Inspired #297 - NOLLE

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Canadian artist NOLLE goes through a bad break-up with new track ‘congratulations’. She took a moment to talk to us about the inspirations behind her music. 


Who are your top three musical inspirations and why?
I can still vividly remember the first album I ever downloaded on my iPod which still remains close to my heart, Riot! I felt as though I grew up with the band and subsequently, Hayley Williams. Not to mention Taylor York, a musical genius whose work I find fascinating. Hayley's vocals are unbelievable and I admire how she's presented herself all these years. Anywhere from fashion to vocal melodies, she will always be my biggest musical inspiration. Continuing on earlier inspirations, MGMT have managed to coin the genre that is now widely described as Indie. Their synth progressions and guitar riffs are still iconic to this day and I find it incredible how many different works they've been able to create tastefully. Lastly, Jon Bellion. While my sound doesn't necessarily correspond, I still view him as a large inspiration. He's an amazing vocalist, rapper, writer, producer, instrumentalist, the list goes on. In a way it's not an inspiration but a reminder of where hard work and passion can lead you.

Is there a certain film that inspires you and why?
I've always enjoyed photography, especially real film. I enjoy the different colour hues and different symmetrical scenes you can create. Wes Anderson is known for these exact things and more, his films create this serotonin in my brain which drives me to create for myself.

What city do you find the most inspiring and why?
Wherever I call home will always be the most inspiring. Home is where you create memories, good and bad, both bring out intense inspiration for writing.

Who is the most inspiring person to you and why?
The music industry and performance in general, to this day is still so fascinating to me. When I was old enough to understand that my dad was in that exact position back in the 70s I was blown away! While he's no longer in the music industry and hasn't been for decades, learning that he was signed to a label and was actively on tour just made my admiration for this industry so much greater.

What were your inspirations when writing your new track?
I've always been a creative person who never wanted to write a song about love or heartbreak, but I found myself at my most vulnerable when I was in that exact position. The relationship was deteriorating everything I had built myself up to be; I stayed out of fear that they may inflict pain on themselves, emotionally and physically. I had to let them go for the better. I wrote this particular song in the anger stage of grief. You'll see in my next release the maturing and clarity entering my state of mind compared to my first release of denial and fresh pain.

How would you like to inspire people?
Most people say something along the lines of that anything is possible and anyone can be what they dream of, but it's true. I'd love to inspire people with my story, show them that their dream is the only thing that matters and don't let a single soul get in the way of that.


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