I’m thrilled about this interview which came out today in Vents Magazine. Read the whole thing below or read it on their website. Have a great day!
How and where did your musical journey begin? How have your New York roots influenced your music and sound?
I started playing piano when I was 8. Shortly afterwards, I saw another kid getting a cello lesson and my jaw dropped. It was like a bomb fell on my head! I dropped out of little league and went full force into music. Growing up in New York City, I heard all kinds of music all the time, from the sounds of reggae in the Caribbean community, punk rock at CBGB, and Beethoven at Carnegie Hall. All that stuff went into making me who I am today.
When did you figure out that your music was worth taking more seriously and being heard by international audiences? In what ways do you notice personal and professional growth since releasing your self-titled EP in 2003?
It’s been a slow build since getting out of Juilliard. At first I thought songwriting was just a hobby, but in making the EP I realized it was more. My ability to express myself has grown over the years, growing alongside my personal world, especially what I’ve learned from meditation. It grounds you in a part of yourself that feels more whole, and I’ve tried to share that through the songs.
What was your inspiration for “Born For America”? What is the message being delivered through the lyrics?
I’ve always had faith in our country to provide equality and quality of life for all people, despite all the ways we haven’t lived up to that. The ‘mystery’ I sing about is just that. When I go to vote, it’s like a spiritual experience for me- democracy feels holy. In Born For America, I’ve tried to communicate that split- we have tremendous potential, and yet such a long way to go.
How did producer Mark Plati assist in shaping the final product for “Born For America”? What was your experience working together?
Mark is a true genius, and he brought so much to the whole album, Mobile Home. That’s his bass and guitar and his mix, which is huge! Because of covid, we had to work remotely, which wasn’t easy- sending tracks back and forth through the ether. But it became a groove- we found a flow that served the music. And Doug Yowell’s insane drums are a massive part of that. The three of us were in the mines together, bringing the songs out to the light.
What did you envision for the “Born For America” music video, and how did it play out? Why was this the best approach for this single?
I wanted to capture something truly American, so we chose an old town hall in a rural place, with a dilapidated upright in it. We moved the old clock into the shot to enhance the vibe. I trusted director Piotr Redlinski with everything, and sure enough he came up with the amazing broken, layered approach. Sometimes trusting someone else is the only way- the video is a perfect expression of how I feel about things.
What should new and returning Noah Hoffeld fans and followers expect from your new album Mobile Home? What else comes next?
Mobile Home builds on my first LP Play Human, exploring some of the same themes of slowing down and being here now, as well as taking care of the planet and people. But, I’ve definitely lightened up a bunch since the previous record! So the music is a lot lighter. The introspective clouds still hover, but the sun is bursting through a lot of the time. I’m writing a follow up album now and maybe doing some shows. I’m looking forward to sharing all that with everyone.
