Photo by Gretchen Robinette

“Hoffeld plays cello and piano as well as sings, his vocals strong and rich, with a hint of Tom Petty, John Lennon, or even Bob Dylan. His lyrics certainly evoke the latter, and [Born For America] is thought-provoking and deeply moving.

Producer Mark Plati, who co-produced David Bowie’s 1997 album, ‘Earthling’, took Hoffeld’s passion and on ‘Mobile Home’ transformed it into a portrait in sound of an artist whose many facets include a mature understanding of how to craft songs, instrumental skills beyond belief, and an immensely expressive voice.”

An amazing review this week from Essentially Pop in the UK. Deeply grateful for these kind words about Born For America and Mobile Home. They also published a really cool interview with me-really great, deep questions. Here’s a smidge-

EP: Your new single, ‘Born For America’, will strike a chord with everyone who listens to it, no matter where in the world we live. So many of us have grown up with the idea of the US being the leader of the free world, but in the past 10 years or so it’s felt like we’ve been told a lie; America is deeply flawed – the emperor has no clothes. Of course, I’m speaking as someone on the outside looking in – but how is it for you, for the people who live there? What solutions are there to bring America back to what it once was?

NH: It’s definitely very challenging for us here as well. I think the Beatles got it right when they said Love is All You Need. When we have leaders moving in that direction, things go well. When government succumbs to greed and racism, things go down the tube very quickly. The challenge for Americans is two-fold: to vote compassionate leaders into office, and also to work on ourselves so that we hold love for all people, and the planet- and make decisions based on that unbiased love and kindness for all.

Read the stunning conclusion HERE

Stay well everyone!

Noah

It was really great to speak with host Kelly Hughes on the Rising Star Podcast! My song Born For America was a focus and Kelly asked me some deep questions about how we can move forward and out of our current state of division.

We also spoke about the making of the album Mobile Home, working with the great Mark Plati, and what it’s been like living upstate since leaving Williamsburg, Brooklyn during the pandemic.

Listen on your favorite platform HERE and have a great day.

Thank you Kelly!

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.