Welcome the feature where we ask musicians or bands five really tough questions about music! Today I speak to the artist Noanne, who has just released the single Careless which is a track that delves into the irony of how people often try to appear indifferent but end up becoming obsessively caring.

What is the hardest lyric you have ever had to write and why?

The hardest lyric I’ve ever had to work with was for the song “Forgiveness.” The challenge though was not in crafting the words but in adapting them to fit the song’s structure. The initial lyrics were quite extensive, especially in the chorus, and I had to make the difficult decision to cut many lines to preserve the essence of the song. It was particularly tough because the chorus was reduced to just one word: “Forgiveness.” This process of stripping down the lyrics while maintaining the song’s emotional impact was incredibly challenging. However, the final result felt powerful in its simplicity. Maybe one day I will publish a book that includes the original, unedited lyrics as part of my artistic journey.

What is the weirdest gift or compliment a fan has given you?

One of the strangest compliments I receive is when someone tries to make sense of my music by comparing it to a blend of other artists. It’s like they’re trying to fit me into a musical family tree. I’ve been told my sound is like “Evanescence meeting Björk meeting Florence + The Machine.”  It’s a bit like trying to describe a new flavor of ice cream by saying it tastes like chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry all at once. While I appreciate the sentiment and understand that it helps people relate, one day I hope to hear that my music sounds “exactly like NOANNE”.

Who is the best band or musician you have had the pleasure to share the stage with?

To be honest, most of my performances have been solo ventures, but I recently had the pleasure of performing in Lisbon, Portugal, where I met the incredible UK-based songwriter Clare Maguire. Her music and voice are just breathtaking. She has a song called “Elizabeth Taylor” that I still listen to regularly, and meeting her in person was like meeting a legend. She was one of the organizers of the AI Film Awards where I performed, and I sincerely hope to share the stage with her as a fellow musician in the future.

What one of your songs has been the most difficult to rehearse for a live audience?

Ironically, the song “Forgiveness” has been the most difficult to rehearse and perform live. The recording process was a bit of a nightmare, with its dynamic shifts from low, haunting notes to powerful, high crescendos. My producer, Gregory Darling, even jokingly wished me good luck hitting those notes live. Performing it live feels like an intense workout session – it’s only three minutes long, but it feels like running a marathon uphill. Despite the challenge, I’ve performed it live three times now. It’s a real crowd-pleaser and a personal triumph every time I manage to get through it without my vocal cords staging a protest.

Dream Collaboration and why?

My dream collaboration would be with Tim Burton. As an artist who is highly visual, the idea of creating a short movie or a music video with Burton is incredibly exciting. His unique style, which blends whimsy and darkness, resonates deeply with my artistic vision. Collaborating with him would allow me to explore new creative dimensions and bring my music to life in a visually captivating way. Burton’s ability to create fantastical worlds that are rich in emotion and storytelling aligns perfectly with the themes I explore in my music. It would be a dream come true to work with him and create something truly magical.