Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Gerard Nolden
Gerard Nolden- Americana singer-songwriter
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
Both of my parents love music and we had all styles of music playing around the house.
My father seemed to be constantly singing. He’d sing old songs that he know and then make up his own words.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
My parents certainly were a big influence and I started piano lessons when I was nine years old. I loved it immediately!
In high school, I joined a bluegrass/country band and began writing songs. Being a shy person, it seemed a bit ironic, but I was always very comfortable singing to an audience. My performing and songwriting carried over into college and the coffee shop scene.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
I am getting ready to release my second EP and the two really belong together.
Songwriting had taken a backseat to family and work for most of my adult life.
Then, three years ago my wife passed away and I was looking for an outlet for my grief. I started writing songs mostly to see if I could still do it. After several months, I found that I had several that I liked, called a few studios, and it all came together from there.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
Americana with a nod to bluegrass is the best way that I have found to describe it. It is definitely old-school country stuff.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
Probably the best piece of advice that I’ve gotten is to write music that will make one specific person happy. That one person is your audience. If other people enjoy it, that’s just a bonus.
For me, that person is my wife. Even though she is not here, I know what she would enjoy and try to write those songs.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
My process is pretty simple. A notebook to start my ideas, then a word document for the revising process, and recording simply into my phone or computer.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
There is a bluegrass band, The High 48’s, who I listen to often. Also, the song All My Life by the band Squinny is fantastic.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
My hope is that my music can make people either grin and tap their toes or feel empathy toward others.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
We are all connected. No matter your background or philosophy of life, we all come together with music.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
In Newburg Corners, Wisconsin, USA, there is a small venue that hosts excellent music called Leo and Leona’s. My mother grew up just down the road and it is the place where my aunt and uncle first met. I would love to play there.
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would have loved to collaborate with Texan singer-songwriter Guy Clark. His insights are amazing.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
With my second EP being released in January, I am looking forward to getting out and sharing the music with others.
If you want here you can add a representative Youtube video to insert below the interview 🙂
