Q&A: NOAH SLEE

 Berlin-based, Aotearoa artist Noah Slee releases his sophomore album ‘It Takes a Village’ combining traditional soul influences whilst experimenting with electronic production blending an array of genres ranging from future beats, contemporary soul, progessive RnB to indie-electronica. Focusing on the importance of community, a recurring theme that has been present throughout his life, he tells us all about the album and more.

HEY NOAH! WE'RE SUPER EXCITED TO HAVE YOU ON, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING THE TIME TO ANSWER OUR QUESTIONS! FIRST ONE - HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN SINGING AND CREATING MUSIC?

Me singing since primary school really. Music has been apart of my world from the beginning though. Growing up in a Pacific home with a lot of singing. Cultural events, church and records my parents or siblings would play. My mum was part of a choir and she would sing to me when I was in her womb so it goes wayyyy back.

THE BIGGEST CONGRATS ON YOUR LATEST ALBUM 'IT TAKES A VILLAGE'! ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. HOW DID YOU LAND ON THE NAME OF THE ALBUM?

It just makes a lot of sense, the project is heavily collaborative and it took a collective force to tell the story. It’s a story of community which is important to me so in a way it was meant to be because it is my reality.

ONE OF OUR FAVES ON THE ALBUM IS OF COURSE 'GOLDEN'! CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE MEANING OF THIS SONG AND THE INSPIRATION BEHIND IT?

Well it was really after a few conversations and moments of reflection I realised how important addressing issues in your personal life is. You eventually find nuggets of GOLD that truly make an impact in the trajectory of your life from that point on and it creates a lasting impact in your human experience.

INCREDIBLE. ANOTHER TRACK WE LOVE IS 'RISE'! WHAT WERE THE MAIN THEMES YOU DELVED INTO FOR THIS ONE?

RISE is an expression of hope and truth. It’s about accountability and growth that is something I connect with and I feel the same with L V J. The song really rolled of the tongue and the mind with ease.

WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR MAIN HIGHLIGHTS WORKING ON THE ALBUM?

Connections that were made. Directing and writing all three videos.

WOW, THAT’S A HUGE FEAT TO ACCOMPLISH, AND ALL THE VIDEOS ARE ABSOLUTELY STUNNING! WHO WOULD YOU SAY ARE YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATIONS IN MUSIC?

Atm for obvious reasons Kendrick Lamar. BUT I really do look at community for inspiration. There’s something tangible about seeing friends grow and level up. More recently I’m inspired by what my circle of friends are making cos they dope af. Maybe not on tv but it doesn’t take away from the creative expression and phenomenal art.

WHO ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVOURITE NZ ARTISTS RIGHT NOW AND ARE THERE ANY SONGS IN PARTICULAR THAT YOU ESPECIALLY LOVE OR CONNECT WITH?

Bailey Wiley, Nganeko, ARIA. Love who they are as creatives.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT NEW ZEALAND? DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVOURITE PLACES TO TRAVEL TO OR LOCAL SPOTS THAT YOU LIKE TO VISIT?

Nature, people and the chill is what I crave. I’m from West Auckland so the West Coast beaches are so magical to me every time I’m back.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST LESSONS YOU’VE LEARNT IN YOUR CAREER SO FAR, AND WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER ARTISTS OUT THERE?

I’ve been in music for the long game so have creating at the core of your intention. It is so much more satisfying than chasing ideas that are not sustainable. Your uniqueness is IT so lean into it.

BEAUTIFULLY SAID! LASTLY, WE END EVERY INTERVIEW WITH THIS QUESTION - IF YOU COULD SAY ONE THING TO EVERY PERSON IN THE WORLD, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Do the damn thing 🎶

THANKS SO MUCH NOAH! MAKE SURE YOU KEEP UP WITH HIM ON INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK, SPOTIFY OR APPLE MUSIC.