Noelle
1. Where are you from?
Originally from Lincoln, NE. GO CORNHUSKERS!!
2. Where have you lived while growing up?
Mostly Las Vegas.
3. What kind of music were you exposed to as a child?
I grew up listening to any and everything. I had a special interest in girl groups and always thought I’d be in one. Until I started growing taller than everyone else.
4. Who was the first artist you idolized?
I would say Faith Evans because of her voice and writing ability, Aaliyah because of her style.
5. When did you realize you could sing?
Since day ONE! My mom used to tape record me singing in the bathtub because I would make up songs about the soap and the toys!
6. Where was the first place you sang publicly?
Church. After that is was everywhere all the time.
7. What song did you sing?
Who knows! It was definitely a church song. But the first talent show I sang in was with a song called “I’m Yours.”
8. What song puts you in a good mood the second you hear it?
Honestly, Cassie’s “Me and U.” I knew it was a hot a year ago when I first heard it on myspace!
9. What song makes you dance the second you hear it?
Beyonce’s new single definitely makes me shake it! (laughing)
10. Who do you admire for their choreography?
No one has what Aaliyah had. I mean I love the styles of Ciara, Mya, even B, but Aaliyah was so smooth with it and she never did too much or not enough.
11. How do you feel about the way female artists are marketed today?
If the label loves you and believes in you they go all out. But since the labels want to “mold” the female artist sometimes it backfires because the female herself can’t pull it off. Like, there’s nothing worse than seeing a female artist do a sexy song or image when they are obviously not convincing the audience.
12. Do you feel like some in the industry have ulterior motives when
dealing with female artists?
I can write a book about that! Just about everybody has one. I can count on one hand the number of men who have been professional. Fortunately I have a great manager who is like a father figure to me and the producers I work with work with me because I can write hit records for them not just because they wanna “get at me.” Females are more often viewed as objects and we are not as easily received when we are business savvy to the average industry person. That is why we have to be able to stand up for what we KNOW is a reflection of our music and not be afraid to turn unethical “offers” down. More importantly, more females with power need to help other females on the come-up. There is room for everybody.
13. How did you meet your man?
Let’s just say there is a wonderful guy out there that loves me and treats me like a queen and if it wasn’t for Myspace we wouldn’t have met! (laughing)
14. How do you two deal with the constant advances made towards both of
you in your work environments?
Oh my gosh! Man, at first, you both talk about the possibilities of all these scenarios that could happen. Then he may get mad or frustrated just talking about it when it ain’t even happened yet! (laughing). But at the end of the day I will not allow anyone to disrespect me or anyone I’m in a relationship with. Most of the flirtatiousness or advances are just a part of the game, but you just have to keep your integrity. I personally love compliments and being flattered what woman doesn’t?
15. What would you change about the music industry?
I would change some of the conditions artists have to accept in obtaining their goals. In an industry that is based on who you know, it should be more about how you sound and are you DIFFERENT from what’s already out there. In an era where production reigns supreme no matter if you can sing or not, I think the artists who actually do the footwork, research, promotion, AND have a strong live performance should NOT have to endure the struggle of finding people in positions to help that won’t help. Many industry people won’t help you if they can’t get anything out of it or the “credit” for discovering the artist. But this is the MUSIC business and at the end of the day, it should all be about the MUSIC!
16. What was on your mind while writing “Like That”?
Well, the beat came on and definately sounded like a club record for a female. I just wrote exactly what I was really doing, feeling, and thinking at the time. Plus I’m always in “little bitty skirts” and “heels” just like I wrote in the song!
17. Who produced it?
DJ Felli Fel produced it.
18. How did you get to work with Pitbull?
Felli and Pitbull have a cool relationship. Pitbull heard the song and when Felli asked him to get on it he thought it was hot so he did.
19. What motivates you?
Life motivates me. Feelings, emotions, and everyday people. Music influences everything we do and I’m glad I can be a part of the creating process. Creating a song from a writer’s perspective is even more amazing than singing it sometimes.
20. What do you hope to achieve in life?
I just pray God will allow me to do music for the rest of my life in some way shape or form. This is the gift I was given so I know I must fulfill it. I have a mother who raised to me to be strong, so I want to make sure she can reap the rewards of being a great mom!