Mikele Buck is a singer/songwriter born in the hills of West Virginia. His music is a blend of 90s country, Texas red dirt and Appalachian storytelling. He’s also an avid outdoorsman and a veteran. You can find this NRA Country artist on all major social-media platforms, at themikelebuckband.com and on YouTube as @TheBuckRoad.
NRAC: You played drums in rock bands in high school before picking up the guitar. Do you still pick up the boomsticks?
MB: I still play drums a bit, but not enough to be considered a good drummer!
NRAC: Your music is described as a blend of traditional country and “red dirt” artists. How would you describe it?
MB: I just call it country music.
NRAC: How would you describe the experience of recording your first CD in Nashville after returning from the war?
MB: Recording a record is like anything else: The more ya do it, the better you get at it.
NRAC: You are an Iraq War veteran. How did your military service change your perspective on life and music?
MB: It made me grateful that I had an outlet and a goal once I got home. So my transition back was a bit easier than some others because I focused all my energy on it.
NRAC: Irish Road is such a powerful song, especially live. I’ve watched it stop people in their tracks. Why do you think this is?
MB: Yeah, I think it draws emotions from people who hear it. Even if they don’t know exactly what it’s about.
NRAC: Do you think you will ever talk about your full experience in the Iraq War and on Irish Road?
MB: Nah.
NRAC: You had a dream of creating a foundation to introduce other veterans to bowhunting. When did you start bowhunting?
MB: I started shooting a bow at five years old. I was competitive around that age as well. I started chasing bucks with it as soon as it was legal, I think around 14 back then. My dad was a hell of a bowhunter.
NRAC: Beyond music and hunting, what are some of your other interests or hobbies that people might not know about?
MB: I really don’t have any other interests besides hunting and fishing. I love being in the woods and learning to be a better woodsman and exploring new spots.
NRAC: You made an appearance on the NRA Country Sound Stage in Atlanta during NRA’s Annual Meetings. What can you tell people about the NRA show that they may not know if they’ve never been?
MB: The NRA show was an awesome experience; I just wish I could’ve had more time. There’s so much to see and do.
NRAC: Why should Americans be NRA members?
MB: Because our Second Amendment rights are slowly being taken away, and we cannot let that happen.
NRAC: November is NRA’s Wild Game donation month; do you have a favorite or memorable hunt you can share?
MB: All of my hunts are memorable, but I love the annual bow hunt that I take with my Iraq buddies every year.
NRA Country is a lifestyle and a bond between the country music community and hard-working Americans everywhere. It’s powered by pride, freedom, love of country, respect for the military and the responsibilities of protecting the great American life. For more information visit nracountry.com, follow us on Facebook facebook.com/nracountry, Twitter @NRACountry, and NRA_Country on Instagram.
