SHARP OJBEX talks with the Toronto-based band, I M Munroe, (comprised of brothers Ian and Mark Munroe), about their debut album I Am Here, their goals, and success in the music industry.

Brittany Baugher: As a band, what artists have influenced your style of music?

I M Munroe: We are more influenced by Music itself and the creative process involved in making our songs. Although, we are somewhat influenced by U2, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Damian Rice, Green Day, and the Beatles.

BB: As brothers, have you always been close?

IMM: We were not close growing up, but grew closer together as we matured into adults. Since working on this record, we have really learned to enjoy each other’s company, and draw from each other’s strengths.

BB: Where do you see I M Munroe five years from now? Ten years?

IMM: Not Sure! We are just taking things one day at a time, but hopefully we will still be making music for a long time to come!

BB: Could you tell our readers how you got the name I M Munroe?

IMM: Ian Munroe and Mark Munroe just kind of became I M Munroe.

BB: Any funny/embarrassing band stories you’re willing to disclose to our audience?

IMM: Well, while we were recording the album [I Am Here], we must have changed about half the names of the songs on the record, but by the end of recording we were all so confused, we had no clue what the songs’ final titles were. Guess we were too focused on the music. 

BB: Do you both have life mottos?

IMM: Mark Munroe (Lead Singer/Songwriter) -> Live Life at 110%.

Ian Munroe (Guitar/Songwriter) -> Balance is the Key!

BB: What goes through your mind(s) while performing/singing? Do you hope to influence people in a positive way through your music?

IMM: We love to write and compose, as well as perform on stage. Performing makes you feel so alive! Music helps us deal with the ups and downs of life, and when our music helps our fans do the same, that is the greatest compliment we can get. 

BB: How long have you been playing/singing?

IMM: We have both been involved in music since we were kids, Ian playing the guitar, bass, and piano, and Mark singing, writing, and playing the piano. We come from a very musical family that always supported any endeavors we have followed.

BB: Do you write all your songs? What inspires you in songwriting?

IMM: Yes, we wrote all of our songs. We write about life, and what we go through, whether it be love, hate, relationships, or friendships, and use it as a form of therapy for ourselves and, hopefully, our fans.

BB: What advice would you give to an aspiring songwriter/singer/performer?

IMM: Practice, Focus, and NEVER GIVE UP! You only get one life so DO WHAT YOU LOVE!

BB: Any favorite hobbies or pastimes?

IMM: Music! We also love to travel, but we both have other work that fills our time.

(Ian has a degree in Mechanical engineering and Mark is also a professional model.)

BB: How do you both feel about the success of I M Munroe? Is it surreal, or did you always count on making music a career?

IMM: It is really awesome, but we are just taking it one day at a time, and trying to enjoy it all as it comes!

IMM: We just wanted to say thank you to Brittany and SHARP OBJEX for the opportunity to “speak” with you!

Cheers,

I M Munroe’s website information: http://immunroe.com