“I believe you must be curious and fearless in songwriting, don’t let it psyche you out, bounce ideas around for a while. ”
It all started when…
SOULDEGA: When did you realize you were a Singer and Song-writer?
NOBOA: Man, I was like 3 when I started singing. By the time I was about 9 or 10 I had already began writing small books for my friends and my father. I was a story teller. It wasn’t until I got older that I began to apply these elements of story telling in a manor that made songs. Quiet honestly the two journeys were slightly separate which I think is awesome and hopeful for all of us. The songwriting journey and improving it came in my adult years . I always see their growth and development as a marvel and as proof of our immense plasticity.
SOULDEGA: Does anyone in you're family sing?
NOBOA: Yes, my aunt and only that aunt. Everyone else is in education and or some form of business.
SOULDEGA: What are three of you're favorite female Singers and how have they inspired you?
NOBOA: Hmm. So many good ones. I’d say the staples for me were Whitney Houston, Christina Aguilera, and Beyoncé . They pushed the limits and set bars as high as the sky. I think each one of them to me represents power. Each one of them is iconic In one sense or the other for knowing their lane. To me it’s about more than your voice but most certainly these women were fire and passion, I love that. I love many singers this was hard!
SOULDEGA: What does the Song Writing process look like for you?
NOBOA: Ahh. It’s my own organized chaos lol!! Some days I’ll hear the lyrics in my sleep or the shower and I’ll grab my phone and make note. However, once that DNA makes itself known i continue to grow her by looking at theme, tone, color, and mood. During this process I can begin to set the foundation for my fellow musicians to illustrate. At times I may or may not build a simple chord progression, this often helps my fellow artist build music much faster with less guessing. I then go through some melodic ideas and start to experiment. I believe you must be curious and fearless in songwriting, don’t let it psyche you out, bounce ideas around for a while. Sometimes I take a break and come back to music weeks later & complete other songs in one setting going back only to create a bit more conciseness in the writing. Other things I do is listen closely to my influences and see what I appreciate about them.
SOULDEGA: How do you mentally and vocally prepare before going up on stage to perform?
NOBOA: First and foremost I decide to focus all my energy into being present. I give myself a bit more attention on the days of performance. I definitely go into a meditative state. I stretch my jaw and tongue and release tension around my jaw. Lots of stretching and steam warm up which require engagement of the diaphragm and sounds that help release air over time to increase the control of range.
SOULDEGA: Are there any new rituals or routines that have helped you manage this new reality of confinement?
NOBOA: Ahh, well yes, though a huge challenge emotionally and mentally in general there have been some things. I’ve been seeing my mentors frequently via zoom journaling as needed, plenty of yoga and exercise, and lots of creating small artistic projects which include song writing, virtual collaborations on music videos, crafting pieces to be used for shooting photos at later dates, painting etc. Other activities include contacting my family and friends more, and reducing media engagement as needed.