Photo by Gretchen Robinette
Great to be featured this week in an interview with Independent Artist Buzz. These guys ask some funtastic questions! Here's how it went down:
We think it’s safe to say that when you think of ROCK, cello is not one of the first things that comes to mind. Since rock’s inception though we’ve come to realize that rock music is more about rocking than it is about fads and stereotypes.
Noah is here to rock and debunk all the false notions you have about what that means.
We sat down with the NY native and asked him a few questions about his cello rock release Play Human.
1. Do you feel that rock is more “exposing” than classical music? Which genre feels more revealing to your fanbase?
I don’t think either is really more exposing. They both expose me in different ways. Playing classical music, I’m able to really bear my heart through another person’s composition. When I play, I’m expressing who I am while trying to bring out the identity of the composer as well. With rock, I’m doing it through my own music. Same passenger. Different boat. Both ways, I feel really exposed! Since my rock music is new for my fans, it’s like opening another door for them into who I am. They’re hearing a side of me they didn’t know was there. That’s fun.
2. Cello-Rock is a hybrid between classical and rock. How do you dress for that part?
Haha! It’s not so much a hybrid of classical and rock as it is about bringing a typically classical instrument -the cello- into a rock setting and then using it to rock the f out. I think leather is the best option, don’t you?
3. What are you listening to these days for musical inspiration?
I’ve been watching the “Muscle Shoals” documentary and that’s been inspiring the hell out of me. All the truly great artists who made music in that one spot- Aretha, Wilson Pickett, Etta James, and so many more, along with the amazing backing band and producer-. If you haven’t seen the movie, do yourself a favor. The passion that came out of that place is a great reminder of what music can be.
4. There’s a lot of graffiti in your videos and photos. Is there something that draws you to this imagery?
That’s a good question and one I’ve never asked myself. I can’t say for sure why I’m so drawn to it, but I’d guess it’s ‘cause graffiti is a form of art that inherently bucks the system. By its very existence it’s violating the rules and telling the powers that be that it can’t be controlled. I think all art should play that role, especially in our society who’s priorities are so backward, where greed is king and racism keeps us from caring for our brothers and sisters. I hope my music conveys some of the same message as graffiti does.
5. What is your favorite Bowie Phase? Favorite album or track - tell us more in depth!
It’s always changing! Right now, I’m in love with the early album 'The Man Who Sold The World.’ 'The Supermen’ is my favorite track. It’s an album where fantasy really rules the lyrics and David’s conjuring up these amazing images of an ancient world or maybe a world outside of time. I love it that he’s willing to go there. Not so different from Zeppelin singing about the Hobbit I guess, except Bowie does it in his own special way. It’s outrageous as always. If you don’t know it well, check it out! Nirvana of course did a great cover of the title track, but the original is super powerful.
Listen Here to the new album Play Human and Follow me on SoundCloud! I'll follow you too!