By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Despite her teenage youth, Noelle Carroll musically feels most at home when she remembers the 80’s groups she grew up on – The Cure, The Smiths and INXS.
Inspired to create real music based off her real feelings from shared experiences, similar in the way modern artists like Taylor Swift, Maisie Peters and Olivia Rodrigo effortlessly do it, Carroll has written songs for as long as she could remember.
This past year, the independent artist emerged with her debut single “This House,” which dropped over the summer – centered around comfortable memories of a past relationship, toxic as it may have been. Her followup single released in October, “Table For One,” also follows a similar and catchy vibe.
With the help of her guitar, keyboard and laptop, she performs and produces her music from her own bedroom.
The Music Bugle had the chance to speak with her about her music and more.
Music Bugle – What was your goal for your debut single “This House”?
Noelle Carroll – I’ve wanted to start my journey into a music career through releasing material for such a long time and I think it had gotten to the point where I was like, “I’ve written this song, I love this song, I’m going to produce it and put it out there,” so I guess my goal was to get it done and release it!
Music Bugle – Do you feel your young age gives you any sort of advantage in today’s music industry?
Noelle Carroll – Not necessarily! I feel like maybe 10-20 years ago, when the majority of artists relied on getting signed to a label in order to jumpstart their career, it would be a different story. However, now, with all the technology and social media advances that we have, it’s so much easier for anyone of any age to thrive as an independent artist, regardless of age.
Music Bugle – What is the biggest challenge in being an independent artist?
Noelle Carroll – I’d say the independence itself is the biggest challenge. As an independent artist, you really are, funnily enough, relying on yourself. I don’t have a PR team, or a band, or a manager, or a big company paying for my music to be made. I have to do it all myself, which can be fun, but it’s hard!
Music Bugle – Does social media help or hurt musicians?
Noelle Carroll – A difficult question. I think for me, as I said before, it’s such a useful tool as an independent artist, as it’s a cost-effective way to share your music with the whole world and connect with people who enjoy your music or collaborators. However, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its downsides!
Music Bugle – Which of your songs were your hardest to write?
Noelle Carroll – I’d probably say a song I’ve recently finished writing called “boys will be boys.” In all honesty, I’m not sure if it’s completely finished at the moment… I’ll definitely be going over that one a bunch of times when it comes around to production!
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
Noelle Carroll – Obviously, Taylor Swift, always, but I’m also really loving Jeremy Zucker and Role Model with all their new music they’re releasing. They’re both incredible artists.
Music Bugle – What makes you the most proud about where you come from?
Noelle Carroll -I’ve never really lived in one place for a long enough time that I’d ever call a certain place “home,” but I suppose if i were to generalize “where i come from” as the UK, then it’d have to be Robert Smith.
Music Bugle – How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Noelle Carroll – As awful as the situation was and is for the world, the pandemic and lockdown is honestly what got me to really work on my producing and writing skills. I must’ve written at least 100 songs in that time and I definitely wouldn’t have been in a position where I’m releasing music and doing all the things that I am behind the scenes at the moment if it hadn’t had happened.
Music Bugle – What’s a quote that motivates you to keep doing what you do?
Noelle Carroll – My dad has always said to work hard at what you love, because if you do, you’ll never fail.
Music Bugle – What excites you the most about your style of music?
Noelle Carroll – I guess the fact that I’ve not got a definitive style of music just yet. I’m still young and figuring out what it is that I want to be recognized as in regards to my music style and everything I write is different. It’s fun!
