Interview with Noelle Toland

What got you into music? 

I’ve been singing since I can remember! My first time on stage was at the age of five when I performed in my kindergarten talent show and I’ve been hooked to performing ever since.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I know it might sound nerdy but I read… A LOT. I love storytelling in its every medium and I pretty much carry a book with me everywhere I go. I’ve come up with great song ideas while reading novels. I also love to exercise and practice yoga, pilates and boxing. Staying active is very important to me and I feel like I get the best creative inspiration when my body is moving.

How long have you been making music?

I’ve been singing and writing songs forever but I started to produce and invest in making my own tracks I’d say about five years ago.

You’re originally from North Plains, Oregon. How did that influence your music?

I’m an only child and grew up in the countryside so I had a lot of time to myself, which I believe helped form the creative spirit I retain today. I love to think… probably too much so… 😂 and growing up on ‘90s country radio definitely molded the music I seek to create now.

Tell me about your most memorable shows?

I cut my teeth on the Sunset Strip in LA playing covers every week around the time I started to produce my own music, and I just had so much fun playing at the legendary Viper Room singing songs like ‘Maybe I’m Amazed’  and ’Something to Talk About’.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

So far, the Viper Room has been my favorite, but I’m dying to play at The Bluebird Cafe, The Listening Room, and City Winery. One day…The Ryman.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

Tim McGraw, Luke Combs, George Strait, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Faith Hill

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

Make music that you like, that you feel like you need to make, that pours out of you. As long as you love what you’re creating, and are proud of it, nothing really else matters. If I would give advice to my younger self, it would be to just keep creating. God has a plan for you and sometimes the “no’s” you get are a blessing in disguise that lead you to greener pastures.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why? 

Sun Will Rise, my latest release, has meant the most to me in so many ways. I began writing it during quarantine when I was feeling really low, and I wrote it really as a reminder to myself and to everyone who listens to it, that things will be ok. The sun will rise.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

So far, people really love my song I Want to See You Again that legendary Steve Cropper plays electric guitar on. It's a special one.

What is your creative process, and what inspires you to write your music?

I have this little kid’s shark bean bag chair that I do all my writing in. It was the first piece of furniture I bought when I moved to Nashville. It's kind of like my magic chair. I sit in it on the hardwood floor and just write. I get inspiration everywhere, really. And I make a point to write everything down so that I remember ideas or phrases and rhymes. I have SO many notebooks!

Do you have messages that you like to get across in your music, if so please tell me about them?

I like to inspire people however I can, which I really hope happens with Sun Will Rise. My dream is to be able to make people feel less alone in an increasingly isolated world.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

I’ve got my first ever music video for Sun Will Rise coming out soon that I can’t wait to share! I have two more songs off my debut EP coming out soon as well that I’m excited to release. Keep your ears out for my next song!