Meet Alex Noelle | Musician and Music Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex Noelle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
When I started pursuing my own artist career at the same time I was doing music therapy work, I had no balance at all. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the pressure to be productive and ignore other priorities – especially as a young professional trying to prove myself, and especially in the competitive music industry where artists have to prove their art’s value to build standing as a professional. Several years ago, I had 12-14 hour days going from shows to co-writes to music therapy jobs to networking events to more gigs that made more money. Eventually, stress took its toll, I was hit with worsening health diagnoses, and then a pandemic absorbed almost all of my money-making opportunities. This forced me to re-prioritize wellness in my creating process, and let go of all expectations of what a musician “has to do” to make it. The music industry’s path to success can be elusive, and hard work does seem to win out. With this in mind, I had to learn the difference between non-stop hard work and efficient hard work in order to stay well. I now adjust my schedule regularly to manage my health conditions that worsened a few years ago. It’s a beautiful reminder to keep a balanced mindset, balanced schedule, and variety of resources for wellness. My life is now a more equal puzzle of working for income, working for my passions, and enough free time to fulfill my life outside of my career.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m both an indie pop artist and music therapist, sharing my art to offer catharsis and connection. While my songs and stories have always centered vulnerability and inner growth, I found a new perspective for my music after being diagnosed with dysautonomia and fibromyalgia a few years ago. It limited my physical ability to make music and my mental ability to focus on my career as I spent days meeting with doctors and working on solutions. A great motivation came out of learning how common my life experiences were, of loss, grief, trauma, and illness, since childhood. I decided to make music that could represent every story of overcoming and inner growth. I’m proud of my self-growth, and proud to turn my challenges into art, but I’m prouder to know that sharing my story has connected with others and even encouraged them to walk their path! I want people to feel seen and empowered. Now more than ever, my art is getting more personal as I navigate a new lifestyle with different medical needs. I have released six singles on all major streaming platforms over the past several years, as well as a professional music video. These days, I’m excited to be working on a newer, more refined sound and five-song EP – hopefully coming to your ears in 2022!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Besides music-related hangs, I’m always looking for secret spots, beautiful nature, and good food that fits my vegan, gluten-free diet! I’ve got the sweetest sweet tooth, too. The Percy Priest Dam Overlook is a great spot to hang by during the day, either wandering through some trails or just sitting by the water. Fort Negley is great day or night, so I’d probably recommend doing both for some incredible views and peaceful energy! The best restaurant for vegans and/or gluten-free eaters is Sunflower Bakehouse…I’m there probably once a week! I also love hitting up True Food for a delicious dinner, Vegelicious for vegan soul food, Vui’s for vegan pho, and Vegan Vee Gluten Free Bakery for the best allergy-friendly dessert I’ve ever found. We’d have to check out Live Oak and Belcourt Taps for writer’s rounds (something unique to Nashville and a great way to meet incredible songwriters.) I’d probably make sure we went to a concert on Cannery Row because any level of artist coming through there is worth seeing! Lastly, my favorite coffee/smoothie shops are Frothy Monkey, Dose, and E+Rose, and my favorite bars are Americana (both day and night) and Rosemary.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To my go-to support system who has supported me through the wild adventures of learning the music industry, the difficulties of multiple health diagnoses, the emotions and challenges and hard knock lessons of life – I would be nowhere without you! This Shoutout is for my family, my best friends, and my family doctor.

Website: https://alexnoellemusic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexnoellemusic/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexnoellemusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/alexnoelle

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3RvU8ecvXodaP45oov0Ud8?si=dbfXsaNbRcu7n7JmifxVPQ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexnoellemusic?

Image Credits
Performance photo, seated with guitarist: Wingman Visuals Standing with tilted keyboard photo: Oceanna Two nature photos: Alaina Broyles Performance photo, blue and red shirt: Samuel Herb