Irene Michaels is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, equestrian and beauty and lifestyle expert at I On The Scene. She has her own anti-aging skincare line. Oh, and she also just released a house music single titled “Devil In Disguise” with Chicago house icon Joe Smooth, originally recorded by Elvis in 1963. This release also includes remixes by famed soundtracker Michael A. Levine and techno newcomer DJ THÄDX.
Irene has a lot going on but it was this song that brought us together. I was eager to learn more about her, so I reached out for an interview. This was so much fun, and it is my absolute pleasure to introduce you to Irene Michaels.
You recently released your take on the Elvis smash “Devil In Disguise” on Trax Records. We have a lot to talk about here… So thank you for doing this. Let’s start with you. Who is Irene Michaels, and how long have you been in the music business?
Well, I am many people, being true to my restless sign Gemini. I am always seeking new adventures and knowledge. I always have been fascinated with show business my entire life. I started taking dancing, singing, and music lessons when I was 11 years old. In my early 30s, I gave up dancing and started writing music. I recorded my first songs over 30 years ago. I didn’t sing for some time, but I am back with full steam… During that break from singing, I had a recurring role on the popular daytime soap opera General Hospital and did quite a bit of modeling as well over the years.
You worked with Joe Smooth (what a great name!) on this release. How did you and Joe connect?
I was introduced to Joe through Screamin’ Rachael, who is a big name in house music. So I started working with Joe (another icon in house music) to polish the sound and produce the songs you are now listening to. He is awesome to work with… He is so smooth, just like his name…
And why Elvis? As if you needed a reason to rework the King.
This song was brought to me by Raleigh Music Group (Peter Raleigh) and Trax Records to cover it but in the house music style. RMG owns several Elvis properties, and when I was asked to cover “Devil In Disguise,” I jumped at the chance… I was honored. Hopefully, my cover of The King’s hit from 1963 will get placement in film or television. I adored Elvis, he was so talented, and I loved the way he moved… Of course, who didn’t?
You are based in Chicago. I LOVE that city. What are some of your favorite places to visit in The Windy City?
All the great Italian restaurants, the outstanding museums, just walking down the Magnificent Mile, all the theater shows that come here. It’s just a beautiful city. The best skyline I have seen! I never get tired of just gazing at all the beautiful buildings, taking architectural tours etc.
There are 6 tracks on the release. Is it possible to pick a favorite?
That’s a tough question. But I do love all of them. They all offer something different to the listener…
How did you connect with Michael A. Levine, and what sort of work did he do on this record?
Michael is a very accomplished composer, highly trained musician, and producer. He wrote all the music for Big Apple Circus, and my husband, Arny Granat, co-produces. Michael has written for 27+ films and is a wonderful human being to work with… He has one of the best ears in the business… He helped bring my voice more to the front and just did little alterations to have more impact.
Tell me about your work with Trax Records.
Trax is very well known in the music industry and especially in house music. Rachael Cain, owner of Trax, had a vision and has worked very hard in bringing it to the forefront. Extremely creative and tons of fun to work with.
You are also the lead singer of The Our House Band. Tell me more about that band and how long you’ve been doing that.
I had stopped singing for some time, and I expressed to my husband that I felt I had to go back to singing; music feeds my soul. So, he put together the very best local musicians that have played all over the world with big-name artists to back me up in my latest adventure. He called it “Our House”; we wanted to welcome people into “Our house” to enjoy an evening of cool music. He realized that this city is filled with very talented artists and wanted to give them a new platform to work on and, at the same time, polish up on my skills.
Speaking of Elvis, my dad got married at Graceland. Not really a question. Just letting you know!
Pretty cool!
What is I On The Scene?
“I On…” was easy since my name is “Irene”; I could use that on many things. I On Beauty, I On Luxury Lifestyle, I On The Horse, It seemed natural to develop a brand based on my name… The “I” in I On The Scene – that’s me!!!
My website, I On The Scene, came first in 2008 and developed into a massive authority site with over 50 contributors.
It was only a matter of time, given my beauty experience and background, with all the tricks of the trade that I’d acquired in covering my scars from a life-changing car accident. With all the celebrities I had met, I decided to develop my anti-aging skincare line with my dearest friend and business partner, Suzanne Tripaldi. After consulting with a beauty industry icon, with her input, we started developing an anti-aging product line called I On Youth Collection by Irene Michaels™. We all want to be youthful. I want to be youthful, so it worked for me. How perfect, I thought, I On Youth.
In furtherance of the “I On…” brand, my book, I On Beauty – Living Beautifully and Luxuriously Beyond 50, was published in October 2020.
All of my products are available on my website!
What are you listening to when you’re not working on your own stuff? I am curious who inspires you.
I love Joni Mitchell, Diana Krall, Judy Garland, the Eagles, and of course, Barbra Streisand.
You recently opened for The Heels. Tell me more about that experience!
They are an awesome group out of Canada; they wrote the song I sing, “Hush Money”. They are destined for stardom. The Heels harmonize better than any group I have heard. They have written over 200 songs, and every one of them is good in my opinion…. They sing with soul, and when I listen to them, I get exhilarated. They are hot and fun to work with.
When using a song like this, do you need permission from Elvis’ estate or are you allowed to use his work as long as you are producing a remix?
We didn’t need permission from the estate as Raleigh Music Group has the rights to “Devil In Disguise”.
How many different guitars do you own?
Five. My favorite is my Martin.
What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
For all-around entertainment, I’d have to say The Rolling Stones.
Any plans to tour this winter or in the New Year? I’d love to see you live!
Yes, that is in the works as we speak.
What is your songwriting process? Do you sit down with a yellow pad or do songs just come to you?
I’ll get an idea, and I will jot it down. It might only be three words, but I will somehow use them in a song. I start to play around with some chords and just freely start making up some words, and then I refine them; they start to tell a story, then clean up the chords and then record them to finalize for the sound I want.
This release was produced by Joe Smooth and Screamin’ Rachael. How did you connect with her and where did the name come from? Perhaps she’s a loud talker!
I met Rachael in New York many years ago, and one day when I was leaving the building where I live, she was coming in. Lo and behold, she moved to my building, and we started to talk about music and a whole new friendship. We both knew we wanted to make music together.
Where can folks at home learn more about Irene Michaels?
On my website, I On The Scene – a wonderful source of all my work.
We’ve talked about a lot today. What else can you tell me about Irene Michaels and “Devil In Disguise”?
Nothing further to say.
Thank you for doing this. That was so much fun!!! In all of the interviews I do, I always give the artist the last word. Go.
This has been fun for me as well. I enjoy talking about my craft and love making people happy. I hope I do that with my music and through my words when I sing.
For more information about Irene Michaels, go to:
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Beautiful talented lovely lady! Love this photo shoot absolutely beautiful Proud of you
