Longing, heartbreak, and introspection are universal experiences that touch us all. In his debut EP, Headed North, emerging artist NOEL delves into these profound emotions through a collection of powerful and haunting ballads, designed to resonate both sonically and emotionally. Each track is a testament to the raw, unfiltered human experience, evoking goosebumps as NOEL navigates the complexities of love, loss, and self-discovery.
Reflecting on the EP, NOEL shares: “This EP will always be special to me as it is my first and in many ways my introduction into music and songwriting. I started writing songs together with others a little over two years ago, without any real concept or deeper thought behind it. Eventually, the songs started to find their place and became a coming-of-age story that I’m excited to finally share.”
The EP opens with the captivating focus track, “Hurt Somebody,” a ballad that captures the emotional disarray one feels after being hurt by someone they care about. NOEL’s lyrics are sharp and poignant, perfectly paired with his rich vocal tone that draws comparisons to the likes of Lewis Capaldi and James Arthur. In lines such as, “I’m sharp on every side, ever since you left me I cut like a knife, I can’t stop,” NOEL lays bare the desperation and numbness that come with unresolved pain. Speaking on the track, NOEL explains, “‘Hurt Somebody’ plays into the cliché, yet very true saying ‘hurt people hurt people.’ There was a time in my life when I carried around unresolved hurt, which ended up affecting those around me who didn’t deserve it.”
Accompanying the release of the single is a visually arresting music video, where NOEL stands out as a figure dressed in blue amid a sea of red. The video gradually descends into chaos, a metaphor for the unraveling of a relationship plagued by unresolved issues. NOEL reflects on the experience: “Making the music video for ‘Hurt Somebody’ was one of the craziest experiences I’ve ever had. We built the entire set from scratch, and every detail—from the furniture to the walls—was painstakingly painted red. It was bittersweet to destroy the set during filming, but it perfectly symbolized the destruction of a relationship you’ve poured yourself into.”
NOEL continues, “The room in the video represents a relationship you try to nurture and care for, but the small unresolved issues from your past build up and haunt it. You dance around the problem instead of facing it head-on. No matter how hard you try, it always seems to end the same way.”
With Headed North, NOEL takes his first major step into the world of music, offering an emotional journey that promises to connect with listeners on a deep level. The EP is an ode to growth, self-reflection, and the bittersweet lessons we learn as we navigate life and love.
Going further into the EP, a striking element that is consistently on display throughout is the production quality, with Freddy Alexander bringing studio magic to NOEL’s songwriting and performance. In the introspective and emotive title track, NOEL’s vibrato-laden vocal runs perfectly layer themselves over a booming piano base, building to a dramatic crescendo.
Recent single ‘Everything’s Fine’ dissects the what-ifs and what-could-have-beens that run through the psyche following a destructive fallout, its emotion strikingly encapsulated as a duet which features seasoned Norwegian artist, Tessa Odden. Taking a turn into something different, standout track ‘30 Loose Ends’ marks this distinct change with airy acoustic guitar chords, melted together with an echoed vocal performance from NOEL, an intimate dance with themes of childhood love and the enduring strength of relationships forged in our youth.
With the gentle pulse of ‘When You’re Not Mine’ leading into a soaring chorus, eventually the EP comes to its closing track ‘Ruth’. A deeply personal song, this is a tribute to NOEL’s late grandmother, who passed away in his childhood. Co-written with his sister, the beautiful track aches with grief, stunningly conveyed with a gentle rhythm. When speaking about writing it, NOEL says: ‘Losing someone that close to you is a difficult thing to process as a kid and for me it hit me many years later. It was a hard realization that she will never get to know the person I grew up to be. She only ever met the annoying kid I was back then. I think that a lot of people can relate to the feeling of wishing you had valued certain relationships more growing up.’
The young and exceptionally talented artist who captured the hearts of millions on TikTok (over 10 million views and counting) with his captivating bedroom covers. NOEL‘s early years were consumed by his love for football. It wasn’t until a knee injury abruptly ended his football dreams at the age of 17 that music truly took centre stage in his life.
Slowly but surely, NOEL started exploring his musical talents by singing in the shower and learning a few piano chords. Soon he would spend hours each day playing instruments and singing, a routine he still follows with unwavering dedication. NOEL’s journey as a songwriter began unexpectedly when his TikTok covers attracted the interest of industry professionals. At the age of 21, he has already collaborated with seasoned songwriters and producers, channelling his innate talent and passion into his own original compositions.
A rising star born from bedroom covers. His unique voice, combined with honest and revealing lyrics, promises an extraordinary future in the world of music. NOEL’s story has just begun.
NOEL’s debut EP Headed North is out now. Listen here.
TRACKLIST:
Hurt Somebody
Headed North
30 Loose Ends
Everything’s Fine
When You’re Not Mine
Ruth
FIND NOEL ONLINE: TIKTOK/ INSTAGRAM/ SPOTIFY / WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / YOUTUBE
