Noble on Early Influences, Undefined Records & "The Places You'll Go"
This year we’re on one, and even more committed to our mission of giving props to dope people flying under the radar. So, it’s only right to kick off the first installment in our 2021 interview series with upcoming Southern California-based artist, Noble. Born in Mission Hills and brought to Bakersfield, CA at a very young age, Noble moved around nonstop throughout his youth but always found comfort and company in one thing, music. His earliest memories of music come with songs such as Nelly’s “Country Grammar”, 50 Cents’ “Best Friend”, and Kanye’s “Heartless”
Noble didn’t know it yet but he always had a passion and was drawn to music with melody. After graduating from high school he found himself with a lot of extra time on his hands so he put his time to use and decided to try his hand at recording. After over a year of making music he came out with his first tape “Feelings Mutual” where he explored using melody in his own music for the very first time which lead to more attention being brought towards him and his music.
He decided to follow up this project with his all platforms debut, an EP called “A Short, but True Story”, taking a darker approach this time around he takes you through a story step by step while incorporating even less rap and even more melody. It came at this time where he has made career shifting decisions to switch his stage name from once “Yung Spitta” to the now “Noble”, as well as start a local record label “Undefined Records” to manage and develop artists on his own.
His first full length project “The Places You’ll Go” gives the best of both worlds ranging from Rap, R&B, and Alternative elements. Continuing to grow his catalog and evolve his sound, the sky is the limit. Learn more of Noble’s story in his exclusive interview below, where we chop it up about everything from his upbringing to career goals and everything in between. Right now and only on Hype Off Life 👊🏾
Your music is very transparent and a vibe, for sure. How have you honed your pen game over the years?
I think it's honestly just been repetition and a knowledge of how important demographics are, with almost every line I write I try to put myself in the listeners shoes too imagine how they could hear and interpret it at first.
What was that one song that made you fall in love with music?
The first song that comes to mind is "Heartless" by Kanye off probably one of the most influential albums ever. That song had me constantly running the track back over and over until I knew every word, as well as melody. Kanye, definitely a big influence.
How did growing up in different places in California affect your perspective on life?
Being born in Mission Hills I don't really remember having been so young, but moving around so much in my city just gave me the chance to witness different styles of life and be able to be grateful for the small things.
All of your projects are heavy on melody. What’s your creative process behind making a song?
I think I take a very methodical approach to create a song; I obviously find a beat first, from there I just freestyle melodies over the entire song, I take the melodies I like the most and save them for where I see fit, then I begin to write the actual song in 4 bar segments. A couple years ago I just freestyled every song bar for bar but then I got advice to get back to my pen game and honestly it's been the simplest but most effective advice I've gotten.
So, you just released the deluxe edition of your first album, “The Places You’ll Go”. What type of sound were you going for while making it?
For this project I really wanted to go with a commercial sound as well as giving a little something for everyone to really show the versatility, and I hope anyone who decides to listen can hear that.
Your visual branding is dope too. Can you break down the meaning of it’s cover art.
Branding is definitely one of my favorite parts of being an artist. For this project it was inspired by "Oh, The Places You'll Go" by Dr. Seuss and the cover art is an ode to that, I think the book is timeless and works of art like that deserve respect as well as demand it.
Which song off the album do you want people to hear the most?
Can't really pick one but I do think the last 2 songs of the deluxe ("Hollywood" & "Worlds View") are the best songs I've ever made as well as really show my development from the beginning of the project.
How did you originally link with Undefined Records?
I actually started Undefined Records then built an amazing team around me.
How have things been different for you since signing with them?
I think since starting the experience I've learned a lot from my fellow artist on the label, Ness Julius, as well as the new ventures that have came with it.
Life is like one big book, full of many different chapters. What would you title this chapter of your life?
Amazing question, I would probably call it "The Marathon", shoutout and RIP to the great Nipsey Hussle.
Where do you want to ultimately take your career?
I used to think about this question a lot but honestly for me if I set an ultimate goal then it would take the fun out of the now, I'm just enjoying making music that I love and wherever it takes me I will be ready for it.
Any message for your supporters?
As always appreciate everyone and anyone that takes time out of their day to listen, keep streaming and we got some amazing content coming.
