Ira Baron Music

I had been a sideman bassist and background singer forever, helping to arrange, record, and perform other songwriters’ works, but not feeling like I had anything important to say, lyrically, myself. That changed for me while working in Washington DC and seeing from my commuter bus window the stark distinction between power on Capitol Hill and powerless poverty in surrounding neighborhoods.  

Helping my wife with her program teaching music and movement to young kids and their caregivers, I wrote and produced music for her classes. Developing my songwriting skills in the safe space of children’s music gave me the confidence to write for a more mature audience.

Still feeling like a novice songwriter, I moved to Nashville in July of 2024 with my wife to put music at the center of our lives. Here, our interest is in supporting songwriters in as many was as we can – writing, performing, listening to, and promoting other peoples’ music. I am grateful to have connected with the good people at Drifters Tennessee BBQ Joint in East Nashville where I host Eric Vaughn’s songwriter open mic every Monday night. Thank you Eric, for your vision. And thank you to all the songwriters and supporters who have rolled up on a Monday night – you have made the Nashville songwriter scene more welcoming than I ever imagined.

My musical influences are broad, but all of them center on solid rhythms, honest vulnerability, and lyrical bravery and risk-taking. Among my favorites are John Hiatt, Little Feat, Robert Palmer, and Chris Smither. I aspire to model their artistry.

I’ve been playing writers rounds and solo gigs around town, and I plan to continue hosting Eric’s open mic at Drifters for as long as I can breathe. I look forward to meeting you, hearing your music, and getting to know your stories and inspiration.