing more songs, performing a lot more, especially as my little one gets older. Going with the band, and trying new things. There’s possibilities everywhere!

AT: How often do you try to go on the road to travel to different engagements?

MI: As often as possible. The thing is, I get my own gigs. I’m my own booking agent, I’m my own everything. Me and my husband do everything. He’s my manager. I send out hundreds of e-mails all the time. Always looking for that lucky break!

AT: What advice do you have for anyone trying to get into this business?

MI: Make sure you have a good support system, because you can’t do it alone. And don’t quit, because you will get “no” a lot, or that you’re not good enough, you don’t have a certain look. Don’t listen to the critics that say you can’t, because you can!

AT: Cool! Thanks a lot for letting me take a little bit of time from you!

MI: No problem!

Mikalene currently has two albums, “Pixie Dust” and “I’ll remember,” available on iTunes, and at Mikalene.com.